Dbl00buk Loc: Orlando

Hi Hoggers, I don't post much, I'd rather read and learn from you good people. This time I'd like to ask for some help. I'm in the market for a decent PP editing tablet. I'm using LR, Elements and Capture One 10. My mouse just isn't making it for the close details so, with some research, I found a few brands, e.g. Wacom, Monoprice, Turcom, Huion. I did a search on the topic here and found Wacom as a favored. My friend swears by his Wacom. He told me he'd never go back to a mouse. I heard there is a learning curve however. I'd like to stay in the $100-$200 range if possible. Your input would be deeply appreciated and thanks in advance.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

My take on tablets is if you have some natural sketching ability (i.e. eye hand coordination), then a tablet will help. In PP of images the success/failure of many operations lies in the ability of making selections. In Photoshop you are continuingly required to select that which is to modified or not modified. So score yourself.

I expect to be putting a Wacom Graphire up for sale down after the snow season.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Wacom, Wacom, Wacom. Like John said, it takes some getting used to if you've been mouse bound for decades.

andywilk38 Loc: Cambridge UK

Some people love tablets; some hate them; I [pro tog who spends a lot of time editing, experimenting, doing graphics] fall somewhere in between.

Main pass-ons from me:
Wacom, from my research before buying, seemed to be the best by quite a long way;
Must give sufficient dedicated time to get used to the different way of inputting i.e. by pen. Many find the transition quite hard, but it can be done - you only need to watch, for example, a PHLEARN episode on YouTube to see this in action. Perseverance will pay dividends.
Bought a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Tablet. I find this too big for my needs. If you use the entire drawing field, arm movements are unnecessarily big. I reduced the drawing field area setting it to just under half the tablet size, because natural wrist movements work more intuitively as opposed to larger arm movements;
I have experienced a lag with wireless, so tend to use tethered;
I still find some difficulty with extremely precise pick-ups and placements with the pen, whereas the mouse 'click' is decisive. I probably have some work to do here, or a settings adjustment to make;

The ultimate tool/experience for editors/designers to aspire looks like Cintiq, but they are a lot of money!

Goos luck!

Spiney Loc: Reading, PA

If you want to test the waters without breaking the bank check your local Craigslist. I got a Wacom Intuos the small 4x6 tablet like new for $25 from an art student. All I had to do was download the latest drivers and software for free. I have a monster older Serial Wacom that's about 2' square. I doubt it would work with modern OS's.

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

Your best bet is Wacom, but beware. I just couldn't get the hang of it and now back with the mouse. One problem I had was that when moving the pen it has to be held a few mm from the tablet, when touching the tablet with the pen I would usually miss the target. A problem I do not find with a mouse, Just move the mouse until the cursor is on the target and click. I find this much more positive and accurate.

SueMac Loc: Box Elder, SD

I do a lot of old photo restorations and wouldn't be without a Wacom pad. When I first started I was lucky in that it didn't take me too long to get the hang of it....maybe an hour. One tip...don't look at your hand when using the pad. Keep your eyes on the monitor and practice.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Wacom for sure. Hide your mouse an force yourself to work with it until you have that "Ah-ha" moment. Have fun.

ottodog3

I have a 27 inch CINTIQ and love it. Just can not beat it for editing

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

All you need to get the "old one" working again is a set of drivers. Normally, these are not O/S version dependent, at least for the PC's.

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

You can set the Wacom pen up to (almost) duplicate a mouse. The double (rocker) switch on the pen can, in one direction, be set up as a left mouse click, and the other direction, as a right mouse click.

sterrill Loc: missouri

I really like my Wacom. The you tube videos are really helpful. Targeted adjustment is a whole new world. I also use the mouse for some things which is possibly due to some ignorance on my part.