Pen Tablet vs. a Mouse for Photo Editing

For a little over a year I have been using a Wacom Intuous4 pen tablet to edit my images and absolutely love it.  As a digital photographer, I enjoy the entire creative process from the moment I power up my Nikon D90 to the final clicks in my Apple Aperture software and now that I can remove the restrictions of using a traditional mouse, I'm having more fun with my digital work flow.



For those uninitiated in the tools of digital art, a pen tablet is exactly what it sounds like; a pen device that works in tandem with a tablet surface to offer a greater level of control when compared to a computer mouse.  It offers a more organic interface with on screen objects due to its ability recognize various levels of pressure and more sensitivity to precise movements, making it a must have for digital photo editing and graphic design.  There are various options available, but I've settled in with the Wacom Intuous4 and wouldn't trade it for the world.

If you have been on the fence regarding an upgrade to a pen tablet, here are a few impressions I have that may help you make your final decision:

• If you can trace lines, you will have a blast using a pen tablet.
• The Wacom software can be customized for every application you use and is simple to set up.
• The buttons on the tablet and pen are all customizable allowing you to decide how you want to use the tablet.
• Pressure sensitivity is customizable and helps eliminate the need to use a keyboard to change brush flow.
• The cursor position on the screen is always relative to the pen position on the tablet e.g. if the pen is placed in the upper left corner, the cursor will appear there on screen.
• No more finger cramp from holding down the left mouse button.
• Enjoy a finer level of control. 
• The pen tips [a.k.a. nibs] are customizable and offer different types of friction and softness.
• It ships with 10 Nibs.

Julian Rance Photography provides Charlotte, North Carolina with high end digital photography; specializing in fashion, studio, and location photography.  Be sure to visit my facebook fan page and swing by my website to view my portfolio.