Monitor Calibration Hardware ... Suggestions?

[JKSeidel]

Hi,

Just wondering what the prevailing opinions are on monitor calibration hardware? I'm considering a Spyder, but there are several other makes out there. Anyone have a preference or recommendation?

Thanks,

Jeffrey

[Slea]

Hi JKS, I was also thinking of getting a Spyder but didnt like the cost, so after looking around I bought the new (to UK) Pantone Huey. As I have never used any other calibration device I cant compare the Huey to anything else but it seems to do a good job as I do now get faithful colour prints One thing I really like about the Huey is that you leave it connected to the computer and it changes the monitors brightness when the ambient light changes which I think none of the others do. I dare say that as the Huey is quite a bit cheaper than a Spyder then it probably isnt as technically good but it seems to be quite adequate for my needs

Slea

[Mark McCall]

We tested the Monaco Optix and ColorVision Spyder at the Texas School of Professional Photography at Texas A&M University.

Interestingly, the ColorVision Spyder and Pantone Huey, mentioned by Slea, are both made by the same company.
The Huey is a consumer based calibrator, the Spyder is the pro version. The Spyder has a consumer version as well called Color Plus.
A consumer based calibrator is better than nothing.

The Monaco Optix is the most accurate of the two calibrators tested, but is more expensive.
The Spyder was a fairly close second and was $50 cheaper.
Tests revealed a slight magenta cast on one CRT with the Spyder after calibration.

LCD's are not completely calibratable. A calibrator will put an LCD in the ballpark, but they are not a reliable interface for electronic imaging, YET.
On the horizon are caibratable LCD's, and when introduced, will be in the $1500+ range.

CRT's will be fazed out gradually, and the price of the new LCD's will gradually decline in price.

[ohenry]

I currently use a Monaco Optix. Prior to that I had a Colorvision Spyder (not the newest model, but the prior one). Much better results with the Monaco.

[Mr. Pickles]

Maybe this link will shed some light on stuff for ya?

http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/m...tion_tools.htm