How to choose a graphics tablet?

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

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

1. Display extension and type.
2. Pen type and sensitivity levels.
3. Convenience.
4. Multifunctionality.

In this article, you will understand what a drawing tablet is; learn about the 5 best models in this segment. You will also understand what to focus on if you are a beginner.
Externally, the device looks like a flat plastic board with a matte display or monitor on the front part, which responds to touches with a pen. Next to the work area is a panel for quick access buttons, which can be reassigned to suit your tastes and needs. The case must have a USB port, and there may be switches or indicators.

Initially, a graphics tablet was created to easily enter text into a computer. That is, it had to recognize the written text being entered and convert it into digital format. Since then, little has been heard about it, but it was noticed when its functions began to be used in creating graphic images.

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

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

• Work area dimensions: A6 (148X105 mm) – universal for many processes and suitable for beginning artists. A5 (210 x 148 mm) – traditional for any type of activity. A4 (297 x 210 mm) - an option for more advanced users who love detailed work. These are the most common sizes for tablets. But if you want to buy a graphics monitor, get ready for much larger dimensions.
• Type: graphics tablet and display for drawing. The second option is a screen that displays all the actions performed by the pen. They also often have a multi-touch function, which allows some manipulation by touching your fingers.
• Types and sensitivity of feathers: Most models require periodic recharging or the use of a battery, which can significantly complicate the process. But the new generation of pens requires none of this. Sensitivity is an independent characteristic that does not depend on others. Its levels start from 512 to 8192. The most universal indicators are 2048–4096.
• Permission: measured in lines per inch (lpi), the same as dots per inch (dpi). This indicator is responsible for the correspondence of the lines drawn on the tablet with the lines displayed in the drawing. The higher this indicator, 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 pen tip 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 ratio, starting from budget options (suitable for beginners) to the most advanced.

• HUION H430P
  Price: ~ 4,500 rubles
  Weight: 135 g
  Size: 139.2x186x6.3 mm
  Working area: 122x76 mm
  Resolution: 5080 lpi
  Pressure levels: 4096
  Pen buttons: 2
  Express buttons: 4
  Reading range: 10 mm

Manufacturer HUION presented the first tablet made specifically for the Russian user, the software is completely localized. Its compact size and weight allow you to carry it with you without discomfort. The smooth work area is highlighted with gray dots for clarity. The pen is lightweight and works without connecting to the tablet, 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
  Pressure levels: 2048
  Pen buttons: 2
  Express buttons: no.
  Reading range: 7 mm

Traditional drawing tablet, made in black and red plastic colors with a fabric pocket for a pen on the side seam. The presented model can also be carried with you without unnecessary inconvenience. Externally, it is made minimalist, almost its entire area is working and is indicated by white dots. The pen model is wireless and does not require charging.

• HUION INSPIROY Q11K
  Price: ~ 15,000 rubles
  Weight: 880 g
  Size: 390x223x11 mm
  Working area: 279x174 mm
  Resolution: 5080 lpi
  Pressure levels: 8192
  Pen buttons: 2
  Express buttons: 8
  Reading range: 12 mm

This device is significantly larger than its budget predecessors both in size and functionality. Carrying this giant with you will no longer be easy, and you won’t want to take him with you on a visit. Externally, the device is made of black plastic, the smooth working area is marked with 4 dots on each corner. All tablet buttons are reassignable. The distinctive features of this device are expressed in the possibility of wireless operation of the device and the presence of a locking 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
  Pressure levels: 8192
  Pen buttons: 2
  Express buttons: 8
  Reading range: 10 mm
  Tilt levels: 60.

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

Reference! Tilt Levels is a feature 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 work, but its presence can slightly simplify the work of adjusting the thickness.

• WACOM CINTIQ PRO 13
  Price: ~ 77,000 rubles
  Weight: 1.1kg
  Size: 360 x 235 x 11.9 mm
  Working area: 294x166 mm
  Resolution: 5080 lpi
  Pressure levels: 8192
  Pen buttons: 2
  Express buttons: 5
  Reading range: 16 mm

The Cintiq Pro 13 is the next generation interactive pen display. The manufacturer promises ease of everyday use and carrying, as well as the most natural feeling when interacting with the screen. The model has folding legs for adjustable angles and a multi-touch function for greater functionality. On the frame above the screen there are touch buttons with actions that can no longer be reassigned. This device requires a direct connection to a laptop or computer.

Graphic tablet for drawing, which one is better to choose for a beginner.

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

• Pressure levels. For a novice author, 2048 will be more than enough for future years. But if there is a more advanced option for the same money, it is better to purchase it. Getting used to it is always the same process, but you will already have mastered more sensitive controls.
• Size. At first, it is better to take a small tablet. It won't take up much space while you're working or if you put it away, and will be most convenient when traveling or everyday movements.
• Budget. Are you a beginner and not sure if you will take this seriously? Then you shouldn’t spend more than 10,000 rubles on buying your first tablet. Take a closer look at miniature models with simple functionality; they cost much less than their competitors with bells and whistles, and are easier to learn.It is better to start your journey with simpler models, as it is easier to adapt to them.
• Form factor. In order to protect future drawings from distortion during creation, 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 scale of a standard monitor (16:9). Otherwise, while working, you can change the display settings of the monitor to fit the shape of the tablet.

Manufacturers.

After determining the necessary characteristics of the first tablet, it is important to narrow down the number of options with reliable manufacturers.
Wacom is the most recognized and used graphics tablet manufacturer among beginners and professional users. The quality and variety of models has earned it a reputation as a reliable manufacturer of graphics equipment.

HUION is a newcomer to the production of drawing tablets, which have already proven their products with quality and inexpensive price range. The range is growing rapidly, many advanced developments are being used. Thanks to this, it is rapidly catching up with its more experienced competitors.

Why are these two brands in the first two places? Firstly, they are most popular among artists from Russia, and in case of unexpected difficulties in your work, you can easily find out how to fix them. Secondly, due to their prevalence, they provide a diverse selection of equipment to suit any needs.