Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 Review – Digital Art Has Never Been More Accurate
Until a few years ago, professional designers and artists had to jump through hoops in order to get the work that was done on a piece of paper to digital format. Artists were often forced to invest in slow, expensive, and inconvenient scanners that wasted both time and energy. The solution finally came from Wacom with the release of the first tablet that was designed for digital artists.
Since the modest beginning of such devices, an entire industry has sprung up, with many electronics giants jumping in to capitalize on a newfound niche. The market went from a dearth of choice to a seemingly endless number of options in just a couple of years.
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 marks another high-quality in the company’s storied lineup. Offering a flawless display quality, a pinpoint accurate pen, comprehensive compatibility with all your devices, and a sleek design that is line with the latest mobile gadgets, this tablet sets a new industry standard and reaffirms Wacom as the legitimate market leader in the industry.
Scroll down and read the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 review that outlines everything you need to know about these devices and makes the case for why it is a necessary item for any serious designer or artist.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 Features and Specs
- Maximum resolution of 4K
- Pro Pen 2 that is 4 times more accurate than previous models
- Comes with Wacom Link through Mini DisplayPort connection
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac
- Includes a stand for working at different angles
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty
Why makes the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 the top digital pen tablet on the market?
Wacom is a name that is synonymous with graphics tablets. As the pioneers of the entire industry, they established the blueprint that countless other manufacturers have copied and used in their own products. Even though they are no longer the only player in the market, their graphic tablets are still the standard when it comes to build quality and performance.
When compared to the previous model, the Cintiq Pro 16 constitutes a complete revamp of both design and performance. The display quality has improved significantly, and the pen’s accuracy and sensitivity have reached such a high level that it perfectly simulates the feeling of using a pen on an actual paper. Additionally, connectivity was made more practical with the various inputs and ports that are available to you.
The price might not be that appealing to those on a small budget, but keep in mind that graphics tablets are very high-tech devices and the task they’re designed to perform requires a great amount of meticulousness and accuracy. Do you really want to take the risk of compromising your work by option for a cheap model? Even if you are a hobbyist or someone who’s just getting started with digital art, there is no reason to settle for mediocrity.
Display quality
Any sort of graphic design or artistic work requires the most accurate and clearest representation, and this tablet does that very well and then some. It is one of the few units on the market that can handle 4K resolution. The details are very crisp and color reproduction is on point. Moreover, the contrast and brightness levels are superb and the flexible viewing angle allows you to work at different angles without loss of picture quality.
Overall, the display quality of the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 can easily match that of the new laptop and monitor models. Its color accuracy and high resolution put it at the top spot when it comes to the image quality of graphics tablets.
Display size
A very critical aspect that many manufacturers get wrong is display size. It has to be in that perfect spot where it is neither too small to the point that it reduces the artist’s accuracy or too large that it requires arm movement patterns that he is not accustomed to.
At 13.3 inches, the screen size mirrors that of physical notebook and is within the range of what is considered optimal surface size for drawing. Artists and designers will feel as if they are holding a sketchbook. This tablet is about as close it gets to simulate the experience of drawing on a piece of paper. You will notice that making the switch to it doesn’t come with a learning curve and feels completely natural.
Durability
While other manufacturers managed to appropriate some of Wacom’s know-how and incorporate it into their own devices, one thing that remained unique to the company was the unquestionable durability and solid build of their tablets.
While it is advisable to get a screen protector just like you do with your smart phone, we are glad to inform that the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 can handle a substantial amount of scratch and friction without sustaining any visible damage. The main body is made out of good materials and is highly resistant to impact. This tablet further confirms Wacom’s commitment to crafting devices that are guaranteed to last very long.
Stand
Much like regular mobile tablets, this device comes with a stand that allows you to work at an inclined angle. It is sturdy, well designed, and gives you a lot of flexibility and the comfort of working in your favorite position. It attaches to the Cintiq Pro 16 through a rubber tab and grips it very hard in order to prevent it from falling out and damaging the tablet. The stand comes with 3 different levels that are built into the back of the Cintiq so that you can adjust it according to your preferred angle.
New Pro Pen 2
The new pen is without a doubt the biggest improvement in this model. Smaller, better designed, and exceedingly more accurate and sensitive, it completely leaves the previous version in the dust and is several steps ahead of what’s available on the market today.
This pen captures the faintest contact with the screen and provides the artist with a complete control over his work that only an actual pen and paper could rival. Furthermore, it boasts amazing tilt recognition and virtually lag-free tracking.
Design
Performance and durability aren’t the only things that Wacom does well, and this graphics tablet is a prime example of that. Unlike the cheap looking devices of yesteryear, the Cintiq Pro 16 wouldn’t look out of place in the product line up of a renowned mobile device manufacturer.
Light and thin, this unit is easy to handle and can easily be carried for long hours during extended work sessions without putting too much strain on your arms. The etched-glass screen is simply beautiful and complements the stylish black bezel while the placement of the customization buttons adds a slight touch of style to the unit.
Connectivity
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 offers great connectivity with most devices and is compatible with Windows and Mac. If your device is equipped with a USB-C port, you can plug the tablet into it or use the Wacom link to connect via Mini DisplayPort and standard USB.
The connectivity options aren’t limited to what is included in the package. If you want to connect to other devices that might not feature a compatible USB port, you can make use of several adapters to connect them to your tablet. A combination of an HDMI adapter and an AC adapter for the power will cover the full scope as far as connectivity is concerned.
Pros
- Its lightness and compactness are very convenient for lengthy periods of work
- The display quality is superb and can handle 4K resolution
- The size of the screen is within the optimal range and is perfect sketching and retouching photos
- The stand is well-made and can be adjusted to various levels of elevation
- The buttons are easily reconfigurable
- The pen’s accuracy and sensitivity are unparalleled
Cons
- The setup is not that straightforward and could take some time depending on your level of familiarity with these devices
Conclusion
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 has everything that a graphic designer or an artist would need. Acquiring this tablet is bound to boost your productivity and the overall quality of your work. With its ability to mimic the sensation of drawing on a physical piece of paper, working on this device feels very natural and the transition is hardly perceivable.
There are more expensive models out there that claim to provide tons of helpful features, but why would you want to overextend yourself? This tablet covers everything that is essential to digital work and any other extra additions is superfluous and merely a sleazy attempt at jacking up the price. Go get the Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 and experience an unmatched accuracy and sensitivity.