ASA 32
Well-known
I'm in the market for a new monitor for my photography work station, and I'm considering the BenQ SW270C 27-inch 2K monitor.
I'll be using it with a late 2012 Mac Mini with the 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 processor and Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics card and 16 GB memory. The maximum resolution of this card is 2560 x 1440, which is the native resolution of the BenQ monitor. I am currently using an Apple 24" LED Cinema Display at 1920 x 1200 resolution.
Given the higher resolution of the BenQ, the greater color control it offers over the Apple display, and its other features, I expect a considerable improvement as a result. I don't think I need a 4K display, and in any case my Mac Mini won't support it, and I prefer not to upgrade my computer.
Anyone using this monitor who can speak to its quality, usability, reliability, etc.? Also, are there other alternatives I should consider?
Any help much appreciated.
I'll be using it with a late 2012 Mac Mini with the 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 processor and Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics card and 16 GB memory. The maximum resolution of this card is 2560 x 1440, which is the native resolution of the BenQ monitor. I am currently using an Apple 24" LED Cinema Display at 1920 x 1200 resolution.
Given the higher resolution of the BenQ, the greater color control it offers over the Apple display, and its other features, I expect a considerable improvement as a result. I don't think I need a 4K display, and in any case my Mac Mini won't support it, and I prefer not to upgrade my computer.
Anyone using this monitor who can speak to its quality, usability, reliability, etc.? Also, are there other alternatives I should consider?
Any help much appreciated.
icebear
Veteran
Consider Eizo or slightly cheaper NEC specificly for photo work. Both are considered top notch for this purpose. Invest in a calibration tool right away. And the color gamut (specific color space) is more important than pixel peeping resolution.
As you already checked the limitations of your Mac Mini, make sure the connections between your graphic card and the monitor actually allow for the spec'd performance, not that the cable doesn't transport all the data theoretically on display.
Good luck with your choice.
As you already checked the limitations of your Mac Mini, make sure the connections between your graphic card and the monitor actually allow for the spec'd performance, not that the cable doesn't transport all the data theoretically on display.
Good luck with your choice.
ASA 32
Well-known
Consider Eizo or slightly cheaper NEC specificly for photo work. Both are considered top notch for this purpose. Invest in a calibration tool right away. And the color gamut (specific color space) is more important than pixel peeping resolution.
As you already checked the limitations of your Mac Mini, make sure the connections between your graphic card and the monitor actually allow for the spec'd performance, not that the cable doesn't transport all the data theoretically on display.
Good luck with your choice.
Thanks for the suggestions. I already have a Datacolor Spyder for calibration. I would plan to use a mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable. How can I determine if that interface will support the higher resolution?
xjonstars
Newbie
I have the BenQ SW271 which appears to be the 4K version of the SW270C and it's been a fantastic monitor. I've had mine for almost 2 years now and it has been a workhorse. I regularly bring the monitor on set for the art director to use next to my digital tech's Eizo and they are neck and neck for quality.
I find the calibration to be consistent, comparing profiles whenever I calibrate there's hardly a change.
The only issue I have is occasionally, maybe once a week, the screen will go black for 2-3 seconds and then come back on as if nothing happened. Haven't been able to figure that out, not sure if it's the monitors problem or something with my Mac...
Hope that helps!
I find the calibration to be consistent, comparing profiles whenever I calibrate there's hardly a change.
The only issue I have is occasionally, maybe once a week, the screen will go black for 2-3 seconds and then come back on as if nothing happened. Haven't been able to figure that out, not sure if it's the monitors problem or something with my Mac...
Hope that helps!
FranZ
Established
I own an SWC 270C since januar. It is a very nice, stable display with lots of possibilities for a reasonable amount of $$ (or €€ in my case)
I use it in a PC/Win 10 environmet with Capture One.
A wor of caution:
I started with my 7 years old msi laptop, which runs otherwise fine, but soon it was far to slow to power this monitor. I had to wait some time when I moved the sliders . . .
So I ended with upgrading to a very powerful tower with a Ryzen 9-3900 and a GeForce RTX 2070 with 64 RB Ram and a M2 SSD.
So now editing is a breeze, but my wallet is much lighter.
I wish you good luck with this decision.
I use it in a PC/Win 10 environmet with Capture One.
A wor of caution:
I started with my 7 years old msi laptop, which runs otherwise fine, but soon it was far to slow to power this monitor. I had to wait some time when I moved the sliders . . .
So I ended with upgrading to a very powerful tower with a Ryzen 9-3900 and a GeForce RTX 2070 with 64 RB Ram and a M2 SSD.
So now editing is a breeze, but my wallet is much lighter.
I wish you good luck with this decision.
Shac
Well-known
I have the BenQ SW2700PT 23"- am absolutely happy with it. Looked at the specs of the top monitors mentioned and this was up there but at an affordable price. Can't go wrong IMO