Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts

Computer related questions => PC computer questions, tips and how to's => Topic started by: michaelb104 on April 18, 2011, 12:44:10 PM

Title: Graphic Tablets
Post by: michaelb104 on April 18, 2011, 12:44:10 PM
I was reading about graphic tablets in a magazine over the weekend but it didn't give much insight into using them.

Does anybody use them for PPing photos?

How much easier than a mouse and keyboard are they to use?
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: OwinThomas on April 18, 2011, 01:16:36 PM
Mike, I have the Wacom Intuos 3 which I did use quite a bit when I got it, not as much these days. It takes a bit of getting used to, but when you do you will find it more accurate in PP'ing images.

You can also use it instead of the mouse for other software, operating system etc.

A great bit of kit to try out, if you can get your hands on one. I think Wacom does a cheaper consumer version called the Bamboo, which although cheaper still allows you to get the feel of using a pen and tablet.
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: Beryl on April 18, 2011, 02:05:10 PM
I also have a G tablet. I can use it instead of a mouse . It is easier to use for graphics . Have to agree with Owin  :tup:
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: Jonathan on April 18, 2011, 02:32:14 PM
Quote from: michaelb104 on April 18, 2011, 12:44:10 PM
Does anybody use them for PPing photos?

Yes.

Quote from: michaelb104 on April 18, 2011, 12:44:10 PM
How much easier than a mouse and keyboard are they to use?

About 48.376 million percent.  Roughly.
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: skellum on April 18, 2011, 03:18:14 PM
I use a pen tablet all the time for editing but it  can be a bit of a pain when you need to write something down and you forget what is in your hand and vise versa  :uglystupid2:  I am forever wipeing ink of the tablet.
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: Colin on April 19, 2011, 07:17:09 AM
Once you have got used to using a tablet for editing you won't use a mouse again. Don't give up on it, it really is worth the effort. Also if you are just editing photos you will probably find that the A4 tablet is too big, I use an A6 one and it is great I sold the A4 one as it was a pain to use on photos YMMV.
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: michaelb104 on April 19, 2011, 08:18:22 AM
Thanks for all the replies, I'll have to see if I can get my hands on one and give them a go.

Jonathan, could you be a little more accurate with your percentage please  ;) ;D

Cheers
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: Jonathan on April 19, 2011, 08:23:03 AM
>> Once you have got used to using a tablet for editing you won't use a mouse again.

Actually I still use a mouse.  7 button mouse is much quicker for web and computer use.  Tablet for editing.  RPG keys under my left hand..... :)
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: jinky on April 19, 2011, 09:39:31 AM
I got an Aldi special mini tablet for £16 and have to say t is superb for editing. Got it as I wantd to make sure I could use oe without spending megabucks and cannot see a reason for upgrading now as it does all  needand is a nice size for working.
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: michaelb104 on April 19, 2011, 04:35:13 PM
I didn't realise you could get them so cheap, I'm going to have to see if I can find one  :)
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: . on July 11, 2011, 05:30:06 PM
Quote from: michaelb104 on April 18, 2011, 12:44:10 PM
I was reading about graphic tablets in a magazine over the weekend but it didn't give much insight into using them.
That's not surprising. If it's not Canon or Nikon, or the lens isn't housed in a white coated thing, magazines aren't overly concerned.
Quote from: michaelb104 on April 18, 2011, 12:44:10 PM
Does anybody use them for PPing photos?
Yep.
Quote from: michaelb104 on April 18, 2011, 12:44:10 PM
How much easier than a mouse and keyboard are they to use?
Trying writing your signature using your mouse.
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: Cathus on July 12, 2011, 02:18:10 AM
I started off with a small tablet, now have a Wacom 4 XL, love the fact that you can programme the extra keys for different uses in different programs.

Now a wacom Cintique touch screen thingy would be awesome, doing all the editing actually on the screen, but can't afford £1700
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: Markulous on July 14, 2011, 07:50:45 AM
Bamboo tablet for PP and a Trackball for general "mousing"   :tup:
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: Skhilled on July 14, 2011, 02:27:04 PM
I have a Wacom Graphire 4 that I've had for a few years now. I don't use it much cause I got it for the kids but it is pretty fun to use once you get used to it.
Title: Re: Graphic Tablets
Post by: stevebedder on October 02, 2011, 09:30:02 AM
I have a Wacom tablet and use it all the time, I find it so much easier for editing photos than using a mouse.

Wacom have just released a cool new "toy" called an Inkling which is pretty good. Not really any use for editing photos but if you do any type of pen & paper drawing or sketching it's a great way of getting the line art from a pad into a digital format:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXbBA1DRE84

Steve