Adobe has released a new version of their motion graphics editing software, After Effects. The latest release of After Effects, version 5.0, has given Adobe the chance boast of over 100 new features and productivity enhancements including a new 3D compositing environment that the company claims will give designers the ability to realise their creative ideas with greater accuracy, control and precision.
There are several features in the new compositing environment that assist Adobe on deliver on these ambitious promises. To give you a taste of its new features, rather than editing your animation in a linear, fashion, you can now define a hierarchical parent-child relationship between layers making it easier to create more sophisticated and lively animations. There are several other enhancements and additions to the environment's interface but the most noteworthy is the inclusion of a set of non-destructive vector paint tools (only available the Production Bundle of the software).
After Effects 5.0 versatility has been improved to give designers greater confidence that they'll be able to create content for suitable for a broader range of mediums. It supports 16-bit per channel colour to meet HDTV standards (Production Bundle), and lets you export your work in Macoromedia's ever-popular Web animation format, Flash. To ensure that you content doesn't suck-up copious amounts of bandwidth, After Effects now supports both QuickTime and MP3 audio compression codecs.
Adobe is releasing two versions of After Effects 5.0: Standard Version and Production Bundle. The standard version Web designers providing the core 2D and 3D working environment without the motion graphic design enhancements available in the Production Bundle. The primary distinction between two is marked by the Production version's ability to produce content that meets higher production standards required of effects artists and motion graphics design specialists. And they're priced accordingly.
There is a strong variation on the price you'll pay for After Effects depending on the version you require and your prior loyalty to the After Effects suite. The Standard Version is expected to retail for $AU1689 but if you're upgrading from 3.0, 4.0 or 4.1 that price tag comes down $452 ($2122 if you want the Production Bundle). If you're upgrading from a prior version of the Production Bundle the latest version will cost you $673. New purchasers will pay $3889 for the Production Bundle.
Adobe After Effects 5.0
Company: Adobe Software
Price: $AU1689 (Standard Version)
$AU3889 (Production Bundle)
Contact: 1300 550 205
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