I recently bought myself a brand new Wacom Cintiq 24HD tablet. Here are all my first impressions, opinions, reviews, photos, and video of my new toy. And if you don't have time to read it, here's a summary: This thing is SWEET!
Previous Hardware
When reading this review, keep in mind that I've never owned or used a Cintiq before, so I can't compare it to the previous models. My first tablets were the Graphire and the Intuos. For the past few years, my main workhorse has been the Modbook, a tablet computer made from an Apple Macbook. (You can read my previous reviews about it here on the blog.)
Unboxing
First impression – the box was huge! And heavy (around 85 pounds). It took over the entirety of my tiny living room.
Inside, there was the tablet on its stand, cables (the power cable, a USB cord, DVI cord, and a DVI-to-VGA adapter cord), an instruction booklet, software/driver disks, a pen, and a pen stand (which also contained extra nibs).
Setup
Desk space
Did I mention that the Cintiq 24HD is massive? To set it up, get a helper because I doubt anyone can get this thing out of the box and onto a desk by themselves. In physical size, the Cintiq is slightly larger than the 27" iMac that I already had sitting on my desk. Needless to say, my work area is crowded.
Cables
All of the wiring on the tablet is routed through the arms of the stand, keeping it pretty clean. Three different cords stick out of a hole in the back. The power cable connects to a power brick that's about the size of, well, a brick, which in turn gets plugged into your outlet. A USB cable plugs into your computer. The video cable goes to a DVI or VGA port. If you are on a Mac, keep in mind that you plug this into the mini displayport or thunderbolt port and you need to buy the DVI-to-MiniDisplayPort adapter from Apple separately. There's a door you can open to access your cable connections on the tablet itself, but you probably won't need to worry about that.
Software
Next, I installed the driver. When you first install it and turn your tablet on, probably the first thing you need to do is calibrate the pen. Just hit the calibrate button in the driver preferences and follow the instructions (it involves tapping targets in the corner of the screen to help align the pen with the cursor).
Color Calibration
After that, I had to change the monitor color. The screen on the Cintiq was really different than my iMac screen – a lot duller and yellower. You can fix this by changing the color profile. On Macs, this is in the Display preferences under the color section. I changed the Cintiq to use the iMac profile just like my main computer. After that, the color on the two monitors was virtually the same.
Primary/Secondary Monitor
The Cintiq works just like any other computer monitor. If you don’t already have a monitor, you won’t need to get one because the Cintiq is sufficient all on its own.
If you already have a monitor, or you have one built into a laptop or iMac, you need to decide if the Cintiq will act as a primary or secondary monitor. My initial reaction upon setting it up was that I would set up the Cintiq as the secondary monitor. However, I realized quickly that it wouldn’t work that way. While you’re drawing in Photoshop or other program, you need access to your app and system menus.
As a result, whenever I am working on the Cintiq, I switch the primary monitor to the Cintiq. When I’m done drawing, I switch it back so I can use my iMac normally again. This was a bit inconvenient to me at first, but I got used to switching back and forth and it’s not a big deal.
First Impressions
The Stand
The stand is both solid and flexible. Most of the heaviness can be attributed to the base, which requires a lot of weight to keep the tablet balanced, and not falling off your desk. It is very well-made, and I never feel like the tablet is unbalanced or in danger of falling.
There are two main levers – the sides which control the screen tilt and a latch on the center of the base which releases the arms. These give you a wide range of positions to work from. You can have it perfectly vertical to use as a monitor, or you can lay it almost flat. Because the stand is so heavy, you can hang it off the edge of your desk, almost like putting it on your lap. The stand is incredibly easy to use and adjust. It cannot rotate from side to side like the 21UX stand can, but it's so flexible otherwise and the tablet is so massive that I don't really care about that.
Keep in mind that the arm only "locks" in the complete vertical position. However, it doesn't really hinder the number of positions you can use because the bottom of the tablet rests on your desk when not vertical. You can work at virtually any angle.
Controls
The Cintiq has five buttons and a scroll wheel on each side of the tablet. The scroll wheel can do up to three different things at a time, and you can select which task using the three buttons beside the wheel.
I haven't gotten terribly used to using the custom buttons just yet. I found that even though there are two sets of buttons, I really only use one (the left side, because my right hand is usually busy drawing).
You may want to get used to using the custom buttons because one trouble I am having is finding a place for my keyboard. The Cintiq is so massive that I have to reach pretty far if I set it off to the side. You can place it in front of the tablet or underneath on the stand base, but I often have the tablet positioned flat so I can't do that all the time.
