Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017): Review, Specs & More
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017), a graphics tablet that has garnered a lot of attention in the creative world. If you're a digital artist, illustrator, or designer, you've probably heard about the Cintiq line. These tablets are known for their high-quality displays and pen input, offering a natural drawing experience that closely mimics traditional media. The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) aims to provide a professional-grade experience in a compact and portable form factor. Is it worth the investment? Let's find out!
What is Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017)?
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) is essentially a pen display. Unlike regular graphics tablets where you draw on a surface and see the results on your monitor, a pen display allows you to draw directly on the screen. This provides a more intuitive and natural workflow for many artists. The Cintiq Pro 16 features a 15.6-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) display with excellent color accuracy, covering a wide color gamut. This means your artwork will look vibrant and true-to-life. The Pro Pen 2, which comes with the tablet, offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition, giving you precise control over your strokes. It is designed to replicate the feel of drawing with a traditional pen or pencil on paper. The tablet also features ExpressKeys and a Touch Ring for quick access to your favorite shortcuts, streamlining your workflow. It's designed for professional artists and designers who demand the highest level of precision and performance. Think of it as a high-end digital canvas that brings your creative visions to life with stunning detail and accuracy. Whether you're working on illustrations, photo editing, or 3D modeling, the Cintiq Pro 16 provides the tools and features you need to achieve professional results. The build quality is also top-notch, with a sleek and durable design that can withstand the rigors of daily use. Overall, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) is a premium pen display that combines cutting-edge technology with a user-friendly design, making it a favorite among creative professionals.
Key Features and Specifications
Let's break down the key features and specifications of the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017). Understanding these details will help you see why this tablet is so popular among creative professionals. First off, the display is a 15.6-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) LCD, providing incredibly sharp and detailed images. The high resolution is essential for artists who need to work with intricate details and precise lines. Color accuracy is another standout feature, with the display covering a wide color gamut, typically around 94% of Adobe RGB. This ensures that the colors you see on the screen are accurate and consistent with the final output. The Pro Pen 2 is a major highlight. It offers 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, meaning it can detect even the slightest variations in pressure, allowing for incredibly nuanced and expressive strokes. It also supports tilt recognition, which simulates the way a traditional pen or brush behaves when tilted at an angle. This level of precision gives you unparalleled control over your artwork. In terms of connectivity, the Cintiq Pro 16 uses USB-C, which supports both video and data transfer. This makes it easy to connect to your computer, although you may need adapters depending on the ports available on your machine. The tablet also features customizable ExpressKeys and a Touch Ring, which can be programmed with your favorite shortcuts and commands. This allows you to streamline your workflow and keep your focus on your artwork. The surface of the display is etched to provide a paper-like feel, enhancing the drawing experience. This tactile feedback makes it feel more natural and comfortable to draw on the screen. The dimensions of the tablet are approximately 16.1 x 10.1 x 0.6 inches, and it weighs around 3.3 pounds, making it relatively portable for a pen display of this size. Overall, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) combines a high-resolution display, advanced pen technology, and customizable features to provide a top-tier digital art experience.
Pros and Cons
Alright, let's weigh the pros and cons of the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) to give you a balanced perspective. Starting with the pros, the 4K resolution is a huge advantage. The crisp and detailed display allows you to see every nuance of your artwork, making it easier to create high-quality pieces. The color accuracy is also exceptional, ensuring that your colors are true to life and consistent across different devices. The Pro Pen 2 is another major selling point. Its 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition provide unparalleled control and precision, making it feel like you're drawing with a traditional pen or pencil. The customizable ExpressKeys and Touch Ring are incredibly useful for streamlining your workflow. You can program them with your favorite shortcuts and commands, allowing you to work more efficiently. The etched glass surface provides a nice tactile feel, making the drawing experience more comfortable and natural. The compact and portable design is also a plus, especially if you need to work on the go. However, there are also some cons to consider. The price is a significant barrier for many artists. The Cintiq Pro 16 is an expensive piece of equipment, and it may not be feasible for hobbyists or beginners. Another potential drawback is the need for adapters. Depending on your computer, you may need to purchase additional adapters to connect the tablet via USB-C. Some users have reported issues with the stand, which is sold separately. The stand is not included with the tablet, and it can be quite expensive to purchase. The heat generated by the tablet can also be a concern for some users, especially during long drawing sessions. Finally, the learning curve can be steep for artists who are new to pen displays. It may take some time to get used to drawing directly on the screen. Overall, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) has many advantages, but it's important to consider the potential drawbacks before making a purchase. The high price and the need for additional accessories can be significant factors for some users.
