best graphics tablet (stylus, not iPad)?

[project_2501]

I have used at least 3 different models of Wacom graphics tablets including the Pro models over a decade.

All of them had problems with

1. poor latency
2. poor sampling rate
3. poor accuracy

This is with a variety of software including Adobe Photoshop to Affinity Photo, with Macs like the iMac, 13 and 15 inch MacBook Pros and MacBook Air . I've always kept up with the latest OS and driver updates.

It is disappointing that even in 2021 the drawing experience is not good - what good are the Gigahertz of CPU cycles, the Gb/s for USB3 and the 1024+ pressure levels if the above key metrics are poor.

What do you recommend? Are the other brands better or do they suffer the same?

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EDIT - Ive spent hours and hours over the years with Wacom support... from the usual "have you tried reseting PRAM" to complete reinstalls .. to diagnostic log collection tools... nothing.

 

[coolajami]

I suppose you're talking about a colour digital graphic tablet.

If you have used a Pro Wacom model (I believe you're talking either the Cintiq or the Intuos models) it would be hard to find something to top this up. XP-Pen and Huion make competitive models for a budget, And I've test a couple, but it would not outperform the Wacom Tablets.

Alternatively, you can try to get an iPad Pro (pricey I know) with an Apple Pencil and use a matte Screen protector, like the Paperlike. That would resemble the textured feeling of the drawing digitisers (but not fully) but you'll be better off in terms of latency and accuracy.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful on this.

 

[project_2501]

Thanks @coolajami that is helpful.

I have heard the Apple pen has a better drawing experience than any Wacom tablet.

Do you know if it is possible to "screen record" drawings on an iPad so that they can be combined into YouTube tutorials later on a MacBook with iMovie? I currently record on the MacBook itself.

 

[coolajami]

Thanks @coolajami that is helpful.

I have heard the Apple pen has a better drawing experience than any Wacom tablet.

Do you know if it is possible to "screen record" drawings on an iPad so that they can be combined into YouTube tutorials later on a MacBook with iMovie? I currently record on the MacBook itself.

The drawing experience is a bit subjective, some people like it, but without a matte screen protector, it feels, well, like drawing in a glass. Most graphic designers I know they're happy with the tradeoff, because of the extra perks of drawing on an iPad, and they generally say that they get used to it quite quickly. Some other people don't like it, because you don't get the same resistance that you get when you're drawing on paper. Accuracy and latency is out of this world when compared with anything else, so if that what bothers you, it's a good solution, but If you don't try you don't know.

The extra benefit of using an iPad is that with the use of a sidecar, you can actually turn the iPad on a drawing digitizer for the Adobe applications, so you get the best of both worlds, desktop, and tablet. Just google sidecar + Photoshop or illustrator.

Recording in an iPad is pretty easy tbh, you just set it up from settings-> control center, you add the option "screen recording" to your options, and then it is selectable from your drop-down control center menu. Also, you can use QuickTime to record the iPad screen on your desktop when it's connected. Also, a lot of apps have their own option to record the screen of the iPad while you're working. Do some googling and you'll find which ones they offer the option.