Wacom Bamboo, Intuos etc..suggestions?

[nutsnbolts]

I'm in a market for one of these wacom "pads" and was wondering if anyone here have any recommendation as to what to get that's best suited for Lightroom/Photoshop work.

I know that the Intuos are the top of the line ones but I'm looking for suggestions and advice that actually makes sense.

In other words, of course, I can get the largest and most expensive Intuos or Cintiq one out there (I really can't afford it lol) but I want to get the right size that is reasonably priced.

In other words, if I should save up to get a specific size Intuos versus the Bamboo, please let me know which one or if Intuos is just overkill and not worth the extra money because a Bamboo one would suffice then ....

I don't know enough about the true difference between these things and want to make sure I get the right one at the right price.

I don't mind spending more (I'll just save) I just want to know what everyone's experience is with what they have or wished they had or doesn't need to have...LOL

[Bobster]

its not a pad, but a tablet ;)

Bamboo has pressure sensitivity, but doesnt have all the controls of the Intuos or Cintiq

i've used a Wacom Tablet for the past 15 years now (i paint with it as well as do PP) and bought the wife a Bamboo earlier this year because she wanted to learn PP, it does the job, and is excellent bang for buck :)

[RDKirk]

The Bamboo gets you 95% of all the benefits you need for photo editing. If you get into painting, then the larger tablets have definite merit, but for photo editing (which is usually done with pencil-like movements rather than "paining from the shoulder" strokes), a smaller area works just as well if not better.

It would be nice if the Bamboo replicated the shift, alt, and windows/option keys as the Intuit does...that's the 5% it misses. But you can live and work well without them. The Bamboo also has courser pressure sensitivity than Intuous...but the current Bamboo line has the same cursor sensitivity that the Intuous line had for years until a few months ago, and that had been perfectly acceptable for top professional use all those years.

[MaxxuM]

I'm in a market for one of these wacom "pads" and was wondering if anyone here have any recommendation as to what to get that's best suited for Lightroom/Photoshop work.

I know that the Intuos are the top of the line ones but I'm looking for suggestions and advice that actually makes sense.

In other words, of course, I can get the largest and most expensive Intuos or Cintiq one out there (I really can't afford it lol) but I want to get the right size that is reasonably priced.

In other words, if I should save up to get a specific size Intuos versus the Bamboo, please let me know which one or if Intuos is just overkill and not worth the extra money because a Bamboo one would suffice then ....

I don't know enough about the true difference between these things and want to make sure I get the right one at the right price.

I don't mind spending more (I'll just save) I just want to know what everyone's experience is with what they have or wished they had or doesn't need to have...LOL

I got my daughter the larger Bamboo two years ago and I always have trouble making it 'stick' to the work area. I let my daughter use my Intuos and after a week when her project was over she refused to give it back. I told her I would buy her one of the newer models, but she said I should get myself a Cintiq for Christmas and let her keep the Intuos :rolleyes:

I don't think I've ever used her Bamboo so I don't know all it's features, but she draws constantly with Autodesk Sketchbook, Anime Studio and Painter 11 and she hates the Bamboo now after using the Intuos.

[nutsnbolts]

What size specifically do you guys think you can recommend. What size is enough? I know that the larger ones that you guys are talking about are like 300+ range. I know I don't need all that big for photo editing. I don't plan on painting so what is a good size?

[Bobster]

bamboo should do you fine..

MaxxuM's daughter probably likes the tilt features that the intuos has when using Painter

[Titus213]

I've found my 4x6 Intuos 3 to be all the size I need. I use it for all computer function except typing....The new Intuos 4 small seems to be a bit larger in overall size. I've not used the 4 but suspect it is every bit as handy as the 3.

[wlescall]

The programmability of the Intuos 4 across multiple applications can be VERY useful. NAPP members can download and use the Photoshop guys preferences or preferences can be traded or passed on.

