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Usefulness of a Wacom for Red-centric post?

Shawn Nelson

Shawn Nelson

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I'm contemplating a Wacom, would it be useful in a video/Red centric post? That is, programs like FCP, Color, AE, etc. I know the many uses in graphic design for photoshop, but how many of you out there use a Wacom for video?
 
Shawn Nelson said:
I'm contemplating a Wacom, would it be useful in a video/Red centric post? That is, programs like FCP, Color, AE, etc. I know the many uses in graphic design for photoshop, but how many of you out there use a Wacom for video?
Click to expand...

It's the shizzle Shawn.
I run my Wacom sometimes on set. I use the 9x12. I love it. It's great for FCP as well. And doesn't hurt my arms like a mouse or touchpad.

IBloom
 
Using wacoms since 2000 after having serious wrist problems with mice - I now have them on all four machines we use here for editing, motion graphics and animation. It'll be the best choice you'll ever make.

Ziggy
 
Oh, so you guys just use it in place of a mouse for normal operations?
 
Shawn, 90% of the full-time editors I know use either Wacom or trackball.

I started getting carpal tunnel badly when I was 22. Wacom helped a bit. Switching to Avid helped even more - it was far less dependant on the whole stupid "pointing at tiny icons and dragging 'em around" editing method.

I understand the keyboard shortcuts have gotten better in FCP.

But still, if you're using mouse and FCP without heavy keyboard shortcuts, your wrist will might very likely be shot in <10 years. Which will suck, because that's when you're commanding the big bucks as an editor.

Get off that track ASAP - tablet and switch to Avid is what I recommend. But either is good.

Mouse and FCP is for dilletantes. The people selling you that combo don't care about your physical well-being or professional life one iota.

(Flame retardant suit on)

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com
 
Since over 10 years I use the Wacom A3 (biggest one). I'm addicted to it and won't come back to mouse.

It's great to literally "embrace" the application you work with. For applications like Shake or Nuke it is a must. Systems like Flame or Henry have it standard, they know why.

I second the health aspekt mentioned above, no tennis-arm anymore.

Hans

PS: IMO the A3 is the best alternative - it's not cheap but worth it and it lasts long. My current one is 8 years old and will do another 8.
 
muroshi said:
Are you guys talking about the Intuos3 A5 Wide, USB, 271x159 mm ?

Cause that is what I have on my "wishlist" also, is it big enough?
Click to expand...

Yes. Go for it. The important thing is to get away from mice ASAP while you still have a wrist. Size depends on screen size. Some editors like small ones because they sit nicely next to the keyboard. For starters, A5 wide is fine. Later on you might want to move to a larger tablet. If so that's cool, you can use your original tablet for a second computer. It's very easy to jump from computer to computer that way (can use the same pen across 2 computers' tablet). I was going between 3 computers (1 PC and 2 Macs) that way when finishing Hannah Montana titles.

A used Intuos2 is fine too in a pinch. Again, A5 or greater size recommended (6"x8" or larger for US folks).

EDIT: Hans, I second you on the longevity of the Wacom and agree that larger ones are the best of course. As long as the person doesn't put off this move off too long waiting for tablet funds IMHO.

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com
 
Everyday use. A must. Wacom Intuos A3 Wide.
 
Been using wacom from simple tablets to the Cintiq lcd pen screens for years. It saved me from carpal tunnel, and is an absolute pleasure to work with. Drivers are very solid.

Some audio plugins dont play nice with it, but there are workarounds.

Jochen
 
I use a HP TC1100 Tablet PC, detached from its keyboard and networked via VNC (free utility) to the editing station (Windows - Premiere Pro). The tablet screen replicates one of my editing screens and I simply touch the pen to the surface to make adjustments on my colour wheels and various sliders.

A macro utility like ClickyMouse can also be used the assign functions to the pen gestures - on my system a vertical scribbling motion does a splice and a horizontal scribble motion performs a ripple-delete. Works a treat and a lot faster than adjustments with the mouse. Anything to lessen the RSI caused by editing 40-60 hours a week.

Tablet PC aside, I also use voice-recognition software and a headset to trigger editing macros with voice commands. Have about 20 commands mapped ranging from splice, delete, ripple (delete), brightness, contrast, copy (clip attributes) and paste (clip attributes). Also pefect for triggereing other actions that would normally require navigating through multiple drop-down menus. Takes a while a program the macros, but saves thousands of mouse-clicks and keyboard strokes a week once it's done (there's key/mouse stroke counter utilities that can let you do a before and after comparison).

Main thing with voice recognition macros is not to have two similar sounding voice commands like "import" and "export", and to use a good quality headset to maintain some consistency to the command volume, pitch and tone (also helps eliminate background noise).
 
We have a Wacom on every machine. They are great.

I find just being able to switch from pen to mouse is the trick for me. Either one for too long is a stress. Change is good.

We have a graphire, an intuos and a Cintiq. The intuos gets the most use.
 
I have a 12x19 and a 6x8 and don't use a mouse much at all. They are awesome. Took me a week to get use to it, but then there was no turning back.

I just bought the 12" and 20" Cintiq and they are amazing. I can't really use them in my setup, so I'm getting rid of them, but I swear that Wacom has upped my productivity in all applications by 50%.

Check out a Cintiq as well if you're just getting into Wacom's. They function a bit differently, but if you're just starting it might make sense. Cintiq'a are just going to get bigger and better. Plus, they're high on the coolness factor. :)

J.
 
I've been using Wacom's of all kinds, from the small graphire, through large A3, and now a couple of intuos, for over ten years. They're on the best investments you'll make for your health while using a computer.

Graeme
 
Wacom Intuos3 9x12 here.

Before that, I had the previous ArtZ-II model in both 6x9 and 12x18 sizes. I still use a mouse a lot though as there are some things the Wacom just can't replace a mouse for (IMO) and I've never liked the Wacom mouse. Don't know why, but I still prefer good optical mouse for use in many applications. You can't go wrong with a Wacom though.
 
I love my Wacom 4D mouse. It glides nice and smoothly over my 9x12 Intuos. Been using the same tablet for over 10 years. It is an absolute necessity for painting, cloning, and supercloning.
 
Yeah, I've been using them for a few years now too. I never even plug the mouse in. After a while you get to the point where you can even type with the pen in your hand quite well (as I'm doing right now).

I'd definitely recommend the wide version if you are using a widescreen display as it feels quite a bit more natural. I just ordered the small $1000 Cintiq (12" display and wacom in one). I'll let you know how that goes. That's probably a bit luxurious unless you work in Photoshop a lot (as I certainly do).

Cheers.
 
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