Review: Wacom Intuos Pro S

“The negative is the equivalent of the composer’s score, and the print the performance.” – Ansel Adams

Or, to paraphrase Bruce Barnbaum, the RAW file is the score and the TIFF is the performance. No matter what the genre of photography, completing the image is always done after (sometimes long after) the shutter button is clicked. It doesn't matter if it's a digital or film photograph, something always has to be done in post- in software, the darkroom, or both. The amount of post processing done is up to the photographer and is often dictated by the subject. The goal is to create a photograph that best represents how the photographer perceived the scene, not necessarily to create a carbon copy of the scene.

Therefore, it makes sense that having the proper tools for post processing is just as important as having the proper tools for capturing the original image. The computer and the software or the chemicals and darkroom space are just as important as the camera, the lenses, the tripod, and the filters.

One of the most frustrating parts of post processing for me was in detailed work. Using my MacBook trackpad was a pain to use for anything beyond gradients. The mouse was ok, but dragging and holding a click wasn't effective for more intensive work. The mouse was a port in a storm. So, I started looking into tablets. Using an art tablet offered a more controlled and comfortable way of editing. Instead of a mouse you use a pen. I have a little background in art so using a pen sounded more attractive. It didn't take long before I inevitably landed on Wacom's line of editing hardware.

Wacom makes a ton of different products from pen computers to simple smart pads. For photographers the best choices would be the computers, pen displays, or the pen tablets. I decided to to go with a Intuos Pro pen tablet because using another display didn't seem necessary. Also, the texture of the tablet sounded more appealing to work with over that of a smooth display glass. Plus, the Intuos was far more affordable. There are several models of the Intuos Pro to choose from the S, M, and L (small, medium, large) or the Paper M or Paper L (designed for tracing over paper). I decided on the S model since it measures about the same as my Mac and would fit in a bag with no problem.

The Pro S is 320 x 208 x 12mm (12.6 x 8.2 x 0.5 in) and has 6 customizable express keys- on/off, zoom, etc. It connects to the computer either wirelessly (with included adapter) or through USB. The active area also functions as a finger touch pad.

Express keys are customizable for a myriad of functions

The slightly textured active area is indicated by the illuminated corners.

The tablet connects wirelessly to the computer through a simple to install adapter.

Of course. the main attraction of the tablet is the pen function. The Pro S has 2048 pen pressure points on a 157mm x 98mm (6.2 x 3.9in) active area. The pen has a rubber body and grip and has two buttons that can be customized to function like mouse clicks. The pad is sensitive to the pen's tilt and the pressure applied. The pen itself is battery free. It includes a couple of plastic rings which can be fitted below the head for customization. It also includes a stand.

I didn't realize this for a few weeks, but the stand opens to reveal a whole smorgasbord of pen nibs and a tool to remove them. There are 5 regular nibs of firm plastic which feel, at least to me, like a pencil on paper. There are 4 felt nibs which feel like a felt pen on course paper. There is one rubber flex nib with a small spring near the base which feels like a brush. The last nib, and this one is my favorite, is called a stroke nib and is a combination of plastic with a rubber tip or core that feels like a marker on smooth paper. I find that it is the most natural feeling.

Extra pen nibs and the tool to change them are stored in the stand.

My pen is fitted with the stroke nib.

All the reviews I read on the tablet said that there can be quite a learning curve. And there is a lot of truth to that, especially using the pen instead of a mouse for menu selections, etc. However, when it comes to editing I found using it to be second nature. When I first started I had a standard nib in the pen and I didn't care at all for how it felt. To me it seemed like I was scratching the tablet too much. But, once I switched to the stroke nib, it felt and worked perfectly. It makes editing, especially fine detailed edits, much easier. Because the tablet and pen are more accurate, I get through complicated edits in half the time. Plus, it's more enjoyable to use. Using a mouse was always a frustrating experience. All that frustration is gone with the Intuos Pro. Since it works wirelessly, I can sit back and get comfortable just like with a pen and paper instead of sitting hunched over a desk for hours.

I don't tend to use the express buttons very much and I haven't really used it as a touch pad. For clicking through menus or scrolling I usually just switch over to my mouse, mostly out of habit. For some functions the mouse is the more natural choice. The S model works wirelessly through an adapter which plugs into a USB port. The larger models work over Bluetooth. Using a USB port can be an inconvenience if you only have a couple of ports. Battery life in the tablet lasts for several weeks and is recharged through USB. The tablet will automatically shut off if it's not in use for a while, hence the long battery life. Installation and set up is really easy, but the directions for use don't come in the box. But, using it is mostly intuitive. The only direction I needed was on how to remove the pen nibs.

The Wacom Intuos Pro S is slim, lightweight, and measures about the same size as my MacBook Pro. It's easy to master and works as a perfect solution for photo editing in lieu of the old trackpad or the mouse. It didn't cost an arm and leg either. So, if you are looking for a cost effective and more accurate tool for post processing work, I recommend looking into one the Wacom Intuos Pro models. I don't think you will regret it!