A graphic tablet is a specialized device designed for specific input of information. Without him, not a single figure of digital art can present his work. They are used to create digital drawings, draw both vector and bitmap images, retouch photos. Advanced versions are used by professionals to create full-fledged 3D objects and projects. You might think that this type of tablet is used only for the work of specialists in the field of design, but this is not so. Every year there are more and more models designed for ordinary consumers or even children. In this text, we will tell you where graphics tablets are used, what characteristics you should pay attention to, and consider the best graphics tablets currently available on the market.
Principle of operation
What are tablets for?
Previously, all illustrations and drawings were made by hand, a person could not be mistaken, because a blot made could ruin the entire project. So the animators, especially beginners, had to redraw a huge number of frames in order to achieve a “clean” result. This difficult process took a considerable amount of time, and in order to create a full-fledged scene, it took weeks for several animators to work simultaneously. This is just one example, the architects had no less problems during the creation of the drawings, where the error in drawing the line or the error in reading the angle was critical. A full-fledged scheme of the building occupied more than one sheet of paper. Gradually, the problem was solved with the advent of computer technology. Now all the work went to the computer screen, in some cases the projects were done by hand, and then digitized using a scanner. This was due to the slowness of the computer system. Time passed, and there was a need to create a convenient means for drawing.
Create illustrations using your device
If you talk to any artist or animator who works with the digital environment and ask about how convenient it is to work with the mouse, then the answer in the spirit of “Drawing with the mouse is like trying to scratch something with a stone in a cave.” They will be right, since the mouse has a low level of accuracy in the context of strokes in the pixel space. If you conduct a simple experiment and try to draw a straight line with the mouse, then not every professional architect will be able to do this so that his hand does not tremble. That is why there was a need for a graphics tablet. A device with which you can draw on a computer, creating for the person the illusion of leading a pen over paper.
Appearance and Variations
Flagship model from Wacom
If you tell a person the combination of the words “graphic tablet”, then the first thing that comes to his head is a conditional tablet with a kind of pen or stylus for drawing on it. This is partly correct, but not quite. In the last couple of years, improved versions of tablets have appeared on the market, which are full-fledged portable computer systems with a screen. This is a professional tablet in the expensive price range. Basically, this type of device is used to create full-fledged projects in 2D and 3D, as well as to render special effects in movies. But, nevertheless, the usual form of the device is a touch-sensitive touch-sensitive working panel and a digital pen or its analogues.
Manufacturers
At the moment, manufacturers of drawing tablets can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The favorites on the market have long been Asian companies that have managed to earn a worldwide reputation for themselves due to the quality of their products. Among them, several items can be distinguished:
- Huion
- Wacom
- Trust
- Genius
Therefore, it is important to decide - for what purpose you need a tablet. To get started budget tabletbut it’s not the cheapest one so that it can continue to work even after the initial stage of development has been completed. It makes sense to buy cheap models only for children, so that they can familiarize themselves and in the future connect their path with design.
What characteristics are worth paying attention to
There are several important aspects that you should pay attention to, depending on what it will be used for in the future.
Tablet type
A little higher, we already examined 2 types of devices: expensive models with a touch screen and their own filling and screen, as well as conventional input devices. It should be understood that the first type is intended exclusively for professional use and simple graphic designers will not be able to afford it. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to input devices.
Wacom intuos
Work surface size
From this indicator will depend on what size the active surface will be. To describe the sizes, they mainly use the international paper format: A4, A5, A6 and so on. Devices in A5 format are the most common for use at home and create sketches, sketches or small comics. A4 - suitable for more serious work. A3 - starting from this size, you can call the tablet professional, most often this format is used more by artists and fashion designers. Larger Tablets It is worth buying only for professional purposes.
Pen type
Depending on the selected model, the pen for drawing can be connected to the device via a wire or have a wireless connection. Most of them need to be charged after a certain operating time. Replaceable tips can be included to create artistic effects while working.
Different kinds of pens
Pen sensitivity
This is a very important aspect, it will depend on how well the tablet will recognize the degree of depression. A pen with a degree of depression of 1024 - enough to draw thick and thin lines, starting from 2048 and higher, you can draw gradient lines, which provides high detail with a small number of cut pixels. Beginners are unlikely to need this feature, but illustrators will appreciate it.
