The development of computer technology also captured artists. Today they can draw not only on paper or canvas, but also on a graphic tablet. Such gadgets are also called digitizers. They allow you to draw or draw directly on the screen using a special stylus or pen. In addition, a graphics tablet will help you quickly transfer a freehand drawing to digital form. This type of technique is indispensable for artists, graphic designers, architects. There is a huge variety of models on the market with different technical characteristics. Let's figure out how to navigate in the presented assortment, what they are in general, how to choose the best graphics tablet for your purposes.
Content:
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Ranking table
| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
|---|---|---|
Rating of budget graphics tablets | ||
WACOM One Small (CTL-472-N) | 83 out of 100 | From 3,167 to 5,059 * |
WACOM One Medium (CTL-672) | 85 out of 100 | From 4,759 to 8,247* |
XP-PEN Deco 01 V2 | 88 out of 100 | From 4,970 to 6,300* |
HUION H640P | 90 out of 100 | From 5010 to 6990* |
Rating of graphics tablets in terms of price-quality ratio | ||
XP-PEN Deco Pro Medium | 88 out of 100 | From 9 337 to 11 490 * |
HUION H1060P | 89 out of 100 | From 9 685 to 11 990* |
WACOM Intuos M Bluetooth (CTL-6100WLK-N/CTL-6100WLE-N) | 94 out of 100 | From 12 569 to 19 380* |
Rating of premium graphics tablets | ||
XP-PEN Artist 12 | 92 out of 100 | From 22,482 to 29,512 * |
WACOM One (DTC133) | 95 out of 100 | From 22 482 to 29 512* |
HUION KAMVAS Pro 16 Premium | 98 out of 100 | From 55 233 to 58 990* |
Apple iPad Pro 11 | 99 out of 100 | From 64,999 to 83,990* |
* Prices are valid for August 2020
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A graphics tablet is a modern tool for an artist, designer, and architect.
Graphic tablet in its appearance is easy to confuse with a regular gadget. The case also has a working surface in the form of a display. However, the set necessarily comes with a special pen for drawing. It is also called a stylus or a pen. When connected to a computer, the monitor will display the drawing made on the gadget.
A regular tablet will not replace a digitizer. The fact is that the graphics programs used put forward increased requirements for performance and the amount of available memory. There are also significant differences in the positioning and tracking speed of the styluses. In addition, the display of a conventional tablet is not able to recognize the pressing force.
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Varieties of graphics tablets
There are three main types of digitizers on the market:
- Digital notepads;
- Interactive tablets;
- interactive monitors.
The digital notepad is designed for writing and small sketches. It is suitable for those who, by the nature of their activities, need to write or sketch a lot, as well as for beginners. The advantages of such gadgets include:
- Ease of storage and carrying;
- Budget price;
- The ability to make simple drawings, drawings and diagrams literally on the go.
The disadvantages of such devices include:
- Low positioning accuracy for professional graphic works;
- The speed of drawing lines is also at a low level.
An interactive graphics tablet can be used for drawing. Such a device is suitable for a novice artist who is just mastering the basics of digital technology. The set of functions depends on the brand and the cost of the model.
The advantages of such devices include:
- Mobility, take with you on the road or office;
- The drawing is easily corrected;
- Large selection of color palettes, as well as fonts and textures;
- Graphical data is entered using a pen or mouse.
Among the shortcomings it is worth listing:
- High price compared to digital notepads;
- The device is not very convenient for working in nature, for this you will have to take a laptop with you, for example, Micro;
- According to experts, the drawing is “lifeless.”
Interactive monitors are characterized by a special sensitivity of the stylus, the working surface is characterized by high resolution. Such gadgets are mainly in demand among professionals.
Advantages of interactive monitors:
- High quality color rendering;
- Good level of sensitivity;
- Multifunctional buttons, their meaning depends on the running application;
- Light weight.
The main disadvantage of digital monitors is the high price.
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When buying a drawing tablet, you should pay attention to the following indicators:
- Diagonal of the working surface;
- Stylus type;
- Permission;
- Response speed;
- Connection type.
The choice of the size of the work surface depends on the needs. In stores there are tablets in formats from A3 to A6. Compact models are convenient because they take up little space, they are great for beginners or hobbyists. For work in a specialized field, creating drawings, models with an A3 or A4 work surface are suitable. In most cases, A5 format is enough.
The convenience of working with a graphics tablet largely depends on the characteristics. It is especially worth paying attention to the following indicators:
- Hardness and softness, the choice in this case is determined by the style of the artist. Rigid styluses allow you to achieve the effect of scratching. Soft tips can wear out quickly, which is why many manufacturers add spare parts
- Pressure sensitivity. This characteristic is indicated in numbers. Level 2048 is considered the standard. The higher this indicator, the closer the process of graphically using a graphics tablet is closer to real drawing. In this case, when you lightly touch the working surface, a translucent line appears on the screen, when pressed harder, it turns out brighter and fatter.
