ZBrushCentral

New guy with some start up questions.

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

hey all.
i’ve been lurking a bit, but now i feel like i gotta speak up and ask a question or two.
i just started using zbrush this past week. been toying with the idea for a while now.
i’m a traditional sculptor, but i figure it’s best to try and expand my horizons a bit.
i’ve made a few attempts with version 3.1 and have had quite a bit of fun so far. i’m actually quite thick when it comes to learning software such as this, but i’ve decided to persevere.
aside from the 1001 software related questions i could ask- what i’d really like to know is, what’s the best type of tablet to be using?
i’m left handed, but i use a mouse in the standard right hand fashion. so as hard as i try, working with a mouse is inherently flawed for me for use with the software.
so, what should i be looking at getting for use with primarily zbrush (for now, at least). the only company i know of is wacom, but i’m unsure of what models to look at. i’m also curious to know which one is the best bang for the buck and what’s the best size to be working with without it being the most expensive one.
i guess what i really mean is- what the smallest you feel you can “get by” with.
perhaps in the future i would upgrade, but for now- i’d like to just get going and see if this is something i can do.

thanks in andvance for any input. this is one heckuva place!

#2

If you are going to jump into Zbrush you just HAVE to have a graphics tablet. It is a must to get the control you will need in using Zbrush or any other painting/illustration software that you will use. You are going to want a quality tablet like the new Wacom intuos 4 pad that has 2048 levels of sensitivity, unlike a mouse that has one level (on and off). Wacom is a great choice and is the only brand I use. As far as size it kind of depends on your drawing style. Do you use large strokes when you draw? Personally I think the Medium size Wacom Intuos 4 is the best tablet and I love mine and highly recommend it. I use one at work and at home. If you want to save $100 bucks go with the smaller model but keep in mind that if you do decide to get a tablet you will use it for many years to come and you don’t want to be stuck with something you don’t like using.

The Intuos 4 can be flipped around and the cable re-connected on the other side for left handed users. My friend bought one just for this reason alone.

Oh and my old Wacom intuos 2 tablet I still use with my laptop for “on the road” use. Still runs as good as the day I bought it.

I am sure this thread will be moved to “questions”…or to the wacom forum haha. :rolleyes:

#3

If you do a search for Wacom, or “best tablet”, you’ll find this subject well covered if you go back more than a couple weeks ago.

Different sized tablets have their advantages, but the short story is, you’ll adapt to whatever you’re using. 6x8 is a fairly reasonable “sweet spot” for many users. I prefer larger tablets, but they aren’t necessary.

#4

thanks alot, guys!

yeah, i was looking at the intuos 4 models. they look like they have all the goodies i’m after.
didn’t know that tidbit about switching for lefties. i’m sold- now it’s just about which size and finding the best deal.
realistically, i’ll probably go for the medium. just can’t see going any smaller than that if i want to become serious about it.
thanks again!