I'm looking for a good 2d animation program

[OtherSideofSky]

I'm planning a short animation project over the summer and am trying to decide on a program with which to make it. I have some training in Flash and I'm thinking this is probably my best bet, But I don't like the .fla format for video, so I'd have to make it and then convert it to an .avi or something like that. If anyone can suggest a good traditional animation program for someone without a lot of experience I would be very grateful.

Please keep in mind: I definitely want a program that can vary line weight using a tablet's sensitivity, and I'd like something easily obtainable by a person with not very much money. I'm not looking for pirated copies, I just mean that it's pointless to suggest really expensive programs (I wouldn't even normally be able to afford Flash, but I got a copy from a friend who uses it professionally).

 

[Estocavio]

Adobe Flash is probably your best bet - Theres no non-expensive programs that i know of. I mean, if there was, no-one would buy Flash.

 

[firedfns13]

Flash is pretty damn good. My computer graphics teacher wanted me to animate in photoshop. Gross.
Flash can export into Avi, but it ain't pretty.

If you have a free/cheap copy and experiance, definitely choose flash.

 

[Jojo1378]

Well the only one I know is Koolmoves if its still around, its pretty sweet and not too expensive from what I remember... Also i'm not sure if it works with a tablet in the way you want, you have to check that.

 

[Falconus]

You're not really gonna find good animation software cheap. http://www.toonboom.com/main/ It takes a little getting used to but it's a fantastic program.

 

[OtherSideofSky]

Thanks. I guess I'll probably stick with Flash and see if I can find something to convert.fla to.avi.