- Tilt sensitivity. The thickness of the drawn line is determined by the angle of the stylus. This allows the artist to apply strokes of the desired length without adjusting settings in the application or pressing buttons.
The resolution value indicates the number of points the pen recognizes in an area of one inch as it moves. In budget drawing tablets, this figure may not exceed 2000 dpi. In models of the middle price segment, it varies from 2500 to 4000 dpi. In expensive gadgets, the resolution reaches 5000 lpi or more.
Another important factor is the response speed. For professional models, it exceeds 200 points per second. Beginning users will have enough responses of 100-150 points per second. Graphics tablets can connect via Bluetooth or USB. Tablets with Bluetooth module are much more expensive, but it is more convenient to use. You should also pay attention to the power source. The gadget can be network or rechargeable. Wired models are much cheaper, but they are not always convenient to work with.
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graphics tablet rating
The TOP 10 drawing tablets included models of different price categories. When choosing them, not only technical characteristics were taken into account, but also the price, as well as customer reviews.
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The list of inexpensive drawing tablets includes models worth up to 6,000 thousand rubles.
WACOM One Small (CTL-472-N)
Specifications:
- Price - 3,167 - 5,059 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Working area format – А6, 152×95 mm;
- The number of pressure levels - 2048;
- Resolution - 2540 LPI;
- Bluetooth is not available.
Small and easy to use drawing tablet. On the case there is a working area measuring 152 by 95 mm. The ergonomically shaped stylus has a removable tip. A graphics tablet allows you to edit digital images, enter drawings, drawings and diagrams into a computer, while the result will be displayed on the monitor, make notes by hand using office software. The device is connected to the computer via a USB cable.
WACOM One Medium (CTL-672)
Specifications:
- Price - 4,759 - 8,247 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Working area format – А5, 216×135 mm;
- Number of pressure levels -2048;
- Resolution - 2540 LPI;
- Bluetooth is not available.
WACOM One Medium (CTL-672) is a classic drawing tablet. The delivery set includes a wireless pen with 2048 levels of sensitivity. The display resolution is 2540 lpi. Connects to a computer using a USB cable. It is compatible with PCs running Windows 7 and above, or Mac OS version 10.10 and above. It is possible to change the pen tip. Everything you need for this is included in the package. The gadget is convenient to take with you, as it weighs only 450 g.
XP-PEN Deco 01 V2
Specifications:
- Price - 4,970 - 6,300 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Working area format - 254×158 mm;
- The number of pressure levels - 8192;
- Resolution - 5;
- Bluetooth is not available.
On its body is a working surface measuring 254 by 158 mm. Its thickness is only 8 mm, which makes it easy to take the gadget with you. The tablet supports up to 60 degrees of pen tilt for smoother, more natural strokes. The model is compatible not only with PC, but also with devices running Android 6.0 and above. To do this, install a special Deco Draw application developed by the manufacturer on the connected device. The drawing tablet has 8 customizable buttons for organizing quick access to hot keys for a variety of used graphic editors. The tablet can be rotated 90, 180, 270 degrees. This allows the user to independently determine a comfortable drawing position. Comes with a pen with 8192 levels of sensitivity.
HUION H640P
Specifications:
- Price - 5,010 - 6,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Working area format - 160×100 mm;
- The number of pressure levels - 8192;
- Resolution - 5080 lpi;
- Bluetooth is not available.
There are 6 programmable keys on the case. The kit includes a stylus with 8192 pressure levels. The device is connected using a cord via a USB port. The gadget is compatible with Windows 7 and above and Mac OS 10.11 and above operating systems. The supply contract includes a pen that does not require recharging, a stand and a set of tips for it, a USB cable for connection.
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The TOP 3 graphic tablets of the middle price category included devices costing from 9,000 rubles.
XP-PEN Deco Pro Medium
Specifications:
- Price - 9,337 - 11,490 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Workspace format - 279×157;
- The number of pressure levels - 8192;
- Resolution - 5080 lpi;
- Bluetooth is not available.
The device is made in an aluminum case with a thickness of only 7 mm. The tablet has a double wheel, as well as a functional trackpad. The increased size of the wheel greatly simplifies control, improves the accuracy of the pattern. External mechanical wheel allows you to reduce or increase the size of the canvas, adjust the size of the brush. The internal virtual wheel is used as a mouse or trackpad for scrolling and other functions. In addition, there are 8 programmable keys on the case. The working area of the tablet is 279 by 157 mm with a resolution of 5080 lpi. Comes with a wireless pen with 8192 pressure levels. The device is connected to devices on Android version 6.0, Windows 7 and higher or MAC OS 10.10 and higher via USB type-c port. The delivery set includes proprietary software, a pen, a holder, interchangeable nibs for it, a glove.
