Graphic Tablet

[MediaMagic]

Anyone use a graphic tablet for photo editing? I haven't. It "looks" like it would allow for very fast, accurate editing but that could just be fantasy as I saw one and thought "hey, I need one of those". You know how the story goes.

The specific model is by wacom, 6"x8", Intuos2, though there might be better choices.

http://www.wacom.com/productinfo/differences.cfm

They aren't cheap, but if they can speed up the workflow, I could rationalize getting one.

David

[evilenglishman]

Wacom tablets are great at what they do, but I think you would find that it wouldn't get used much so might not justify the price.

I've used all kinds of their tablets over the years but always end up coming back to the mouse.

[elm54]

Hi,
One of the best indicaters as to wheather you find it an improvement to your workflw is how much workspace you can give it and wheather you want to get use to using it. I have an intuos 9x12, and have it for a few years. But I made the mistake of buying one I don't really have the area to let it sit, so it is cumbersome. That said , it is faster than using a mouse, it is much more compfortable to select a mask with, or use a brush with. If you lay it out and use your keyboard shortcuts I really like it. The 9x12 was overkill for me and I think a 6x8 would work better. It does take a little getting use to but once that happens I prefer it on some images evan with it sitting on my lap and woking the keyboard.
I think you have to decide wheather it is worthwhile and, it will go back to workspace.

Just my opinion,
Eric

[Conk]

May I suggest trying the smaller tablet at a cheaper price? It is inexpensive and if you find you don't like the learning curve then there is no real loss.
I found mine has taken some time to get use to but the tablet does have some real advantages over the mouse.

[Bruce Watson]

I would concur with the advice of starting small and cheap. Purchased a Wacom 4X6 for under $100 Cdn. a few months ago.

Small work surface, but also needs little space, so I have it out beside my keyboard and am using it reguarly for photo editing.

For that kind of money, it has been a great investment, but I would not want to have something worth a thousand odd dollars cluttering up my desk, at least not at my skill level.

If I move up in skill, I can always buy larger, but am gaining the experience and motor skills in the interim.

Cheers,

Bruce

[BoySpot]

I just posted in someone elses area on this so forgive me those who read all of the areas. Wacom do a basic tablet called the Volito. It was in the UK for about £40 which makes for a cheap entry into tablets. I am delighted with mine. No idea if the expensive ones are a lot better or not but this would be a good place to start.

[MediaMagic]

Thanks for the input. I did decide to try it and went with a compromise. I found a used Intuos2 6x8 for just a little over what I would have paid for a new 4x5, so we'll see how it turns out. I'll give it some time to get used to it and see how it goes.

[sparktography]

I don't see how anyone can edit photos without a graphics tablet myself... The controll is incredible, and pressure sensitivity is great for the airbrush and heal tools...