mickeysimpson Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 I am considering getting a tablet like a Wacom to use for editing my photos. My goal is to extend myself to try turning photos into art. Any suggestions? Warnings? Technical and/or photo editing advise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJG Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 I've been using a Wacom for about 15 years now and like it a lot. Be aware that there can be issues with how old your operating system is and the tablet software so check carefully to make sure that your computer will work with the tablet. Also be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, but I think you will find that it is worth it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sanford Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 You'd need a mouse for photo editing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niels - NHSN Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 2 hours ago, Sanford said: You'd need a mouse for photo editing? Recent iPad OS supports mouse usage and some also the Apple Pencil. However the latest M1/M2 based iPads are as powerfull as a normal computer (and as expensive) so they are self-contained and usage in conjunction with a regular computer doesn't make much sense 2 Niels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeysimpson Posted March 27, 2023 Author Share Posted March 27, 2023 3 hours ago, AJG said: I've been using a Wacom for about 15 years now and like it a lot. Be aware that there can be issues with how old your operating system is and the tablet software so check carefully to make sure that your computer will work with the tablet. Also be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, but I think you will find that it is worth it. Thanks AJG. I value your response especially given your long time experience with a Wacom tablet. I have a Windows 11 Pro system and Adobe's Creative Cloud package, so I'm current with my system and editing S/W. I've been looking at Wacom for awhile and am close to pulling the trigger now. I don't mind a learning curve because my goal is to learn new techniques to get new results. Best regards my friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeysimpson Posted March 27, 2023 Author Share Posted March 27, 2023 3 hours ago, Sanford said: You'd need a mouse for photo editing? Shhh! I only use the mouse because my wife is watching me. When she is not there I use my telepathic abilities. Don't tell anyone Sanford! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeysimpson Posted March 27, 2023 Author Share Posted March 27, 2023 1 hour ago, Niels - NHSN said: Recent iPad OS supports mouse usage and some also the Apple Pencil. However the latest M1/M2 based iPads are as powerfull as a normal computer (and as expensive) so they are self-contained and usage in conjunction with a regular computer doesn't make much sense In addition to my desktop (Windows 11 Pro), I have a Surface Pro 8, Windows 11 Pro, that I could use the stylus with. I actually had not thought of that until reading your reply. I tried the stylus several years ago on an older Surface Pro for writing and it felt awkward, perhaps because I was trying to take notes in a rapid-fire technical discussion - wished like hell I had learned shorthand. As a result, I've not tried using the stylus for graphics. I think the stylus a try after connecting a larger monitor to the Surface. Can't hurt to try the stylus. Thanks for your feedback NHSN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inoneeye Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 (edited) I have been a Wacom intuos user/fan for a very long time. When compatibility with an os upgrade became an issue with my M1 I decided to try using my ipad as a graphics tablet with the Astropad app & connected to my large desktop monitor (more affordable & windows compatible) - It works great but i still miss my large Wacom. I liked having more surface area to work with. I also preferred the Wacom stylus over the Apple pen. I use many different brushes for my editing and found the stylus sensitivity and angling more fluid with the Wacom. In part that is due to the workspace size, larger allowing for more gradual subtle transitioning. I don't need all it offers (both Wacom and Astropad) for the vast majority of my photo post processing but it opens the doors... creatively. The larger Wacom reintroduced a tactile experience to pp, which was lacking from the keyboard and mouse digital darkroom. A learning curve worth the climb for me. Edited March 27, 2023 by inoneeye 1 i n o n e e y e Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sanford Posted March 27, 2023 Share Posted March 27, 2023 2 hours ago, mickeysimpson said: I don't mind a learning curve because my goal is to learn new techniques to get new results. This is the exact opposite of my life's philosophy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeysimpson Posted March 27, 2023 Author Share Posted March 27, 2023 1 hour ago, Sanford said: This is the exact opposite of my life's philosophy. I understand all too well Sanford. As I am much older than dirt I've forgotten about many things like philosophy, so I just muddle on. 