Quick-Access Buttons
There are three handy buttons at the top right of the tablet. These let you access info (explaining all your button and controls), an on-screen keyboard (for quick typing needs), and settings (opens the Wacom software driver/preferences).
The Screen
Besides the enormous color difference when I first set the Cintiq up (which was fixed when I changed the display color profile), I have had no problems or complaints about quality and color of the monitor. It's got a good range and looks beautiful.
The biggest adjustment for me is the SIZE. It is quite something to go from a 12"-13" screen to a 24" one. My eyes feel a whole lot more relaxed, and no more constant zooming!
Compared to my iMac, I would say the Cintiq screen is maybe slightly less bright. However, that is kinda fortunate and maybe on purpose on Wacom's part because it is easier on the eyes. The resolution is also smaller than on my iMac – the maximum on the Cintiq is only 1920×1200 vs. my iMac’s 2560×1440.
Drawing Experience
Drawing on a Cintiq is probably the most natural experience you'll find on a digital device. One minor quibble I have is that the glass screen is really slick – the Modbook I previously worked on had an etched surface that was slightly more paper-like. The experience may be much better with different kinds of pen nibs, but I have yet to try them.
Like with any tablet, there is a slight gap between your cursor and where your pen actually touches down. That can take some getting used to if you've never used a Cintiq or tablet computer before (though it's definitely much better than trying to figure out the hand-eye disconnect of a standard Wacom tablet). I like to tell beginning digital painters to get used to watching the cursor, not the end of your pen. If you can make that small mental adjustment, the experience becomes a lot more natural.
There are 2048 levels of pen pressure. The device I was working with before had only 512. I'd say it feels more sensitive, but I can't say I've been overwhelmed by the difference. I've never been too picky about levels of pressure when it comes to tablets. There are a lot. That's nice.
Video
I gave a small tour of my Cintiq on Ustream when I first got it. You can find that here (there's also a little more at the end of this video, because the first video got cut off). I show how the stand works, what it looks like on my desk next to my iMac, and do a little sketching.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19600321
Questions
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How does the Cintiq 24HD compare to other tablets and regular drawing?
Like I mentioned at the beginning, I've never used a Cintiq before, so I can't really speak to previous models. However, compared to standard tablets like the Intuos, the drawing experience is really night and day. It's a lot easier and more natural. That being said, having drawn on standard tablets before has helped me get used to the Cintiq more easily, because there's still a bit of adjustment from regular pencil and paper. There is a slight disconnect with the pen and cursor, and the pressure and slickness of the pen takes getting used to.
Compared to my previous workstation – the Modbook – the main difference is the size. Other little differences include a smaller parallax between the pen and screen, better driver and software controls, and better construction. But of course, the Cintiq is not very portable. I'll still keep my Modbook around for traveling or sketching in the living room.
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What position do you use it in?
The stand is so easy to adjust, that I honestly move it around all the time depending on my needs. Though my two most often used positions are probably almost-vertical and almost-flat.
In previous Cintiq models, I've heard that it is a bit awkward to use them in a flat position. That's not true of the 24HD. Because the tablet can lean off your desk a bit, it feels more like a regular drawing desk.
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How do you color-calibrate it?
I am not too well-versed in the technicalities of color quality and monitor calibration. I just used the Display preferences to change the color profile of the Cintiq to the same as my iMac profile, and the two screens almost match each other perfectly.
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Could it use more buttons?
So far, I do not need any more buttons that what is provided on the Cintiq. I kinda like the simplicity. It's fortunate that I've worked on a tablet computer for a few years, because I've been adjusting to using Photoshop without a keyboard.
If you're a keyboard shortcut junkie, then you might be wanting a bit more. Like I mentioned earlier, using your actual keyboard can be a bit awkward, so it's nice to have the buttons.
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Luxury or Necessity?
I wouldn't say you NEED a Cintiq to be a digital painter, but I wouldn't call it a luxury per se because it wouldn't be money extravagantly wasted. It is worth every single penny. My general advice is that beginners should get the cheapest tablet and learn the basics of digital painting before getting the larger equipment. However if you are a working pro who would use this every day, and you can afford it or have the means to save up for one, GET IT.
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Overall rating?
10 out of 10
Pictures!
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Really interesting review, I hope I will get a Cintiq one day!!! Thank you so for sharing!
Thanks for the review.
I got my 24HD in mid-December & feel similarly about it. It’s brilliant.
And yeah, it’s both heavy & huge! I have the same set-up, 27″ iMac running the 24HD, and my work area is crazy-crowded.
