I asked this question a few days ago and got some good advice on what to look for in a monitor for photography. Guy mentioned to get an IPS or PVA panel that has 16.7 million colors...these can be pricey. However, after searching the web for more info on this to see what was out there, which there isn't a ton of info, I ended up at B&H and noticed that the monitors don't list the type of panel but many list 16.7 million colors, even relatively cheap ones...my question is, is this the only criteria or is there something else to the IPS/PVA screens? Also what is a good contrast ratio...obviously the higher the ratio the more expensive. There is also a spec listing an NCTS percentage...is this something to look at? Just trying to get a good monitor that I will be happy with, without breaking the bank.
Cynthia,
Part of the issue is that you are interested in a lot of features that are only found in the monitors that are out of your price range.
The IPS or PVA panels are recommended in part because you can look at them from a variety of viewing angles and see the same colors / same brightness. By contrast, some TN-paneled displays will show you a different color if you move your head barely an inch. Not so good for making critical color decisions.
16.7 million colors is commonly thrown around. It sounds like a big number, but it is pretty standard for a regular-gamut display that covers the sRGB colorspace. It's also technically incorrect. These displays cannot not show you 16.7 million separate, humanly-discernible colors. Here's a link to a color management myth description about this: http://www.colorwiki.com/wiki/Color_Management_Myths_26-28
The NCTS percentage is a similar attempt to describe how large a gamut the display is capable of. You'll probably find most of the budget minded displays to be similar in this regard, and that's okay as long as you are aware of the limitations, and will calibrate your monitor. A color managed monitor will do a good job of presenting you your image's colors as well as it can.
You might ask a dealer your questions. There are many reputable ones around who are happy to explain the advantages to different features.
We did a series of articles on monitors a year or so ago which goes into the nuts and bolts of what the different features of monitors do. The first part of this should speak to your question about contrast ratios. http://www.colorwiki.com/wiki/Monitors_Part_One
The one thing I would be careful about is asking your salesman some of the questions which you have been asking. They are really good questions and need to be asked. Unfortunately, the requirements for photo editing do not match the knowledge base of a large percentage of salemen. This is especially true if you are going to a major retailer although it can be fun in an evil way if you know what you are talking about. On a rare occasion, you will find a knowledgeable person, but they are far and few between.
The unfortunate truth of the matter is that most monitors are more than good enough for most people. Serious photo editing provides an exception.
Cynthia, the advice to get an S-IPS panel or S-PVA panel is good. The S-IPS is preferred but the S-PVA is a very decent second choice. There are better panels out there now than S-IPS but those are much more expensive still.
In addition to the panel type, the quality of the backlight is also important. You want it to be as even and consistent as possible. Most good review sites, while not addressing the more specific photography-related issues will do a backlight test.
Another important spec is the contrast ratio. You want the static contrast ratio. Many companies will list a dynamic ratio if the monitor is capable of it because it's a higher number and is better for marketing. But you don't want a dynamic contrast ratio for photo editing. If the monitor you're looking at has that feature, make sure it can be turned off and make sure the static number is adequate (i.e., 600:1 or better).
Here are some links that may help in your search.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=2049206&enterthread=y - this is a buyer's guide that outlines many of the different aspects and features of monitors. It's fairly long, but it's worth reading. There are other links in there that are helpful too.
http://www.digitalversus.com/duels.php?ty=6&ma1=36&mo1=332&p1=3107&ma2=88&mo2=342&p2=3161&ph=8 - this is a neat little tool. It lets you compare two monitors side by side. Pick them from the dropdown list at the top and then you can compare different aspects of the monitors from the lower dropdown menu. Sometimes all the different comparisons aren't available. They also give you the panel type of most of the displays.
http://www.flatpanels.dk/panels.php - this one lets you search for monitors by different parameters. It's a bit limited in that you can only search on one parameter at a time (i.e., you can't do 's-ips' and '19') but it's a starting point. It gives you both current and discontinued models so you'll need to do some research after that to find what's still available.
http://xt.knight.googlepages.com/matrix-of-all-matrices.htm - this is a matrix that compares the available panel types on various parameters. It's a good graphical representation of what each panel is better for.
Don't worry about the % colour space numbers. The key is getting a true 8 bit monitor, which an S-IPS or S-PVA panel will give you.
Don't know what your budget is, but if you can go up to about $600 and are willing to get something larger than 19", then the HP LP2475w is a really good option.
In terms of calibration, either the Colorvision or Gretag intro models (~ $200, if I recall) will serve you well. If Colorvision is still making their basic Spyder2 available, it's a great options for around $80.
Thanks everyone...and thanks for all the links...I realize that I may have to up my budget...even though there isn't one at all...to get what I want. I saw a NEC for 459.00 19"...it's the LNX something just below the SXi...if that makes any sense. By the way Robert love the quote at the end of your reply!
