Flash 8 Basic Aimed at Animators
Flash 8 Basic, the leaner, less-expensive cousin of Flash 8 Professional, is being touted as an animation tool in Japan. The Basic version of the software is retailing in the US for $399, as compared to Professional for $699. For Flash animators and for those just wanting to dip a toe into the Flash pool, 
this seems like nice option. The major elements of the Professional software excluded are filters, blend modes and the advanced easing control for animation, most of which don’t work when an artist wants to render out to video or DVD.
But, for me, the story here is how the software is being positioned in Japan. The Flash Basic ‘catalog’ on the Japanese Macromedia site is entirely focused on animation, complete with stills of several high-profile Japanese Flash titles. The US version of the ‘catalog’ isn’t quite so particular, and even offers that software can help design ’simple motion graphics.’ Regardless, this shows that perhaps Adobe/Macromedia is interested in specifically targeting the animation/motion graphics market. I, for one, wouldn’t complain.
One last thing – check out the cool, Flash-animated clip on the Japanese Flash 8 Basic header.
Thanks to Gil Crows for the tip.
October 13th, 2005 at 4:48 pm
Check out Moho from
http://www.lostmarble.com/
It’s the best value animation tool I’ve used and supports flash export. It has bones and filters. I’m loving it….
Mike M
October 13th, 2005 at 5:52 pm
So one would pretty much be left with Flash MX (2004). Can’t determine if they left the video codec alone…
October 14th, 2005 at 8:00 am
Hmm.
Aaron, I guess you should now ask flash animators if they use the basic or pro version.
I remember when flash costs $299.
I know companies have to make money but the price of the software just keeps going and going and going.
October 15th, 2005 at 4:25 am
It’s a nice option for smaller shops, at least it appears that way. Perhaps one or two Pro versions for the lead animators, and the rest of the team just focuses on keyframes, timing and making it look nice.
I’ll stick with my Pro version, but it’s interesting to see Macromedia slowly lurch towards the animation audience. Or frustrating, depending on how you look at it.
-Aaron
October 16th, 2005 at 1:57 am
Flash 8 is Back !!! and this time its got a lot of imporved fetures! all that old edit undo thingy is kinda out and and highly tweenable tween is in!
you can get and indepth view of everything Flash8 has to offer in lynda.com