STACK September 2016 Issue 143

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76 SEPTEMBER 2016
TECH FEATURE
An item of heaven for digital artists, the
Cintiq 13HD is an interactive pen-on-screen
display that acts as a secondary monitor for a
PC or Mac. It’s a tethered device, requiring a
HDMI connection to a computer (Mac users
take note). And while its look and feel might be
tablet-like, the only way to draw on the
screen is with a Wacom pen (included).
Wacom’s focus is dedicated artists and
designers, so it comes as no surprise that
the device blends utility with elegance. It has
a quality build and a smoothed edge design
that’s comfortable in the hand, yet not flimsy.
ART
AWORKOF
The mighty Wacom Cintiq 13HD
Weighing in at a little over a kilogram, it can
rest on one’s lap, lie flat on a table (rubber
feet prevent slippage), or be propped up by
attaching a multi-level kickstand (at 22, 35 and
50-degree angles).
The display is wrapped in a wide black bezel,
which is great for handling without leaving
behind greasy thumbprints on the actual
display. It has a pseudo-gloss screen, nearly
verging on
matte; it’s got
enough shine
for images to
sparkle, but not enough to create too much
glare in bright spaces. Equally design-friendly is
the forked cord system.
A central cord connects to an AC power
supply at one end, while the other end shoots
off into three sub cords: one for the Cintiq
itself and an HDMI and USB for a computer.
Along the side are a series of small, rubber
control buttons. They’re intuitive and can be set
to perform shortcuts that end up being not only
great timesavers, but excellent tools for digital
work flow.
As for image quality, two words: crisp
and colourful. The Cintiq features Full HD
1920x1080 native resolution and supports
75% Adobe RGB colour gamut to display up to
16.7 million colors! The array of colour works
towards realistic images and illustrations – even
the most intricate are smooth and entirely
pixel-free. Luminance is standard at 250 cd/m²,
compared to the modern Mac Retina Display
that reaches 300 cd/m², though it’s ample for
the art task. It also has a 78-degree
viewing angle for showing designs
off to others at a slant without
losing the image.
Interaction between the pen
and the screen is excellent.
What you’re looking for
is natural hand-eye
coordination that
doesn’t miss a beat on
the screen. Wacom’s
Pro Pen ensures
this with 2,048 levels of
pressure sensitivity on the tip (and
the eraser) for natural looking pen strokes.
A side-switch on the pen activates when it’s
within half a centimeter from the screen, for
right or double clicking, which are customisable
options. The pen is even recognised when tilted
(to 60 degrees) and can be adjusted for lefties
or righties. It offers precision for elaborate
work. It’s also easy in the hand thanks to
a comfortable latex rubber grip. The pen is
cordless and is battery-free. It comes with a
protective case for travel and a stand for desk
use.
All up, the Cintiq 13HD is a classy
and purpose built device that draws
beautiful images.
Wacom’s focus is dedicated
artists anddesigners, so it
comes asno surprise that
the device blends utility
with elegance.
As for image
quality, two
words: crisp and
colourful.