tangyan250

· 09 Mar 2021

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How to choose your first Graphic Tablet for Photo Editing

When someone asks me: What have been the best moments of your life? I answer you that my life has happened special events, but there are two in particular that are the top... one of them is the birth of my children and the other is, the time I buy my first graphic tablet for drawing and I learned to use it.

This is an indispensable tool if you want to evolve in the editing of your photos. In this post I want to talk about this super accessory.

Graphics tablet: Guide to getting to know it better

If you're passionate about photo retouching, drawing and digital art, there's no doubt you'll need to buy a quality graphics tablet

Digitizing tablets are devices that allow you to draw directly on your computer, using a special pen (almost always comes with the tablet).

The look of these tablets, vaguely reminiscent of that of a trackpad. To understand how a digitizer tablet works, you have to think of them as if they were a virtual sheet, more or less large, which transfers in real time, everything that is drawn on the surface of it, (this is a phenomenon that occurs electromagnetism processing).

There are tablets of many dimensions and typologies, you find them from the cheapest and basic to the most costly and expensive.

Before I mention what are the best tablets graphies, let me explain and help you decipher their technical characteristics, otherwise you won't be able to know which one is right for you.

How to choose a graphics tablet

Before you buy your first tablet, you need to know the technical characteristics of this type of device, let's see what they are:

Format:

Graphic tablets can be of various formats such as: A3 (29.7X42cm); A4 (21x29.7cm); A5 (14,8x21cm); A6 (10.5X14.8cm) If you notice the measurements are like that of sheets of paper. Some may also have custom formats suitable for different types of tasks.

For an amateur photographer, it is advisable to buy a small graphic tablet, For example an A6 or A5 format, but as is normal, it all depends on one's own demands and economic possibilities.

Note: When buying a small tablet you need to know that the work area will be limited and movements reach great distances on the computer screen.

The quality of the surface

Evaluate the qualitative aspect of this type of accessory, requires some attention, the elements to be taken into account are:
The resolution
The response rate
Pressure levels

The resolution: It is probably the most important feature, because it indicates the accuracy with which the tablet translates the pencil stroke and the movements of the cursor over the monitor, in other words, indicate in the level of detail what you can get with your strokes. This parameter is indicated by the letters DPI (dots by inches) or also in LPI, or what is equal lines by inches.

If you are interested in buying a medium quality tablet, the value should be between 2000 LPI, below this, you will have a minimum level of detail.

The response rate: Known by the letters RPS (Reports for second) or PPS (Points for second) refers to how often the tablet notifies the computer of the position of your hand or pen on the surface of the device. This frequency is expressed with a numeric data. The value we can find in a mid-range product, is approximately: 200 pps/rps.

In the case of LCD tablets, the value is expressed in milliseconds, in which case a greater millisecond corresponds to a lower frequency of notification. The higher the frequency of these notifications, the better the response and the quality of the device.

Pressure levels: Each tablet is able to recognize an accurate number of pressure levels. To recognize it you have the letters PL (Presure Levels) It is very important because it determines the sensitivity to pressure that is exerted while drawing, which translates into the ability to play on the screen the strokes you make on the tablet. An average PL value, rotates over 5080 points, but can exceed 8192 points on the most modern models.

Active Workspace

When I tell you about active work area, I mean the dimensions of the area indicating the effective area where it is drawn on the tablet. Normally indicated in millimeters or inches. Naturally, the larger the active working area, the more fluid the movements on the tablet will be.

The connection with the computer

There are several solutions for connecting graphics tablets to your computer. This can be done with a cable or a wireless connection.

Cable connections are made from the USB port, through which it is possible to connect the device to the computer, after the first connection, it will be necessary to install the drivers that are normally distributed with the tablet's CD-ROM, although it can also be downloaded from the official site of the manufacturer.

Another type of connection is with an HDMI cable, connecting the tablet directly to a display. Some devices also have a bluetooth connection if you need to use the annoying cables.
USB graphics tablets are usually cheaper and have the advantage of not having to use an external battery so it can work.
Graphics tablets with bluetooh, have the advantage of being wireless, therefore can be used remotely.
The display

Some high-end digitizing tablets have their own display or display and allow you to edit photos without the help of a PC. They are very similar to tablets, allowing you to work comfortably, directly on the image. But unfortunately the price of these models can be quite high.
Digital Pen

The stylus is the fundamental instrument, thanks to this we interact with the graphics tablet. Its quality is super important to get good results in editing. Fortunately, they are almost always sold together to the tablet.

But you can also buy it separately. The most advanced ones, in addition to being ergonomic, have some programmable buttons, which allow you to activate specific functions such as: modifying the workspace, enlarging or decreasing the image or stroke. It is important to note that some pencils can be powered by AAA batteries..

