Monitor Calibration Hardware ... Suggestions? - PhotoCamel

JKSeidel · 03-31-2006

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 · 04-01-2006

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 · 04-03-2006

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 · 04-04-2006

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 · 04-04-2006

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

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

03-31-2006	#1
JKSeidel Guanaco Posts: 287 CamelKarma: 24 Gallery \| Blog	Monitor Calibration Hardware ... Suggestions? 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 __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Forum, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.
	__________________ Squirrels are just rats with better PR.<br />"The floggings will continue until morale improves!"<br />Support the open RAW initiative: http://www.openraw.org

04-01-2006	#2
Slea Vicuna Posts: 88 CamelKarma: 13 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Monitor Calibration Hardware ... Suggestions? 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
Slea Vicuna Posts: 88 CamelKarma: 13 Gallery \| Blog

04-03-2006	#3
Mark McCall Lubbock, Tx. Posts: 2,354 CamelKarma: 2658 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Monitor Calibration Hardware ... Suggestions? 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.
	__________________ M. Photog. Cr. Certified Professional Photographer F-TPPA, F-SPPPA

04-04-2006	#4
ohenry Photocamel Master Location: Medford OR Posts: 6,911 CamelKarma: 5637 Editing OK?: No Gallery \| Blog	Re: Monitor Calibration Hardware ... Suggestions? 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.
	__________________ The RAW file is my clay. The print is my vase.

04-04-2006	#5
Mr. Pickles PhotoCamel Supporter Camel Breath Location: Old Folks Home Posts: 12,646 CamelKarma: 7932 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Monitor Calibration Hardware ... Suggestions? Maybe this link will shed some light on stuff for ya? http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/m...tion_tools.htm __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Forum, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.
	__________________ Dumpster Diving Challenge Idiot Savant AND trouble-maker... What's Camel Karma? Posting Images Tutorial

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