How to choose a graphics tablet?

Industry Digital art was published relatively recently, but in a few years it managed to develop so much that even experienced artists find it difficult when it comes to finding a new drawing equipment.

When choosing it is important to pay attention to the list of characteristics that determine the convenience of their use:

  1. Expansion of the display and its type.
  2. Type of pen and its levels of sensitivity.
  3. Convenience.
  4. Multifunctional.

In this article, you will understand what a drawing tablet is; learn about the 5 best models of this segment. And also understand what to navigate if you're new.
Externally, the device looks like a flat plastic plate with a matte display or monitor on the front, responding to the touch with a pen. Next to the work area is a panel for shortcut buttons that can be reassigned to taste and needs. A USB port is necessarily placed on the case, there may be switches or indicators.

Initially, a graphics tablet was created for easier text input into the computer. That is, he had to recognize the written text entered and translate it into digital format. Since then, little has been heard of him, but they noticed when his functions were used to create graphic images.

They decided to develop it to create graphic content, and at the moment the device is indispensable for instant output of the process of creating an image on the screen. At the moment, he successfully replaces the artists familiar paper, pencil and brushes, and surpasses them in convenience and functionality.

Reference. To calculate the functionality of a graphics tablet, you need to understand the values ​​of universal characteristics.

  • Workspace dimensions: A6 (148Х105 mm) - universal for many processes and is suitable for beginning artists. A5 (210 x 148 mm) - traditional for any kind of activity. A4 (297 x 210 mm) - an option for more advanced users who love detailed study. These are the most frequent sizes for the tablet. But if you want to buy a graphic monitor, get ready for much larger dimensions.
  • Type of: graphic tablet and display for drawing. The second option is a screen that displays on itself all the actions performed by the pen. They also often have the multi-touch function, which allows for some manipulations with the touch of the fingers.
  • Types and sensitivity of feathers: most models require periodic recharging or the use of batteries, which can significantly complicate the process. But the new generation of feathers does not require any of this. Sensitivity is an independent characteristic, independent of others. Its levels start from 512 to 8192. The most universal indicators are 2048-4096.
  • Resolution: measured in lines per inch (lpi), the same as dots per inch (dpi). This indicator is responsible for matching the lines drawn on the tablet with the lines displayed in the figure. The higher this figure, the higher the accuracy. The minimum value is 2540 lpi, the maximum is 5080 lpi.
  • Reading height: This indicator determines at what height from the tablet the tip of the pen is recognized as active. In modern models, this parameter exceeds 10 mm.

5 best drawing tablets.

In this list you will find the best tablet models in terms of price - quality, starting with budget options (suitable for beginners) to the most advanced.

  • HUION H430P
    Price: ~ 4,500 rubles
    Weight: 135 gr
    Size: 139.2х186х6.3 mm
    Working area: 122х76 mm
    Resolution: 5080 lpi
    Levels of depression: 4096
    Pen buttons: 2
    Express buttons: 4
    Read range: 10 mm

Manufacturer HUION presented the first tablet, made specifically for the Russian user, the software is fully localized. Its compact scale and weight allow you to carry it with you without discomfort. Smooth workspace for clarity highlighted in gray dots. The pen is lightweight and works without connecting to the tablet, and also does not require any recharging or use of batteries and has two assignable buttons.

  • ONE BY WACOM M CTL-672-N
    Price: ~ 6.000 rubles
    Weight: 436 g
    Dimensions: 277x189x8.7 mm
    Working area: 216x135 mm
    Resolution: 2540 lpi
    Levels of depression: 2048
    Pen buttons: 2
    Express buttons: no.
    Read range: 7 mm

The traditional drawing pad, made in black and red plastic colors with a fabric pocket for a feather on the side seam. The presented model can also be carried along without any inconvenience. Outwardly, it is minimalist, almost all of its area is working and is marked with white dots. Model pen wireless and does not require charging.

