Existing users, 
For quick and adjustable reference for drawing and painting, it will suffice.
However, as others here have mentioned, the UI is garbage and the level stability is unacceptable for an OS X application, especially for commercial software which retails for nearly $200.
And this is on two machines which beat not only the minimum specs, but also the recommended, and by a healthy margin.
I'll also add that anatomy in the hands is incorrect in several situations within the provided poses; there are just certain positions in which the fingers will not move unless you are a circus freak or one of the X-Men.
For an example, take a look at the Tight Fist model, palm out, thumb facing up, compare it to your own, then to several anatomy texts, both art and medical.
Sure, the Poser model of the hand may look cool, but for professional-level product, it needs also to be correct.
For comic book artists and the like, this is decent software to add to your library of reference, especially because it does provide adjustments on the fly, and is definitely a step up from using wooden models.
However, find it on the cheap, used or eBay if you can, and keep your anatomy books handy.
Poser
3D character creation/animation software.
Version: 8.01.10434
Poser Has Potential But Needs LOTS of Work...
Feedback Type: Review
Contributed by: ironhawk Tuesday, August 15 2006 @ 05:27 AM PDT
Product Platform: MacOSX
Used Product For: Less than a month
Recommend Product: YES
Overall Rating:
Ease of Use:
Support:
Features:
Quality / Stability:
Price:
Comments
Poser Has Potential But Needs LOTS of Work... - ironhawk
So you're saying none of the Poses or figures wich SHIP WITH POSER are providedn by the spftware company? You're saying that they're somehow magically bundled, at some point, between the packaging and when it arrives on the buyer's doorstep?And the GUI and stablilty issues?
It's best not to have InDesign open at the same time as Poser, as it seems to dislike having CS2 apps around at the same time; one or the other will simply not work until the other is closed.
I'm sure you've made some really nice work with Poser.
I never said it couldn't be done, and that wasn't the issue.
Sunday, October 08 2006 @ 04:10 PM PDT
Poser Has Potential But Needs LOTS of Work... - Martin Turner--2008
Your stability issues may well be caused by Adobe CS2 rather than Poser. Lots of users have reported problems with Adobe Bridge, both on its own and in cooperation with other apps. Whenever I open InDesign, it opens Bridge automatically to offer me templates (I'm sure that I can turn this off, but I'm more a QuarkXpress user, plus I don't like the InDesign speed and stability issues).As far as the bundled poses, etc, are concerned, I agree that a lot of the template stuff is unsuitable for what I want — a lot of them seem to be graphic-novel type poses, espcially with hands and facial expressions. On the other hand, it's a fairly simple matter to create your own, realistic poses.
As it happens, one of the biggest struggles for photographers is that many poses seem 'unnatural'. This is because they are transitory poses (or sometimes an unfortunate response to the presence of the camera) but in a photograph the eye expects them to be rest poses. As much care is needed with Poser as with a photograph.
Thursday, April 12 2007 @ 11:35 AM PDT
Poser Has Potential But Needs LOTS of Work... - DragonWizard
I open Poser and PSCS2 all the time and it NEVER gives me a problem.. and if you look at the models that are used by E Frontier you will see that they are made by someone else...they have people that make models almost everywhere making these things.. Did you really think the same guys that make the actual program itself were making the models also? They hire those things out to others...each part of the whole boxed up product is made by different folks...I guess I could do some research and find out who ACTUALLY made the models for this version..Better yet, go to the ContentParaddise forums and read the different threads written as the version was being made showing the models in various stages of being made...all the discussions as this progressed.. I don't want to argue with anyone, It's just that I thought the discussion was about the Poser Application and not all of the content items which is what models and poses and props and materials and textures are. The program itself works fine... I wouldn't kick it just because a model maker made some minor error... if you don't like THAT model then there are zillions of other models to use...If you look at the hands on V3 and then look at the ones for Miki or the ones for the Troll or Michael 3 then you see that each has it's own individual problems which are not a deficiency in Poser itself.. THAT was my point...Saturday, April 21 2007 @ 11:45 AM PDT
Poser Has Potential But Needs LOTS of Work... - brindsley quives
>>> if you want me to put my money where my mouth is then see my gallery at renderosity under the username of genefleeman... after 6 years and literally hundreds and hundreds of pictures I guess I qualify as an expert.... <<<i've seen better!
Friday, January 05 2007 @ 06:44 AM PST
Poser Has Potential But Needs LOTS of Work... - DragonWizard
Who hasn't seen better.. Even I have seen better and it's my work... doesn't invalidate what I said just trying to take a shot at me personally.. Oh wel.. I won't feel too hurt.. OK?Saturday, April 21 2007 @ 11:31 AM PDT
Poser Has Potential But Needs LOTS of Work... - DragonWizard
I have another question..without all the conflict this time, I HOPE.. why did you rate it so low for "Support".. From my 5 or 6 years of use I have never had any problems getting support from not only E-Frontier (even in all of it's previous incarnations) but the literally THOUSANDS of Poser oriented sites all across the web... I have found that ANY problem whatsoever is quickly addressed by someone (if not a large number of folks) anytime I asked.. If you have a problem with ANY part of Poser or the content you have only to ask someone... The folks at Daz or Content Paradise or Renderosity or Runtime DNA (and hundreds more) are more than willing to help you..any question WHATSOEVER... if you have a problem with the actual program (Poser) then I have found E-Frontier to be EXCELLENT at resolving the issue all the way to refunding your money if you are not satisfied.. If something doesn't run right, they will help you by coming up with an answer to the issue. If it is an issue with a model or pose or texture by ANY of the THOUSANDS of content makers they have always been more than ready and willing to resolve THOSE problems....I could go on for hours (though I won't because I know I have a tendancy to over talk the issue to death) so leave it at "the support for any part of Poser or Content is excellent.. I see you state you havve been using the program for only a small ammount of time.. Give it and those that with you in usiiing it a chance... You will , I think, be happily surprised by the support you will get.... I think this has been a positive statement and not one that is taking shots at you. But nonetheless I will no doubt end up with those angry Sh*t stirring type of folks trying to tear into my statement.. Don't fret, just give it time my friend.. We are here for you..ready with support if you need it.Saturday, April 21 2007 @ 12:09 PM PDT
Poser Has Potential But Needs LOTS of Work... - DragonWizard
It is the model and pose maker that does the things you don't like about Poser. It has nothing to do with Poser itself..All of the poses, morphs, materials, models, hair, HANDS, and ALL is third party offerings.. NONE of it is made by E-Frontier, so to say you don't like the hand or their poses and morh targets is irrelevant old boy.. it has nothing to do with this EXCELLENT program that has been a faithful friend for 6 years.. if you want me to put my money where my mouth is then see my gallery at renderosity under the username of genefleeman... then you can see if you think it is worth having or not.. I find it invaluable.. and wouldn't trade it for all of the other object based polygon using programs around.. Just my opinion true.. but after 6 years and literally hundreds and hundreds of pictures I guess I qualify as an expert....like I said.. if you need proof see my gallery... anyone can blow smoke up someones wazoo few can prove it though..Reply to This
Saturday, August 26 2006 @ 04:26 PM PDT