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TJ Given

9 Years Ago

Photographer Seeks To Upgrade Mouse

Hello to everyone.

I am a photographer who uses a mouse with a mouse pad to do my digital edits.

I am searching for advice on moving from mouse to, say, Wacom pad/tablet because I would like to get into "painting" in Photoshop Elements (and eventually the real Photoshop when the budget permits that expense).

If anyone has tips for where to begin, I would appreciate the feedback.

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Louise Reeves

9 Years Ago

Once you go pen and tablet, you'll never go back. You can go pretty economical; there's no need to get the biggest and best starting out. I have been using a 6x8 tablet for about 8 years and until it craps out, I see no reason to upgrade.

 

Carmen Hathaway

9 Years Ago

Hi TJ...lots of discussion in the forum about tablets -- a quick search will bring up a wealth of info.

Lara Ellis had this great thread going
Wacom Bamboo Silver Any Thoughts?


Meanwhile -- I recommend one of the compact ones...price point 100. or less

I have the larger Intuos, and a compact one -- and there's not much I can't do with the smaller one as the larger.

In a media lab I instructed -- my recommendation for the compact tablets was a hit -- the lab was outfitted with them & everyone enjoyed them.

Loved the comment here one day (who said this?) that drawing with a mouse is like trying to draw with a bar of soap.

A pen/stylus is the way to go. Check out Lara's thread once she got her tablet :) 1st Photo Using Wacom Bamboo Tablet

~ Carmen Hathaway

 

Lara Ellis

9 Years Ago

Thanks Carmen :) @ TJ still loving my wacom bamboo silver and it didn't break the bank to get it. I don't know how I lived without it for so long!

 

Mike Savad

9 Years Ago

a tablet is good for drawing, but not for general work. a mouse is still best for menus, moving, and almost anything else that isn't shading or drawing. the tablet i have right now is the intous medium, its wireless which is nice. but i hate the button arrangement, the one i had before arranged them better. i'm always hitting the wrong one because they are all the same shape. they have braille lines on it, but i never feel the differences. i like the "wheel" in the center. don't like the chalk board like surface they gave. though while i polished an area smooth, there is a lot left.

a tablet is a good investment, i suggest a 6x8 surface, the smaller ones aren't as high res, and the larger ones your arm moves too much. there is a learning curve to using these however, they don't work like a mouse, they work like a pad of paper. if you want your cursor to the far right, you need to move your arm and pen to the far right. once you get the hang of it, it's easy. a bit of a pain to program though.


---Mike Savad

 

Mike Savad

9 Years Ago

the difference between bamboo and intous is - pressure levels. i think the bamboo has the same levels as the older intous pro (i wish they would change the main name, it's confusing). and the current version is twice as sensitive. i don't have to push as as hard. if possible though - get the ergonomic pen, mine came with a straight one, and it's hard to hold. don't lose the pen its like $80 to replace it.


---Mike Savad

 

Carmen Hathaway

9 Years Ago

You're welcome Lara :) As you said -- it's intuitive.

I find it makes a mouse positively archaic. Cumbersome, at the very least ;)







~ Carmen Hathaway

 

TJ Given

9 Years Ago

I started Googling and still have a few questions, but first, I am concerned with how small the small tablets are. I think I would need a medium sized one. Second, are different sizes of pens available? I prefer the slimmest style of pen that is still ergonomically-friendly.

As an artist, I tend to stroke big and make big circles and curves. I am also middle-aged and prefer hardware that is not black if I can help it. (I need to see, and silver-colored hardware appeals to me greatly.)

Lastly, some of the search results mention that certain software is included with the purchase, but I do not think that is the case anymore, at least concerning Photoshop Elements. I would love to purchase a tablet complete with the latest version of PSE and/or anything Corel, but I doubt a bundle like that is still being sold. Correct me if I am wrong. I noticed other software included that I have not heard of before.

Okay, thanks for the replies, and I will continue my Googling.

~TJ

 

Louise Reeves

9 Years Ago

They are probably software promotions and that's not a bad thing. I've gotten some pretty nice freebies with hardware purchases.
I am not aware of pen size options; the one that came with mine is like a fat pen. As Mike mentioned, depending on the model, pressure can affect the stroke (mine does not), so that could be a good thing for what you need it for.
There is probably some good info on the Wacom site itself as to what your options are.

 

Mike Savad

9 Years Ago

there are 2 pens and an airbrush. one thing, like a fat pen. one really fat, which is more comfortable. as far as i know they all come in black now. they match computers better, they used to be putty colored.

medium is an a good size, one step up from the smallest is what you should aim for, or you'll be making wide strokes. however you get more control that way. less movement, less control. though there is a way to set the software up to make fine tuning motions (where the whole tablet equals an inch), i never used it.

i don't think corel comes with anything, and elements, i'm not sure about, you'll have to ask wacom.

there are also different nibs for the pens. i like the spring loaded myself. but you can get them has a hard tip, i think a soft, a marker and i think something else. samples come with the unit.


---Mike Savad

 

Billy East

9 Years Ago

Wacom Cintiq 22HD - the difference is seeing what you draw without looking away from the drawing. It's actually worth the money.

 

TJ Given

9 Years Ago

I am leaning toward this one unless an older model (cheaper on Amazon) will do just as well. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1002449-REG/wacom_cth480_intuos_creative_pen.html

 

Mike Savad

9 Years Ago

the active area on that is kind of small, you'll lose the ability to do fine controls.

---Mike Savad

 

Melissa Bittinger

9 Years Ago

This might be a better option for you.
http://www.amazon.com/Huion-H610PRO-Painting-Drawing-Graphics/dp/B00HO5LRQ0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1398365923&sr=8-2&keywords=huion+h610+pro

 

Melissa Bittinger

9 Years Ago

I have this one, not sure what's different than the one above? Good for budget, large area, affordable enough that if you want to upgrade later to a wacom, you won't feel guilty!
http://www.amazon.com/Huion-H610-Graphics-Drawing-Tablet/dp/B00GIGGS6A/ref=pd_cp_pc_0

 

Melissa Bittinger

9 Years Ago

for a good painting program that will not break the bank, look around at this one.
http://www.artrage.com/

 

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