Which Animation Programs To Get

[I-Like-Onions]

Hi everybody, I want to start animating soon but, I don't know which animation programs are the best, all around. I heard the Adobe Flash or Photoshop are good but, I've also heard that Toon Boom is good.
I use Sketchbook Pro and its a simple enough drawing program but, I'd like a program where I can make things come to life. Whether its a video or, a scene in a video game I want to make it happen.

I've heard that certain programs, like Toon Boom, use "bones" to make animation easier and I don't think Adobe Flash uses that. This got me wondering which program is the fastest to learn and the most versatile.

I simply want the best. If you guys could help me I would appreciate it.

Another program I'm looking for is an audio editing program for music and sound effects creation.

Any bits of advice would be appreciated too.

[RobertX]

Have you tried Blender? http://www.blender.org/

[-nelly-]

Not the easiest to use but IMO these are the 2 best 3D animation softwares ATM (Plenty of Tut's to be found online). AutoDesk MAYA v2015 and Cinema 4D R13 Full.

[I-Like-Onions]

But aren't these 3D animation programs, only? I'd like to make 2D animations as well.

[-nelly-]

But aren't these 3D animation programs, only? I'd like to make 2D animations as well.

Anime Studio Pro v. 8.1

[I-Like-Onions]

I've heard there is a lot of mixed reviews about Anime Studio but, thank you for the suggestion. I will try it out.

[I-Like-Onions]

If anyone else has tips, tricks and other helpful information involving animation, let me know and add to the thread so, others can benefit from this information.

[-nelly-]

If you happen to have an interest in Manga you could try Smith Micro Manga Studio EX 5.0.4.

[I-Like-Onions]

If you happen to have an interest in Manga you could try Smith Micro Manga Studio EX 5.0.4.

You're trying to make me love you, aren't you? XD

[-nelly-]

Here's one more to keep you entertained ==>> SideFX Houdini FX V12.5.427

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And one more just in case:

Softimage Face Robot 1.9