Function buttons
The buttons on the tablet work on the principle of keyboard shortcuts. Using them you can get quick access to the desired function in the graphics editor or assign a favorite brush to the button. Thanks to these actions, you can optimize and speed up the work process. But do not chase the number, since on models with a large number of keys, ergonomics suffer and the likelihood of accidental clicks increases.
Surface sensitivity
Try to choose a model that does not perceive pressing or touching the hand. This will provide the opportunity to put your hand on the work surface and eliminate accidental clicks.
Top 10
Next, consider the top 10 ranking top graphics tablets. It will not include expensive models, since in fact they are positioned as market leaders. Therefore, the top will include the best applicants on the basis of "price-quality".
1st place - Wacom One by Medium
Wacom One by Medium
The best option. The size of the device is equal to the international format - A5. This is a great option for beginners and semi-professionals. It is also great for retouchers and photographers to speed up the processing process.Pressure sensitivity - 1024 levels. It is connected to a computer via a USB cable; three interchangeable pen tips come with the tablet. Stability is provided by rubberized legs located on the back of the case.
Price ~ 6 thousand rubles
2nd place - HUION H640P
HUION H640P
This is a smaller version of the older model in the line, which retained all the good qualities, only reducing the work area. Size is equal to A5 format. This is the first model that has a wireless pen that does not require charging. Sensitivity to pressing is equal to 8192 levels that allows to make exact strokes. On the front of the case there are 6 function buttons for quick use of functions.
Price ~ 7 thousand rubles
3rd place - Wacom Intuos Draw Small
Wacom intuos draw small
The device is made in A6 sheet format. A slightly roughened surface creates the illusion of real paper when holding a pen over it. The kit includes three interchangeable tips, which are located in a special compartment inside the pen. On the upper part of the case there are 4 function keys. Touch sensitivity - 4096 levels.
Price ~ 8 thousand rubles
4th place - XP-PEN STAR 03
XP-PEN STAR 03
The device from the Chinese manufacturer XP-PEN has an elegant design and case size in A4 format. The functional pen does not require charging, and it comes with 8 interchangeable nozzles. In addition, 8 programmable buttons are located in the upper part of the case. The level of depression is 2048. The weight reaches half a kilogram, which is a good result for this type of tablet.
Price ~ 8 thousand rubles
5th place - TRUST FLEX DESIGN TABLET
TRUST FLEX DESIGN TABLET
Ideal for beginners. The workspace is equal to the A6 format, which is enough to create small illustrations or web comics. For your little money, the kit comes with a wireless pen. Sensitivity to pressing is equal to 1024 levels.
Price ~ 3 thousand rubles
6th place - HUION H420
Huion h420
Another device in the low price category, which is suitable for novice users. The sensitivity is 2048, the kit comes with a wireless pen with two function buttons. In addition, there are 3 programmable keys on the case. Size - A6.
Price ~ 3 thousand rubles
7th place - GENIUS G-PEN M712
GENIUS G-PEN M712
Professional solution in an inexpensive price segment. GENIUS G-PEN M712 has a work area size of A4. At the front there are atypical 32 programmable buttons, so many will outshine any competitor. Several interchangeable tips.
Price ~ 14 thousand rubles
8th place - HUION WH1409
HUION WH1409
The device connects to the computer using a Wi-Fi network. The device works for more than 40 hours without recharging. The work area is almost equal to sheet A3. Front located 12 programmable. The lightweight cordless handle fits comfortably in your hand. Inside there is an 8 GB drive, which allows you to carry projects with you.
Price ~ 20 thousand rubles
9th place - HUION 680TF
HUION 680TF
It has a size than A4.3, which is slightly beyond the international standard. The pen is wireless with the ability to enable the eraser function. Sensitivity - 2048 levels. It has no buttons on the front. Connected via USB.
Price ~ 7 thousand rubles
10th place - TRUST Panora Widescreen
TRUST Panora Widescreen
The format of the device is A5. The main feature is the presence of 48 programmable keys, but this can be called a drawback. Sensitivity - 2048 levels. The pen is wireless, 2 tips are included.
Price ~ 6 thousand rubles
