Wacom launches the Cintiq 22

Wacom has launched the Cintiq 22, its new entry-level 21.5-inch pen display.

The new model, aimed at “students, enthusiasts and budding pros” has the same HD display resolution as the $650 15.6-inch Cintiq 16, but comes in at nearly twice the price.

More screen space than the Cintiq 16, but resolution and gamut are the same
As with the Cintiq 16, released earlier this year, the Cintiq 22 bridges the gap between Wacom’s Intuos line of graphics tablets and the existing Cintiq Pro range of pen displays.

Its display resolution and colour gamut are identical to its smaller sibling: 1,920 x 1,080px and 72% NTSC, compared to 3,840 x 2,160px and 99% Adobe RGB for the nearest Pro model.

Both come with the same Pro Pen 2 stylus as the Pro range, which gives 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity.

Unlike the Cintiq 16, the Cintiq 22 comes with an adjustable stand as part of the price, which increases the range of working angles; although again, the ExpressKey Remote is a paid add-on.

However, it’s nearly three times heavier – 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs), as opposed to 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs) for the Cintiq 16 – and, at $1,199.95, not far off twice the price.

A bigger price gap to rival pen displays
That also leaves a wider price gap between the Cintiq 22 and pen displays from rival manufacturers.

Huion’s Kamvas GT-221 Pro has the same display area, resolution, colour gamut and pen pressure sensitivity as the Cintiq 22, but has an MSRP over $500 lower. It also weighs over 1kg less.

Wacom does, of course, have a long track record in producing quality art hardware, but entry-level displays are a part of the market in which price really counts.

Pricing and system requirements
The Cintiq 22 is available in Wacom’s online store, priced at $1,199.95 It is compatible with Windows 7+ and macOS 10.12+.

Find full specifications for the Cintiq 22 on Wacom’s website