NEW USERS PLEASE READ : Graphics Tablet / Digital Painting Info. UPDATED!!

[Interceptor]

For all the new artists coming to the website :)...

What is a graphics tablet? (http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/aboutgraphics/a/graphicstablets.htm)


http://weareatlarge.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/wacom_bamboo_1.jpg

Also referred to as a digitizing tablet, graphics pad, or drawing tablet, a tablet is an alternate type of input device that can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, a mouse, trackball, or other pointing device. The tablet consists of two parts, a flat surface for drawing, and a pen, stylus, or puck that is programmed to work with the tablet. Usually, you also get a pen holder, and some tablets even come with a cordless mouse that works on the tablet surface.



The most popular brand of tablet, for any use is a wacom (http://www.wacom.com) brand tablet. They come in 3 different classes of tablet, with various sizes...

What model is best for me?

Best for those who are looking to experiment with digital art, but don't want to drop alot of cash on an expensive tablet incase it's not thier cup of tea...
Graphire (http://www.wacom.com/graphire/index.php)

Not so much for digital art, but for business pruposes. East changes to spreadsheet documents and the like.

BizTablet
(http://www.wacom.com.au/price/biz/biztablet.html)

A very basic, small and crude, but ok tablet for beginners, and have a very nice price tag...

Volito (http://www.pchardware.co.uk/wacomvolito.php)


The most commonly used model by artists, both professional for serious art students. Very good control and nive sizes available. They even have a new tablet made for widescreen monitors. Moderately priced.

Intuos (http://www.wacom.com/intuos/index.php)

Some notes about Intuos -

Intuos with serial ports are no longer supported for 64 bit systems officially by Wacom.

Intuos Models 1-3 have 1024 levels of pressure
Intuos Model 4 has 2048 levels of pressure

Intuos Models have programmable shortcuts that you can use and change on a per program basis (where other lines of Wacom except the Cintiq do not have this ability). This varies where you can program the shortcuts.
Intuos 1-2 have it on the top bar.
Intuos 3 has them as express keys and strips - the number of keys varies in the size of tablet purchased
Intuos 4 also has express keys and as well as a touch wheel. - the number of keys varies in the size of tablet purchased OLED display is available on medium, large and extra large.

Intuos 4 has a wireless version of tablet.

The amazing Cintiq. An incredible machine that allows you to draw right into a screen built into the tablet. Very expensive. When used by a professional, it can be used to make incredible peices of work. Overkill for new artists, or those not too experienced with digital art. To my knowledge, seeing a Cintiq is not a common thing,
Cintiq (http://www.wacom.com/lcdtablets/index.cfm)


UPDATE: Might be old news to some, but Wacom also has a couple new models. the Bamboo, Bamboo Pen and Bamboo Fun.
Both very affordable, small and well worth every cent. I friend it's great for travel with a laptop!

Bamboo (http://www.wacom.com/bambootablet/bamboo.php)

Notes about Bamboo -
This model has gone through several revisions.
Some older models of Bamboo only have 512 levels of pressure.
The predecessor to the Bamboo are known as Graphire tablets.

Bamboo Pen (http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/BambooTablets/BambooPen.aspx)

Notes about Bamboo Pen -
Bamboo Pen has no eraser end on the stylus
Bamboo Pen only has 512 levels of pressure

Bamboo Pen and Touch (http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/BambooTablets/BambooPenandTouch.aspx)

Notes about Bamboo Pen and Touch -
This tablet costs more than the Bamboo Pen
Bamboo Pen and Touch has an eraser end of the stylus
Bamboo Pen and Touch has 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity.

Bamboo Fun (http://www.wacom.com/bambootablet/bamboofun.php)

Some notes about Bamboo Fun -
There is the Bamboo Fun and Bamboo Craft
The difference between these two models are the size.
Bamboo Fun is a smaller tablet equivalent to 4x6 (inches of active surface - like an Intuos small)
Bamboo Craft is the larger tablet equivalent to 6x8 (inches of active surface - like an Intuos medium)
Both tablets have 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity and come with software for beginners.


What about Software?!
Some very popular software, which is pretty much the standard to use with a tablet are Adobe Photoshop (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/), Corel Painter (http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Home), and growing in popularity, Autodesk Sketchbook Pro. (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=6848332&siteID=123112)

There are also a number of freeware programs out there like ARTRAGE (http://www.ambientdesign.com/artragedown.html) and ALCHEMY

Don't worry about the price tag right away.. most of these companies will give 30 day trials, to see if the software if right for you.. and some are FREE! So just get painting!

