monitor and printer color calibration

I recently upgraded to an HP 9180 printer. Using a 2 yr old Dell computer loaded with Elements 6. Have a Huey monitor color calibrator but I'm not really sure it's doing the job. It's the old story: while the pic on my monitor looks perfect, the color from my new printer is quite dark and muddy. I'm using Alford Classic Pearl paper at this point because I'm still experimenting with papers. I'm looking for recommendations for printer and monitor color calibration stand-alone software. My printer is not connected to the internet. In my neck of the NH woods, all we have is very slow dial up, hence, my computer isn't connected. I've read a lot of conflicting reviews about the ColorMunki, most significant are those mentioning that a software disc doesn't come with the package - it must be downloaded - and that registration must be done by internet. Anyone have any experience with using the ColorMunki with these limitations? How 'bout recommendations for other color management software for printer and monitor?

Have you had this problem before you used the HP printer?
Consider dialing down the brightness of your monitor to match those prints, then try again.
Lots of complaints here similar to yours because factory LCD monitor default brightness settings are set way too bright for photographers trying to get a good monitor->print match, although most consumers like those real bright screens for text, games, etc.

Also, are you using the Ilford paper profiles? If not, then you should. Here's a link to help get you started.

Try these fixes before sinking $$$ into a calibration/profiling system that you may not even need.

Don,

Here's a tip that that may help: After you create the profile for your monitor and it is set as Default in Windows, set the brightness of your monitor to match, as closely as possible, a piece of your printing paper. Monitor brighness is usually the culprit, if prints are too dark.

Also, obtain and install a custom profile for the paper(s) you use most often. It is far cheaper and less hassle to have a skilled person make them for you, rather than spending big dollars on a profiling solution. NPN's very own Michael E. Gordon will make great profiles for you at a reasonable cost.

Lastly, head over to Chromix.com for all things color management; including tools, software, and tutorials.

-P

The Colormunki is great at printer profiling, not as good at display profiling, but still decent. I use a Datacolor Spyder 3 Studio system and am happy with the results. Ink is expensive, and results without a printer calibration system are usually hit or miss. There are few reference images that I can think of that will give you a better range of chromacity, saturation and tone than a printer generated test pattern with lots of patches, which is what you get with a calibration system.

Chromix is an excellent alternative, unless you like to tweak and fiddle with things yourself.

Another thought is to include proof print(s) in your workflow; and plan to make adjustments after you evaluate the proof print. Under Levels, there is an adjustment slider for output adjustments.

Have fun,

Bill Brennan

Thanks all for your advice. Will try tweaking the monitor brightness and downloading the ICC profiles. This business of photography sure makes an accidental computer expert out of us! Next question: Aside from Gene, anyone had any experience with the Spyder Print/Pro or Eye One Match/Display gadgets? If I go the software route, it looks like I'll have to buy one specific solution for the monitor and the printer. Thanks again.

Don: in order to print with the least amount of headache and wasted time/money, your whole system needs to be properly color managed. This means a calibrated/profiled display AND a calibrated/profiled printer and paper (each paper/printer combo requires an additional profile).

I'm a fan of the Gretag MacBeth (now X-Rite) equipment and have been using it for some years. I have no experience with ColorMunki or the other one you mention, but it generally goes without saying that the more expensive the equipment, the better the output. With respect to printer/paper profiling, the greater number of patches in the targets typically corresponds to better and more refined output (my targets are 1728 patches, ColorMunki is 100).

Here's my advice: if you don't plan on experimenting/printing with lots of papers, get a good display calibrator (I recommend wither the X-Rite i1 Display 2 or i1 Display LT) and invest the rest of the money in paper, ink, and a good custom profile(s).

My custom profiles are terribly affordable considering the quality, and I've made many for international clients as well as many NPN members. THANKS, Preston, for mentioning my service!

Michael, you're right and I'm now doing my due diligence research on other monitor/printer calibration gadgets. I'm a bit puzzled why Color Munki seems to be so difficult to use, particularly by those of us who don't live in the high-speed internet community. Since I'm a semi-pro or pro-amateur, budget (and my wife) is a concern. Will try the other options mentioned above but I'm leaning towards the more practical and longer lasting option of software. Once I understand what custom profiles will do for me, maybe I'll look you up. Thanks for the advice. Don

I cannot answer your questions regarding difficulty of use with ColorMunki, but look at it this way:

ColorMunki: $500
i1 Display 2 or LT: $250

Basic math says that you can get a high end display calibrator (i1 Display) and still have enough money left over for ten of my custom profiles.

As for learning more about this science that drives photographers nuts, I highly recommend "Real World Color Management" by Fraser/Murphy/Bunting. You may also find this highly useful: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/color-management1.htm

Good luck!

I am not familiar with Elements 6 and don't know if this is possible, but you should be letting the software manage the color not the printer. Just thought I'd throw this in if you hadn't thought of it.