Who uses a WACOM graphics tablet?

[Felon]

I'm considering buying a WACOM graphics tablet. I think it'll be a great help in colorizing my drawings in Photoshop. I'm wondering if I should get the smallest available tablet, 4x5", or go for a 6x8".

I've heard that if you're just coloring small areas of an image at any given time, doing dodge/burn touch-ups in a multiply layer, that smaller is actually better, because the larger a tablet is, the broader the average stroke has to be. That seems to make sense, but is 4x5" a good size, or is it too darn small? I've seen the photos, and the mouse looks like it has barely any room to move.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chronosome]

*raises hand*

I've got one...it's incredibly helpful for color, brush width...so much. My computer-based art has improved--a lot--because of it. I've got the 4-by-5 model...I've gotten used to the "limited" mouse area--it's not that bad, here.

Hope that helps...enjoy your pad, mang.

 

[Oni]

I have a 6x8 and I love it. Any smaller and I would feel cramped, but that is very much a personal preference things (though when you getting bigger than 6x8 they start getting most expensive). Personally I would recommend trying one out somewhere if you can to get a feel for what you like. There was a little quiz on the wacom site to help you determine what size would be good for you, and I was certainly happy with the results. Lastly, you might consider looking around for a used or refurbished on to make things a little easier on the old wallet, if that is a concern.

 

[Felon]

Thanks, guys. I wound up purchasing the Intuos2 6x8.

Only $285 at Egghead.com.

 

[Tsyr]

Chiming in a bit late, but the 6x8 is wonderful... I got one a few weeks ago to replace a 4x5 Graphire, and I can't understand how I ever got along with the 4x5.

 

[Felon]

So, anyone know of any good sources on how to make good use of my tablet in photoshop? Or is practice the best teacher?

 

[Guerin]

For examples of what can be done with one o' these in photoshop, you might want to check out www.geckoartist.com.
There's nothing in the way of instruction there, but from viewing the images you can infer a lot of the techniques, filters, etc.