Wacom Bamboo vs Wacom Intuos vs Genius vs KWorld

[tcr1016]

I am starting to get into retouching photos and adding backgrounds in PS, more than doing photography. I see that a Wacom is essential. Is the Intuos worth the extra $200 over the Bamboo??

I also see on Newegg they sell a Genius and KWorld Graphics Pads. Does anyone prefer any of these over the Wacom??

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...ices-_-NA-_-NA

[Boneappetit]

I guess it all depends in the target you are after... Since certain tablet is not going to make no1 a better retoucher, meaning that the purpose of the tablet is to have better and easier control. If you do a lot of work for commercial use, get the best one you can afford. If you are (a hobbyist, like me), I think a Bamboo Pen or Pen and Touch should be enough.

[nebulaoperator]

Bamboo more then enough for a start. I personally use Bamboo and got it for dirty cheap. It does a job. It is faster then mouse especially when a lot of D&B involved. Most of experience retouchers use Intuos 4 I personally justify it. One's retouching is your main income you get the best.I am still in process of learning therefore Bamboo(pen) is my good pal

[Repairman]

Bon and Neb covered it. I use an A3 Intuos at work and have a Bamboo at home for fun stuff - it takes up less space which helps but does not support your wrist as well as the A3. If you are going to make a living, retouching on a computer 8 hours a day, make comfort a priority. Get a nice big tablet, firm but comfy chair and make sure your monitor is at the right height.
R.

[_Steve_]

Just a quick reply on this..
As a lefthanded, the Intuos is great..Cuz you can turn it around, and the buttons turn accordingly..and it's abit more "Grippy"...meaning it's not so smooth..and u get more control of your pen..I don't like the plastic-feel of the Bamboo, abit too "slippery". Guess thats a personal ref. If u retouch alot i would go Intous!

[Repairman]

Good point Steve. The Bamboo pen/tablet doesn't give much feedback which, if you do a lot of brush work, is important.

[onceinarow]

i started with a bamboo and moved up to the intuos 4 within a few months. i do a lot of dodge/burn work and needed the extra sensitivity of the intuos 4. also the pen comes with a ton of different nibs that i like. It has far more buttons and is amazing for customizing the tools u use most on those buttons/wheel etc. if u see yourself retouching a lot i say go straight for the intuos 4. if u are just dabbling a little here and there then the bamboo will do excellent. i have a friend who is an amazing retoucher and he swears by his trusty bamboo.

[AKMac]

I have used larger tablets in the past, but disagree with the idea that bigger is better. I find the best size is A5. It doesn't get in the way. It gives all the scope and fine control you need. It is a lot cheaper. I have been using Wacom for about ten years.
Am I missing something regarding the advantages of a larger tablet?

[dmeadows]

I use the Intuos4, but if you're not sure start with the Bamboo and upgrade later keeping the Bamboo as a back-up.

The Bamboo's actually a really nice little tablet.