Input/Output/Workflow - - Wacom - can we use it in restoration/retouching

kishroegiduturi · #1 08-31-2006, 01:45 AM

We do photo restoration & retouching using the normal optical mouse. I'm contemplating to puchase wacom tablets for my lab but never seen any one working with them live.

Are they useful for restoration ? If yes, which is the best option to start with among the several available versions ? - intutos or graphire.

Let me know if anybody is using for restoration.

Thanks.

Xaran · #2 08-31-2006, 02:26 AM

Certainly wouldn't be without mine. Intuos3 6 x 8. More pressure levels than the graphire if you can afford it.

Christine

Littlecoo · #3 08-31-2006, 02:33 AM

LOL... I'll let ya... for this kinda work it beats using a mouse hands down!

smiley guy · #4 08-31-2006, 07:09 AM

I use it all the time! Right hand for the tablet, left hand for the mouse for some other stuff and for keyboard shortcuts.

I started cheap due to budget but ended up with the Wacom 4x6 and it's been great. If I had the money and could justify the expense I would definitely move up but I don't see the need RIGHT now.

1STLITE · #5 08-31-2006, 07:46 AM

I agree that now it is somethign I would not be without - Could not be without. I have a limited budget as well, and have now what I could afford - Graphire 4x5. If I could go back, though, or move up - I would at least have the 6x8. I don't feel terribly limited with the smaller one, but it would be nice. I am sure the Intuos would be nice, also, with double the pressure sensitivity.

berko1021 · #6 08-31-2006, 08:33 AM

learned retouching with a mouse, then switched over to the tablet. I cannot go back. When I use a mouse now, my work suffers greatly. I don't even think this should be contemplated for a serious retoucher! I currently use a 9x12 but I started on a 4x5, which I felt was a bit to small. I would recommend at least a 6x8. I prefer the intuos line, but have never used any other so don;t know for sure.

Gary Richardson · #7 08-31-2006, 09:50 AM

Have used a 4x5 for ages now, I've tried a 6x8, but for me I didn't feel I gained anything by it, and prefer the extra desk space a 4x5 gives me.

But wouldn't be without a pad of some form under any circumstances.

kishroegiduturi · #8 09-01-2006, 03:28 AM

Thanks for the inputs.

Is stamping a badly damaged photo a pleasure working with a pen compared with a mouse ?

Let me know the pros and cons compared to mouse while stamping.

junipaire · #9 09-21-2006, 04:28 AM

Just bought a A5 Intuos 3 and it is fantastic, loving the upgrade from a A6 Intuos, just give that extra bit more room to work with and the nibs you get with it are great

Squggle · #10 09-21-2006, 06:35 AM

I'v got the A4 Wacom intuos, fantastic piece of kit for both retouching and restoration, take a bit of time to get used to (I started with a tiny A6) but you won't go back

solitear · #11 09-21-2006, 08:24 AM

Run....... save yourselves ........ get the tablet ! Mine was a birthday gift from my son in law, he can do no wrong now.....

One very important thing I've noticed is that I no longer have carpal tunnel symptoms....... hour after hour of the repetitive side to side action using a mouse and I wouldn't be able to use my wrist the next day.....

Also, when I got my tablet, I had to spend the first day MAKING myself use it because it wasn't what I was used to..... I almost wanted to take the thing back but these were the only 2 things I had to overcome:

1. Getting used to clicking the little elongated button under my index finger instead of the mouse button......

2. Realizing I wouldn't run out of mouse pad...... you know...... with a mouse, you go so far..... fall off the pad..... pick it up and set it back down where you have room to continue working...... with a tablet, you never run out of pad....

After that one day I spent.... I was hooked and now I use the pen for everything........ I know that with the Wacom you can buy replacement nibs for the pen (they'll wear down and it'll start to feel gritty when you're working... they're about $5.00 US for 10)......

Somebody else jump in here and tell me if this is right.... I think I read that you can't replace the nibs on the Intuos????? I don't have any experience with Intuos so I don't know if that's right......

Beth

Oops...... I just read an above post mentioning the nibs that come with the Intuos ..... so...... guess that takes care of the nib question.....