Monitor calibration: Does anyone out there use a monitor calibrator? What is it and how well has it improved the final result? I hear from fellow UHHers that some of my pictures seem...

Chefneil

Does anyone out there use a monitor calibrator? What is it and how well has it improved the final result?

I hear from fellow UHHers that some of my pictures seem to need more Saturation. Yet when I am editing them, they look fine. Also, when I print an image, it seems a little pale.

Let the discussion begin.

olc

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use a Datacolor Spyder to calibrate my image processing system. It works noticeably well. I check the calibration every month. In fact, this weekend is cal time.
--Bob

Chefneil wrote:

Does anyone out there use a monitor calibrator? What is it and how well has it improved the final result?

I hear from fellow UHHers that some of my pictures seem to need more Saturation. Yet when I am editing them, they look fine. Also, when I print an image, it seems a little pale.

Let the discussion begin.

olc

James Van Ells

There are lots of devices out there and I bought the Spyder 5 Express for about $100 a few years ago. I was sending pictures for printing and they were coming back different from what my monitor showed they would look like. This has solved that problem. I am not a pro and this suites my current needs, others need to be much more precise for art prints etc.

Chefneil

rmalarz wrote:

I use a Datacolor Spyder to calibrate my image processing system. It works noticeably well. I check the calibration every month. In fact, this weekend is cal time.
--Bob

How long does the procedure take? And do you need other hardware?

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Chefneil wrote:

Does anyone out there use a monitor calibrator? What is it and how well has it improved the final result?

I hear from fellow UHHers that some of my pictures seem to need more Saturation. Yet when I am editing them, they look fine. Also, when I print an image, it seems a little pale.

Let the discussion begin.

olc

I use a color Munki for my iMac
Since I don't print my own images the calibrating of my monitor just makes me feel better, but when I do have a print made they are spot on with my monitor or so damned close it doesn't matter.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

About 5 minutes. Yes, I need the stand to hold the Spyder and the cable adjustment to make sure it's placed in the appropriate location on the screen. Both are included with the unit.
--Bob

Chefneil wrote:

How long does the procedure take? And do you need other hardware?

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I use a Spyder4 that does a good job on my monitor. My prints reflect what I see on my screen.

bbrowner Loc: Chapel Hill, NC

Months ago I called my local (very good) camera store to inquire about getting what was needed for monitor calibration. He talked me out of spending for that stuff... for the following reasons.

If I did my own or sent-to-a-lab printing... then yes... use monitor calibration. If not, don't bother.

If I post pics on the internet... or email them to others... don't bother. That's because others generally don't calibrate their monitors. So they wouldn't get the benefits of my calibration calibration.

If I'm not using my pictures commercially... don't bother.

In other words... depending on how it's used and/or where the picture moves to... it may or may not be needed.

I fell into the category of not needing advanced calibration. You may or may not need it.

That made sense to me. I used my money elsewhere.

Barry

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Moinitor calibration is only necessary if you send your images out to a lab, or print them yourself. If all your work is only for on screen viewing, it is not necessary. Oversaturation is a function of excessive Clarity added to an image in editing software.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Barry and rgenaderphoto, even if I'd sending images to be viewed on a screen, such as posts to this site, I want to make sure that when they leave my possession they are the best as far as color, sharpness, exposure, etc. I've no control over other's monitor settings, but I know that my images are calibrated. Additionally, I do print a few. So, even though only a few, they are all calibrated. The cost of a calibration tool is not all that much and they last a lifetime.
--Bob

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Chefneil wrote:

Does anyone out there use a monitor calibrator? What is it and how well has it improved the final result?

I hear from fellow UHHers that some of my pictures seem to need more Saturation. Yet when I am editing them, they look fine. Also, when I print an image, it seems a little pale.

Let the discussion begin.

olc

Yes, I do. I have used the X-Rite i1 Display Pro for many years and I'm very happy with it! If I look at a picture on the monitor and like it, when I print it, it will look just like the image on screen (actually better)!

Chefneil

rmalarz wrote:

Barry and rgenaderphoto, even if I'd sending images to be viewed on a screen, such as posts to this site, I want to make sure that when they leave my possession they are the best as far as color, sharpness, exposure, etc. I've no control over other's monitor settings, but I know that my images are calibrated. Additionally, I do print a few. So, even though only a few, they are all calibrated. The cost of a calibration tool is not all that much and they last a lifetime.
--Bob

SIR, I agree %100. When I am done with a photo(such as it is), I want it to be the best I have to offer.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I use the Xrite ColorMunki. I use it every month. Yes, it makes a difference so that I know my colors will look right when printed.

Chefneil wrote:

Does anyone out there use a monitor calibrator? What is it and how well has it improved the final result?

I hear from fellow UHHers that some of my pictures seem to need more Saturation. Yet when I am editing them, they look fine. Also, when I print an image, it seems a little pale.

Let the discussion begin.

olc

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Your monitor, your graphics card, have built in calibration, also there are calibration photos that are excellent [google calibration photos]. If you do home printing it is important that you tweak for specific papers so that printing matches the monitor... remember tho, monitor is radiated and print is light rays from viewing room... absorption and reflected... two different worlds and both can be affected by the ambient light.

If you have a gadget fetish, sure get a fancy monitor calibration gadget.... UHH people love to spend money often unnecessarily.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Chefneil wrote:

Does anyone out there use a monitor calibrator? What is it and how well has it improved the final result?

I hear from fellow UHHers that some of my pictures seem to need more Saturation. Yet when I am editing them, they look fine. Also, when I print an image, it seems a little pale.

Let the discussion begin.

olc

I've borrowed and used a friend's Spyder.