🤔 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeysimpson Posted March 27, 2023 Author Share Posted March 27, 2023 1 hour ago, inoneeye said: I have been a Wacom intuos user/fan for a very long time. When compatibility with an os upgrade became an issue with my M1 I decided to try using my ipad as a graphics tablet with the Astropad app & connected to my large desktop monitor (more affordable & windows compatible) - It works great but i still miss my large Wacom. I liked having more surface area to work with. I also preferred the Wacom stylus over the Apple pen. I use many different brushes for my editing and found the stylus sensitivity and angling more fluid with the Wacom. In part that is due to the workspace size, larger allowing for more gradual subtle transitioning. I don't need all it offers (both Wacom and Astropad) for the vast majority of my photo post processing but it opens the doors... creatively. The larger Wacom reintroduced a tactile experience to pp, which was lacking from the keyboard and mouse digital darkroom. A learning curve worth the climb for me. Thanks ioneeye! I noted with interest your comments about the Wacom stylus' sensitivity, angling and tactile experience you describe. I also have an iPad but think that I'll explore the Surface before pulling the trigger on the Wacom. I too am interested in the larger area as are you. Best regards my friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanKlein Posted March 28, 2023 Share Posted March 28, 2023 I have a Wacom Intuos black with bluetooth and pen. CTL4100WLK0. I've tried it on my Windows (Dell) desktop and just didn\'lt get into it so its been sitting in its box for two years. I could let it go for $40 if you or anyone else is interested. Flickr gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/albums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Helmke Posted March 31, 2023 Share Posted March 31, 2023 I’m a bit stuck in my ways and while I have a current I Pad I find it not useful for editing. A few years ago while planning an overseas trip I bought a lightweight laptop thinking that if it’s lost, stolen or damaged I’m not out much money. I write images through it directly to a thumb drive or an ssd so no files are lost. It’s cheaper, effective and fits into a smaller camera bag. Rick H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Smith Posted March 31, 2023 Share Posted March 31, 2023 (edited) I used to have a Wacom tablet but the drivers for it are no longer working with Windows 10 and have not been updated, so it is finished. It was useful on occasion when dodging and burning, but the newer tools (e.g. content-aware editing) in LR means that I don't seem to be missing it. Edited March 31, 2023 by Robin Smith Robin Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeysimpson Posted April 1, 2023 Author Share Posted April 1, 2023 (edited) 11 hours ago, Robin Smith said: I used to have a Wacom tablet but the drivers for it are no longer working with Windows 10 and have not been updated, so it is finished. It was useful on occasion when dodging and burning, but the newer tools (e.g. content-aware editing) in LR means that I don't seem to be missing it. Hi Robin. I had the same driver issue with Windows 10 and my Canon 9500F scanner. It was very frustrating but I finally found a work around and it has worked under Windows 10 and 11. I'll look for my notes. I think I focused on running in compatibility mode(?) Canon support was absolutely worthless. Edited April 1, 2023 by mickeysimpson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeysimpson Posted April 1, 2023 Author Share Posted April 1, 2023 11 hours ago, Robin Smith said: I used to have a Wacom tablet but the drivers for it are no longer working with Windows 10 and have not been updated, so it is finished. It was useful on occasion when dodging and burning, but the newer tools (e.g. content-aware editing) in LR means that I don't seem to be missing it. OK Robin. It's a Canoscan 9950F and it is in compatibility mode. Perhaps you can get your Wacom table running in compatibility mode with the old drivers. My scanner drivers were from 2006. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted April 1, 2023 Share Posted April 1, 2023 At the dawn of time, I got an Apple ][+ with an Apple graphics tablet. I loved it. did measurements, areas, and other useful things; but eventually, as I moved on, I found scanning and software (Such as Image J) superior. The Apple Graphics Table put out enough radio waves to block out reception for a large area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjoseph7 Posted April 12, 2023 Share Posted April 12, 2023 For minor edits the Apple iPad is great. You can always download one of those Graphic Art software packages to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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