I spend about half my time working on it with the arms locked straight up & the tablet just a bit shy of horizontal, with me standing. I pulled an old camping sleeping pad out of the closet & stand on it for comfort. When I feel like a break, it’s easy to swing it into a sitting configuration.
I hated spending the cash but I don’t regret it a bit.
Cheers
Awesome gear Dani, so stoked for you! If anyone deserves this kind of wicked tech, it’s you. You’ve spent YEARS sharing your experience and knowledge with others through your blog, it’s nice to see you know how to treat yourself as well! lol. I have great respect for people such as yourself who work so very hard and still take the time to teach others. I wish you every success girl, you’re the real deal! :o)
Thank you.
Hi Dani,
How did you manage to use the keyboard and the tablet at the same time?
I’m having some hard time finding a place for my keyboard.
I have it off to the side. I mostly don’t use the keyboard or use the on-screen keyboard. Occasionally, when I’m working upright, I can keep the keyboard right under the tablet or in front of it.
Thanks for sharing this Dani, sooo jealous of your Cintiq 24HD!! I have a question…how did you select your iMac display profile on your Cintiq? I have recently connected my Cintiq 12WX to my iMac, and the color is terrible. When I open the display panel I only have ‘iMac’ profile on the iMac screen and ‘Cintiq’ profile on the Cintiq Screen….I can’t seem to find any way to open the ‘iMac’ profile on the Cintiq screen…
thanks again for all your tutorials and stuff, I’ve learned so much from you :)
I have no idea, sorry. I plugged it in, opened the display preferences, and it was there. That’s the extent of what I know.
I just bought mine last week too! However I’m having troubling getting the display to lock. When I put the arms in the vertical position, will the lever pop back?
The arms on my tablet lock when they are vertical. That’s the only position where it locks, but it does lock and the lever pops.
The tablet looks fantastic Dani. It must be naturally comfortable for you to use because I could have sworn I saw your hand a couple of times brushing away some digital pencil dustings off the ‘paper’. :-)
did you find any solution to the slippery screen?- its kind of driving me nuts. My 21ux screen had a little tooth just like the modbook- this new one is so slippery. I changed my nib to one that works a little better but just checking to see what your solution was.
thanks
No, I haven’t really done any fix for the slippery screen. I’ve just kinda lived with it. I agree, I like the modbook surface better.
Hi Dani, thanks for the review and for giving art to the world. I am an Oil painter but I´m about giving the next step. I would like your help, I´m deciding wich I mac is the best option to buy for working with the cintiq 24, I hope you can help me deciding.
Thanks for your atention. David Hernández. Keep on creating.
Any of them. Mac Minis and Macbook Airs are probably a little lightweight, so probably an iMac or Macbook Pro. Mac Pros are overkill unless you need the power for video or something. Get the best you can afford. I have an iMac.
Thanks for the advise I just finally did it and got them both after 3 hard months of saving. Now to work!.
Good luck in all your projects!
Dave.
I watched this while drooling on my wacom tablet :P
Great writeup, really appreciate it when people take the time to share their thoughts an experiences like this. Quick question, is it possible to change the screen res to 1920×1080 vs the native 1920×1200, and if so how does it look (ie is it a bit stretched)? I ask because I’m looking at using this and mirroring the display on a 1080p tv screen for teaching purposes.
thanks again for the post and video!
Hi Dani,
I’ve had my Modbook forever, and love it. The only problem besides its weight, is the relatively small drawing surface. I have been looking for a external cintiq solution compatible with my modbook. At first I thought you had found a way, seeing the photo of your modbook with the new tablet..but read on to realize you connected the iMac. The modbook has the correct output port for the adapter you mentioned, yes. I’ve been told the digitizer driver used in the modbook is proprietary to Axiotron/ Wacom, and therefore an external solution is not possible. Do you have any opinion on this matter? Id hate to drop that much money on a Cintiq, to find out the hard way. My search online has yielded next to nothing on the subject, so any input is appreciated.
Thanks, Kevin
I have no idea, but I’d imagine it would work. The modbook is just a macbook on the inside after all. The cintiq itself is just a fancy external monitor. I think the driver that would control the cintiq would be completely separate from the wacom digitizer already in the modbook.
Hello Dani,
Happy Holidays!
I have gotten the 24hd last October, and I have the same setup with a 27in iMac, recently I have been getting a flickering screen with green dots all over just like the matrix thing.
have you had this issue?
thanks,
Francis
No I haven’t.
I started saving for this today. THANKS!