If you aren’t aware of Wacom they are consistently at the top of the competition when it comes to pen displays. They make it rather easy for the consumers as you’ll see in this Wacom Cintiq 22 review. From how they name their models to their impressive abilities there are multiple reasons to check out Wacom. The Wacom Cintiq 22 drawing tablet not to be confused with the Wacom Cintiq 22 HD is their latest and largest entry-level design.
It comes at a lower price point than the previous Cintiq 22 HD. While it still has the 22-inch screen that gives it the name other sacrifices are made along the way. You will have to keep reading to find out if this pressure-sensitive android tablet is right for you.
Wacom Cintiq 22 Features
Spacious Display
With a 22k inch screen, you won’t be surprised to find the display to be one of these models strongest characteristics. You are limited to a 1920 x 1080 resolution however unlike the 4K capable Cintiq Pro series. That isn’t too bad though as you will have standard 1080p images available with plenty of space to move. The large screen allows for fully expressive arm movements. This gives you the real artistic feel that smaller drawing tablets can’t match.
You do pay for that extra size though with softer images than you’d find on a smaller screen. The color gamut also isn’t as expansive as you can find in the Pro series. A 72% NTSC may sound poor when compared to the 94% NTSC possibilities. The Cintiq 22 still gives you 96% of visible colors making it perfectly sufficient.
Familiar Drawing Surface
Anyone moving from pen and pad should appreciate the learning curve that comes along with the Cintiq 22. This is especially true for the surface with a slight texture that feels paperesque. Along with the paper feel an anti-glare glass helps to increase the appeal while you work in any lighting. The laminated glass surface almost makes you forget that you are interacting with another layer to create your work. While the space between layers isn’t as thin as the Pro version, it is still barely noticeable. The disconnect is minimal giving you just about as close to a natural feel as you’ll find for a consumer drawing tablet.
Control Beyond the Surface
The nicest part of the Wacom Cintiq 22 might not even be the drawing tablet itself. This pressure-sensitive tablet is great in its own right but the stylus will really make it shine. With a nice heft that fits well in your hands, you won’t find many more comfortable stylus options. Titled the Pro Pen 2 this pressure-sensitive stylus has pretty serious capabilities. The 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity put it on the high level you’d like to find in a powerful drawing tablet.
On top of that tilt, sensitivity gives you an extra degree of control for your strokes. The stylus is also impressive in how it charges with EMR capabilities. You will only need to have the stylus near the screen for it to charge while in use. With electromagnetic powers, impressive responsiveness, and a solid feel there’s nothing to stop you from drawing for hours.
Extras Round Out the Package
With such a large screen considerable support is required to hold everything up. While many other options opt for foldable legs to stay steady the Wacom Cintiq 22 is different. This model includes an adjustable stand that allows you to tilt it to a comfortable position. As for connections this model sadly doesn’t allow for Bluetooth connectivity. You can make use of multiple USB ports however to connect to another computer. With a USB-A port, you will need an adapter if your computer only has the more common USB-C ports.
Conclusion
With a price that reaches around the $1200 range, the Wacom Cintiq 22 isn’t for the faint of heart. The serious student or budding artists will appreciate its impressive capabilities, however. Any talented artist should easily be able to transition from pen and paper to this comfortable and expansive model. The price is still a bit higher than the competition within its range, but it also outperforms them in many areas as well. With a great stylus, all the space you need, and solid features few artists will be disappointed with this drawing tablet.
FAQs
What Computer works best with Wacom Cintiq 22 drawing tablet?
You can think of your drawing tablet as a functional display you can create art on but it isn’t a powerhouse. The strength and detail of your images will largely be determined by your computer. You won’t need an especially powerful computer since the resolution is limited to 1080. Though you should still make sure you at least have a decent video card to use more powerful programs.
What software is compatible with Wacom Cintiq 22?
You aren’t really limited when it comes to software options with the Wacom Cintiq 22. Some of the possible options for software are Adobe Photoshop, Auto Desk SketchBoo, Art Rage, Clip Studio Paint Pro, and Corel Painter. You can find a full list of optimized software on the Wacom website.
