need info on computer art tablits..
By
8baller,
Posted on: 2009-01-09 13:19 in Multi-Media Fan Creations
I love mine. 100% of what I do is with it now. Been using it for almost two years I think and it has been very reliable. I can only recommend Wacom though, as I haven't tried any other brands. I have a 6x11 I think. I would recommend a smaller one if you want to travel with it. 6x8 seems like a good size. You can zoom in easily with them.
Try Amazon.com, or Ebay if you are willing to risk it. Overstock.com has other brands for very good prices, but I can't vouch for them.
Also, Wacom comes with a basic photoshop which allows you to do a lot. I don't think the others do.
Firstly, they are absolutely worth it. Absolutely.
I'm currently working with a 6x11 Wacom Intuos 3. I've had it for about a year. Before that, I was working with a 4x6 Wacom Graphire for... well... quite awhile. I always like to mention that because the 4x6 Graphire was pretty much the bottom of the barrel as far as Wacom goes. But you know what? It served me just fine.
Wacom doesn't make the Graphire anymore. The Graphire line got replaced with the Wacom Bamboo. The small size (4x6) Bamboo Fun comes with a bunch of graphics software... and it retails for less than $100. You could probably find one just about anywhere that sells computer stuff. It's not the fanciest tablet on the market, but I'm sure it would serve you well.
Bamboo, Bamboo Fun and Wacom 2, 3, and 4 are all 512 levels of sensitivity... okay for starting on but there is a HUGE difference, when you go to the Wacom Intuos 3 and up... which has 1024 levels, allowing your pressure to be felt by the tablet significantly!
If you've never used one before, I recommend starting on the lower end models to get control and second nature-ism, then save 3 bills for the Intuos 3, well worth it.
Well, large ones cost more money, but i'm gonna toss my hat in for that if you're serious about using a tool like this.
See, it's enough of a disconnect that you're drawing DOWN but looking UP, but when gliding your hand down an inch makes a line appear across HALF your screen, like it would with a smaller tablet, it takes getting used to. BUT, if the tablet is about the size of your monitor, gliding your hand an inch on the tablet means you get a line that's actually an inch on the screen.
Of course, that said, if you're USED to drawing small and not having to move your arm too much when drawing, then a smaller tablet is for you. You can always zoom in and out on-screen until you get a good comfort level.
-STEELE =)
Allied to all sides so that no matter what, I'll come out on top!
Oh, and Crimson demands you play this arc-> Twisted Knives (MA Arc #397769)
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Well, large ones cost more money, but i'm gonna toss my hat in for that if you're serious about using a tool like this.
See, it's enough of a disconnect that you're drawing DOWN but looking UP, but when gliding your hand down an inch makes a line appear across HALF your screen, like it would with a smaller tablet, it takes getting used to. BUT, if the tablet is about the size of your monitor, gliding your hand an inch on the tablet means you get a line that's actually an inch on the screen.
Of course, that said, if you're USED to drawing small and not having to move your arm too much when drawing, then a smaller tablet is for you. You can always zoom in and out on-screen until you get a good comfort level.
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This is precisely why I suggest the low end model first, learning the necessity to draw with the confines will be less painful to adjust to when upgrading for more pressure...
Hubby recently purchased me a Bamboo and I really like it so far. I would recommend starting with a smaller priced one as well. That way you can see if it really is for you.
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See, it's enough of a disconnect that you're drawing DOWN but looking UP, but when gliding your hand down an inch makes a line appear across HALF your screen, like it would with a smaller tablet, it takes getting used to. BUT, if the tablet is about the size of your monitor, gliding your hand an inch on the tablet means you get a line that's actually an inch on the screen.
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One way or another, it does take some time to get used to. Funny thing though... my work just bought one of the 12x19 Intuos tablets this week for general studio use and whoever needs it for whatever. It's amazing... but at the same time I'm finding it really tough to adjust to as I'm just so used to a small tablet.
... what I wouldn't do to get one of those for home use though!
12x19? Is that the size of the entire thing or just the drawing area?
-STEELE =)
Allied to all sides so that no matter what, I'll come out on top!
Oh, and Crimson demands you play this arc-> Twisted Knives (MA Arc #397769)
12 x 19? WOW!!! I think though if I could afford that, I would go Cintinq... though the idea of drawing on your screen seems fine, but all that filling in of the spaces reminds me of actual painting... which um I don't miss. BUCKET TOOL to the rescue!!!
Tablets for digital work? Absolutely worth it. I've used several, they've all be Wacom brand. 9x12 Intuos, 4x5 Graphire, 6x8 Intuos3. Wacom makes the best; you're sure of a solid product if you go with Intuos; Bamboo has been getting better, but I think is still not up to the quality standard Graphire was.
If you can find a 4x5 Graphire on amazon or ebay that is NOT Bluetooth enabled I suggest starting there.
As an artist you generally don't want a very large tablet; anything over 6x8 (or 6x11 works well for widescreen) and you tend to over-exert yourself in the arm movements while drawing, making it more difficult to get smooth lines and strokes. I can speak to this from experience; my 9x12 was a great tablet but such a hamper because of its size. When I switched to a 4x5 I moved about three times faster because I didn't have to make those gigantic strokes anymore. Mostly you focus on wrist and hand movements, rather than broad arm movements. (The really big tablets are more suited toward multi-screen video-processing environments.)
