The Spyder3 is not all that expensive by itself, but you'd want to make sure you get the version that allows all the software features. For example, the "Pro" version does not allow you to specify which luminance value you are trying to hit. The "Elite" version is recommended because it does. The quality of the instrument and software is reportedly very good around the industry. The company had a history of making poor instruments at one time and is trying hard to overcome that rep.
The i1Display2 by Xrite should be considered also. The hardware and software are very good, and easy to use. The basic software has everything you need to dial in almost any monitor. I tend to lean toward the i1D2.
I'm sure you'll get a lot of opinions from people on this list. In addition to monitor profiles, do you have any interest in making your own printer profiles? That will open up a whole 'nother discussion!
You don't say what monitor you are using. I would caution that if you are on an iMac, neither of the above would work well because of the brightness issue. Let me know if you need more info on that.
Having both used the spyder and the X-rite colormunki,
i would strongly recommend the munki !
I found the munki gave superior results in the shadow area's and
another plus is that you get printer calibration too.
I used the original Spyder on a CRT and found it OK. When I switched to an LCD monitor the Spyder did not do well. It was then that I got the iONE Display 2 and like it a lot. the cost was reasonable and the results are good. Re printer calibration I use Red River paper and find their profiles good for my Canon Pixma Pro 9500, so I use them.
Discussion
4 repliesI am looking at Spyder - expensive, but heard good things about it. Any other that you guys use?
The i1Display2 by Xrite should be considered also. The hardware and software are very good, and easy to use. The basic software has everything you need to dial in almost any monitor. I tend to lean toward the i1D2.
I'm sure you'll get a lot of opinions from people on this list. In addition to monitor profiles, do you have any interest in making your own printer profiles? That will open up a whole 'nother discussion!
You don't say what monitor you are using. I would caution that if you are on an iMac, neither of the above would work well because of the brightness issue. Let me know if you need more info on that.
- Patrick Herold
Tech Support, www.chromix.com
i would strongly recommend the munki !
I found the munki gave superior results in the shadow area's and
another plus is that you get printer calibration too.
Wim