DStone wrote:
I've calibrated my monitor by trial and error with pretty good results. In Lightroom, I need to bump up the print adjustment to +30, and I suspect the colors might be a little less vibrant than they could be. But, the print is really close to the monitor image. Close enough that I can adjust from a test print and be very happy with print #2. Softproofing doesn't help or hurt, especially with reds -- if it's out of gamut, HSL adjustments don't pull it fully back into range. Seems to me, the LightRoom +30 print adjustment is a bad thing that I need to get away from.
So, the question is: Do I need to buy a calibration system? The reviews for Spyder and ColorMunki seem to say that getting close is all you can expect. Well, I'm already close, even though I'd like to be closer.
But, I don't trust online reviews, either. Maybe the software really does suck, or maybe the reviewer was well into his third Scotch, or maybe it's a competitor in disguise. I'd trust you guys more.
For those who care, Windows 10, Epson Artisan 1430. Dell SE2416H. Room is adjusted to 5000K light. Red River Paper with ICC installed ( but Epson Paper ICC also needs a +30-35).
Thanks for any thoughts.
I've calibrated my monitor by trial and error with... (
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I use a Spyder 5 to calibrate my seven year old 27" iMac. The iMac's out of the box color profile was very close to the standard and has continued to be close. That being said, I always use my Spyder before every editing session to confirm that the color profile is not starting to degrade and to allow for any changes in ambient room lighting; especially the brightness since the room lighting is on a dimmer switch and can vary from session to session. From the time I started following that procedure, I have always received prints from the lab that matched what I saw on the screen when I was editing.
In addition to the purchase of a monitor and printer calibrator, I would strongly advise you to consider replacing your monitor with one designed for photography.