Hiya.

To the original poster...

No, I don't think you can actually create models in DAZ Studio. I think you have to import a model made in some other package first, then you can tweak it with their tools (which, from my quick glance at their Features page, looks pretty limited). I also don't suggest you try and use any of their 'content'. IMHO, almost every single DAZ/Poser "content pack" I've seen looks...well, it basically screams "I was created with Poser! Buy me!". I would say that 99 times out of 100, anyone who is an actual 3d artist can play 'spot the poser pic' successfully.

I would suggest looking into a 'real' 3d package. There are a lot of decently priced ones with good features out there now. Just hit altavista.com and search for "3d modeling animating programs" and you'll find a bazillion. Start with Hexagon ($150; no animation though), Wings3D (Free; no animation), Softimage|XSI ($500; frickin awesome) , Lightwave ($900 - $1000; very good overall) and Blender (Free; steep learning curve though). All are sub-$1000 packages.

Most 3d packages out there at least have a "trial" or "demo" version; download several and give them each a try for a few days. See which one you like and feel most comfortable with. Then go with that one.