I've never done digital painting before!
Now you have some info on the tablet, but where to get started!? Plenty of helpful videos, info and advice right here on CA.


THE ART DEPARTMENT / CONCEPTART.ORG
digital painting demos / instructional videos (http://theartdepartment.org/store)

Here are some threads that may help you start out when you purchase a new tablet

bumskee's excellent Digital Painting in Photoshop (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=47859&highlight=tablet+problems) thread.

An older thread with forum users discussing different types of tablets. (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=57080&highlight=graphic+tablet)

And check out Android's (Andrew Jones) personal website. To see some of the advantages thatdigital art has. www.androidjones.com (http://www.androidjones.com/AndroidJones_Gallery.html)


UPDATE: Customizing Express Key Functions.
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?p=973698#post973698

Feel free to add anything, y'all.

Oh... and keep clear of lensflares (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=72975&highlight=lensflare) ;) :lens:

CHEERS!
-Loren

[magicgoo]

Stuck it.

[fooxoo]

YEHAA!!! This should be made bold size 36 letters, so all newcomers can see it :P

Sweet, thanks!!!

[0kelvin]

Fantastic! Someone had to do it sooner or later. Good job Interceptor!



0kelvin

[Infinit]

push button => recieve bacon !

a great idea to make this thread since the are so many ppl asking about tablets

I might add that buying a tablet doesn't make you better at drawing nothing will be magicly happening to your drawingskills just because you can now use a cpu like a sketchpad...
sad but true skill needs practice not money (maybe it's not that sad ;)

[Flake]

But What Brushe Do Marko Use Kthx !!??

[ah.heng]

there's also a 4th wacom, less well known but bloody cheap, the BizTablet, previously known as the PenTablet.

http://www.wacom.com.sg/products/biztablet/feature.html

the drawing area is rather small, slightly larger than a credit card, but it's only S$70, less than half the price of a graphire, recommended for those that want to try a tablet but can't spare any cash.

[Erica Johnson]

Thanks! I was needing more info on these! I feel slightly less like a noob now, just slightly!

[Interceptor]

well if you have any questions, give anyone of us a shout :)

[Slash]

I thought i'd add a little piece of advice that i recently learned over at polycount:

_for intuos users. this doesnt work with the graphire_

If you're using zbrush or mudbox and you're having trouble painting smoothly (you get these annoying "z-pops" everywhere) try going to your tablet properties and double click the intuos 3 icon. switch to data recognition mode.
(i think this might mess up the wacom mouse, but who uses that anyways? If you really need it just switch back.)

Its supposed to help for other programs as well, like photoshop and painter, but i cant say i noticed much of a difference in photoshop. I dont have painter so i havent checked there.


//edit: interceptor, my first tablet was a wacom volito, i dont see that in your list. You might wanna add that, its a very basic, small and crude, but ok tablet for beginners, and have a very nice price tag.

[DrKilljoy]

Heh, I wish I could afford that, but that's gonna be a long while from now. But that does sound like quite a niftly tool there.
Thanks for the heads up.

[Interceptor]

Well actually, the graphire models are pretty inexpensive. You can find them for around 90$ Canadian.

[ah.heng]

the biztablet should be about $40 US or less.

[Mr. Visions]

Thank you Captain! I'm glad you made this section, cause I've grown tired of my graphire and it's hard for me to get into digital with so many restrictions (I got a 6x8 graphire 3). Anyway, thanks again, I'm eyeing that Intuos, sounds like what I'm looking for -

- Visions

[Mr. Visions]

Anybody have any feedback on the original intuos (GD)? Looking into getting one for a good deal and wanted some feedback?

- Visions

[Mr. Visions]

Nevermind, answered my own question. Here's someones in-depth review of wacoms and graphires, pretty Up-to-date -

http://motorsportsartist.com/wacom_info.html

- Visions

[Interceptor]

Thanks for the update, visions.

[Mr. Visions]

Anybody know about UC- Logic tablets? Looks like a good bargain on one and wanted to know about quality in comparison to Wacom. If someone could hook me up with an answer soon that would be cool -

- Visions

[Y-S]

Ah, didn't see this thread, thanks for info!

