Pen Tablet - Do you use it?

[wedding photographer]

Pen Tablet - Do you use it for photo editing in Lightroom, Photoshop, etc...? Did it improve your post processing work flow? Should I get a Wacom Intuos4 or used Intuos3? Is it worth buying the latest Intuos4? I would mainly use it in PS.

[SmartWombat]

It has no effect on the workflow.
But it does make some editing jobs quicker and easier.
And some, it makes harder.
So I still use the mouse as well.

[wedding photographer]

Would you recommend it? thanks!

[JETA]

I used to use it and then had issues with windows7.

What I liked. It was easier to draw in and control selections in ps. What I detested was the mouse. So I found myself using the pad and my regular mouse that came with the computer. It was a pita.

Today I'm using my regular old mouse.

[Medley]

I use one, but then I do graphics design on the side.

There are a few reasons for using one in photography, but I'm not sure they justify the cost:

1) Let's face it, Photoshop calls it the 'Pen Tool' for a reason.
2) Triangle brushes. With the ability to rotate the brush and elongate it by tilting the pen, those nooks and crannies are much more accessible. (requires pen upgrade though)
3) Airbrush! Works wonders on skin, but has a rather steep learning curve. Like most skin treatments, it easy to overdo, perhaps easier than most.
4) Using pen pressure to vary opacity on the dodge and burn tools comes in handy.

That's all I can think of for now. Would I recommend it? Depends on your cash flow.

- Joe U.

[Skyman]

I have one at work. I only really use it when I am working in illustrator or tracing shapes. The ability of different pens / tablets to recognise varying pressures and tip angles can save time in photoshop but it takes practice. I use two screens and I find that if I map my tablet to both it is harder to use, but I like my toolbars etc in photoshop on a different window, so often find I have to swap for the mouse. I am a leftie though, so the combination of mouse and stylus is actually pretty cool, weird at first though. I wouldn't recommend buying one if you are already comfortable in photoshop with a mouse or if you spend lots of time retouching as it is intended as a time saving device, however most people are so used to the mouse it slows them down.

[jorgemonkey]

Yeap. I've got one though I don't use it took much anymore. I never thought about using it with Illustrator so I may have to try that.

I mainly use a keystroke program & keyboard and edit images in Lightroom that way instead. Found it much faster.

[jetrim]

Like a few others, I use a combination of both. The pen does make retouching of eyes and hair faster, but I still use the mouse for skin. I took to it pretty quick, but others I know locally found the learning curve steep and frustrating. You might try picking up a Bamboo first, just to see if you adapt well to it or not. At $59.00 it's not such a big investment if you find that you hate it, and it's powerful enough to give a sense of what to expect with the intuos3 or 4.

[andycfk]

yes its very nice to use... i use the wacom bamboo latest model..

[wilsan]

I really use and to be honest I love it I would not be able to go back to only use the mouse as a matter of fact. I bouth it first for my personal use I ended up bring in my personal table to my job for the editing work is a really nice tool.

I have to mention that the learning curve is kind or harsh but one time you get use to it is no way back.

A couple things that I is going to take some time but is worth it.

1. Configure all the shortcuts on your tablet. specialty in PS .

2. Use the Radial Menu it would save you a lot of time. However it take a lot of time to
made all the custom shortcuts.

3. Please if you buy the tablet enable the shape dynamics in PS if you do not enable that
better use the mouse the shape dynamics is what allows PS to use the pressure from
the pen which provide you more control over the brush.

After that really enjoy your tablet.

I use a Wacom Intuos 4 Large tablet.

[wedding photographer]

I got one finally. I love it. Period. I still us my mouse for browsing the internet and for Microsoft word though...

[DaveWilky]

YES buy a graphics tablet. You will never use a mouse again when you have used the tablet. I got my 1st one 7 years ago and i`ve never used a mouse since. when your working in photoshop, lightroom or any other graphics software you have far more control with the pen that you can never get with using a mouse. I cant be without my Wacom Bamboo tablet and I even have a spare one under my desk just incase this one breaks down.