Setting Up Your Cintiq Pro 16
Setting up your Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) might seem daunting at first, but trust me, it's pretty straightforward. First, you'll need to connect the tablet to your computer. The Cintiq Pro 16 uses a USB-C connection for both video and data. If your computer has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), you can simply plug the tablet directly into your computer using a USB-C cable. However, if your computer doesn't have a USB-C port or if the USB-C port doesn't support DP Alt Mode, you'll need to use the Wacom Link Plus adapter. The Wacom Link Plus adapter allows you to connect the tablet via USB-A and Mini DisplayPort. Once you've connected the tablet, you'll need to install the Wacom drivers. You can download the latest drivers from the Wacom website. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers. After the drivers are installed, you can configure the tablet settings using the Wacom Desktop Center. Here, you can customize the ExpressKeys, Touch Ring, and pen settings. You can also calibrate the display to ensure accurate color reproduction. Calibrating the display involves using a colorimeter to measure the colors on the screen and create a custom color profile. This ensures that the colors you see on the screen are accurate and consistent with the final output. The Wacom Desktop Center also allows you to update the firmware of the tablet. Keeping the firmware up to date is important for ensuring optimal performance and compatibility. Once you've configured the tablet settings and calibrated the display, you're ready to start creating! Experiment with different pen settings and ExpressKey assignments to find a workflow that works best for you. Don't be afraid to explore the various features and options available in the Wacom Desktop Center. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to set up your Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) and start creating amazing artwork in no time. Remember to keep your drivers updated and calibrate your display regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Alternatives to the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16
If the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) isn't quite the right fit for you, or if you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, there are several alternatives to consider. One popular alternative is the Huion Kamvas Pro 16. The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 offers a similar drawing experience to the Cintiq Pro 16, but at a lower price point. It features a 15.6-inch display with 120% sRGB color gamut coverage and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. While it may not have the same level of color accuracy as the Cintiq Pro 16, it's still a great option for many artists. Another alternative is the XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro. The XP-Pen Artist 15.6 Pro is another budget-friendly option that offers a decent drawing experience. It features a 15.6-inch display with 88% NTSC color gamut coverage and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. It also comes with a tilt function, which allows you to simulate the way a traditional pen or brush behaves when tilted at an angle. If you're looking for a larger display, you might consider the Wacom Cintiq 22. The Wacom Cintiq 22 offers a larger drawing surface than the Cintiq Pro 16, which can be beneficial for artists who prefer to work on a larger scale. It features a 21.5-inch display with Full HD resolution and 72% NTSC color gamut coverage. While it may not have the same level of resolution and color accuracy as the Cintiq Pro 16, it's still a great option for many artists. Another alternative is the iPad Pro with Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro is a versatile device that can be used for a variety of tasks, including digital art. When paired with the Apple Pencil, it offers a responsive and natural drawing experience. The iPad Pro also has the advantage of being portable and having a wide range of creative apps available. Ultimately, the best alternative for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider your priorities and do some research to find the tablet that's right for you. Each of these alternatives offers a unique set of features and benefits, so it's important to weigh your options carefully.
Final Verdict
So, what's the final verdict on the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017)? Overall, it's a fantastic pen display that offers a premium drawing experience. The 4K resolution, excellent color accuracy, and Pro Pen 2 make it a top choice for professional artists and designers. The customizable ExpressKeys and Touch Ring are also incredibly useful for streamlining your workflow. However, the high price is a significant barrier for many users. The need for additional adapters and the lack of an included stand are also potential drawbacks. If you're a professional artist or designer who demands the highest level of precision and performance, and you're willing to invest in a top-tier pen display, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) is definitely worth considering. However, if you're on a tighter budget, or if you're just starting out with digital art, there are several more affordable alternatives that offer a decent drawing experience. Ultimately, the best pen display for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider your priorities and do some research to find the tablet that's right for you. The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) remains a benchmark for quality and performance in the pen display market, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring artist, the right tools can make all the difference in bringing your creative visions to life. The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (2017) provides a powerful and intuitive platform for digital art creation, but it's essential to assess whether it aligns with your individual needs and financial considerations. With careful consideration, you can make an informed decision and choose the pen display that best supports your artistic journey.
