Still don’t know how to choose the Right Digital Tablet? Read this
When venturing into the world of digital art, selecting the perfect tool can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a beginner, an aspiring artist, or a seasoned professional, the right digital tablet can significantly impact your creative process. In this guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider and some recommendations for various budget levels.
Meet the Author — Maxine, 3D Animator in Grad School
Hello, there! I’m Maxine, and I’m currently a grad student pursuing my passion for 3D animation. My journey into the world of digital art began during my undergraduate years when I focused on illustration. Back then, I used a Wacom Intuos Pro tablet paired with my trusty MacBook. Those were the tools that fueled my artistic endeavors and allowed me to explore the realms of digital creativity.
Fast forward to today, I’ve moved into the world of 3D animation and currently use a Wacom Cintiq 16 Pro with my Windows PC. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing both the Wacom Cintiq 16 and the Cintiq 16 Pro, and I’ve come across a notable difference between the two — the display color mode.
The standard Cintiq 16 is an excellent and budget-friendly option, but one drawback I encountered was its display color. While it certainly gets the job done, I noticed that the colors appeared somewhat muted, leaning towards gray tones. This is where the Cintiq 16 Pro steps in with its advanced display technology. I’ll be providing more details on this topic later in my blog.
1. Define Your Purpose
The first step in selecting a digital tablet is to clarify your intended use. Are you looking to learn drawing or embark on professional art projects?
For Learning:
If you’re just starting and eager to explore the world of digital art, an entry-level tablet in the price range of 50–80 dollars will serve you well.
For Professional Work:
If you’re already in the professional art scene or aspiring to be, investing in a more powerful, professional-grade tablet is advisable.
2. Consider Your Budget
Budget constraints are a reality for many artists. Here’s how to approach it:
Sufficient Budget:
If your budget is generous, you can explore high-configured options such as the Wacom Intuos Pro professional series.
Limited Budget:
For those with tighter purse strings, several cost-effective domestic digital tablet brands, like Huion, Parblo, Ugee, Gaomon, offer great value.
3. Digital Tablet, Graphics Monitor, or iPad?
The next big decision is choosing the right type of digital drawing device. Let’s explore your options:
iPad:
iPads are fantastic for personal drawing hobbies, quick sketching, and capturing inspiration on the go. However, they may have limitations for professional work, such as lower operational efficiency and limited brush stroke variety.
Digital Tablets:
These devices are highly professional and relatively affordable. They excel when used in conjunction with a computer, offering efficiency for fields like industrial design, interior design, animation, fashion design, and animation design. They are indispensable tools for graphic designers.
Graphics Monitors:
If you’re an artist who heavily relies on hand-eye coordination in your work, a graphics monitor is an ideal choice. These displays offer a more natural and immersive drawing experience. When it comes to graphics monitors, we recommend the Wacom Pen Displays for their quality and features.
The Digital Tablet Parameters to Look For
When you’re ready to choose a digital tablet, here are some key parameters to consider:
Pressure Sensitivity Level:
This determines how the tablet responds to variations in pressure. Higher sensitivity levels, such as 2048, 4096, or 8192, offer a finer and more responsive drawing experience.
Report Rate:
The rate at which the tablet detects and transmits pen strokes to the screen. Faster rates result in less noticeable delays.
Resolution:
Higher resolution provides clearer image quality.
Drawing Area Size:
Tablets come in various sizes, with medium-sized tablets typically suiting most users.
OK so now …
The Beginner’s Choice: Wacom CTL-672
For newcomers, the Wacom CTL-672 is an excellent entry-level choice. Wacom’s reputation for quality and stability in their drivers makes it a reliable and easy-to-use option. It’s perfect for those starting on a budget.
Stepping Up: Wacom CTL-6100WL
For beginners with some artistic foundation and aspirations for a professional journey, the Wacom CTL-6100WL is an ideal choice. With 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, it offers an excellent balance of features. Its Bluetooth connectivity makes it versatile, and its medium-sized drawing area provides a great canvas for your work.
Professional Pursuits: Wacom Intuos Pro Series
If you’re serious about your art and want a tool that can match your ambition, the Wacom Intuos Pro series is the way to go. With features like multi-touch functionality, tilt sensitivity, and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, these tablets offer a professional-grade experience. The enhanced version even includes paper mode for seamless digitalizing of traditional sketches.
Graphics Monitors: For the Professionals
For professionals looking to take their art to the next level, graphics monitors are the answer. These pen displays offer a direct hand-eye coordinated drawing experience, providing a high degree of precision. While they can be a bit pricier, they are well worth the investment.
Wacom Cintiq 16 and Cintiq 16 Pro
Now, let’s discuss the differences in display color modes between the Wacom Cintiq 16 and Cintiq 16 Pro:
The primary distinction between these two models lies in the color accuracy and display technology. The Cintiq 16 Pro is designed to provide a more vibrant and color-accurate display, making it a superior choice for professional artists and animators who rely on precise color reproduction.
The Cintiq 16 Pro typically features a higher color gamut and better color accuracy, thanks to its use of advanced display technologies. It’s equipped with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel that offers wider viewing angles and improved color reproduction. This makes it an ideal choice for tasks that demand accurate color representation, such as 3D animation, graphic design, and digital painting.
On the other hand, the standard Cintiq 16, while still a reliable and cost-effective option, might not match the color accuracy and vibrancy of the Pro version. It may appear slightly muted or have a narrower color gamut, which can be less of an issue for hobbyists or beginners but may not meet the standards of professionals in the field.
In conclusion, when choosing between the Cintiq 16 and the Cintiq 16 Pro, consider your specific needs and the importance of color accuracy in your work. As a 3D animator, I prefer the Pro version for its superior color accuracy, which can make a significant difference in the final output of professional projects. However, budget constraints may also play a role in your decision, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons to find the perfect match for your artistic journey.
