Calibrating????

Well, I tried the Pantone HUEY ... not very impressed. Does not allow you much for control at all. I wonder if someone could enlighten me on the other products out there. I am eyeing the Spider 3 Pro. Would there be a need to go to the Elite? And if so, why? What about other software/hardware? If on a budget, will it suffice, or will I run into the same issue I had with the HUEY?

I just have my laptop, one monitor to calibrate so I use the Spyder3 Express
Spyder3Express - Datacolor - Global Leader in Color Management Solutions

There is also the Spyder3Pro - Datacolor - Global Leader in Color Management Solutions

and the Datacolor - Global Leader in Color Management Solutions

but I am told they all use the same calibrator, it is just the software that is different.

Also the pro and elite give more control, but since I am only using the one laptop with one monitor, I think it is good enough. Having that colour profile though has done wonders for my prints. My prints look like my screen and I don't sit there with a print and a screen shot that look totally different anymore.


Marko did a podcast on the colormunki awhile back if you want to check that out as well.

I have the Spyder Pro 3 and use twin monitors ... and Leanne has a laptop with an extra monitor attached to that. We find the Spyder Pro3 very sufficient

thanks, you two ... I think I will venture out into consumer land and find me a spider 3 pro. Had Casil not said anything I would have never thunk to buy one ...

I bought the Pro3 at The Camera Store Matt. I choked at the cost originally as it cost me just under $200. However after using it for a coupla weeks, I now think it was work the bucks as I have noticed the quality of my photos has definitely gone up a level in terms of getting the colour and exposure right in post.
It is amazing really. :)

I tested the colormunki and the i1 last year. BOTH rock but the edge (and pricetag) goes to the i1. colormunki at B&H is about 450.USD I was very satisfied with the results I got from the colormunki last year. Very easy to use.

Thanks for the info, guys .... I saw the pro 3 at the camera store, and London Drugs sells it as well.... actually, you can tell them you do not want to pay that mcuh, and they usually come down in price somewhat. I had one salesman down to 169.00 :evil2: I am trying a different outlet and see if I can talk them into 150 or something ... The colormunki is way out of my financial reach, I am afraid. Rather spend more money on a lens... then again, if the results are that much better ...

Greg told me about a Dell monitor, I think it's an 'ultrasharp'. So my monitor may not even be able to display the colors properly in the first place. I have a Samsung SyncmMaster 205BM, pretty old stuff. Eyeing the dell, it's on sale .... the 30" is under a grand right now ... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh::wall-an:

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Originally Posted by Matt K.

Thanks for the info, guys .... I saw the pro 3 at the camera store, and London Drugs sells it as well.... actually, you can tell them you do not want to pay that mcuh, and they usually come down in price somewhat. I had one salesman down to 169.00 :evil2: I am trying a different outlet and see if I can talk them into 150 or something ... The colormunki is way out of my financial reach, I am afraid. Rather spend more money on a lens... then again, if the results are that much better ...

Greg told me about a Dell monitor, I think it's an 'ultrasharp'. So my monitor may not even be able to display the colors properly in the first place. I have a Samsung SyncmMaster 205BM, pretty old stuff. Eyeing the dell, it's on sale .... the 30" is under a grand right now ... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh::wall-an:

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Reading about monitors I have found this site.....
Comprehensive List of S-IPS/H-IPS/e-IPS and other IPS Based LCD Monitors

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Originally Posted by light50

Reading about monitors I have found this site.....
Comprehensive List of S-IPS/H-IPS/e-IPS and other IPS Based LCD Monitors

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Thanks a bunch .... is this info on monitors particularly suited for photography or general use?

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Originally Posted by Matt K.

Thanks a bunch .... is this info on monitors particularly suited for photography or general use?

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Yes, you can find a brief description of the technology used for LCDs
LCD Panel Technology Explained - S-IPS, H-IPS, S-PVA, MVA and TN
and then there is a list of recommended monitors. Check this one for example:
Amazon.com: ViewSonic VP2655WB 26-Inch Wide IPS panel LCD Monitor: Computer & Accessories

I'm not sure how much control you need, but I bought a Huey off eBay for $75 and I use it on my Dell Ultrasharp 2009WA eIPS monitor and I just let it run a calibration without needing to do any tweaks really and I've been happy with the results. I know it's not the best that's out there, but I did notice an improvement over the uncalibrated monitor. I was like you I guess, not wanting to spend $200+ on a calibrator...at least not at this point.

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Originally Posted by F8&Bthere

I'm not sure how much control you need, but I bought a Huey off eBay for $75 and I use it on my Dell Ultrasharp 2009WA eIPS monitor and I just let it run a calibration without needing to do any tweaks really and I've been happy with the results. I know it's not the best that's out there, but I did notice an improvement over the uncalibrated monitor. I was like you I guess, not wanting to spend $200+ on a calibrator...at least not at this point.

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I seem to be learning the hard way here ... it's like buying a tripod: you can spend 50 buicks four times, because the damn thing won't work or will break, or you can spend the 500 bucks and buy the one that will do everything you need it to do and not break down. So I am going to spend some money on this thing, but not go crazy either....