Chico 1948 Loc: Cincinnati

Hi,

I am in need of calibrating my monitor. I use two, both ViewSonic. I am trying to decide between the Datacolor Spyder and the X-rite Color Munki. The customer review for the Datacolor Spyder mentions problems with the OEM software that is included and suggest 3dr party solutions.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I read UHH daily and really enjoy the conversations and information. Thank you to all in advance.

Pete

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

DataColor Spyder 5 Pro. No problems on my Macs. My prints are a close match for my screen, provided I adjust images with the printer profile used as a proofing profile.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've used a Spyder Pro for several years. Originally, with a Viewsonic monitor w/ Windows 7. Same Spyder Pro but with an iMac. No problems that I've seen.
--Bob

ejw 46 Loc: Tempe, AZ

I have been using the Color Munki for several years with no problems. I have only used it for calibration of my monitor as I find printing is cheaper at the lab (or Costco). Having a calibrated monitor with the profile for printing (from the lab or whoever you will be printing your photos) makes a big difference in the final product. Just make sure you soft proof with the printing profile to make sure you know what the final product will look like as burkphoto pointed out.

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

I've been using a Spyder since V3, absolutely no problems on 4 or 5 different monitors. Also use the SpyderPrint to make printing more accurate.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Ditto. I've been using the Color Munki for several years with no problems too.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Spyder or Munki, both work. You need a hardware device to properly calibrate a monitor.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I use ColorMunki Smile on my PC attached to my Canon Pro-100 printer. I use a DataColor Spyder5 on my editing PC and my laptop. Both are quite similar in results.
Both monitor calibrating devices are often discussed on the UHH section Printers and Color Printing Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-120-1.html

Chico 1948 Loc: Cincinnati

Thank you to all for the feedback. As always very helpful.

OviedoPhotos

I've been using Datacolor Spyder for many years, since ver 3 I think. No issues encountered.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I originally used Datacolor Spyder but changed to Colormunki Display I found it easier to use

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Look also at this site. It provides, in my opinion, as good discussion/instructions for monitor calibration that you may find helpful
http://www.normankoren.com/makingfineprints1A.html

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Last week B&H had the Datacolor Spyder5 Express system on sale so I decide to calibrate my monitor. The installation wasn't easy as the link that came with the hardware doesn't work, at least didn't for me; I got the infamous "can't fine the server" message. I had to go to data color's site and poke around until I found an installation link--it worked fine.

When finished, I looked at the pre and post calibration pictures they offer and could definitely see the difference in their demo pictures. Other then the setup with few options available that came built in on my year old monitor, a 27" Samsung, I had never calibrated the monitor to my computer, a +/- four year old Lenovo. When I finished I compared the monitor to some prints I had made and was surprised that there was so little difference; the colors were "a shade darker and richer', and I guess I expected a more dramatic difference. The darker perhaps because, like many 'seasoned citizens', I had increased the brightness of the display to make it easier to see.

Just so I'm not misunderstood, I am happy with the results and have no regrets.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I would concur. I use the same device on my pc and macs including a MacBook Pro. No issues whatsoever so far. Best of luck.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I use the Datacolor Spyder5 pro, cal my monitors, download the ICC profile for my printing service and soft proof before sending out to Bay Photo when I need outside printing. I never worry about how the print will look, even whe I spend substantial $ for a large mounted print, because I know that what I get back will look exactly (within the limits of transmitted vs reflected light) like what I see on my monitor, and among other things, it saves me $10 per print by not using their color correction service.