Accessories available for the digitizer tablet

The pen is not the only component you can use to interact with your graphics tablet. There are other accessories that you may need and are sold separately, for example: The aerograph, the interchangeable pen tips and a glove to hold the pen (this glove covers your little finger so that you avoid scratches or accidental strokes.

Programmable buttons

Electronic graphics tablets can have 2 or several programmable buttons to which the user can associate the functions they prefer. A spherical button can also be present to zoom on the image, rotate or move within it (works as the center wheel of the mouse).

On graphics tablets with multitouch support, it is possible to use hand gestures to zoom in the image, rotate or perform other actions supported by the device.

Software available

This type of tablet can be used with various software, from photoshop to technical drawing and digital retouching programs. In many cases when you buy a graphic tablet you have at your disposal a program that allows you to take advantage of all its potential.

If you have questions about which graphic tablet to buy, choose the one that is sold with a drawing or photo editing software.

Which graphic tablet to buy

I think already at this point, you have clear ideas about what a graphic tablet is, how they work, what are some of its main technical characteristics and what you should consider before buying a. What remains to be done now?
I'll mention some best-known graphic tablet brands proposed by today's market, but before let's see....
Types of tablets

Basic graphics tablet

As the statement says, this type of tablet is dedicated to those who are not professional, but intends to have in their hands a more comfortable, accurate and effective instrument than a simple mouse. The dimensions of these digitizers are A4 format, like the classic sheets we see on printers.

Its price ranges from 50 to 150 euros, quite economical to be such an important accessory. Logically the quality, at such a low price, can not be the best in the world, but if you are not a professional, it is more than enough to start with the post-production of your photos, surely it will be better than using your computer mouse.

Advantages: They cost really little, they are easy to carry, the quality of some models is good, they are an excellent accessory to start.

Disadvantages: Very basic materials of manufacture, in some models, especially Asians, the quality is somewhat low, they are not suitable for an intense pace of work, to the point that after 1 year you will have to change it.

Pro graphics tablets (advanced)

The dimensions of these are between A3 and A5. Some models have wireless mode, therefore they are super comfortable to transport, their price is between 60 and 300 euros.

Advantages: They have a fairly affordable price to be an instrument at the forefront. Easily transportable. The quality of some models is excellent, they are optimal working instruments for more advanced photographers.

Disadvantages: Some Chinese-made models do not guarantee the performance they promise.
Graphics tablet with display

These are the most expensive models in fact are recommended to work in the advertising sector in which long photographic post-production work should be done. Its price ranges from 300 to 2000 euros. Its dimensions, often exceed 10 or 13 inches.

Advantages: High quality, easy to use, you can work comfortably without having to use your computer, as it directly replaces the work area, giving greater precision to retouching.

Disadvantages: The price is very high, the dimensions so large makes the product difficult to transport. They are instruments designed to be used in a studio or office..

The best brands of graphic digitizing tablets

The most popular brand and of course that offers guarantees as to the quality and accuracy of your graphics tablets for your drawing classes is Wacom; yet there are many more brands like XP-PEN that can help you be more accurate..

Even some companies have integrated similar features into their tablets, such as Ipad Pro or a Microsoft Surface tablet; but they don't always have the same features, they're better if you just want to learn, yet their price is very high compared to other graphics tablets.

XP-Pen Star or Deco: High precision digitizing tablets perfect for beginners and comfortable prices, no display.

XP-Pen Artist: Graphics tablets with HD display of different sizes, high accuracy and tilt sensitive.

I particularly had always worked with XP-PEN, the mid-range. Deco 01 V2 and Deco 03 with wireless. I had just replaced the mouse, they worked fine, but I didn't just get to make the leap in quality for digital art.

I've made the jump to XP-Pen Artist 15.6 pro ( https://www.xp-pen.es/product/243.html ) with display 15.6", and I can't be happier.

Initially I got the 11.6" version and saw it dwarf. Passing to 20" or 22" saw it exaggerated. (My setup has 3 screens of 43" 4k) So this format is ideal for working with editing programs and being able to see as what you think, what quality leap! Well complemented with a macro keyboard, it's your winning horse (I have the logitech G13 and the Delux T11).

If I had some jelly to set up the screens (3 screens 4k+ la XP-PEN Fullhd y soy zurdo) pero al final todo bien y disfrutando de ello cada día.

Software for digital artists

There are many tools to help you with digital creation with a graphics tablet. Starting with PhotoShop as a flagship, we have Gimp, Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Paint Tool SAI, Krita, Medibang Paint, Artrage, Mypaint or Corel Paint.

It is best to try them. Some are free and others offer trial versions. Surely you will find the most suitable for your creations.

Conclusion

All the requirements I have described above will help you choose knowingly.

In any case I advise you to choose a brand that has a very good reputation in this sector, so as not to be disappointed with your purchase, whatever your usefulness and your needs.