Bamboo Capture: Perfect For Photographers!
It's sort of an impromptu photography week here at TrulyNet, as we check out some of the latest related gadgets and gear. Today's company should be well known to any graphic designer out there, as they manufacture the best pen tablets on the market. These aren't tablets in the newer sense of the word- they aren't iPad competitors. Instead, they're input devices, allowing you to draw on small boards with an electronic pen. If you've only used a mouse and keyboard, you should definitely try one- it makes pinpoint corrections to your photos faster and simpler than any other method.
Today's model is the Wacom Bamboo Capture, a lightweight and attractive version that is remarkably affordable.We've tried several of their products before- the Intuos4 continues to hold up to our regular abuse- and find them durable and easy to use. They've been fairly expensive in the past though, and even the smaller of the series would set you back over $200, with the larger ones costing nearly $500. But this one features a sub-$99 price tag, perfectly aimed at the home user or prosumer who enjoys using Photoshop or other photo editing tools but wishes they could do so more quickly and more accurately. Less costly even than the Fun series we reviewed, the Capture does feel a bit limited to those used to more spacious tablets- the active area is only about 6 inches by 3.5 inches- but for those new to the concept it shouldn't be an issue.
Software, as always, is simple and straight forward. Despite the pictures, by default it's wired, but is wireless compatible.1024 levels of pressure are more than enough for most folks, and the inclusion of Nik Software's Color Filters was inspired, as you can achieve some fun effects easily. Even if you're just taking photos from a regular pocket digital camera, you'll be able to quickly compete with the Instagrams and Hipstamatics of the world. Compatible with both Windows and Mac OSX, it also is convertible for left- or right-handed use. We liked the four buttons- programmable ExpressKeys to be precise- but those who want to save a bit of money can opt for the even less-spendy Connect model. The bigger brother 'Create' offers twice the working space for about $80 more.
We found the pen to be comfortable, though a little too large and a bit oddly balanced. Holding the tablet was easy, and even those new to the idea caught on quickly and found themselves having trouble going back to a creaky old mouse for some operations. It does take up some space, but not much more than a good mousepad. And it feels well-made, with attention clearly having been paid to design and functionality. For those wanting more features, Wacom offers a complete line. But if you're an artist- or know one- without a graphics tablet, then the Bamboo Capture should be an easy choice. Available online and in stores for around $90.
About the Author
Greg Greg dreamed up the idea for the Truly Network while living in Hawaii, which began with a single site called TrulyObscure. In 2010, when advertisers and readers were requesting coverage beyond the scope of that site, TrulyNet was launched, reaching a broader audience over a variety of niche sites. Formerly the head technology correspondent for the Des Moines Register at age 16, he has since lived and worked in five states and two countries, helping a list of organizations and companies that includes the United States Census Bureau, TripAdvisor, Events Photo Group, Berlitz, and Computer Geeks. He also served as the Content Strategy Manager for HearPlanet, a multi-platform app that has reached over a million users and has been featured in the New York Times, Hemispheres Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Fox Business News, PC Magazine, and even Apple’s own iPhone ads. Greg has written as a restaurant critic and feature journalist for a number of national and international publications, including City Weekend Magazine, Red Egg Magazine, the Newton Daily News, Capital Change Magazine, and an arm of China Daily, Beijing Weekend. In addition, he has served as a consulting editor for the Foreign Language Press of Beijing, as well as a writer and editor for the George Washington University Hatchet, the school newspaper of his alma mater. Originally from Iowa, Greg is currently living in the West Village of Manhattan.
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