Wacom Intuos 4 has arrived...
I just got it in for a test drive and it is a great piece of engineering; sell your old tablet now and get the latest model - life is changing and this is a lot faster to work with... 2048 levels of pressure....but not on your life....
Highlights
- right handed or left handed optimised!
- 10 nibs to make it "feel" better!
- touch ring lets you zoom in or out
- touch ring lets you cycle through layers!
- touch ring lets you increase or decrease brush sizes
- touch ring lets you rotate canvas (CS4 and open GL offers the same)
- or customise touch ring to your liking
- leds indicate your setting visibly
- if you draw - increased sensitivity, even the eraser!
- all express keys are configurable to your wishes
- slim, small footprint, easy transport with notebook
I can now keep my hands on the tablet and my keyboard can dissappear there is no need for any additional keystokes or modifiers. The radial menu offersby default 4 internet options but I find it easier to open up other programs or shortcuts, actions etc that I want to run that are not available from within photoshop. This makes the tablet very personal and as you set it up for your workflow it just makes it so easy. All buttons are customisable for each software program, you can have different settings for Corel, CS4, Artrage Dreamweaver, any program is able to have its own customised settings as long as you remember to select the program in your tablet properties before you start working in it.
I can see how in the future we will have a keyboard with a drawing pad built in!
This time the bundled software is better, it comes with photoshop elements no 7 which you can give to the kids assuming most of us are Lightroom or CS users, or use the Corel Auto sketch pad or the sketch book Express which feels very much like "Artrage" an excellent drawing program.
Included are sample filters from Nik's color Efex and some "wacom" brushes but those brushes are pretty lame inventions. Why they do not include the video of the Photoshop Cafe "Wacom Tablets and Photoshop is a mystery for me, but we are buying software - not "Goodies"!
Pricewise it sits pretty good considering you can work a lot faster, I have been able to zap through quite a few files quicker because I could program the tablet to follow all my actions, so cool! The fact you can actually read on the tablet your selected modifiers etx in the sexy blue LED's is a bonus especially in the beginning when you try to remember what you programmed into the tablet.
This is one tablet that will keep the workspace very healthy!
NIK SOFTWARE - software to enhance - Wacom and Nikon bundle some of their software... they make 5 great products that make a great workflow to make your images outstanding! Buy from our local supplier C.R. Kennedy or me. We offer very sharp pricing and you pay in NZ dollars...Enquire
Define (199.95) for noise reduction, Silver Efex Pro (349.95) for b/w conversion without limits, Viveza (299.95) to enhance colours and much more,Sharpener Pro (349.95) for output and creative sharpening, Color Efex Pro (349.95) 52 filters with 250 effects, Or buy the box - the complete collection for a price that beats all...(949.95 - save over $ 700.--!!!)
Made by photographers for photographers - no nonsense effects but real work!
Wacom® , the Bamboo Range!
Tablets for general use to work with vista, not a designers or photographers tablet. The prices are sharp! Ask me for a pdf highlighting their features........ Pictured are the 4x6 white and 6x9 black Bamboo Tablets
HOT>>>Auto FX Software® has just released platinum edition no 7, see image on right . I have a preview disk and it offers a wallop of features, very extensive almost anything is possible - it does go well beyond "edges"! Read my review here. A serious contender compared to Photo Frame Pro (below).
Fluid Mask® - an image therapy that works!!! Just received notice they have reduced the price, version 3 now sells for $ 149 USD - I know the us dollar is diving but this may help, otherwise try to buy at their UK price?
Cutting out around hair, leaves in landscapes, animals, people and objects, Fluid Mask® makes it as painles as possible, fast and efficient. No hours with a pentool but minutes for the creation for a flawless cut out. I am just appointed as reseller for New Zealand, I am happy to answer your questions or give a demo here. Since this is just arrived, I will try to get some examples up and running, meanwhile download the trial program and order your serial key from me when you want to activate your software when the 30 days trial period is over. If you are like me, this program is like sliced bread - you do not want to go back to the Flinstones era of clearcutting....
Vertus: Fluid Mask cut-out tool
But wait - there is more fascinating software...
LightZone isone other of my favourite software program, after photoshop it is all I need to do some serious editing! You may not even want photoshop anymore ....quite a few software programs bundle it now as an essential tool.
If you are a photographer you do know the importance of visual lightzones (Ansel Adams!!) and in Lightzone I can create images that respond to my visualisations or my intended corrections without going into complicated photoshop modes. Intuitive, Easy and "Bloody Good"!
If this sounds intriguing - test drive it here
As a reseller and user I can give you demos or more info about this unique program, you can buy the program from me here, just click on the link below and will be more then happy to give you any assistance you may need. You will love it......... For $ 149.95 you can buy the basic version below left and the full pro version on the right for only US$ 249.95! Note - these prices may fluctuate- see offer above!
GET A DISCOUNT Albany Studios can offer you a discount, ask me how!!!
Basic version only US $99 special now on....
LightZone is the only photo-editor that understands the way the eye sees color and light. Rather than editing pixels, LightZone edits photographic attributes, visually, live and 100% non-destructively.
- Significantly reduces the time to perfect digital photographs
- Delivers more predictable and precise results with less effort
- Easier to learn and use than pixel-painting software
- Regular updates of software
Features include:
Integrated RAW processing and Noise reduction Provides a seamless workflow from camera media to LightZone
ZoneMapper™ Edits exposure values to improve detail and contrast
Re-light™ Improves image contrast with a single click
Regions™ Add unlimited selective editing to every tool
Complete tool set Sharpen, Blur, Hue/Saturation, Noise Reduction, White Balance, Spotting, Cloning, Red-eye removal and more
Additional "Effects" Sofware to enhance your creative output:
Auto FX Software latest flagship is 
definately worth a download and then you are hooked....if not - let me know!
Other products we sell that need no introduction:
Flash Cards SD or Compact, very well priced and high performers...
8GB 120 speed; 4GB USB 80 x ;SD 4GB 150 speed
All in One card reader, takes over 30 flash card formats $ 21.--
We have numerous other tomato's flash card formats......
Dreamweaver
MX, for web designers it is easy to build your own site
Filemaker Pro for data (client) contact base- fully customisable
ACT
database, Dragonspeech voice recognition, speak to your pc and save on your wrists
Oki faxes/colourprinters,toners, Epson Scanners, Philips
LCD Monitors
We will continue to add to our list of products. In most cases we have a personal working experience of the products we sell.
This will give you confidence that we can advise you if the product
suits your needs.
Intuos 4:
The tablet comes in 4 formats, all are only 12 mm thick, very easy on hands position!
4"x6 " costs $ incl.
GST in stock
6"x9" costs $ ....... incl. GST Widescreen - or 2 monitors - in stock
8"x13" "costs $ ........ incl.
GST
12"x19" costs $ ........ incl. GST Widescreen
Pickup
Collect from studio (Albany) or pay courier and packaging costs.
No stocks held in studio , order first.
Prices
All prices fluctuate daily so email me for daily specials Do ask for the
current price!
Payment Options
Cheque, bank account deposit (EFT, cash sales (via studio).
I accept internet banking transfers from approved customers.
No credit card transactions or international orders.
