Monitor calibration
Sep 8, 2016 11:30:42 #
I know I saw an article on calibration in one of your last posts but can't find it in the search. I recently edited some images and took them from color to black and white. I sent them off to White House CC. The images were too warm. I know I need to calibrate my monitor. I've never done it. I wanted to see if you can recommend a good calibration software that's not too expensive. I know they are available on Amazon. Any other source would be appreciated.
Also, I've never done this before, but using the sample images that were sent, how do I adjust my screen while viewing in Lightroom, to fit the same color as the the images?
Thanks so much.
Also, I've never done this before, but using the sample images that were sent, how do I adjust my screen while viewing in Lightroom, to fit the same color as the the images?
Thanks so much.
Sep 8, 2016 11:35:27 #
Screen color calibration is an OS/Video Hardware issue, not a Lightroom issue.
After going through a one day class in color calibration, I can tell you that if printing is important, you need a hardware solution. Particularly if your system is Windows 10 and you get the Anniversary Update, which totally slewed my color calibration files. I have a Spyder5 Pro which you can find on the E-bay for $115 to $125.
After going through a one day class in color calibration, I can tell you that if printing is important, you need a hardware solution. Particularly if your system is Windows 10 and you get the Anniversary Update, which totally slewed my color calibration files. I have a Spyder5 Pro which you can find on the E-bay for $115 to $125.
Sep 8, 2016 11:40:48 #
Twardlow
Loc: Arkansas
anneabc wrote:
I know I saw an article on calibration in one of y... (show quote)
I use something called colormunki. Don't remember what I paid for it, but you could easily look it up.
It is quite easy to use, takes 3-4 minutes probably. I do it every couple of weeks or so.
There is a device you hang on the front of the monitor. The software sends color sample of known values and the device measures the result on the monitor and compensates for errors and saves the changes.
It sample eight brightness of Red, of Blue, of Green, and Black.
You will never get 100% perfect alignment between your monitor and your prints because one is emitted light and the other is reflected light.
However, my prints always look better then my monitor images, and I can live with that.
Sep 8, 2016 11:45:16 #
Twardlow wrote:
I use something called colormunki. Don't remember... (show quote)
I use the ColorMunki Photo too. Works great.
Sep 8, 2016 12:13:33 #
I was hoping to find recent posts in 2016 that talk about calibration and the best devices for this year. Those from the past are too old. Thanks
Sep 8, 2016 13:04:46 #
anneabc wrote:
I was hoping to find recent posts in 2016 that talk about calibration and the best devices for this year. Those from the past are too old. Thanks
There are a number of posts on the subject in the last few months - just use the search function and search on calibration or monitor calibration - either should return the results you want. While there are others, the net-net is that most people use either the Colormunki or Datacolor Spyder calibration tool. Prices vary depending on the options you choose, but it's typically $125-$150 depending on what's on sale. You're not going to get by (accurately) with a SW-only solution - you need the HW probe plus the associated SW, and then it's both easy and fast - takes about 5-10 minutes to calibrate the monitor, and you will see a difference.
Sep 8, 2016 13:09:11 #
Sep 8, 2016 13:09:49 #
Sep 8, 2016 13:17:19 #
anneabc wrote:
Thanks for that information. I searched that way but didn't find more recent posts.
I see your point. No idea why the search function doesn't return posts in order by date like other functions - starting with the most recent (admin, can this be addressed?).
In regard to acronyms, HW=hardware, SW=software.
Cheers,
Chris
Sep 8, 2016 13:22:08 #
Sep 9, 2016 01:39:45 #
I invite you to peruse the UHH Printers and Color Printing Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-120-1.html
One of the permanent threads is Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) concerning printers & printing where you will find:
FAQ: How to Calibrate and Profile a Monitor for Color Printing
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/monitor-calibration.htm
One of the permanent threads is Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) concerning printers & printing where you will find:
FAQ: How to Calibrate and Profile a Monitor for Color Printing
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/monitor-calibration.htm
Sep 9, 2016 06:49:44 #
anneabc wrote:
I know I saw an article on calibration in one of y... (show quote)
Funny how some want good but cheap, ya get what you pay for...
Color Munki http://www.colormunki.com/or Spyder http://spyder.datacolor.com/portfolio-view/spyder5elite/
both excellent, neither cheap
Sep 9, 2016 08:23:02 #
Calibrating your monitor is only part of your solution. I would start off by asking the lab to help you. Some services may adjust the file automatically as a default setting. I would also look at the file's color mode. If you are making the monochrome version by dialing back the saturation to 0 but keeping it in a color mode, the rip software may be adding a little warmth inadvertently. Regardless of how you make the file monochromatic, make sure you save it as gray scale.
With today's monitors, calibrating is less critical than it used to be. When you calibrate the monitor, you assume that the input and output are calibrated to the same standard. For critical color matching, you have to create a closed system and these tools are only part of the process. As a practical matter, I think you can get excellent results without calibrating the monitor assuming it is only a few years old. However, check with the lab first.
With today's monitors, calibrating is less critical than it used to be. When you calibrate the monitor, you assume that the input and output are calibrated to the same standard. For critical color matching, you have to create a closed system and these tools are only part of the process. As a practical matter, I think you can get excellent results without calibrating the monitor assuming it is only a few years old. However, check with the lab first.
Sep 9, 2016 11:02:49 #
I have been using the Spyder series for years. Currently own the Spyder 5 Pro, which B&H sometimes has on a great special. That's when I buy the new models. Best of luck.
Sep 9, 2016 11:25:07 #
You might want to read Bill Burkholder's response on this thread before you decide that monitor calibration is unnecessary. Bill has run professional labs for decades and knows whereof he speaks. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-401475-1.html I've probably read a dozen threads in the last year on unsatisfactory print results, and many/most of them can be traced to lack of monitor calibration. Often the prints turn out too dark because the monitor brightness is too high. The cost of bad printing, ink and paper can quickly total more than the cost of a calibration tool.
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