I use DAZ Studio. I have Carrara 6 Pro, Hexagon 2 (from the bonus with the book "Figures, Characters and Avatars"), and Bryce (old, free version) as well. I, too, find Poser daunting to learn. I also have the Reality Plug-in, and this year, my husband bought me a Platinum Club membership. I have done my first commission work, so I have been furiously adding to my libraries 'just in case'... heh. Right now I am a full-time nursing student, which is extremely demanding and leaves me little free time, plus I am taking an outside course in Medical Spanish, and this summer have added Phlebotomy. This all leaves me only a few rare moments for my hobby. But I figure in a year, I will graduate, pass my boards, and life will return to something more like normal - and I will be ready to create!
I still have tons to learn, but I do love DAZ Studio and the ability it gives me to to create art.
I have found so much great stuff here at ShareCG! I truly appreciate all those talented artists who share their work here.