I think AE CS6 is a huge release. I'd call it an absolute must-have upgrade.
The new raytracer is getting a lot of attention, and it is pretty cool (if you have the right NVIDIA hardware), but I don't think it's the most important new feature.
The best new feature by a mile is the global performance cache / persistent disk cache. You have to try this for yourself -- or at least see it in action -- to get a sense for how big a speed boost it will be for users. Even if nothing else had changed at all, I'd think this one feature alone would be well worth the upgrade. It's made a huge difference in how quickly I can iterate on a comp or animation. That translates to faster turnarounds or more time to spend getting the look and feel just right.
Check out
Todd Kopriva's video on the global performance cache [link].
I'd recommend getting a dedicated SSD for the new cache system. It's like an ICE board for a new generation -- only better.
Other notable new features include the 3D camera tracker, variable-width mask feathering (finally!), improved bit depth on many effects (finally!), and the ability to convert Illustrator vector layers to AE shape layers.
These features may not all sound sexy on paper, but they all make a huge difference for everyday AE users. I am really happy to see Adobe focusing on performance and workflow.
Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at
Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
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