JTEdit animates. I found it buggy, and it is no longer supported by its developer, but it is free and there are tutorials available. I'm learning Blender, but then I'm very patient and I don't have any deadline that I am trying to meet. If you are unwilling to spend a month or so just working your way through various tutorials then Blender is probably not for you.
It sort of depends on your personality, how your mind works, and what you are aiming for.
Eternal student in search of knowledge. But will settle for the occasional epiphany.