[Titus213]

The programmability of the Intuos 4 across multiple applications can be VERY useful. NAPP members can download and use the Photoshop guys preferences or preferences can be traded or passed on.

FYI - the 3 offers that same option and it is very useful.

[wlescall]

FYI - the 3 offers that same option and it is very useful.

I know ... had the 3, upgraded to the 4 and won't go back. There is a LOT more flexibility in the programming: i.e. the Radial Menu.

[Titus213]

I know ... had the 3, upgraded to the 4 and won't go back. There is a LOT more flexibility in the programming: i.e. the Radial Menu.

Oh I agree, I just have to wait for my 3 to break to justify and upgrade....:lol:

And that won't happen for quite a while. They are really quite well built.

[Palladium]

I know ... had the 3, upgraded to the 4 and won't go back. There is a LOT more flexibility in the programming: i.e. the Radial Menu.

I had two Intuos 3's (one @ home and one for the laptop). Went to a Wacom presentation for the new 4 and came away with two new Intuos 4's and later picked up another in the B/S forum.

http://www.wacom.com/intuos/

[neeko]

The wacom bambo was a good entry level tablet but no where near as good as the intuos series.

However the latest incarnation of it is giving new buyers a run for their money.

http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/bamboo_pen_touch.php


But if you don't mind saving for it the Intous 3 or 4 are fantastic.

[nutsnbolts]

Wow guys, thanks for the responsiveness to this. I went out and purchased the Intuos 4 (Small) for my 17" Macbook pro. I love it. Then again, I can't really compare it to any other wacom related tablet except for my actual HP TABLET PC (built on wacom).

I did see the bamboo pen/touch but not sure how the two would mix well together? Do I really need touch? Hmmm... A quick review I pulled up on my iPhone while trying to decide at the store was that the touch feature wasn't all that and the use of it wasn't something you really would use so having that extra feature is nice but not necessary.

On the other hand, when I took my intuos 4 home, I didn't know it came with a mouse? Honestly, I like the mouse feature..then again if I was going to ask myself, why I need the extra mouse? I really don't know (same idea as having touch).

Anyway, happy camper here...

I am a NAPP member, can someone elaborate on the sharing preferences...links?

[wlescall]

Oh I agree, I just have to wait for my 3 to break to justify and upgrade....:lol:

And that won't happen for quite a while. They are really quite well built.

Well ... there is always an 'accident' ;).
;):oops::wink:

[wlescall]

Wow guys, thanks for the responsiveness to this. I went out and purchased the Intuos 4 (Small) for my 17" Macbook pro. I love it. Then again, I can't really compare it to any other wacom related tablet except for my actual HP TABLET PC (built on wacom).

I did see the bamboo pen/touch but not sure how the two would mix well together? Do I really need touch? Hmmm... A quick review I pulled up on my iPhone while trying to decide at the store was that the touch feature wasn't all that and the use of it wasn't something you really would use so having that extra feature is nice but not necessary.

On the other hand, when I took my intuos 4 home, I didn't know it came with a mouse? Honestly, I like the mouse feature..then again if I was going to ask myself, why I need the extra mouse? I really don't know (same idea as having touch).

Anyway, happy camper here...

I am a NAPP member, can someone elaborate on the sharing preferences...links?

Go to the NAPP website and search for Intuos.

[nutsnbolts]

Go to the NAPP website and search for Intuos.

Thanks, this was my next steps.

[mg550]

I've never used the Bamboo, but you'd be in for a fight if you tried to take my Intuos 3 away from me.

[Echo63]

I have and older Graphire4 (model before the Bamboo) and the Intuos3
after using the Intuos - there is no way i will go back to the Graphire.
the pen is much more comfortable to use, especially for long periods of time, and there is so much more sensitivity than the graphire.

to be perfectly honest, between the multitouch on my macbook's trackpad, and the intuos plugged in when its sitting on my desk with the 24" monitor connected, i never use a mouse at home.
at work i tend to get frustrated, and avoid doing any real photoshop work, as i find the mouse very clunky to use

[nutsnbolts]

The programmability of the Intuos 4 across multiple applications can be VERY useful. NAPP members can download and use the Photoshop guys preferences or preferences can be traded or passed on.