Cynthia, another very good company is EIZO.com and their graphic monitors. I own ColorEdge CG19 and very happy with it. Check the specs on their web site. When I was looking for a monitor I gave it a preference over NEC.
I hope I posted not too late. If you already have the monitor - ENJOY IT!
Posted by Nat Coalson on March 31, 2009 at 12:45 AM
For accurate photographic work stick with NEC LCDs. Make sure you get a model that offers individual RGB controls; I think the SXi is the minimu here.
Don't worry about finding the highest contrast ratio available; that actually works against your intentions. What you want is a monitor that can adequately reproduce printed output, which compared to monitors is quite low.
Eizo and LaCie use the NEC panels. You can save money by looking for a NEC branded display in the $500 range; which would be a $750 model branded otherwise.
Discussion
6 repliesThanks for your advice.
Cynthia
Part of the issue is that you are interested in a lot of features that are only found in the monitors that are out of your price range.
The IPS or PVA panels are recommended in part because you can look at them from a variety of viewing angles and see the same colors / same brightness. By contrast, some TN-paneled displays will show you a different color if you move your head barely an inch. Not so good for making critical color decisions.
16.7 million colors is commonly thrown around. It sounds like a big number, but it is pretty standard for a regular-gamut display that covers the sRGB colorspace. It's also technically incorrect. These displays cannot not show you 16.7 million separate, humanly-discernible colors. Here's a link to a color management myth description about this:
http://www.colorwiki.com/wiki/Color_Management_Myths_26-28
The NCTS percentage is a similar attempt to describe how large a gamut the display is capable of. You'll probably find most of the budget minded displays to be similar in this regard, and that's okay as long as you are aware of the limitations, and will calibrate your monitor. A color managed monitor will do a good job of presenting you your image's colors as well as it can.
You might ask a dealer your questions. There are many reputable ones around who are happy to explain the advantages to different features.
We did a series of articles on monitors a year or so ago which goes into the nuts and bolts of what the different features of monitors do. The first part of this should speak to your question about contrast ratios.
http://www.colorwiki.com/wiki/Monitors_Part_One
-Patrick Herold
Tech Support, www.Chromix.com
The one thing I would be careful about is asking your salesman some of the questions which you have been asking. They are really good questions and need to be asked. Unfortunately, the requirements for photo editing do not match the knowledge base of a large percentage of salemen. This is especially true if you are going to a major retailer although it can be fun in an evil way if you know what you are talking about. On a rare occasion, you will find a knowledgeable person, but they are far and few between.
The unfortunate truth of the matter is that most monitors are more than good enough for most people. Serious photo editing provides an exception.
In addition to the panel type, the quality of the backlight is also important. You want it to be as even and consistent as possible. Most good review sites, while not addressing the more specific photography-related issues will do a backlight test.
Another important spec is the contrast ratio. You want the static contrast ratio. Many companies will list a dynamic ratio if the monitor is capable of it because it's a higher number and is better for marketing. But you don't want a dynamic contrast ratio for photo editing. If the monitor you're looking at has that feature, make sure it can be turned off and make sure the static number is adequate (i.e., 600:1 or better).
Here are some links that may help in your search.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=2049206&enterthread=y - this is a buyer's guide that outlines many of the different aspects and features of monitors. It's fairly long, but it's worth reading. There are other links in there that are helpful too.
http://www.digitalversus.com/duels.php?ty=6&ma1=36&mo1=332&p1=3107&ma2=88&mo2=342&p2=3161&ph=8 - this is a neat little tool. It lets you compare two monitors side by side. Pick them from the dropdown list at the top and then you can compare different aspects of the monitors from the lower dropdown menu. Sometimes all the different comparisons aren't available. They also give you the panel type of most of the displays.
http://www.flatpanels.dk/panels.php - this one lets you search for monitors by different parameters. It's a bit limited in that you can only search on one parameter at a time (i.e., you can't do 's-ips' and '19') but it's a starting point. It gives you both current and discontinued models so you'll need to do some research after that to find what's still available.
http://xt.knight.googlepages.com/matrix-of-all-matrices.htm - this is a matrix that compares the available panel types on various parameters. It's a good graphical representation of what each panel is better for.
Don't worry about the % colour space numbers. The key is getting a true 8 bit monitor, which an S-IPS or S-PVA panel will give you.
Don't know what your budget is, but if you can go up to about $600 and are willing to get something larger than 19", then the HP LP2475w is a really good option.
In terms of calibration, either the Colorvision or Gretag intro models (~ $200, if I recall) will serve you well. If Colorvision is still making their basic Spyder2 available, it's a great options for around $80.
I hope I posted not too late. If you already have the monitor - ENJOY IT!
Don't worry about finding the highest contrast ratio available; that actually works against your intentions. What you want is a monitor that can adequately reproduce printed output, which compared to monitors is quite low.
Eizo and LaCie use the NEC panels. You can save money by looking for a NEC branded display in the $500 range; which would be a $750 model branded otherwise.