In the world of digital art, upgrading your tools can be a big deal, especially when you’ve been holding onto the same tablet for years. That was my situation with the Huion Inspiroy H1060P, a trusty companion for two years until I decided it was time for a change. The moment of truth came when, in a fit of frustration (and some serious envy of my friends with larger tablets), I took the plunge and bought the Huion Canvas 22—not the plus version, just the standard one.
The Decision to Upgrade
Let’s rewind a bit. After a couple of years with the H1060P, the urge to upgrade was real. My friends were getting bigger, better tablets and they were flaunting their new gear. I couldn’t stand by any longer. My moment of resolve came while sulking over this dilemma, shipping issues derailed that opportunity. So, I took matters into my own hands, marched up to my mom, and declared that I needed a new tablet, especially since it was on discount.
The Unboxing and Setup
Fast forward to the arrival of my new tablet. The unboxing was not the ceremonious affair you might expect. I was groggy, half-awake, and frankly, too tired to document the process. But the box was enormous, and inside, it contained everything I needed: the tablet, wires, screws, a stand, a pen, a pen holder (with nibs inside), a glove, a manual, and so on. The only thing missing? A mini dial, but more on that later.
Setting up the Huion Canvas 22 for the first time was an adventure in itself. The wiring was a challenge, and the stand? Let’s just say the manual wasn’t as helpful as I’d hoped. My mom and I had a mini-crisis trying to figure out why the tablet kept collapsing. Spoiler: I was doing it wrong. After much trial and error (and some minor injuries), I finally got it right. Pro tip: don’t skip the manual.
Using the Tablet
Once everything was set up, I was eager to dive into my work. But first, I had to deal with some compatibility issues. The Canvas 22 requires an HDMI port, which meant I had to disconnect one of my monitors to use the tablet. If you’re in a similar situation, consider getting an HDMI splitter that extends your display rather than duplicating it.
Now, let’s talk about the tablet’s performance. The Canvas 22 is a beast—large, sturdy, and perfect for 2D illustration (and more). The pen works flawlessly, with no pressure issues right out of the box. The anti-glare screen does its job well, though you might notice some minor reflections under certain lighting conditions. The tablet did warm up slightly near the ports, but nothing too concerning.
One thing to note is the lack of built-in expression keys. If you rely on shortcuts, you might want to invest in a mini dial or a wireless keyboard. I chose the latter because my laptop was just out of reach.
The Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, the Canvas 22 isn’t perfect. The wiring could be more intuitive, and the lack of expression keys is a noticeable omission. Additionally, the colors on the tablet’s display didn’t perfectly match my laptop’s screen, which led to some confusion when color-correcting my work. Adjusting the colors using the tablet’s buttons took some effort, but I eventually got them to a reasonable place.
Another potential issue is the strain on your wrist and back from using such a large tablet. It’s crucial to maintain good posture and take breaks to avoid discomfort. The large size means more movement, which can be tiring if you’re not used to it.
Final Thoughts
After several months of use, I’ve grown accustomed to the Huion Canvas 22. It’s not without its flaws, but it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade to a larger drawing tablet. If you’re new to display tablets, you might want to start with a smaller model, but if you’re ready for a big step up, the Canvas 22 is worth considering. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve.
In the end, whether you choose the Huion Canvas 22 or another tablet from their series, you’ll likely find a reliable tool that meets your needs. Just remember to choose based on your workflow and space setup, not just the size of the tablet.