Digital drawing equipment/software

BrokenPhoenix

BrokenPhoenix

Stand User
Hi all,

Does anyone know some good drawing tablet brands for digital drawing? I used to have a drawing tablet as a teenager and Manga Studio EX on my computer, and I'm kinda wanting to get back into drawing - nothing serious, just to have some fun and relax. But I have no idea what's good to get in terms of equipment/software.

Thanks! :)
 
I haven't kept up with what is available in a while, but usually it's been Wacom for some of the best and most supported and a company that will still be in the business in the future. While best known for the professional higher end stuff, they usually have a more budget friendly line too. Looks like there are a couple of options around £50:

Drawing Tablet - Wacom UK

Draw, paint and take notes digitally - expand your creative possibilities with a professional drawing tablet with pen from Wacom
estore.wacom.com estore.wacom.com
 
Wacom are the gold standard. They also used to be the only company whose pens didn't require batteries, though I don't know if that's still the case. Their entry level model should be more than sufficient these days, since features that used to be exclusive to their pro-grade Intuos tablets tend to filter down to their Bamboo/One ranges after a few years. It's best to do a comparison though, in case there's some specific feature you want.

One thing to bear in mind is that tablets with integrated screens have become increasingly affordable over the last decade. Depending on the price point you're looking at, getting one with a screen might mean opting for a different brand, but the Wacom One 14 with built-in screen is a fraction of a price of their premium Cintiq range.

As for software, I've always used Corel Painter, but that's not a cheap option. I'm not sure how more afforable art software compares these days.
 
Wacom used to be the only game in town but you can now get really high quality from Chinese brands. I recommend Huion and XP-Pen for the best budget quality tablets. Wacom tend to be pricier because you also pay for the name (not to say Wacom isn't good, just somewhat overpriced IMO). If you are just doing it casually I wouldn't spend too much out the gate so I think Huion or XP-Pen would be good options. I can recommend the Huion Kamvas and XP-Pen Artist Pro tablets. Price goes up relative to size so you have to factor that in too. Hope that helps.
 
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