I've been a Maya user since version 3 and version 2012 is a great release: the Qt port means it's 64-bit for OS X but it's faster than 2011, which was sluggish to use. layered) but there is no way you can do the same thing in both applications, Maya is just way more advanced and the learning curve is steeper. After Effects: completely different workflows (nodal vs. Maya is not easy to learn - that's why Cinema 4D appeals to other people.
