Monitor Calibration

[Stephen23]

Has anybody any experience of monitor calibration systems? I am looking at the Colourvision kits which seem reasonably priced, but have seen Gretach Macbeth sytems rated higher (though at a price).

Any feedback gratefully accepted.

Stephen

 

[Ash]

I spent a half hour trying to calibrate my mac monitor with its built in software, and failed. I think I'm happy knowing I see my images completely different to the rest of the world 🙂

Good luck with yours!!

 

[Stephen23]

I also have tried the Mac calibration on my G5 and I also have failed to produce "proper" colours, hence the proposed outlaying of more money I don't have...

 

[pesphoto]

I use the Spyder 2 Express. Perfect calibration everytime. I help my wife with her wedding photography photos so our calibration is critical. Works great!

http://www.amazon.com/ColorVision-Spyder2-Express-Win-Mac/dp/B000ES4PYU/sr=8-1/qid=1162412131/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3348880-5643914?ie=UTF8&s=software

 

[jaapv]

I use the Spyder 2 Express. Perfect calibration everytime. I help my wife with her wedding photography photos so our calibration is critical. Works great!

http://www.amazon.com/ColorVision-Spyder2-Express-Win-Mac/dp/B000ES4PYU/sr=8-1/qid=1162412131/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-3348880-5643914?ie=UTF8&s=software

What the gentleman said. I use a slightly older version, the colourspider, and it is perfect.

 

[Stephen23]

thanks pesphoto I was looking at the Spyder 2 Express for no better reason that it is the cheapest, but wasn't sure of the value for money. Your recommendation has helped a lot.

Stephen

 

[pesphoto]

There are diiferent versions of the spyder depending on what your needs are.

 

[jonasv]

Very happy with the Colorvision Spyder 2 Pro system.

 

[pesphoto]

Very happy with the Colorvision Spyder 2 Pro system.

This is what I use at work. A bit more pricey but so worth it!

 

[RicardoD]

Stephen,

How did the Spyder 2 Express work out for you? I just realized today how terrible my monitor calibration is. I have a action in photoshop for toning black and white prints and from that I can tell that my colors are way off. I think I will be purchasing this product within a couple of weeks.

I think this is big step towards improving my Digital Darkroom as with my new medium format scans, and upcoming medium format color slides I have to shoot, I hate to think I would be making adjustments with my monitor color out of whack.

 

[Pherdinand]

The Mac calibration software is a joke. My eyes fall out after 10 minutes of staring at the apple behind the fence, and the result is worse than the factory setting. (I have a macbook)

A friend of mine has the spyder 2 express. I persuaded him to give it to me for calibrating both my macbook laptop screen and the large flat i use at work. The differences are visible for colour, and for black and white images they are amazing. The tonal separation improved alot, blacks look black and there's no more colour shift in my black-and-white scans.
It's worth it.

 

[dexdog]

I have a Spyder express 2, and concur with the previous commentors. A great value at $79 from Amazon.com in the USA. The most dramatic difference I saw between calibrated and non-calibrated was with black and white images, where the tonality was greatly improved. A much smaller affect with color images, where the biggest difference was slightly increased contrast and pumped up color saturation.

 

[Stephen23]

Ricardo
Yes I did buy the Spider2 Express and it works very well, it even reminds you whenyou need to calibrate. It certainly makes a difference (accuracy wise) when working with Silverfast Scans.

 

[MCTuomey]

Ricardo
Yes I did buy the Spider2 Express and it works very well, it even reminds you whenyou need to calibrate. It certainly makes a difference (accuracy wise) when working with Silverfast Scans.

And I just ordered it on the strength of this thread. Thanks to all, esp to Stephen for the *reminder* to make the investment.

 

[RicardoD]

Just ordered mine as well. Nice price through amazon with no tax and no shipping charge. I will report results after calibration. Thanks everyone.

 

[Pherdinand]

The only thing is, you use the device how much...five minutes per month, maybe?
I guess best bet would be to team up with some people that are also interested and are within a reasonable distance.

 

[RicardoD]

Ok, I will rent mine for $25 (includes shipping) and you return it to me within two weeks! 🙂

Cause you are right. I will use it once then put it away probably till I finallly can get a bigger monitor.

Ricardo

 

[JeffGreene]

For those of you not on the MAC and interested in an alternative color calibration system you should check out Pantone's Huey. Monte Zucker introduced it at a recent seminar I attended. It's the system equivalent to the Spyder Express and is slightly less expensive for those of us on a budget. Effortless to set up and use. It automatically adjusts the monitor to changes in room light. It's an excellent system.

 

[Chaser]

I just got a spyder 2 suite....if anybody is looking for this small step up from the express ... go to bandh and search for "psnov" goes from $149 down to $99...

 

[Magnus]

I have pantone Huey as well .... no complaints