Digital Animation Programs

[shoujoaifan]

What are conisdered the best of 2-D and 3-D animation programs available to the average person, somewhere in the region of free trial and shareware :D and something actually affordable?

I know Flash is used alot and I've heard that its easier to use compared to other programs. This true? And does it also do 3-D animation, or would I have to get something else?

I've downloaded the trial version several times and says my computer can't support it when I try to install it, even though my computer uses Windows 98 which the site says is the requirement. I'll check into it and see if I'm using an earlier version or if my computer is weak on computing power or if I don't have enough memory.

Thanks!

[DSRGirl]

I know Flash is used alot and I've heard that its easier to use compared to other programs. This true? And does it also do 3-D animation, or would I have to get something else?
Flash is cheaper, but I don't think it's an easier style of animation. I remember Matt Wilson said working in Flash is a lot harder then most people think it is. But I wouldn't know for sure.

[Cyporiean]

Yeah, flash is a pain.. but so is every other form of Animation..


There is no easy program for Animation.. just get something learn it, and master it..

my personal preference is MAYA.. which isn't cheap... I've used Hash's Animation: Master, which is probly the cheapest 3D animation software..

[Classic Speedy]

I just use iMovie for putting still clips together into animation... :p Nothing fancy, but it does what I want it to do.

[shoujoaifan]

Thanks everyone! Sorry I forgot to reply and thank you earlier ^^;;

I've tried downloading Macromedia Flash MX 2004 on a new used computer I got back recently from it getting fixed, and it won't support it either.

I'm no computer expert, so can anyone tell me how to figure out if my computer has this stuff or not?


600 MHz Intel Pentium III processor or equivalent
Windows 98 SE (4.10.2222 A), Windows 2000, or Windows XP
128 MB RAM (256 MB recommended)
275 MB available disk space
Memory is not an issue, and I have Windows 98, but I'm not sure I have that verion of 98. I don't know if I have that much RAM, but I'm pretty sure I don't, and I probably only have a Pentium III, not II processor.

If so, are there any older Flash programs for animation that work on somewhere around the level of a computer used mostly just for surfing and writing and could handle most things on the internet today, probably anywhere from decent power to lowest there is for that type of use?

Thanks! I'll make sure to post sooner this time ^^;;

[lostrune]

I'm no computer expert, so can anyone tell me how to figure out if my computer has this stuff or not?

Memory is not an issue, and I have Windows 98, but I'm not sure I have that verion of 98. I don't know if I have that much RAM, but I'm pretty sure I don't, and I probably only have a Pentium III, not II processor.

Just go to Control Panel and click on "System" - that should tell you what you have.

[loyalheart]

Yeah, flash is a pain.. but so is every other form of Animation..


There is no easy program for Animation.. just get something learn it, and master it..

my personal preference is MAYA.. which isn't cheap... I've used Hash's Animation: Master, which is probly the cheapest 3D animation software..
isnt AM considered to be good for beginers?

[Cyporiean]

isnt AM considered to be good for beginers?
Yeah, Its a very easy to use and learn piece of Software. I would reccomend it to anyone who wants to try out 3D animation.

www.hash.com (http://www.hash.com)

[Dee]

Maya is not one of those things you just jump right in to either.

There is a student version for free BUUTTTT....

1. You can't take a file edited on the student freebie and then load it into the full version at school

2. It's got annoying text stretched over your objects.

You CAN however take a file from school and the full version, and experiment on the student edition of Maya.

Saving work is allowed but it's not really useful for homework. Just practice.

[shoujoaifan]

Thanks everyone! I did what you said lostrune and came up with this:

Windows 98 4.10.1998

GenuineIntel

Pentium(r) 2 Processor

Intel MMX(TM) Technology

32.0 MB RAM

Yeah, won't cut it for the newest Flash :sweat: I couldn't find any earlier versions of it on the site. Is there some place legal to get a trial version of an older Flash?

Forgive me if I'm pushing it, but is there a trial version of A:M Galvatron? I couldn't find one on the site.

Is RealStudio any good?

Thanks again everyone!