For everyone else who needs this information. As I was doing my duty in the bathroom, I picked up a random Photoshop User magazine and ol' and behold, on Page 19, December 2009 Edition, there is a section specifically talking about Sharing tablet settings.

You can log into NAPP (if you have an account), look under NAPP Perks > Perks & Freebies and follow the instructions to get their settings and learn how you can share your tablet preferences too!

I know I went to the site blindly and couldn't find it but there you go!

[Dooms_day]

my bamboo is perfect for dodgeing/burning/clone stamping although i want to get into graphic design but it is kinda small

[jdizzle]

I've been looking at these tablets for a while now and most of my shooting is landscape. Which Intuos do you guys recommend? The 3 or 4? I'll be using it for layer masking and dodge & burn. Would the Intuos 4 be too big? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Palladium]

I've been looking at these tablets for a while now and most of my shooting is landscape. Which Intuos do you guys recommend? The 3 or 4? I'll be using it for layer masking and dodge & burn. Would the Intuos 4 be too big? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Intuos 3 and Intuos 4 are series

within each series you have different sizes

the Intuos 4 are the new ones

[jdizzle]

Intuos 3 and Intuos 4 are series

within each series you have different sizes

the Intuos 4 are the new ones
Thanks! :) So, will the Intuos 4 Large be to big for what I need it for? Or is the medium size good enough? :)

[Palladium]

Thanks! :) So, will the Intuos 4 Large be to big for what I need it for? Or is the medium size good enough? :)

Get the Medium

here's a photo of my Intuos 4 medium for reference

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9494/img1457sm.jpg

[jdizzle]

Get the Medium

here's a photo of my Intuos 4 medium for reference

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9494/img1457sm.jpg
Nice! The medium looks more than adequate. Thanks for posting the pic! :) I appreciate your help Palladium.

[JayCee Images]

I have a Medium I4 and a Bamboo...honestly, the Bamboo does pretty much everything the I4 does and is SUBSTANTIALLY cheaper. If you dont need huge amounts of customization or a larger working area, then the Bamboo is totally fine and a much better bargain.

[Bob_A]

I have and older Graphire4 (model before the Bamboo) and the Intuos3
after using the Intuos - there is no way i will go back to the Graphire.
the pen is much more comfortable to use, especially for long periods of time, and there is so much more sensitivity than the graphire.

to be perfectly honest, between the multitouch on my macbook's trackpad, and the intuos plugged in when its sitting on my desk with the 24" monitor connected, i never use a mouse at home.
at work i tend to get frustrated, and avoid doing any real photoshop work, as i find the mouse very clunky to use

I use a Graphire and while it's OK for what I do the Bluetooth seems to interfere with my laptop's Wi-Fi. When upgrade time comes I'll go for an Intuos.

[Todd Lambert]

I have a Intuos 3 9x12 and I love it. Bigger is better for me, I love the extra room and the features of the Intuos are great. I couldn't use a bamboo anymore, no way.

[jdizzle]

I have a Intuos 3 9x12 and I love it. Bigger is better for me, I love the extra room and the features of the Intuos are great. I couldn't use a bamboo anymore, no way.
I'm definitely going for the Intuos 4 medium. I was watching a couple of videos on Youtube and most seems to like it. The reviews online are positive as well. :)

[maximus96]

got my intuos4 last week when bing and ebay was having the 20% cashback. the intuos4 medium costed me $248 shipped. took a few hours to adjust.

[Tareq]

I've got Intuos3 Large and Intuos4 small, i see that the small is better, so medium will fit, large is really big space to work with.