To Wacom or not to Wacom?
May 14, 2015 12:44:52 #
Is a Wacom really recommended for processing? I use Lightroom, Photoshop and plug-ins like Nik and DxO Optics Pro.
If yes, what is the least expensive quality tablet you would recommend?
If yes, what is the least expensive quality tablet you would recommend?
May 14, 2015 17:03:59 #
I bought a Wacom and used for a few days, put it in the draw and never looked back. Give me my Large Track ball. Good Luck.
May 14, 2015 21:45:13 #
Frank2013
Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.
Greenguy33 wrote:
Is a Wacom really recommended for processing? I use Lightroom, Photoshop and plug-ins like Nik and DxO Optics Pro.
If yes, what is the least expensive quality tablet you would recommend?
If yes, what is the least expensive quality tablet you would recommend?
If you do a lot of brush work in pp it is well worth it. If not forget it. Takes a good effort to get use to it but after that you will wonder how you did without it. If you are not serious about your pp work then don't bother. I have the Intuos pro small and won't pp with out it, unless forced.
May 15, 2015 06:10:21 #
IMO, Absolutely... maybe because I still draw and paint the old fashioned way and it just seemed so natural a transition for digital. I seldom use a mouse now, even with word document.
May 15, 2015 06:20:16 #
I have used a wacom for years now starting with the small one to see if I liked it, it's just like using a pen and I do not use a mouse at all now, not even in other programs, It is more precise when doing pp work and you have the benefit of the pen pressure which you do not have in a mouse. Plus I find you have more control if doing work on small areas...
May 15, 2015 08:05:19 #
Would not do post processing without one. It really depends on how involved you get with PP. I restore old photos so fixing rips, scratches where it sometimes comes down to fixing them one pixel at a time and the pen and pad are a lot more precise that what I could ever do with a mouse (and I have a track ball mouse).
May 15, 2015 09:46:43 #
I've enjoyed using a medium Wacom Intuos tablet for a number of years now and love it. It is a big help in doing so many tasks in post processing and once you get used to using it, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one.
May 15, 2015 09:53:02 #
Greenguy33 wrote:
Is a Wacom really recommended for processing? I use Lightroom, Photoshop and plug-ins like Nik and DxO Optics Pro.
If yes, what is the least expensive quality tablet you would recommend?
If yes, what is the least expensive quality tablet you would recommend?
It's all going to depend on what kind of, and to what level of Post Processing you go to. You mention using Software like Photoshop, NIK, DxO, etc., but do you actually get in and do detailed touchups and reworks, or mostly use the provided templates and sliders on the image as a whole? If you generally just perform global changes to your images, you may not see a lot of benefit from this device. If you do more detailed and area specific changes to your images, may find the tablet indispensable once you start using it.
The general consensus is that, while there are some less expensive tablets out there, Wacom has generally proven to be the most reliable. I asked a similar question to yours a while back about getting one for my son. The thread below may provide you with some interesting information.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-162394-4.html
May 15, 2015 11:44:04 #
Greenguy33 wrote:
Is a Wacom really recommended for processing? I use Lightroom, Photoshop and plug-ins like Nik and DxO Optics Pro.
If yes, what is the least expensive quality tablet you would recommend?
If yes, what is the least expensive quality tablet you would recommend?
I have an Intuos 5 with express keys (small). I use the tablet as a total replacement for the mouse. With the tablet set up and mapped to the screen moving the pointer from edge to edge of the screen is just as easy as picking up the pen and placing it on the tablet in the screen position desired. Not only will PP be more precise but, and here is a potential winner, the express keys can be programmed to do certain tasks in other programs. By this I mean if you use keyboard shortcuts anywhere you will probably be able to program the express keys to do the job. There is a learning curve and moving from the pen to the mouse will not be a one day job. We have too many habits and muscle memory. Well worth the effort in my opinion.
May 15, 2015 12:40:41 #
I use the Wacom when doing a lot of brush work. I learned from a Graphic artist that placing a sheet of paper on the tablet gives a better feel to the process. Give it a try, you will be surprised.
May 16, 2015 15:29:57 #
I had several tablets previously and could not get the hang of them until I got the Intuos; suddenly everything clicked. Now I really love using masking, layer masks, adjustment layers that previously were too annoying to bother with.
If you are willing to get into those layer masks, you will love the tablet.
If you are willing to get into those layer masks, you will love the tablet.
May 26, 2015 14:12:46 #
I can't imagine not having one. Yes, they take a bit of time to get comfortable, but once you are comfortable, and get good using it with the pen tool to cut things out, you'll never look back.
May 27, 2015 10:09:45 #
Go for it. Bought one and I love it. Not great for moving sliders and accessing menus, but really useful for brushing and otherwise processing your photos. I suggest buying a small one. I bought the medium and ended up scaling down the pad to make the functional area smaller. Using wrist movement as opposed to shoulder movement helped with the fatigue factor during long processing sessions.
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