Wacom questions

[dianajenna]

I've not used a Wacom tablet, but am considering getting one. My questions:

1. Does the finished product (restored photo) actually come out looking better if you use a tablet instead of clicking on screen with your mouse? Or, is the reason people like the Wacom because it cuts down on your work time?

2. What actually is the reason for the different tablet sizes? From their website it looks as though you still see the full size of your photo on your monitor, so I just wondered what the advantage of the bigger tablet size is.

I read a previous thread on the Wacom and it sounds really interesting, and hope I've not asked questions that have already been answered before, but I'm really curious and don't want to buy before I know what I'm buying. Thanks to anyone who can give me some guidance.

Diana

[i.ilievski]

I would say that by using tablet u are one step closer to being a pro...

and when you are able to tell the difference between using wacom and other 3 class brands, then u may say that you are another step closer being a pro ...

I didn't meant to be rude, but that is how things worked out in my case...

[Swampy]

I don't know that using a Wacom makes you a "pro", but it sure does make working in a digital editing program more intuitive and easier. To me it's just a lot more natural when using the pen tool or painting on a mask.

[i.ilievski]

Originally Posted by Swampy

I don't know that using a Wacom makes you a "pro",

i didn't meant to sound like that, but that knowing the difference bettween wacom and other tables get you closer beeing a pro... And to know that natural feeling in your fingers tells the difference...

[Peer K]

Hi,

1. If you can work as accurately with your mouse - then of course there's no difference in the final output. I like (or rather, love) mine because :

- I can work for hours without getting as much strain on my wrist
- It's just more precise (at least for me)
- I love the two buttons on the pen on my Wacom (configurable)
- It's just more natural
- And yes, I do work faster with it

Try drawing a circle with your mouse.. Now try with a pen ;-)

2. The difference is mainly the "tablet to screen size ratio". Meaning if you e.g. have a 24" screen and an A5 tablet for every inch you move on the tablet you move further than if you had an A4 tablet. Hmm.. did that make any sense? Anyway it's a tradeoff between being accurate and having too much tabletspace to move around on. I find that an A5 wide is the one that suits me best (on a 24" wide screen).

Originally Posted by dianajenna

I've not used a Wacom tablet, but am considering getting one. My questions:

1. Does the finished product (restored photo) actually come out looking better if you use a tablet instead of clicking on screen with your mouse? Or, is the reason people like the Wacom because it cuts down on your work time?

2. What actually is the reason for the different tablet sizes? From their website it looks as though you still see the full size of your photo on your monitor, so I just wondered what the advantage of the bigger tablet size is.

I read a previous thread on the Wacom and it sounds really interesting, and hope I've not asked questions that have already been answered before, but I'm really curious and don't want to buy before I know what I'm buying. Thanks to anyone who can give me some guidance.

Diana

[dianajenna]

Peer K,

Thank you! That was what I was trying to find out. I've never even seen one demonstrated, so I was just really wondering about it. It's good to know you can work faster. I was hoping that was the case. So when I get ready to buy one I'll keep that in mind about the tablet to screen size ratio.

Diana

[Britsdad]

Hi Diana...If you have any doubts about spending too much on a Wacom (and I did) try a Wacom Volito 2. I bought one a while since from PC World for 35 UK pounds, a bagin, but you can get them even cheaper now, that way if you don't like it you've not spent too much.
Myself, I love it, easy to install and use, and so much better and quicker than trying to use a mouse.
Hope this helps.....John

[aaRonology101]

its all about the tablet ..

[dmrdm]

Wrist strain and control is what you will hear the most. But like anything else, it's all what you get used to and like. I've left handed, so I have my pen in my left hand and my mouse in my right. Works pretty neat! As far as being able to look at a finished product and tell it was done better because a tablet was used.....nope one wouldn't be able to do that.

About the size, if you end up buying one you later feel is too big, you can adjust the size the usable portion on the tablet. Some stay with smaller tables because the room or their working area, others don't want to run their hand over the larger area of the tablet. Again, it's all in one's preferences, that's why they have different sizes. Have fun.

[dianajenna]

Thanks everybody. This is all very informative. Now I just need to decide whether to go for it or not.

Diana

[lilsip]

If you keep an eye on ebay you can find an older Wacom for a good price. I got mine there and love it. Just make sure you check the seller's ratings. Also NewEgg.com has pretty good prices. I'm a penny pincher and would say the Wacom is well worth your money.

[Steve Conway]

Originally Posted by dianajenna

Thanks everybody. This is all very informative. Now I just need to decide whether to go for it or not.

Diana

OK, there's always someone who makes things confusing by disagreeing. So let it be me this time.

Actually I don't disagree, but just have a different opinion. I have never used a tablet in my work. (Some may say, "Sure looks like it too!") I have a Wacom tablet and pen sitting on my desk, but sit is all it does. I tried it when I first bought it and found it combersome. So went back to the mouse and have used it ever since.

So, to each his own.

Steve C.

[Nanls]

If do any clipping the pen makes it soooo much easier and faster. I programmed the top button on the stylus as the option key, (on the mac holding the option keys is "pick up path") so now I very rarely touch the keyboard when doing clipping paths. Also, because the pen is pressure sensitive using the bush in an adjustment mask is a breeze.
~Nancy~
____________________________________
www.photoart123.com

[dianajenna]

It's funny, but the pen tool is probably the only tool I haven't really delved into yet. I need to do that!

[cinderella]

My Wacom is collecting dust. I just never got the hang of using it.

If you are nimble with your mouse and like the results you get you probably can get away without a Wacom .

I am not a pro ./ Someone doing work on photos all day long might have another opinion.

Cinderella

[dianajenna]

Thanks Cinderella.
After thinking about this for a few days now, I think that the next purchase I make will be a better higher-resolution monitor instead. I think it might be the better thing to do instead of a Wacom. That doesn't mean I still wouldn't like one to try. Maybe next year

Diana