Basically they're used for two different levels of functionality. Flash is the best for high detail "cool" image presentations And sure GIFs have that "cartoony" image but they can get pretty complex too. Aside from all that there are some basic considereations when choosing which format to use. If you are distributing standalone programs (ie. .EXEs; CD/DVD distribution) then GIFs may be the way to go because you may not want to distribute the Macromedia Flash DLLs (re:large file size) with your product OR many people may not have (or want to load up their hard drive with DLLs they rarely use. Or they may not know how to install the Flash DLLs (it happens). Secondly GIFs are so much smaller in size than the Flash versions. If on the other hand you primarily do website/browser animations the Flash is probably what you want due to the enhanced image resolution and other display characteristics.
A secondary issue is that Flash html pages can bloat your file size and increase dowload/load time for your website when you use it alot. Not everyone has a DSL or cable modem connection. I've waited up to 5 min. for a very flash "heavy" website to load on a 56K dialup modem PC. You may want to check out the stats for how many people are still using 56K ISP access (over 60% I think).
Anyway here are some very easy to use (beginners level) tools for GIF/AVI animations and they're FREE!!
Check out: "Unfreeze" program and
"Jans Movies PRO" available at //Jansfreeware.com
Hope this Helps!
