Highlights
- This budget-friendly tablet offers a large active area and pressure sensitivity, making it a solid option for beginners and artists on a tight budget.
- This professional-grade tablet boasts superior pen technology, a larger active area, and excellent pressure sensitivity, making it a favorite among seasoned artists and designers.
- Pressure sensitivity is a crucial feature for artists, as it allows you to vary the thickness and intensity of your lines based on the pressure you apply to the pen.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two giants in the industry: Huion and Wacom. The Huion HS64 and Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP are both popular choices, but they cater to different needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of each tablet to help you make an informed decision.
The Contenders: Huion HS64 vs Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP
Huion HS64: This budget-friendly tablet offers a large active area and pressure sensitivity, making it a solid option for beginners and artists on a tight budget.
Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP: This professional-grade tablet boasts superior pen technology, a larger active area, and excellent pressure sensitivity, making it a favorite among seasoned artists and designers.
Active Area and Size: A Canvas for Your Creativity
The active area is the space on the tablet’s surface that responds to your pen strokes. Here’s how the two tablets compare:
Huion HS64: The HS64 features a 10 x 6.25-inch active area, which is ample for most drawing needs. It’s slightly smaller than the Intuos4 XL DTP, but still provides a decent working space.
Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP: The Intuos4 XL DTP has a massive 12 x 8-inch active area, making it ideal for large-scale drawings and intricate details. The extra space allows for more freedom and precision.
Pressure Sensitivity: Precision and Control
Pressure sensitivity is a crucial feature for artists, as it allows you to vary the thickness and intensity of your lines based on the pressure you apply to the pen.
Huion HS64: The HS64 boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, which is impressive for its price point. It provides a smooth and responsive experience for most drawing tasks.
Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP: The Intuos4 XL DTP takes pressure sensitivity to a whole new level with 1024 levels. This higher sensitivity offers a more nuanced and precise drawing experience, especially for intricate details and subtle shading.
Pen Technology: A Seamless Drawing Experience
The pen is the heart of any drawing tablet, and its functionality can significantly impact your workflow.
Huion HS64: The HS64 comes with a battery-free pen that features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and two side buttons. While it offers decent functionality, it might not be as responsive or as precise as the Wacom pen.
Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP: The Intuos4 XL DTP’s pen is renowned for its smooth and accurate performance. It boasts a pressure-sensitive nib that provides a natural drawing experience. The pen also features two side buttons that can be customized for various functions.
Features and Software: Enhancing Your Workflow
Both tablets offer a range of features and software to enhance your drawing experience.
Huion HS64: The HS64 comes with a simple driver that allows you to customize the pen buttons and screen resolution. It also supports various drawing software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint.
Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP: The Intuos4 XL DTP features Wacom’s proprietary software, which includes features like customizable pen buttons, pressure sensitivity settings, and a user-friendly interface. It also offers compatibility with a range of creative software.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Huion HS64:
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Large active area for its price point
- 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Battery-free pen
Cons:
- Pen might not be as responsive or precise as Wacom pens
- Limited software features compared to Wacom
Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP:
Pros:
- Superior pen technology with 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity
- Large active area for ample working space
- Comprehensive software with customization options
- Excellent build quality and durability
Cons:
- Higher price compared to Huion
- Older model, may be difficult to find new
Choosing the Right Tablet: Your Creative Journey
Ultimately, the best drawing tablet for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Huion HS64: This tablet is an excellent choice for beginners, casual artists, or those on a tight budget. It offers a large active area, decent pressure sensitivity, and a battery-free pen.
Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP: This professional-grade tablet is ideal for seasoned artists, designers, or anyone who requires a high level of precision and control. Its superior pen technology, large active area, and comprehensive software make it a powerful tool for creative work.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Innovation
While the Huion HS64 is a solid option for beginners, the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP remains a popular choice among experienced artists. Its superior pen technology, large active area, and comprehensive software make it a powerful tool for creative work. However, its age and availability may be a concern for some.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Is the Huion HS64 compatible with Mac computers?
A: Yes, the Huion HS64 is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
Q: Can I use the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP with older versions of Photoshop?
A: Yes, the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP is compatible with older versions of Photoshop and other creative software.
Q: Is the Huion HS64 pen compatible with other Huion tablets?
A: The Huion HS64 pen is not compatible with other Huion tablets. Each tablet typically comes with its own specific pen.
Q: Does the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP require a driver to work?
A: Yes, the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP requires a driver to be installed on your computer.
Q: What is the difference between the Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP and the Wacom Intuos Pro?
A: The Wacom Intuos4 XL DTP is an older model compared to the Wacom Intuos Pro. The Intuos Pro series offers newer features, improved pen technology, and a more streamlined design.
