WACOM tablets for photo editing

[Colin Southern]

I'm going to go broke if I keep frequenting this web site!
Now I need a tablet too....

If it's all too much, and has given you a headache, just take two tablets ...

... and call me in the morning if symptoms persist!

[speedneeder]

No headache, just a flat wallet

[Sonic4Spuds]

Haha,

Yes they are nice, but awkward at first. Once you get used to them it is amazing how much you will like it better than a mouse.

-Sonic

[speedneeder]

Is the $57 version ... Bamboo pen thingy worth it?
I have never used a tablet before.

[Donald]

Is the $57 version ... Bamboo pen thingy worth it?
I have never used a tablet before.

Not quite sure which one you're referring to there Brian, but the answer is YES. If it's a Wacom Bamboo you're getting good value for money and if you take the time (48/72 hours) to get used to it being different than using a mouse, you will wonder how you ever managed without it.

[speedneeder]

Thank you for your input Donald.
It is a model ctl460.

[Sonic4Spuds]

Yes this should fit all of your needs unless you want touch. My friend who has a pen + touch says the touch is finicky so it shouldn't matter. (finicky not for navigation but for precise editing)

-Sonic

[MiniChris]

I just ordered mine...whoohoo, can't wait.

[wilgk]

maybe we need to log on together when it arrives.....you can then type - K push this button, no not that 1 silly - now this 1
It is beating me so far.

[MiniChris]

Hmmmmmmmmm....I will see, but have yet to find a program or piece of computer equipment I couldn't figure out...especially if I don't look at the instructions (those always scare me).

[Sonic4Spuds]

The bamboos are pretty simple as far as interface goes. The Intuos are a little more complex, but only if you are trying to use the advanced features that the programmable buttons provide.

-Sonic

[speedneeder]

Chris, I would be interested to know which one you purchased and how it works for you after you have had some time to play with it

[MiniChris]

Same one as you mentioned, the CTL460....and if I don't like it, at that price, I can move up to something more handy and have some background info in place. I saw the one you have at a trade show last week and it seemed to function relatively decent...I don't need all the fancy dancy stuff, just a pad where I can use a pen.

[Ryscemara]

I can't remember the name, but I use a Wacom A5 size tablet and it's fine. I have limited desk space in my study and need something for retouching scanned negatives and photographs. A lot of the photographs are old and damaged and require more dexterity than is possible with a mouse.

[speedneeder]

I'm assuming you can use a tablet AND a mouse?
I mean, I really don't have any desire to learn how to surf the web with a tablet, and I'm sure the other 3 people in my household that use the same computer don't either.
I assume you can just shove the tablet to the side and use the mouse normally?

Thanks

[Sonic4Spuds]

Yes you can.

Though one of my friends uses the tablet almost exclusively after only a week.

-Sonic

[wilgk]

Well Dear friends - surprise surprise! I can now use the tablet and oh my goodness what a difference -I have been tinkering away on pages for the program for the high school musical
and they want the cast portraits on all sorts of backgrounds from eggs to clover leaves to peacock feathers, (it's seussical the musical) so I am removing the plain background and then layering them onto the graphic - the pen is so good for getting tiny bits of background around their hair etc.

So I am officially hooked - but now to add insult to injury the man about the house says he has to take it back to work!
Grrr - so now which one does he buy me instead?
This one was an Intuos 3 - it was kinda big though....suggestions/preferences anyone?

[Colin Southern]

This one was an Intuos 3 - it was kinda big though....suggestions/preferences anyone?

Hi Kay,

Get the Intuos 4 Medium. I got the XL and it's waaaaay too big, even with 2 screens.

[Jan de Vries]

Till I get RSI the mouse was my friend. I could do all with it. So when I must ban the mouse I searched for a tablet. The Wacom Intuos4 Large was my choice.
That tablet opens a whole new world for me in combination with Nikon capture NX2. The Wacom software and Nikon capture NX2 works perfectly together.
It feels like I use a pencil. Also the pressure of the pen on the tablet let me be much more creative in selecting areas in a picture. Also in using sliders, selecting toggles etc.
After a year using it I can say that I never use the mouse anymore. With that tablet all is faster and easier to use. Not only with Nikon Capture NX2 but all programs.
I use VirtualWin to get virtual 4 screens. With the tablet extra keys I jump very fast between those screens.
The tablet is not cheap to buy but it is worth all money when I see the results in pro-processing my pictures. Disadvantage is that I have now so much old pictures to process again. Simple, the mouse can’t do the same as a tablet.
Regards Jan

[Donald]

Grrr - so now which one does he buy me instead?

Clearly if you want to sail the boat out and go 'top-of-the-pile', the Intuos 4 is going to be at the head of your (his -poor man!) shopping list.

But it very much depends on what you want it for. I've got one of the little Wacom Bamboo's and don't feel any need for anything more sophisticated or larger. It does all that I want. But then again, since I've never had the opportunity to test out what a 4 can offer, I don't know what I'm missing. And, having used the 3, you may find a Bamboo far too small.