LCD Monitor for Digital Editing

[ranchjp]

It's time to get a new machine (PC) for me !
The most important aspect of the purchase will be the proper monitor for image editing, because its the aspect I understand the least. So I'm studying hard. I want to go LCD this time, and I understand there are some $1K - $2K monitior out there that come close to CRTs. Thats a bit steep for me, and I can't believe that all you fine folks use really expensive monitors for the fine work presented here. I'd be willing to spend about $600.

I've seached the archives for threads related to choosing monitors but I can't seem to find any. Hmmm, that I can't believe either, I must be using the wrong keywords. I've Googled for reviews as well, but more often than not, the reviews are old and the monitors under review are obsolete.

So what monitors are you folks using for your digital imaging?

Jerry

[aam1234]

Here is one thread discussing Dell's 24 monitor (and others too, if memory serves).

[Paul Shields]

I'll only mention ones that I have experience in, but as you know you can spend a lot of money on these things. You've not indicated what size you're thinking of, but I believe for your budget you can pick up a BenQ 24". I've been using one (though not as my main image editing monitor) for a year or so and it's fantastic. The only reason I'm not using it 100% is that I'm a Mac user with a 24" iMac. I'd put the BenQ up against it any time as far as image quality goes.

There are few threads knocking around the camel than mention the Benq - e.g.

Dell 24" monitor
Widescreen vs regular LCD
GOOD LCD MONITOR.....


but feel free to continue your discussion here. Always useful to get a 'state of play' discussion on what's out there in LCD land - it changes so quickly .

[notsotechie]

Im not sure where you are located but are you near a store like costco?
or visit your favourite camera store and see what kind they are using if they have a proof editing.
the one that specialize making large print.
Truth is trust your eyes. And Judge from their on.
just a thought.

[ZeroOne86]

I have a Dell 22" wide screen and it works fairly well. I like the brightness of and just works great out of the box. When I was shopping around at the time it seemed once you went past the 24" threshold the price skyrocketed. I paid $279 for it and it seems even bigger then that is coming down in price. I'm sure with your budget you could get a decent monitor.

[photo_op]

Regardless of what you buy, to be precise you'll need to calibrate the monitor's brightness, color and contrast.

[D.Rodgers]

600.00 is a fair amount of money but I'm sure if you are serious and you want a graphics based monitor you may spend a little more. Check out the base model Lacie
It sells cheaper through camera stores such as Henrys.com.*note they come with calibrators kind of offsets the cost a tad.
I've been looking at it myself and using the specs to gauge other brands that are sold as multi purpose.
Be warned though if anyone decides on a Lacey make sure your system is up to snuff such as Video cards all relative info is on there site.

[ranchjp]

yep I use the EyeOne
Jerry

[ranchjp]

Problem is David, I'm in a small market in Des Moines. No one has high end monitors. Following others advice (and my own), I need to look at the monitor before I buy.
So, it looks like I'll be getting the Dell 2408. My local computer store (who is building the new machien) carries Dell, as well as other manufacturers too.
The monitor looks good, and the store sells it to me for the web price, and acts like a middle man for me should there be issues.

Jerry

[D.Rodgers]

Can you source out Lg they are very good monitors .
I broke down and bought A flatron wide 5000:1 contrast ratio.
I picked up the L226wtq on sale for $269.00 CDN.
I'll say this much before i calibrated my colors were the closest to my prints then I have ever seen
It has built in color calibration also.
I think its a gamers monitor has a 2ms response time..

[ranchjp]

The Dell 2408 is working great. I'm using the Eye One for calibration. I've sent off prints, and they look great. Walmart wouldn't print them for me becasue they said they were professional quality and they must be copyrighted. Anyway, my pro printing lab in town said they are spot on.
Jerry

[00silvergt]

Dells are really re-badged something else. Most of the Dell 22" started life as CHIMEI and their 24" as well. Newegg.com has a couple of nice monitors, especially considering the price ~$280 for the most expensive 22" which has a 5-in-1 memory reader.

[Roland303]

Originally Posted by 00silvergt

Dells are really re-badged something else. Most of the Dell 22" started life as CHIMEI and their 24" as well...

The newer Dell monitors use Samsung panels, at least the 24" monitors do. I've also been looking at 24" monitors and the Dell 2407WFP-HC and now 2408WFP are among the best I've seen so far. Samsung's 245T is very nice as well. Unfortunately LCD monitor panels don't seem to be coming down in price as fast as I would like.. due to a shortage I guess.

[tygersclaw]

Originally Posted by Roland303

The newer Dell monitors use Samsung panels, at least the 24" monitors do. I've also been looking at 24" monitors and the Dell 2407WFP-HC and now 2408WFP are among the best I've seen so far. Samsung's 245T is very nice as well. Unfortunately LCD monitor panels don't seem to be coming down in price as fast as I would like.. due to a shortage I guess.

Roland. In my checking for monitors and pricing, so far in Edmonton they "seem" to be the cheapest at B-Com Computers. Sometimes as much as $100-$150 less than even Memory Express.

Just a thought to pass on.

[Roland303]

Originally Posted by tygersclaw

Roland. In my checking for monitors and pricing, so far in Edmonton they "seem" to be the cheapest at B-Com Computers. Sometimes as much as $100-$150 less than even Memory Express.

Just a thought to pass on.

Thank you for the heads-up. B-Com and Mem. Express I check regularly and they do have some great deals on at times (for other computer equipment too), although I do find NCIX out of Vancouver to have the best deals if you look at their weekly specials section (and if shipping isn't too much).