HUION H1060P
Specifications:
- Price - 9,685 - 11,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Working area format - 254×159 mm;
- The number of pressure levels - 8192;
- Resolution - 5080 lpi;
- Bluetooth is not available.
The pen does not require periodic recharging and is characterized by an increased level of sensitivity. They can draw on a work surface measuring 254 by 159 mm. With a thickness of only 10 mm, the case is compact enough to be taken with you on trips and trips. The tablet supports pen tilts greater than 60 degrees, allowing the artist to choose the shape of each stroke. There are 12 express and 16 soft buttons on the case. The tablet can be connected to devices running on Windows, Mac OS or Android.
WACOM Intuos M Bluetooth (CTL-6100WLK-N/CTL-6100WLE-N)
Specifications:
- Price - 12,569 - 19,380 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Working area format – А5, 216×135 mm;
- The number of pressure levels - 4096;
- Resolution - 2540 lpi;
- Bluetooth is available.
The device comes with a wireless pen with 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The stylus has an ergonomic design, light weight, it is convenient to hold it in your hand. A whole set of tips is stored inside the opera, which allows the user to quickly adjust it to his drawing style. There are also two buttons on the body. There are 4 ExpressKeys on the tablet itself. The graphics tablet is enclosed in an ultra-thin (8.8 mm) body.
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The TOP 3 includes graphic tablets costing from 20,000 rubles. Such devices are designed for the needs of professionals, they are distinguished by high functionality.
XP-PEN Artist 12
Specifications:
- Price - 22,482 - 29,512 rubles;
- User rating - 4.3;
- Working area format – 256×144 mm, diagonal 11.6″;
- The number of pressure levels - 8192;
- Resolution - 1920 × 1080;
- Bluetooth is not available.
On its body is a working area of 11.6 inches. With a thickness of 1.5mm, the tablet is convenient to carry around, it fits easily on your work surface. The device is equipped with 6 convenient keys, as well as a touch panel. The display of the device is distinguished by excellent color reproduction and image clarity with a high level of detail. The resolution level reaches 1920 × 1080 Full HD, the viewing angle is 178 degrees. The package includes an innovative passive pen with a hexagonal design. Its body is made of anti-slip materials. At the end of the pen is a digital eraser. The stylus has 8,192 pressure levels. Soon the unit's billing is 266 RPS. The ideal accuracy of the drawing, as well as the speed of transmission and the smoothness of the lines. To protect the user's eyes, the faucet is provided with an anti-reflective coating. A convenient pen case is included in the package.
WACOM One (DTC133)
Specifications:
- Price - 22,482 - 29,512 rubles;
- User rating - 4.3;
- Working area format – 294×166 mm, diagonal 13.3″;
- The number of pressure levels - 4096;
- Resolution - 1920 × 1080, 2540 LPI;
- Bluetooth is not available.
It's perfect for digital art. On the body is a screen with a diagonal of 13.3 inches. IPS Matrix provides high quality color reproduction. The display resolution is Full HD. Perfect for animation, photography, drawing. The tablet is compatible with devices running Windows 7 and above, Mac OS 10.10 and above. The gadget works with all popular graphic editors.
HUION KAMVAS Pro 16 Premium
Specifications:
- Price - 55,233 - 58,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Working area format – 344×194 mm, diagonal 15.6″;
- The number of pressure levels - 8192;
- Resolution - 1920 × 1080, 5080 LPI;
- Bluetooth is not available.
The characteristics of the device allow you to realize any ideas. The tablet has a wide color palette. It allows you to transfer up to 150% coverage of the sRGB palette. The gadget has a high contrast ratio of 1200: 1. Due to this, the drawings on the display acquire a special realism. The presence of anti-reflective glass minimizes the effect of parallax on the screen, making the use of the device even more convenient. The working area measuring 344 by 194 mm has a resolution of 5080 lpi. The sensitivity level is at the level of 8192. There are 6 programmable keys on the control panel.
Apple iPad Pro 11
Specifications:
- Price - 64,999 - 83,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Working area format – 11″;
- Resolution - 2388 × 1668;
- Bluetooth is available.
however, it gets the job done. The device has two cameras of the Pro level with the function of augmented reality and unreality. The model has a Liquid Retina screen and an A12Z Bionic processor. The package may include a stylus. The display features ultra-accurate color reproduction with True Tone technology, the brightness level is at 600 cd / m2.
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Buying a graphics tablet should be based on your needs. For beginners, a budget device with a small working surface will be enough. The middle price category includes a device with a resolution level of up to 5,000 LPI. Such models are often equipped with a wireless pen with a sensitivity level of up to 2048. Professionals usually prefer wireless pen tablets with touch input. Such devices are quite expensive, but they have excellent characteristics.
When choosing a tablet for drawing, pay attention to models from well-known brands. The most popular gadgets are from Wacom, Huion, Ugee.
