Calibrating your Printer - Do you do it? Recommendations please
Jul 1, 2020 05:48:21 #
Paul Diamond
Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA
Thinking about color calibrating my Canon Pro 100 color printer. I'm not happy that my on screen images need to be modified quite a bit to produce better print quality. I completely understand the concept of a digital screen image vs. ink/dye on paper for dynamic tonal range, color tints, saturation, etc. as well as paper manufacturer surface-texture contributions. But, I want more consistent, repeatable prints that more accurately mimic my monitors' screens.
If you are calibrating your color printer, please share what you use, if you are happy with the results and anything else helpful.
If you are calibrating your color printer, please share what you use, if you are happy with the results and anything else helpful.
Jul 1, 2020 07:13:09 #
Calibrate your monitor and download and use the appropriate paper (.icc) profiles when printing. Search the web on "color management" to get a better understanding.
Jul 1, 2020 07:20:01 #
Download the test image from this site:
http://www.outbackphoto.com/printinginsights/pi049/essay.html
Open the image in your photo software and print it without making any adjustments.
Study the image and determine if the print is correct. The text in the website describes what to look for.
As mentioned above, for accurate output, you need to use good paper and ICC profiles. While you are evaluating your printer you should be using Canon paper.
Also, if you are on a Mac computer be sure you have the Canon IJ Series version of the printer installed and not the AirPrint version.
http://www.outbackphoto.com/printinginsights/pi049/essay.html
Open the image in your photo software and print it without making any adjustments.
Study the image and determine if the print is correct. The text in the website describes what to look for.
As mentioned above, for accurate output, you need to use good paper and ICC profiles. While you are evaluating your printer you should be using Canon paper.
Also, if you are on a Mac computer be sure you have the Canon IJ Series version of the printer installed and not the AirPrint version.
Jul 1, 2020 10:07:15 #
Strodav
Loc: Houston, Tx
yssirk123 wrote:
Calibrate your monitor and download and use the appropriate paper (.icc) profiles when printing. Search the web on "color management" to get a better understanding.
Yep, you have to calibrate the whole system. I recommend srgb, so set your camera's color space to srgb, calibrate your monitor to srgb, then your printer. Your prints will look closer to what you see on your monitor. It will never be an exact match as your monitor is luminescent and your printer is reflective and monitor and printer color spaces are rarely an exact match. You can improve the match by darkening the room keeping as much stray light as possible off the monitor (that's why many monitors designed for photography come with a hood) and putting your reflective print under a daylight light source (ISO calls for D50 or 5000K full spectrum at about 2000 lux).
Jul 1, 2020 21:39:35 #
Paul Diamond
Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA
Thanks for sharing. Calibrating the monitor is common sense and already done. Calibrating everything from camera to monitor (video board/computer/monitor) to printer is the next thing. srgb for all 3 makes sense and will do. I was thinking about the color printer/factory inks/Canon paper for calibrating outputs compatible for calibration to the other two. I typically use glossy stock for the widest tonal range on the print. I assumed that I needed to buy a tool to read the print output and calibrate it to the rest of the system.
I have special 'dark room' blinds for the window to eliminate, as much as possible , ambient light from entering the room and affecting the results. The same blinds are set up in my family/media room for the 4K UHD Sony TV, for the same reason.
I have special 'dark room' blinds for the window to eliminate, as much as possible , ambient light from entering the room and affecting the results. The same blinds are set up in my family/media room for the 4K UHD Sony TV, for the same reason.
Jul 2, 2020 09:29:48 #
X-rite, I profile my monitors and the different papers I print on. Years ago a friend who works for Tempe Camera recommended that I profile my new printer and he gave me the name of a guy. He charged me $75.
My thinking back then was this could get expensive. I happened to note the equipment he was using and purchase my first x-rite. I profile my monitors every 2 weeks. The paper I profile and then let it age for a couple months and reprofile.
https://www.xrite.com/
My thinking back then was this could get expensive. I happened to note the equipment he was using and purchase my first x-rite. I profile my monitors every 2 weeks. The paper I profile and then let it age for a couple months and reprofile.
https://www.xrite.com/
Jul 2, 2020 09:37:03 #
Also check out hardware calibrated monitors like the BenQ series. Purchased one on sale last December from B&H, and the color accuracy is incredible. Software calibrated monitors are a step in the right direction, but they will never equal hardware calibrated monitors.
Jul 2, 2020 10:31:04 #
I calibrate my monitor, printer, camera. Then when I print I choose the icc profile that matches the paper tht I'm using. I use Xrite I studio for this.
Jul 2, 2020 10:56:09 #
yssirk123 wrote:
Also check out hardware calibrated monitors like the BenQ series. Purchased one on sale last December from B&H, and the color accuracy is incredible. Software calibrated monitors are a step in the right direction, but they will never equal hardware calibrated monitors.
...this.
Jul 2, 2020 10:58:56 #
Paul Diamond
Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA
Thanks for your feedback/suggestions. I will look into Xrite I Studio. I was looking at the datacolor SpyderPRINT.
Jul 2, 2020 11:04:53 #
Jul 2, 2020 11:32:54 #
Strodav
Loc: Houston, Tx
Paul Diamond wrote:
Thanks for your feedback/suggestions. I will look into Xrite I Studio. I was looking at the datacolor SpyderPRINT.
I use the X-rite i1 Studio as well. It's a bit expensive, but well worth it, especially if you want to calibrate a scanner and projector in addition to your monitor and printer.
Jul 2, 2020 11:35:56 #
I switched from printing using Photoshop to printing using Lightroom. It made a huge difference in the color quality of my prints.
Jul 2, 2020 11:39:42 #
rcarol wrote:
I switched from printing using Photoshop to printing using Lightroom. It made a huge difference in the color quality of my prints.
If that happened then I think you need to check your settings. I can think of no reason that two software products should be producing different results if the settings are correct.
Jul 2, 2020 11:40:43 #
rcarol wrote:
I switched from printing using Photoshop to printing using Lightroom. It made a huge difference in the color quality of my prints.
Haha, I'm the other way around...I think it's how we USE the software. ;0) I'm just used to using PS and get good results...tried LR a few times but always went back.
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