Tablets: Which Wacom Tablet is good and affordable.

[ashphotoart]

Hi,

Still I'm using my mouse for working with photoshop for retouching/restoration.

Now I'm thinking to work with Wacom Tablet, but I don't know which one is good and affordable. I'm looking to go on the point.

Hope someone would help me.

Ash

[hawkeye60]

Any Wacom tablet is light years ahead of using a mouse. They are all good, some have more features than others, pen tilt, etc. I always like to buy more than I think I'll need and grow into rather than out of, but that can also be an economic consideration and only you know your budget.

[ashphotoart]

Actually, I don't know what is the price of wacom tablet. can you tell me the name of company and price for the tablet you have.

Ash

[pixelzombie]

the wacom tablets are nice but very expensive, here are 2 lower priced alternatives:

http://www.buy.com/prod/genius-slim-...206652488.html

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=205857228

[l2jc]

Wacoms Intuos series starts at $229 for the 4x6 sized tablet.


Visit for more info:
http://www.wacom.com/intuos/4x6.cfm


If you do it professionally I'd suggest getting the Intuos series...if you look on craigslist.com you can find some good deals.

If it's just for a hobby, I have a friend who uses the wacom Bamboo Series starting at $80 who finds it workable in photoshop. Although Bamboo series is a lower version compared to the Intuos. It is less sensitive and what not. Details are on the page:

http://www.wacom.com/bambootablet/

[smoothfluid]

I also ummed-and-ahhed for ages before splashing out on an Intuos A4 as I didn't want to out-grow it, and hand on heart I can say that it is the best investment I have ever made. I use it for *everything* that I do on my mac. Yes it was expensive but I never suffer from cramp/tired hands/arms, can do more, quicker, more fun. I am now thinking of getting a smaller on for home rather than keep carrying it to and from the office.
I have heard really good reviews of the Wacom Bamboo but my guess it that after 6 months you will want to get the Intuos.

[ashphotoart]

Getting your valuable opinions, Information and links are very much helpful.

I found that intous is expensive and bamboo fun is in budget.

All of you can suggest me for retouching what size is good :- 4 x 6, 6 x 9 or higher ?

Ash

[Dave.Cox]

I would recommend taking a look on Ebay. You can often find gently used stuff for a good discount. If you want the Intuous series though, you won't find much of a discount, and may be better off just ordering one new.

As far as the size goes, It kind of depends on what you are looking for. Also on the monitor that you are using. If you are using a square monitor, the the square layout may work best for you. If you are on a wide screen monitor, of have two monitors, then you will probably want the wide format pad. The actual size is mosly personal preference. You can get too small, but you can also get too big. If you do get one that feels to big though, you can always adjust the useable work area on the pad to what is comfortable.

[Markzebra]

I don't know why people always recommend the Intuos - why not just go for a graphire or bamboo? If moneys an issue, and you are not a natural painter, drawer type - then these models will do just fine. The difference is that the Intuos is slighty more "touchy feely" to pressure - is it worth the extra money? If you are a beginner probably not, some people do high level with a mouse!

[amica999]

Ash, I am using a graphire 4 for almost a year now and am quite happy with it, though I have just ordered a bamboo to test (believe they have more current drivers for Vista)

[ashphotoart]

Markzebra, I agree with you that High End retouching can be done with mouse too. but sometimes I feel to need pencil/pen to do specific action. I think tablet is helpful for that. I never used it but I heard it.


amica999, someone suggested me for "Baboo Fun" too. It is cheaper and in my range. I would like to listen after your try with it. Please remember If I will post you PM after few days to share your experience with Bamboo.


I would also like to know from all of you that - Is it easy to retouch with 4 x 6 size for high end retouching ? or it should be 6 x 9 ?

Ash

[amica999]

Ash, I guess it will arrive tomorrow, will let you know how I like it :-)

[Markzebra]

It depends on what you are doing what kind of tablet you need. I need an Intuos because on some days I will spend 7 hours dodging and burning maybe, and I happen to prefer pressure for that, less chance of me getting RSI is my theory - If you do cars professionally then you will be pathing a lot and running gradients, little need for subtle pressure there.

The Intuos models are far beyond what most hobbyists would need, and its fairly inconsiderate to recommend them to everyone regardless

[ashphotoart]

Tell me that I-ball is good ?


http://cgi.ebay.in/iBall-Digital-Pen...QQcmdZViewItem

[ashphotoart]

Markzebra, I do my retouching work professionally. it is my hobyy too. but most of the pictures I do for professional use.

Ash