Color management software/calibration

[sonshine_rae]

Okay.. let me try this again, just to be clear.

What is the most recommended color management software/device?

I see a LOT of recommendations for Spyder 3 ... and am tempted to get it. But before I just run off and do that.. I'd like to hear from a few more people.

ALL I need to calibrate is my monitor, I do not print images at home, do not even own a printer that can print photos (we have a b&w laser printer for 'basic' printouts/receipts etc).

So is Spyder 3 Pro my best bet.. ? Sorry if this is a common question but with some searching around I'm not seeing a clear answer for what type is best for what purposes?

This WILL be for a Win/XPpro PC, and the monitor is a 24" Westinghouse.

--I do run a small in-home portrait studio, my budget is low, but I still need quality.

Thanks,
~Rae~

[aintnosin]

I would say that the Spyder3 Pro is the best "bang-for-your-buck" monitor calibration device. The Elite model has bells and whistles that you probably won't need...

I don't have any experience with the Pantone Huey, but that is another option...

[Latinbob]

I have the Spyder2 and all it does is monitor calibration. It was very inexpensive and easy to use. It got me a lot closer to reality than using Adobe Gamma did.

Bob

[TonyK]

I too use a Sypder2Pro and like it. It or the Huey would be good choices.

[DeanP]

I purchased the Spyder 3 as my first calibration piece, so much easier than adobe gamma and the added benefit of calibrating dual monitors. Was really easy to use. Think it was around $150

[ohenry]

Personally, I'd opt for the Eye1 over the Spyder, but that's me. Then, the Color Munki intrigues me. I currently use a Monaco Optix (discontinued) and will likely upgrade soon (support for anything other than XP on a PC is limited). The Huey doesn't interest me at all.

[JimJohnD]

I have the ColorMunki(CM) and I know it is above what you said you wanted to spend. However; I am using the NEC P221W monitor that covers 96% of the Adobe1998 color gamut and an Epson R1900 printer. I use a Sony A700 camera shooting RAW. Once I profiled both my monitor and printer I get exactly what I see on screen. The CM can also profile projectors and sample the color of anything it comes in contact with. So if you like the color of a fabric or football you can sample it and then use that color. The difference between the NEC monitor and my laptop that only displays sRGB at best is AMAZING. I 'used' to think my laptop display was fairly good but now, well lets say you get spoiled real quick I use Adobe1998 from start to finish, only converting to sRGB to create JPGs.

Having the peace of mind of knowing I can just print what I see was worth the price in the long run. I used to print a 4X6 just to confirm what I was going to get.