Posted by Bruce Painter on September 28, 2011 at 1:16 AM
After processing a few photos on the relatively new desktop it has become clear that I have to purchase the equipment to calibrate the LCD monitor. I have never done any monitor calibration before. I need something that will work well without to great of an expense, and is easy to use. I am not a total dummy when working with computers but I really know nothing about the color profiles and calibration.
Any suggestions?
Bruce
Posted by Barbara Graham on September 28, 2011 at 4:11 AM
The Spyder 3 Express that I just got to calibrate my LCD monitor is extremely simple to use and was $70.30 from Amazon, though that may have been a "sale" price. Basically you just install the software, hang the little hardware thing over your monitor and run the program.
As I mentioned in the 'Calibration Software' thread below, go to Chromix and do some research on the available tools they have for Mac and Windows. These guys really know color management!
The X-rite Eye1Display-2 is an excellent tool. The Syder-3 is also a good tool. The ColorMunki is also excellent, but the cost is much higher.
An added thought, or two, or three...
If you are using Adobe Gamma, be sure to remove it from your OS' startup menu before installing and running the tool
Also, be sure that your video properties are set to default before installing and running the tool. These two steps will prevent conflicts.
Be sure your monitor is well warmed up--at least an hour- so that the brightness, contrast, and color are stable.
Calibrate your monitor in the ambient light you usually use when working on images. If your monitor has never been calibrated, I suggest you run the procedure a couple of times. In my experience, the second calibration run will usually result in better color tracking.
--P
Posted by Paul DeCesare on September 28, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Hi Bruce,
I also use the Spyder3 (pro version for dual monitors). The software is easy to use, walks you through the whole process. Great improvement because the software with the older Spyder2 was buggy and just plain weird, lol.
I would like to suggest that you also pick up a copy of Tim Grey's Color Confidence 2 which is a fantastic guide for understanding color management soup to nuts, but he does it in laymen's terms. This second edition of the book came out in 2006 and yet it stills sells for $20 used on Amazon, it's very well done. Don't go for the 1st version, it's not as relevant (it sells for 14 cents used which tells you something!).
Enjoy!
Posted by Bruce Painter on October 2, 2011 at 9:46 PM
Ordered the Spider 3 express today. It should be in this week. O hope everything goes well. I'd like to get back to processing my shots form Colorado and we are planing a weekend in the Smokies the end of Oct.
Discussion
4 repliesAny suggestions?
Bruce
As I mentioned in the 'Calibration Software' thread below, go to Chromix and do some research on the available tools they have for Mac and Windows. These guys really know color management!
The X-rite Eye1Display-2 is an excellent tool. The Syder-3 is also a good tool. The ColorMunki is also excellent, but the cost is much higher.
An added thought, or two, or three...
If you are using Adobe Gamma, be sure to remove it from your OS' startup menu before installing and running the tool
Also, be sure that your video properties are set to default before installing and running the tool. These two steps will prevent conflicts.
Be sure your monitor is well warmed up--at least an hour- so that the brightness, contrast, and color are stable.
Calibrate your monitor in the ambient light you usually use when working on images. If your monitor has never been calibrated, I suggest you run the procedure a couple of times. In my experience, the second calibration run will usually result in better color tracking.
--P
I also use the Spyder3 (pro version for dual monitors). The software is easy to use, walks you through the whole process. Great improvement because the software with the older Spyder2 was buggy and just plain weird, lol.
I would like to suggest that you also pick up a copy of Tim Grey's Color Confidence 2 which is a fantastic guide for understanding color management soup to nuts, but he does it in laymen's terms. This second edition of the book came out in 2006 and yet it stills sells for $20 used on Amazon, it's very well done. Don't go for the 1st version, it's not as relevant (it sells for 14 cents used which tells you something!).
Enjoy!
Bruce