gmccaleb Loc: East KY / South AL

I'm considering a wacom tablet to use for PS. I'm interested to know if you use them and which one you'd recommend. I'm purely a hobbyist, photographing landscape and grand children. Thanks in advance!

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I use a medium but I also use it for art and design as well as photography work. If I were only using it with Photoshop and not using it for design I would go with the small Wacom. It's all you will need.

gmccaleb Loc: East KY / South AL

Thank you, WayneT

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use a medium size tablet. I don't use it all of the time, but when I do, it's the only way to accomplish the results I want.

Admittedly, it does take a bit of time to get accustomed to using it. I would definitely make sure you have backups of your window settings in PS. I can't tell you how many times I've messed up window locations, etc. by inadvertently "grabbing" them with the stylus and dragging. It takes practice, but well worth the time.
--Bob

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I fell for "bigger must be better and more accurate" like many do. I mapped mine down to a very small area, probably less than the small Wacom. I would go with a small. MAYBE a medium if you absolutely think you need it, but I would put money on the fact that you will eventually map it to a smaller area. It seems much more responsive when using a smaller area. You will quickly get used to it, if you just use it for everything, like a mouse for just a little while. I think it's when people try to go back and forth (at the beginning) that it tends to get confusing.

The off name brand ones don't have all the features, but can be a good tool to learn with if you aren't sure about paying for an actual Wacom brand. Eventually, though, you will probably move to Wacom. We all tend to eventually discover why they are #1.

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

Been using the 6"x8" Wacom for many years now. I think I could probably get away with using a smaller one for pictures but, mine came with a mouse and the larger tablet is better for computer usage.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I also have the medium size. For Photoshop is use the whole thing, but for all else I map to a small part of it.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

PH, that's interesting. I think you are the first person I've actually heard that prefers it that way. I think most of us prefer the smaller for photoshop work. I can't speak for everyone, but if you go back over posts, It seems to be the common thought.

Not saying you are wrong by any stretch of the imagination. We're all different. I just found this interesting.

Bob

cphoto15

if you also have a tablet you can turn it into a graphics tablet, astropad does it for ipad, and I'm sure theres bound to be one for andriod tablets too, this isn't helpful if you don't have one, but if you do will work out cheaper.

GraveyDave

I have a medium wacom tablet and I have to say that if you make an effort to learn all the functions, you can do some finely detailed work without the plodding, all thumbs feel you get from a mouse. It saved my hand and arm hours of pain. I don't think the mouse is the perfect fit and feel in our hands for any artwork or serious retouching. Get a nice case for it and some plastic sheet covering to protect the surface. That way there, if you're not using it, the tablet can be easily sold as it has always been an extremely hot item.
The photos I've worked on cannot be completed as quickly or precisely with a mouse. I'm still not that good at it because of my lack of skill but I can make a decent candid photo be acceptable and less messy with some quick fixes.
Dave

olsonsview

I have a larger one I suppose? The pad surface for the pen measures 6.5 X 11 inch. I used to do a lot of detailed selecting, retouching portraits, and created art for business clients on a pro basis. I found from experience that the larger the surface the more exacting you can do your work. I used to own the small pad, it was the less expensive way to improve my workflow in PS. But found it was kind of like purchasing a lens based on low price, after you gain more experience: you realize you need a better piece of equipment. I was skeptical when the camera dealer suggested I move up in size to make my work easier. But after a few days using my new pad, I found out he was spot on. My suggestion is: purchase the largest you can comfortably afford. If you are on a tight budget then get the small one, it will be an improvement to your workflow. I know many here recommend the small pads, but how many of those people ever worked with the medium or large ones? Does the small size work? Yes indeed, I found it better than just the mouse, and it may be all you need. But if one has experience using a better tool, would he ever go back? Not me.

sterrill Loc: missouri

I have the intros pro. It has opened avenues in Photoshop where you cannot go with a mouse. The learning curve is steep but worth it. The tablet opens up the world of selections and targeted adjustment. There are tons of you tube videos to help. I like those put out by phlearn. There is also one from a b and h conference on the top 10 techniques for targeted adjustment tbat is great. It takes a while to get comfortable using the tablet. We had a poor photographic winter here so i spent lots of time learning with the tablet. I hope this helps.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

You are getting justified sage advice on tablets... as am I. I have an off brand that I never used... when I get older and wiser, I may buy a Wacom

"I'm purely a hobbyist, photographing landscape and grand children. " OK, so why complicate your life with antiquated PS and pay each month like going to church.... Adobe does not even have an Easter/Christmas contribution program!

Take a look at Affinity. $50 [once, not over and over] and lots of tutorials. Affinity is a modern program, Adobe is an old programs with more patches than a cartoon inner tube.

Go to top of this page... Search "affinity" lots of info ... great modern code program.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Suggestions from the "experts."
http://cameratico.com/guides/how-to-choose-wacom-pen-tablet/
http://www.jigsaw24.com/news/articles/8043-which-wacom-are-you-our-inkling-bamboo-intuos-and-cintiq-buyers-guide/
https://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/80924/what-are-the-differences-between-4-wacoms-intuos-tablets

DaveC Loc: Illinois

I bought a medium Wacom years ago for use with Photoshop. Some people report having to get used to it, but I took to it immediately and loved it. I certainly would not get larger than a medium, and a small would probably work equally well. I love it and could not do my Photoshop work without it.