As for the concern of tablet size VS monitor size, your tablet compensates for that to work proportionally with your screen. You can even set it up to use only a portion of your screen or your tablet if your surface area is uncomfortably large. Like LJ said, it is actually much better to start with the small models then move up if need be. I went the other way around and it hampered my speed and precision for a long time.
If you can't afford a Wacom, I recommend Aiptek. I've two friends that have been using Aipteks for years; they're not as good as Wacom but they are solid and considerably less expensive.
Keep in mind that the tablet sizes are the drawing area, and all of them have a couple inches around that. So a 6x8 table has a surface area around 9x13. And there's nothing you can do to get the 9x12 tablet to fit in a backpack.
And actually LJ, Wacom Intuos has always be 1024 levels of sensitivity. The newer models have different button features and adjusted layouts. (Intuos (1) had just a removable pressure strip at the top of the tablet's drawing area, while Intuos3 has 4 buttons and a slider on each side, which I much prefer.) The tablet tech and pens got better, too. And yeah, if I had enough for a 12x19 I would just get the Cintiq as well.
Oh, chances are when you first start working with the tablet things will be awkward and slow. Don't worry, that's natural and things will smooth out for you as you get a feel for what you're doing.
@Liz!
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..would you use the wacco board with the lasso tool in photoshop a lot?..
and what dose having some much pressure sensitivity supposed ta do?
I currently have a 6x11 Intuos 3 myself. I've tried bigger tablets, but found that bigger doesn't mean better. In fact, it makes drawing on a screen far more awkward. My suggestion is to try to buy a tablet near your screen size, and never bigger.
Tablet...couldn't get any art done without it.
That being said...I also suggest the try before you buy method. If you know someone around you that has one that would be best...and try it for a good week or so (it's most likely going to be very odd at first).
However, if you go with the 'inexpensive test route' first...you need to make sure it has pressure sensativity. We made this mistake the first time around on our end and went another 2 years without one because it seemed so.....limiting.
My vote for size is in the "size matters" category. I've got a pretty large tablet here...and I've had tiny ones...and they just don't seem 'right' working on (could be just me though).
OH and something that took me forever to finally find an answer to....in order to have the brush 'rotate' in your hand and on the tablet...it requires a special pen tool. The standard one won't do it. (Don't know why that little fact was so hard to find, but I tried searching options on all programs I have for months before finally coming across it).
"Scumball in the side pocket." - 8 Baller
I had a 6x8 Inuous and a 25" monitor - never had any problems with them being diferent sizes.
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..would you use the wacco board with the lasso tool in photoshop a lot?..
and what dose having some much pressure sensitivity supposed ta do?
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1. The lasso tool is your friend. I use it indefinitely and daily... if you hold the ALT button down AFTER you make an initial line with the lasso, it turns into the polygonal lasso, which only does straight lines, much like the pen tool in other programs.
2. Pressure Sensitivity, that is 1024 levels of it, NOT 512... allows you to touch the Wacom tablet lightly, and a thin line can be made on screen, much the way you would get a light line if you didn't press hard with a pencil. If you press hard on it, you'll get a darker line, and most likely a thicker line with some brushes depending on the program.
You will also need a matching pen (stylus) that has interchangeable tips to give you the feel of drawing either with a ball point pen or soft like a felt tip marker.
Oh and Liz: I meant the Graphire 2,3 and 4s... I knew the Intuos's were better, pressure wise. But thanks for correcting me - 
... 
LJ
..ok.. but how do you get the paint off the board when your finished? ...
..
.
..ack.. sorry.. just joking
thanks for all the info.. I didnt know they could be used like that.
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OH and something that took me forever to finally find an answer to....in order to have the brush 'rotate' in your hand and on the tablet...it requires a special pen tool. The standard one won't do it. (Don't know why that little fact was so hard to find, but I tried searching options on all programs I have for months before finally coming across it).
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In this I believe you are talking about pen tilt, and at least with Wacoms it's not the pen that enables you to have directionality (such as with airbrush spray) it's the tablet. Graphires couldn't do it, I imagine Bamboos do not either.
Otherwise, I'm not sure what you're talking about.
And more levels of sensitivity mean the tablet is more responsive to how firm or light the pressure of your strokes. It's not necessarily something you'll notice if you've never had a tablet before, so starting off with 'just' 512 shouldn't be a problem.
@Liz!
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Nope, not talking about tilt, but the actual alignment (rotation) of the pen tip.
Best example would be a tall, narrow brush. Where holding the pen vertically and pulling down would get you a thin line. Then, rotating the pen 90 degrees and pulling down gets you a really thick line.
That's the alignment I'm talking about...and even the dang Wacom sales rep that I talked to at a conference couldn't tell me how to do it.
Seemed like a simply enough thing to do...but I guess not. Then special pen looks a lot like a big wide tip, felt tip marker.
I agree with you on the "just" 512 levels thing. The darn tablet we initially got only had 2....on and off 
Todd
"Scumball in the side pocket." - 8 Baller
Ahh I understand what you're talking about now. I haven't bothered with any of the specialty pens or tips yet, tho' I've considered picking up the Airbrush pen a few times.
I'd a friend with one of those really basic 'on/off' pressure level tablets. I honestly don't know how he could stand it. I think they're not made for art as much as editing.
@Liz!
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well firstly.. are they worth it?...
secondly where is a cheap place to buy one without buying a cheaply made one?..
thirdly.. what size is best for drawing??? ...