  • HUION INSPIROY Q11K
    Price: ~ 15,000 rubles
    Weight: 880 gr
    Size: 390х223х11 mm
    Working area: 279x174 mm
    Resolution: 5080 lpi
    Levels of depression: 8192
    Pen buttons: 2
    Express buttons: 8
    Reading range: 12 mm

This device is much larger than its budget predecessors both in size and in functionality. Carrying this giant with you will no longer be easy, and you will not want to take it with you. Externally, the device is made of black plastic, smooth work area marked with 4 dots at each corner. All tablet buttons are reassignable. Distinctive features of this device are expressed in the possibility of wireless operation of the device and the presence of blocking express panel.

  • WACOM INTUOS PRO M PAPER EDITION
    Price: ~ 34.000 rubles.
    Weight: 700 gr
    Size: 338x219x8 mm
    Working area: 224x148 mm
    Resolution: 5080 lpi
    Levels of depression: 8192
    Pen buttons: 2
    Express buttons: 8
    Read range: 10 mm
    Slope levels: 60.

The tablet has its own memory, which allows you to save up to 200 multi-layered drawings or 1000 single-layer. The pen does not require charging and has an eraser button on the end. The device can work without connection and has an original function: it can be used as a tablet for drawing on A5 paper with a special ink pen that comes with it. When connected to a computer, the pictures are digitized and can be edited or modified in graphics programs.

Reference!Tilt levels - a function that allows you to recognize the position of the pen on the display, and change the line thickness accordingly. Not every new device has this ability, and it is rarely necessary in the work, but its presence may slightly simplify the work with thickness adjustment.

  • WACOM CINTIQ PRO 13
    Price: ~ 77.000 rubles
    Weight: 1.1kg
    Size: 360 x 235 x 11.9 mm
    Working area: 294х166 mm
    Resolution: 5080 lpi
    Levels of depression: 8192
    Pen buttons: 2
    Express buttons: 5
    Read range: 16 mm


Cintiq Pro 13 is a new generation interactive pen display. The manufacturer promises convenience in everyday use and carrying, as well as the most natural sensations when the pen interacts with the screen. The model has folding legs for working at a custom angle and a multi-touch function for greater functionality. On the frame above the screen are touch buttons with no longer reassignable actions. This device requires a direct connection to a laptop or computer.

Drawing tablet for drawing, which is better to choose a novice.

If you are a beginner who has never touched drawing in digital with his hand, then in choosing you need to focus on several characteristics:

  • Pressure levels For a novice author with more than enough for the coming years, enough from 2048. But if there is a more advanced option for the same money, it is better to purchase it. Habituation is always the same process, but you will already master more sensitive control.
  • The size. At first, it is better to take a small tablet. It will not take up much space during work or if you put it aside, and will be most convenient during travel or daily movements.
  • Budget. Are you new and not sure if you will take it seriously? Then you should not spend more than 10,000 rubles to buy your first tablet. Look at miniature models with simple functionality, they cost much less than their competitors with bells and whistles, and they are easier to master. It is better to start your journey with simpler models, since it is easier to adapt to them.
  • Form factor In order to protect future drawings from distortion when creating, try to choose a device of the same shape as the monitor of your computer or laptop. The shape can be almost square (4: 3), and can be close to the standard monitor (16: 9). Otherwise, at work, you can change the display settings of the monitor under the shape of the tablet.

Manufacturers.

After determining the required characteristics of the first tablet, it is important to narrow down the number of options with reliable manufacturers.
Wacom is the most recognizable and used tablet maker among novice and professional users. By the quality and variety of models, he earned himself a reputation as a reliable manufacturer of graphic equipment.

Huion - a novice in the production of tablets for drawing, which have already recommended their products with quality and inexpensive price category. The range is growing rapidly, using many advanced developments. Due to this, it is rapidly catching up with its more experienced competitors.

Why are these two brands placed in the first two places? Firstly, they are most popular among artists from Russia, and in case of unforeseen difficulties in the work, you can easily learn how to fix them. Secondly, by virtue of their prevalence, they represent a diverse choice of equipment for any requests.

Watch the video: ULTIMATE GUIDE to Buying a WACOM TABLET! (April 2024).

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