Congrat's on your purchase of C4D 8.2, you won't look back, I promise. (Envious as I'm still stuck on ver. 7) Export format is probably best in .3DS, as this transfers all camera's, lights & materials & the objects are grouped by materials, something you will be familiar with if you've learn't rendering with Artlantis. There are other transfer format's but they mostly require more set-up work once in C4D. Without using radiosity, you'll find render times 'similar' to Artlantis, but if you're like me, you'll enjoy the benefits of GI illumination on your models. Good luck, & keep checking the C4D galleries, they'll inspire your work no end...
Justin
'trying to get my number of post's up so I'm no longer a guest or newbie'