Posted by Toni Lankerd on September 23, 2010 at 10:19 AM
My (10 year old) monitor is on it's way out and I need to get a new one, but have very limited funds. What are some of the things I should look for in a new one...the numbers regarding contrast ratio, brightness, response time, panel..etc? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Do you already have a calibration tool and software? If so, which tool do you use?
Most modern LCD screens have a max contrast ratio of around 1000:1; some are higher than this. If you are printing, a contrast ratio of 400:1 is a widely accepted value. The key is being able to control this contrast ratio for calibration purposes.
Similarly, max screen brightness on the newer LCD's is quite high. Again, the key is being able to adjust it for your workflow. For printing, a luminance of about 110 Cdm^2 is a good starting point, although this could likely vary depending upon your printer.
Another item that you need to be able to control is color temperature. For most photography work, 6500K is nominal.
Given all this, you need to look for a monitor that allows you to control these values, either thru on-screen display (OSD) and/or through your calibration software.
Now, for my recommendation...I recently purchased a NEC MultiSync P221W from B&H for $400. This is a great monitor, at an excellent price! I also purchased the SpectraView calibration software (optional) for &100 because it is compatible with my colorimeter. I am very pleased with both items. Highly recommended.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on September 23, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Thanks Preston.
I really need to stay in the $200-$225 range, so I am looking at a 19-22" screen size, maybe even a refurb. I am using Spyder for calibration.
Posted by Buck Ward on September 23, 2010 at 6:13 PM
Hi Toni.
I haven't researched monitors in a couple of years, so I have no up- to-date information. My most recent purchases were 24" monitors. Two for my business and one for home. The two at the office are basic 24" monitors. One is a dell, and I can remember the brand of the other one offhand. The one at home is an HP LP2435, which probably isn't available anymore.
I bought the HP after researching here on NPN and on that other nature photography site. My home monitor cost about 50% more than the basic workplace monitors. The primary noticeable difference is viewing direction. The work monitors are very directional - colors and brightness/contrast change dramatically depending on the angle of viewing. They're awful for photographs. At home, I can stand, sit, slump in my chair or lean back - there is little difference.
I don;t know if this non-specific advice is much help, but directionality is an important feature of a good monitor.
Posted by Gary Minish on September 24, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Toni; if you can stretch your budget just a little bit I think you can get a fairly big jump in performance. The Dell Ultrasharp u2211h is on sale right now at Dell. Dell's new IPS monitors have been getting very strong reviews for color accuracy and viewing angle. Here is one detailed review.
Good luck with your quest
Posted by Toni Lankerd on September 24, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Thanks very much, Gary. Not sure I can stretch the budget but it would be nice to get a monitor with an IPS panel. Do you know if the 2209W is still on the market?
Discussion
10 repliesThanks in advance!
We need a little more info:
What is your budget?
What size screen?
Do you already have a calibration tool and software? If so, which tool do you use?
Most modern LCD screens have a max contrast ratio of around 1000:1; some are higher than this. If you are printing, a contrast ratio of 400:1 is a widely accepted value. The key is being able to control this contrast ratio for calibration purposes.
Similarly, max screen brightness on the newer LCD's is quite high. Again, the key is being able to adjust it for your workflow. For printing, a luminance of about 110 Cdm^2 is a good starting point, although this could likely vary depending upon your printer.
Another item that you need to be able to control is color temperature. For most photography work, 6500K is nominal.
Given all this, you need to look for a monitor that allows you to control these values, either thru on-screen display (OSD) and/or through your calibration software.
Now, for my recommendation...I recently purchased a NEC MultiSync P221W from B&H for $400. This is a great monitor, at an excellent price! I also purchased the SpectraView calibration software (optional) for &100 because it is compatible with my colorimeter. I am very pleased with both items. Highly recommended.
Here's a thread where this monitor is discussed: Anyone Using NEC P-Series Monitors?.
I hope this helps,
--P
I really need to stay in the $200-$225 range, so I am looking at a 19-22" screen size, maybe even a refurb. I am using Spyder for calibration.
I haven't researched monitors in a couple of years, so I have no up- to-date information. My most recent purchases were 24" monitors. Two for my business and one for home. The two at the office are basic 24" monitors. One is a dell, and I can remember the brand of the other one offhand. The one at home is an HP LP2435, which probably isn't available anymore.
I bought the HP after researching here on NPN and on that other nature photography site. My home monitor cost about 50% more than the basic workplace monitors. The primary noticeable difference is viewing direction. The work monitors are very directional - colors and brightness/contrast change dramatically depending on the angle of viewing. They're awful for photographs. At home, I can stand, sit, slump in my chair or lean back - there is little difference.
I don;t know if this non-specific advice is much help, but directionality is an important feature of a good monitor.
How ya doin"?
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=39200&CGISESSID=82d802046b4c16fe09f437e5c82caaaa&u=29243
Good luck!
Sandy
Good luck with your quest
http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/dell-ultrasharp-u2211h-1080p-ips-lcd-monitor/21443.aspx
Sandy r
Glad you found a screen to your liking that's within your budget. You'll be amazed at how much better the new screens are compared to older ones.
--P