Paint Shop Pro from JASC will import .dwg and save to .gif. I just got a copy on sale with a mail-in rebate that made the final cost $40. And it includes an animation program.
I use a product called CadPublisher (www.jwgraphics.com.au). It's a little pricier than ViewCompanion and it has a couple of annoying non-critical bugs, but overall it works pretty well.