[Tatsuki™]

awesome. i have yet to use a tablet

but before that for two years i have practicing my own skills with a mouse first. I believe that if you cant do much without a tablet, then it can prove difficult until used for a long while

[Interceptor]

Personally, I think using a mouse for digital work woudl totally turn you off to working digitally though. Working with a mouse and pen tablet are worlds apart.

[Lungemark]

So, getting this one is a bad idea?

http://www.techfresh.net/gadgets/computers/input-devices/wacom-bamboo-graphics-tablet/
(Wacom Bamboo)

Iunno, too small? bad dpi?

[Stoat]

Heh. No. You're replying to a year-old thread, and the Bamboo is quite new. As far as I know, it's a good, low-cost tablet.

Frankly, I like my cheapo Graphire at home better than my Intuous at work. I think the antivirus software at work fights with the tablet software; I lose cursor for seconds at at time. "Seconds" doesn't sound like much, but trust me: if you read the headline "Boston Woman Goes Berserk in Cubicle; Injuries Reported" it'll be me.

I'm a miniaturist at heart, but I prefer a small tablet.

[Interceptor]

No harm in replying to an old thread rather than having yet another 'what tablet should I get' thread... maybe I'll update sometime soon

This thread was made before release of the wacom bamboo. I have a bamboo I keep with my talbet to be portable. I still prefer my intuos when working for long periods at a time, because I find the surface to be a bit smoother. But I've really had no problems with the bamboo.

[DeadlyFreeze]

I have a general question on the wacoms. Does the actual drawing surface scale up/down when you zoom in/out, or does it stay relative at 1:1 (screen size : drawing size) no matter what?

Also how much tracking does the pen actually have? Will it only move your cursor only on contact, or can it track with out any?

[Lungemark]

No harm in replying to an old thread rather than having yet another 'what tablet should I get' thread... maybe I'll update sometime soon

This thread was made before release of the wacom bamboo. I have a bamboo I keep with my talbet to be portable. I still prefer my intuos when working for long periods at a time, because I find the surface to be a bit smoother. But I've really had no problems with the bamboo.

Okay! Thanks :P

[Stoat]

D'Freeze: the surface stays analagous to the screen (top left corner of the drawing area corresponds to the top left of the monitor, and so on) and doesn't change as you zoom in and out. You can adjust how sensitive it is; I can raise my stylus about 1/2" off the surface before it stops tracking.

[Black Spot]

I have a Volito and I love it – that makes me a beginner then. heh!

[Nrx]

I've got a question, How much does size matter? Moneys not really an issue, i'd rather pay a larger price and get the better product in the long run.I'm looking at either the a4 or a5 intuos, Anyone got any advice? i dont want to buy the a5 then be held back by it at some point but i'd like to save some money if possible and i guess the portability of the smaller one is nice too.

Anyway, i'd love for somone with expierence with both to give me some advice :)

[Piru]

I' ve got my own summary on wacom tablets over at http://tablets.piru.be . There are some tips on using old wacom hardware (like the GD series etc).

[SirJogs]

nice, cheers

[Arshes Nei]

Apparently this was unstuck? ...and necro...

[2Millions]

I have gotten myself an INTUOS3 A4 and I love it!

[George Abraham]

Missed this.

Tx

[Interceptor]

I updated the thread a bit. some new tablet models and info, updated links!
If anyone has some info that should go up in the first post, let me know!
Cheers!

(ps. anyone starting to think we really need a hardware / software help subforum?)

-L

[Arshes Nei]

I updated the thread a bit. some new tablet models and info, updated links!
If anyone has some info that should go up in the first post, let me know!
Cheers!

(ps. anyone starting to think we really need a hardware / software help subforum?)

-L

Yes. I requested a sticky for your topic too.

Also: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=133134 I made a request of this forum for a while, and Google Sketchup got priority...come on guys please can we get this subform? It relates to a lot of artwork posted on CA :o

[Elwell]

Stuck.

[George Abraham]

What is digital tracking and can tablet pen tip sensitivity be calibrated?

[Interceptor]

Tracking is how well the tablet senses your movement on the surface..
and yes.. you can adjust sensitivity ( with the wacoms, atleats.. not too sure about your silly manhattan thingies )

[George Abraham]

Hehehe...

Yah, you can set it and I havn't found anything wrong with it yet. Feels like a pen and you kinda forget about what's in your hands and end up in drawing land on the screen. Doesn't make up for a lack of abillity though.

