Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 review exploring the ultimate 4K graphic drawing monitor

Description

A Sleek and Powerful Drawing Experience

The Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 Creative Pen and Touch Display is an absolute game-changer for digital artists. From the moment I set it up, I could see why this device garners such high praise. With its stunning 4K resolution and 99% Adobe RGB color accuracy, this monitor brings creations to life with vivid, true-to-life colors. Pair this with the Wacom Pro Pen 2, which boasts 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and you get an experience that feels remarkably close to traditional pen and paper. The level of precision here is unreal; every stroke, every tilt feels natural, making it easy to lose yourself in your work.

Design and Build Quality

The design of this creative pen display is a testament to Wacom’s commitment to quality. The 23.6-inch touchscreen is massive, providing ample workspace for large projects. It feels premium—solid and well-constructed. The optical bonding technology ensures there’s no noticeable parallax, so what you draw is exactly where the pen tip touches. This not only improves accuracy but also makes the entire experience much more intuitive. I also appreciated the multi-touch gestures, which allowed for seamless zooming, rotating, and navigating across the screen.

Although the device itself is a bit bulky, the inclusion of the Flex Arm makes positioning it a breeze. With its 30-inch reach and ability to incline, pan, and rotate, I could easily set it up in any position that felt comfortable for long hours of drawing. The cable management system on the arm is another thoughtful touch; it keeps everything neat and out of the way.

Key Benefits

• 4K resolution and 99% Adobe RGB color performance deliver breathtaking visuals.
• The Wacom Pro Pen 2 has 8192 pressure levels for unparalleled precision.
• Optical bonding technology eliminates parallax for a more natural drawing experience.
• The Flex Arm allows for ultimate flexibility in positioning the display.
• Multi-touch gestures and the ExpressKey Remote with customizable shortcuts enhance workflow.

Performance and Usability

What really stands out about this device is its performance. The 97% sRGB color accuracy and ability to display 1.07 billion colors ensure that every shade and hue is represented accurately. As someone who works with highly detailed illustrations, this level of fidelity makes a world of difference. The tilt recognition on the pen adds even more versatility, allowing for dynamic shading techniques that mimic traditional media.

I found the ExpressKey Remote to be surprisingly useful. It’s programmable, so I set up shortcuts for my most-used tools, which saved me a ton of time. The on-screen radial menus and virtual keypad are also great additions, letting me keep my workspace clean and focused while still having everything I need at my fingertips.

The multi-touch capabilities are smooth and responsive, but they do require a bit of adjusting if you’re coming from a non-touchscreen setup. Once I got the hang of it, though, it became second nature.

Areas for Improvement

While the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning:

• The device is quite heavy, so it’s not easily portable. If you’re looking for something to use on the go, this might not be the best fit.
• Setup can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. The numerous cables and connections might feel intimidating at first.
• The price point is steep, making it a significant investment for hobbyists or those just starting in digital art.

Drawbacks

• Weight and bulkiness can make it challenging to move or reposition without the Flex Arm.
• Complex setup process with multiple cables and connections.
• High cost, which may not suit everyone’s budget.

Product Competitors

In the world of graphic drawing monitors, there are several rival brands that compete with Wacom. The Huion Kamvas Pro 24 is a strong contender, offering similar screen size and resolution but at a slightly lower price point. However, its color accuracy doesn’t quite match the 99% Adobe RGB performance of the Wacom. The pen on the Huion is decent but lacks the refined tilt recognition and overall responsiveness of the Pro Pen 2.

Another popular choice is the XP-Pen Artist Pro 24, which also features a 4K display. While it’s a solid option for its price, it falls short in terms of build quality and the lack of a reliable stand or arm for positioning flexibility. In contrast, the Flex Arm included with the Wacom makes a huge difference in comfort and usability.

Ultimately, while competitors might offer similar features at a lower cost, they often sacrifice the exceptional build quality and precision that Wacom products are known for.

Smart Spending

Investing in this creative pen display might feel like a significant expenditure, but the price-performance ratio makes it worth considering for serious professionals. The combination of 4K resolution, advanced pen technology, and a robust color range sets it apart from competitors. If you’re someone who prioritizes precision, comfort, and a seamless drawing experience, this is a smart choice despite the higher price tag.

For those who are just starting out or work in more casual settings, there are more budget-friendly options available. But if you rely on your tools to produce professional-grade work, this device offers true value for the investment. From its highly accurate color reproduction to the sheer joy of using the Pro Pen 2, it’s clear that this product was designed with artists in mind.

Additional information