If you do a lot of editing, you will probably love a graphics tablet.
I use Wacom. One of the least talked about features is Hot Keys that can be programmed to emulate multiple key strokes in tour editing program. The the touch of a single button instantly automates operations of your choice.
This is not a big deal for a single picture, but if you are editing hundreds, it is a huge time saver.
I am a lefty, so it is Pen in the left hand, Track Ball under my right and no mouse.
I have a large tablet, but if I bought again I would downsize to medium.
I got an Xencelabs tablet for just under $200 at B&H but have yet to get going with it. Being left-handed I always had a problem with the Wacom buttons on the side so I gave up on it. The Xencelabs were made by a couple of guys that used to work for Wacom.
I went to a Wacom Intous (Medium) a few years ago for PP edits. While it took a bit of a learning curve, it was a major improvement for accuracy and control (via pressure) vs. a mouse. I did a quick review of the XP-PEN recommended and I think it is a great suggestion for a very inexpensive way to test using a graphics tablet.
one_eyed_pete wrote:
I have found this discussion very interesting. I am naturally left handed but years ago I trained myself to efficiently use the mouse with my right hand. I'm thinking I might be able to use a tablet/pen with my left hand for better fine control while editing.
you can program tablets for left or right hand use, I know you can with a Wacom..
MJPerini wrote:
If you do a lot of editing, you will probably love a graphics tablet.
I use Wacom. One of the least talked about features is Hot Keys that can be programmed to emulate multiple key strokes in tour editing program. The the touch of a single button instantly automates operations of your choice.
This is not a big deal for a single picture, but if you are editing hundreds, it is a huge time saver.
I am a lefty, so it is Pen in the left hand, Track Ball under my right and no mouse.
I have a large tablet, but if I bought again I would downsize to medium.
If you do a lot of editing, you will probably love... (
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I am like you but the opposite was, pen right and mouse when needed left..
DirtFarmer wrote:
I got a small Wacom tablet about 10-15 years ago. Tried several times to get used to it but I have been using a trackball for too long and at my age muscle memory is important and hard to develop. It looks like it would work well and so many people swear by them it's probably a viable editing tool, just doesn't work for me.
OTOH, I gave up the mouse about 3 decades ago and switched to a trackball. The mouse requires desk space and the trackball does not. You can even use it under a pile of papers on your desk. My desk was always messy so the trackball worked for me. Over the years I have had several different kinds and my favorite right now is the Ergo from Logitech. It comes in two packages. The best one is about $75-100. It has a two-speed trackball. There's a button right by the ball that will switch to fine motion so you can get more accuracy from the motion. It also has a switch that will allow you to use it on one of two machines, so I can put two laptops side by side and use the trackball on one or the other without moving my hand. It's wireless bluetooth and has a USB port for occasional charging.
I find it really good for editing because of the fine control. But that's just me. I would put it out as an option in case the tablet doesn't work for you. Both items take practice.
I got a small Wacom tablet about 10-15 years ago. ... (
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I am another advocate for the Logitech Ergo trackball. It's good for editing as well as every day use.
DirtFarmer
Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA
wmcy wrote:
I am another advocate for the Logitech Ergo trackball. It's good for editing as well as every day use.
Trackpads are now ubiquitous on all the recent laptops I've come across, but I never used them since my trackball was ingrained in my workflow. The only problem is that my wife is used to the trackpad so I have to keep it active. Were it not for that I would disable it, because it is right below the keyboard and every so often my palm touches it and moves the cursor while I'm typing and I have to (1) find where it went and (2) re-do all the stuff I typed in at the wrong spot. On my Win10 machine I can disable it but on the Mac it takes a little extra work to do that. I never was able to use the trackpad for editing. Also, the trackpad lacks things like the right-click button (you need two fingers to do a right click) and the fine action button on the Ergo trackball as well as the forward and back buttons for the browser. The main problem is age and muscle memory.
I recommend trying an XP-PEN because it's an inexpensive way to see if you can handle using a graphics tablet for photo editing. I have one but only use it for blending with the brush tool. IMO a tablet with a smaller area is much better for photo editing.
Many years ago I got a Wacom tablet. I never was comfortable with using it, drawing with one hand on the tablet while looking at the monitor. A couple years ago I got a Huion, and really like it. It's easy to use and I can focus on the Huion and what I'm working on.
pauldh
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
I bought a VEIKK tablet. Reasonably priced and has good reviews.
But edting with a graphic tablet is better than a mouse but it not that easy either.
I ordered the Xpen G640 yesterday for $28.99. They also have a wireless remote with selector wheel and 6 hot buttons which I can buy later.
Thanks to everyone for their advice. I lucked into a Wacom One for under $100 used. It's supposed to be a good beginners tablet and a bit easier to acclimate to than the Intuous. I
rwoodvira wrote:
Thanks to everyone for their advice. I lucked into a Wacom One for under $100 used. It's supposed to be a good beginners tablet and a bit easier to acclimate to than the Intuous. I
Did you read the reviews. Not only is the intuous a lot cheaper, it's actually the better all around. I love mine.
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