What To Know
- If you’re on a tight budget, the Gaomon PD1560 is a great option.
- It provides a large active area, decent pressure sensitivity, and a full HD display at an affordable price.
- The Wacom Cintiq 22 is ideal for advanced users who demand the best in terms of performance and reliability.
Choosing the right drawing tablet can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the industry giants like Gaomon and Wacom. The Gaomon PD1560 vs Wacom Cintiq 22 debate is a common one, with both offering impressive features and capabilities. This blog post will delve deep into the strengths and weaknesses of each tablet, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
The Gaomon PD1560 and Wacom Cintiq 22 are both popular choices among artists, designers, and illustrators. They both boast a large active area, pressure sensitivity, and compatibility with various software. However, their differences lie in their features, price, and overall user experience.
Gaomon PD1560: The Budget-Friendly Option
The Gaomon PD1560 is a strong contender in the budget-friendly drawing tablet market. It offers a large 15.6-inch active area, a 1920×1080 resolution display, and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Pros:
- Affordable: The PD1560 is significantly cheaper than the Wacom Cintiq 22, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious artists.
- Large Active Area: The 15.6-inch active area provides ample space for drawing, making it ideal for detailed work.
- Full HD Display: The 1920×1080 resolution display offers crisp and clear visuals, enhancing the overall drawing experience.
- Pressure Sensitivity: With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, the PD1560 accurately captures the nuances of your strokes, providing a natural and responsive feel.
Cons:
- Color Accuracy: The PD1560’s color accuracy isn’t as impressive as the Cintiq 22, which may be a concern for professional artists who require precise color reproduction.
- Build Quality: Some users have reported issues with the build quality, particularly the stand’s stability.
- Driver Issues: Gaomon drivers may sometimes be unstable or require frequent updates, which can be frustrating for some users.
Wacom Cintiq 22: The Industry Standard
The Wacom Cintiq 22 is a flagship product from the renowned Wacom brand. It offers a 21.5-inch active area, a 1920×1080 resolution display, and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. Here’s a closer look at its key features:
Pros:
- Excellent Color Accuracy: The Cintiq 22 offers exceptional color accuracy, making it a preferred choice for professional artists who require precise color representation.
- Superior Build Quality: Wacom is known for its high-quality build, and the Cintiq 22 lives up to this reputation with its sturdy and reliable construction.
- Industry-Leading Drivers: Wacom drivers are generally considered to be stable and reliable, with regular updates ensuring compatibility with the latest software.
- Excellent Pen Performance: The Wacom Pro Pen 2 provides a smooth and precise drawing experience with low latency and excellent responsiveness.
Cons:
- High Price: The Cintiq 22 is significantly more expensive than the PD1560, which may be a barrier for some users.
- Limited Connectivity: The Cintiq 22 only offers a single HDMI port, which can be limiting for users who want to connect multiple devices.
Comparing the Features: A Head-to-Head Analysis
To make a better decision, let’s compare the key features of both tablets:
| Feature | Gaomon PD1560 | Wacom Cintiq 22 |
| — | — | — |
| Active Area | 15.6 inches | 21.5 inches |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 |
| Pressure Sensitivity | 8192 levels | 8192 levels |
| Color Accuracy | Good | Excellent |
| Build Quality | Average | Excellent |
| Drivers | Can be unstable | Stable and reliable |
| Price | Budget-friendly | Expensive |
Choosing the Right Tablet: A Guide to Your Needs
The choice between the Gaomon PD1560 and Wacom Cintiq 22 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
- Budget-conscious artists: If you’re on a tight budget, the Gaomon PD1560 is a great option. It provides a large active area, decent pressure sensitivity, and a full HD display at an affordable price.
- Professional artists: If you require exceptional color accuracy, superior build quality, and industry-leading drivers, the Wacom Cintiq 22 is the better choice.
- Beginners: The Gaomon PD1560 is a great starting point for beginners who are new to digital art. It offers a good balance of features and affordability.
- Advanced users: The Wacom Cintiq 22 is ideal for advanced users who demand the best in terms of performance and reliability.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Considerations
While features and price are crucial factors, there are other aspects to consider:
- Software Compatibility: Both tablets are compatible with popular drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook.
- Ergonomics: The Cintiq 22 offers a more ergonomic design with a stand that allows for adjustable angles, which can be beneficial for extended drawing sessions.
- Customer Support: Wacom offers excellent customer support, with readily available resources and a dedicated team to assist with any issues. Gaomon’s customer support is generally good, but may not be as comprehensive as Wacom’s.
The Verdict: Which Tablet Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Gaomon PD1560 and Wacom Cintiq 22 depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for an affordable option with a large active area and decent features, the Gaomon PD1560 is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize color accuracy, build quality, and industry-leading drivers, the Wacom Cintiq 22 is the superior option.
Moving Beyond the Decision: A Look into the Future
The world of drawing tablets is constantly evolving, with new models and technologies emerging all the time. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more affordable and feature-rich options like the Gaomon PD1560, as well as improved versions of industry-leading models like the Wacom Cintiq 22.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Is the Gaomon PD1560 good for professional work?
A: While the PD1560 offers decent features, its color accuracy may not be sufficient for professional artists who require precise color representation.
Q: Is the Wacom Cintiq 22 worth the price?
A: The Cintiq 22 is a premium product with exceptional color accuracy, build quality, and drivers. If you’re a professional artist or serious hobbyist, it’s worth the investment.
Q: What are the differences between a drawing tablet and a drawing monitor?
A: A drawing tablet is a device that uses a pen to control a cursor on a computer screen. A drawing monitor, like the Cintiq 22, has a built-in screen where you draw directly.
Q: Which tablet is better for beginners?
A: The Gaomon PD1560 is a good starting point for beginners due to its affordability and decent features.
Q: What are some alternatives to the Gaomon PD1560 and Wacom Cintiq 22?
A: Some other popular drawing tablets include the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro, Huion Kamvas Pro 13, and Wacom Cintiq 16.