Considering AE - Tips?

Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

VHS Member Old Skool
I have been thinking about getting After Effects for a couple of years now. Honestly, my work doesn't really demand it so far. I do all the motion graphics I need in Motion.

But I also know there are things you can do in AE that you can't do (or can do better than) in Motion.

I'm confused about which version to buy, or how their packaging (suites) work. I am currently using FCS 3 on an 8-Core running Leopard. I don't necessarily want the newest version, but I want to understand what's out there and what works best with my set-up.

Jeez, I sound like a newb. Any thoughts?
 
Basically your options are either Production Premium suite or AE by itself. Production Premium is a great value since it comes with 8 apps for $1700 or you can buy AE by itself for $999. If you don't already own Photoshop or Illustrator, those may come in handy and they come with the Production Premium package.

You're other options would involve finding a used version of AE or CS3 Production Premium.

I would download a trial first though, AE is a different beast from Motion and it has a much steeper learning curve, so if you don't need it then it may be too heavy a monetary/time investment.
 
I'd need to know what kind of work you're doing to justify the purchase.

I've been working with AE for 10 years now. My AE skills are amateur compared to the work I see posted here, but regardless, I use it about every day I am working on a project.

I rarely use Motion. It is an option, but for the work I do, it's easier just to fall back on AE. I like the 3D and camera control in AE. Also you can do color correction with curves & similar filters. Keylight is a badass keying tool. Masking, track mattes, it's all good. I could probably go on and on with the positive attributes.

You might find a good deal on an older version (CS 3) on eBay? I agree, it has a steep learning curve, but if you know what you are doing, you can create some magic....
 
Thanks,

What it comes down to is that I am feeling a little boxed in. Most of my client stuff is pretty straightforward, but every once in a while I come across a project that requires something a little jazzier. It's not really a NEED, but I like having options.

I think I will give it a little time to see if the prices for CS3 come down.

Thanks
 
I started out using motion with the knowledge that as soon as I had the money I would move to ae. I maxed out the limits of motion in FCS1. AE has much more flexibility, and an evergrowing user base. I had too much headaches dealing with the upgrading issues so I just went with the production premium package.

By the way how do people live without photoshop? Do you use ms paint or something? :grin: Have fun with the research & purchase.
 
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