Take the time to evaluate both and do not be swayed by advocates of either until you know what each has to offer. The ability to import files from SW and edit their files quicker than the authors can is of course quite valuable. That was almost four years ago and the ability to quickly edit my parts for family of parts or just because capricious customers change their minds is key to me. When ST came out this was the final decider. The underlying logic of SE was to me a lot better. I had allready looked into SE V20 which was a straight parametric modeler like SW still is today. Then Solid Edge ST1 came out and I went to see a demo. It never really clicked well with me either time. I went to two Demo days for SW because they had the most seats biggest market share etc. Since I was the one who was going to do this I got to choose what was most effective for me and not pick what had largest market share. I also design most of what I build and the rest is of course imports from others primarily Solid Works. I am a one man shop so you don't get smaller. I can however reflect upon the choices a small company makes.

I can'y help you on the rendering as my business does not require it.

How much does solidworks cost