[kelly x]

This is a very good thread,
NRX, I am sure everyone is different, I have a smaller Intuos 3 and the grip wacom pen//with holder. I like the smaller tab so I can paint everywhere and do. I think the larger pad would hinder me, right now my lap top, tab and pen fit in one bag. You may want to think about where you want to go with it?

[HeronsStorm]

I'm curious, I know it's better for convenience's sake to get a tablet and photoshop, etc, but my family has... very limited means. Are artists allowed to update hand drawn work by scanner, if the scanner isn't a piece of crud?

[Interceptor]

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Update how?
Are you asking if you can scan an image and bring it into a painting program? Or are you asking about altering the image from the scanning software?

[HeronsStorm]

Sorry, not sure if I made that clear. Just uploading the picture on the computer and putting it in our sketchbook. The only paint program I have is the standard paint that comes with most computers (Microsoft paint I think it's called?). I could probably crop the image using the school's scanner but that's about it.

[supersonic395]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and I'm completely new to 'digital art'. I've spent all my time doing it the 'pencil & paper' method (will always be my favourite). But its becoming increasing clear that you pretty much need to be able to produce digital art. (concept stuff seen here, and then 3D rendering etc).

I'm asking would one of the 'drawing pads' on the first page & something like Adobe Illustrator be a good starting point? What would be the best software to use? (preferably one which would allow you to quickly adapt to similar programs)

Any & all help would be very much appreciated!


EDIT: I'm, at first, looking to produce concept art style pieces pretty much. (e.g. stuff we see for films & video-games).

[Interceptor]

If you're looking to do that type of work, I'd say it would be best to become comfortable with photoshop. By all means, have fun with other programs, too, maybe you'll respond better to them. But conceptwork requires more quick changes to work, which I think photoshop can do quite a easier.

This site also has a new WACOM subforum you should check out. Lots of good questions being answered there already. Welcome to CA :)

-Loren

[RB2610]

I'm surprised noone has mentioned the Gnu Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) as a good, free alternative to Photoshop, it has most of the same features as PS, and it's free :)

http://www.gimp.org/

(and the setup is fairly similar to PS I think, also it works great with tablets, you can set your pressure to affect different things like line thickness, transparency, etc.)

[Rinthe]

omg this thread is 5 years old lol.

[Choob]

Thansk for this, I'd not seen it.

I think Intuos is probably the one for me, and I'm thinking of the medium, do you think that would be a big enough size for some beginner concept art?

Also, I know there are considerably cheaper prices from Ebay or Amazon, is it the kind of thing that would be ok getting from these sites, or would it be important to get it from an official provider?

Thanks again,

Touch

[TheDoorMouse]

WOW thanks for this info and that about article was great too i still got awhile to go before considering getting one but this helps a lot

[EssenmitSosse]

Maybe someone could use some of the infos I collected:

A short instruction why you should use a graphics tablet and what they are good for. (http://essenmitsosse.de/graphics-tablet/)

The Basics of the Photoshop-Brush Engine, which will be one of your most important tools, if you will start to paint digitally in Photoshop. (http://essenmitsosse.de/photoshop-brush-engine/)

[YUZworks]

I'm working with a tablet for 2 years now, but never really understood the details. Now the old one broke down, this tread helped me order a proper replacement.

Thanks a lot!

[velderia]

I thought i'd add a little piece of advice that i recently learned over at polycount:

_for intuos users. this doesnt work with the graphire_

If you're using zbrush or mudbox and you're having trouble painting smoothly (you get these annoying "z-pops" everywhere) try going to your tablet properties and double click the intuos 3 icon. switch to data recognition mode.
(i think this might mess up the wacom mouse, but who uses that anyways? If you really need it just switch back.)

Its supposed to help for other programs as well, like photoshop and painter, but i cant say i noticed much of a difference in photoshop. I dont have painter so i havent checked there.


//edit: interceptor, my first tablet was a wacom volito, i dont see that in your list. You might wanna add that, its a very basic, small and crude, but ok tablet for beginners, and have a very nice price tag.

Omg, I was just randomly trying this just to see what happens, and it totally helped to get the lag off in Painter. I can set it to enhanced ghost brushing now without any hiccups. Even with music going on in the background and everything. o_o Thanks!

I wonder what the difference is. Just better data recognition? It didn't harm my mouse at all by the way.

[infinite 000 RF3]

So...I had a graphire4 for a few years. My wire was turning green in some spots and just went out on me... The pressure sensitivity was 512 and I was thinking about getting a bamboo pen and touch. It is the most reasonable price at the moment, but I was hoping to get some info on whats in the market.

[Kitpup]

Might want to add the Bamboo Touch to the list. I got one recently and while small (as the Bamboo is) it's nice. The touch function makes it behave like an oversized touchpad with motions and the touch functionality toggles with a default button click.

[Blotzo]

i use a tooya pro pad from penpower. $100.00 and it has a 10 inch active area. I havent used it too long but it seems to be working great for the price and is very accurate. It doesnt have all the bells and whistles like the higher end pads but is a decent choice for someone wanting to dip their toes in the water without spending a fortune. I bought mine from tigerdirect.com good luck.

[Baconstrap]

I have a question is it any difference to use a Intodus4 when you are left handed? plx respond fast :]

[Elwell]

No, it's made so that you can just turn it upside down.

[Arshes Nei]

I have a question is it any difference to use a Intodus4 when you are left handed? plx respond fast :]

Why didn't you look at Wacom's site for that? D:

[ikken]

I have a question is it any difference to use a Intodus4 when you are left handed? plx respond fast :]

Intodus4

its full product name is Intodus Ambidextera Cubitus 4, and it works fine for both hands.

[Baconstrap]

Thanks guys and girls ^^
I'm not the sharpes spoon in the box so I always prefer asking ppl ^^

[Arshes Nei]

I added some notes to the various models of Wacom tablets since many revisions on the Bamboo line and Intuos might raise some questions about pressure sensitivity and shortcuts. I also tried to explain the difference between several Bamboos because Wacom has revamped that product line a few times which can cause more confusion for those who have older models.

I miss Wacom's comparison chart tool, and maybe I'll see if there's a way to have this back so people can look at what features vary from model to model.

[aerisaxia]

Any one heard of Tooya pro?
Any one heard of the brand and or bought it? I got it as a Christmas present a couple years ago. I haven't really looked at it 'til now but I'm new to tablet related topics since I'm mostly traditional but i want to improve some on my tech savyness and digital skills. Any reviews of this tablet?

[Ace Corona]

If the Intuos doesn't support 64-bit, and Photoshop CS5 requires 64-bit, how does that work out? I was planning on getting a 64-bit laptop in October so I could get CS5 in January.

[ninjamupp]

If the Intuos doesn't support 64-bit, and Photoshop CS5 requires 64-bit, how does that work out? I was planning on getting a 64-bit laptop in October so I could get CS5 in January.

It's the serial port versions that's not supported. Regular USB versions of Intuos are supported in 64bit.

[Ace Corona]

It's the serial port versions that's not supported. Regular USB versions of Intuos are supported in 64bit.

That's a relief, thank for letting me know. I apologize for being such a Noob, but can you explain to me the difference between the regular USB version and the serial port version?

[ninjamupp]

Serial port is much slower and hardly ever used nowadays — I've never seen a Intuos with serial port myself so I assume it only applies to the older versions. Serial port can't power anything either so those versions must have an extern power source. This is how the cable looks like at the end:
http://www.passmark.com/images/serial-port.jpg

Anyway, I don't think you might find a tablet with serial port connection unless you shop at the second hand market.

[wwx]

Since this thread has been currently replied to I may as well add my recommendation/observations.

I am by no means a good painter but, I have been in school for nearly 2 years and do quite a bit of work with Intuos 4's at school. Photoshop, Mudbox, Maya, Painter.

I have the older Bamboo Fun Medium tablet (512 lvls) and in an effort to move to something that could do detailed work I went with the Monoprice 10x6.25 tablet and ordered the optional replacement pen. (It's different from the one that comes with the Tablet)

I don't know about the new Bamboo tablets but the MonoPrice tablet completely runs circles around the bamboo. With the Bamboo I always had lag, and poor control. I simply can't do any detail work with the thing at all. However, the Monoprice does a really great job even when compared to the Intuos 4's we have at school. They aren't as good but, I certainly don't feel crippled by the Monoprice. I do feel crippled by the Bamboo. That isn't to say the Monoprice can do super detail work but, it does much better than the older Bamboo.

[Mirishka]

Thank you for the information, I have just decided I need a tablet...and it's so confusing knowing which to get. A friend of mine purchased one recently and then sold it within a few days.... I was worried about doing the same thing...my purse isn't bursting with money so I dont want to spend a wad of cash and then have my husband get at me for wasting money on something that I can't use!