Monitors and post processing: When post processing on a 27" monitor on a desktop does one really need a 4k or will a 2k work? I'm a bit concerned about discerning sharpness on a 4k and...

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

When post processing on a 27" monitor on a desktop does one really need a 4k or will a 2k work? I'm a bit concerned about discerning sharpness on a 4k and later printing the photo. I've looked at the BenQ SW2700PT and the BenQ SW271 then looked at the Dell U2718Q 4k IPS monitors. Okay, I'm a blonde but I'm a bit confused on what to purchase when I get my new computer build delivered and installed. Please help and thank you for some sound advice!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

The Dell U2718Q has a max resolution of 2560 x 1440. My Dell U2913 has a max resolution of 2560 x 1080, which is almost identical (it is a wide monitor format. I have never been disappointed with Dell monitors.

Whatever you do, get yourself an Xrite Hardware monitor calibrator to get the most out of your new display system.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The Dell U2718Q has a max resolution of 2560 x 1440. My Dell U2913 has a max resolution of 2560 x 1080, which is almost identical (it is a wide monitor format. I have never been disappointed with Dell monitors.

Whatever you do, get yourself an Xrite Hardware monitor calibrator to get the most out of your new display system.

I just got the X Rite Pro and ready to go on whatever monitor I order. I have a 5 year old Dell U2412 monitor at this time that is a 1920 x 1200.

SS319

You really need about a 55 inch monitor to resolve pixels in 4K.

My next computer, I will concentrate on Graphics card quality, processor (8 pipe), and memory (32G), and only then will I concern myself with Monitor Size and capability

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

SS319 wrote:

You really need about a 55 inch monitor to resolve pixels in 4K.

My next computer, I will concentrate on Graphics card quality, processor (8 pipe), and memory (32G), and only then will I concern myself with Monitor Size and capability

Okay, so you feel the 2560 x 1440 might serve me better in a 27" monitor? I am concerned about post processing and then printing.

BebuLamar

I would most concern about color accuracy first. Second monitor resolution.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

BebuLamar wrote:

I would most concern about color accuracy first. Second monitor resolution.

Yes, that is why I am looking at the BenQ SW2700PT for color accuracy. I think I am talking myself out of a 4k monitor but want to make the right decision.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Golden Rule wrote:

Okay, so you feel the 2560 x 1440 might serve me better in a 27" monitor? I am concerned about post processing and then printing.

I don't see the need for a monitor with such high resolution. If you have one with less you can always blow up a portion of a photo to see with higher resolution. Just doubling the size in both height and width shows the photo with the resolution of quadruple the number of pixels the monitor has. The monitor has no affect on printing, other than influencing your edits.

Properframe Loc: US Virginia

I have a 4k BenQ and frankly I don't know that it makes a rats difference. The other features, foremost the color spectrum, should drive your decision. It just turned out for me that once I got to where I wanted all the other specifications the monitor was a 4k. Be aware just having a 4k monitor means nothing if the graphics card can't get you there. Spend money on things that get you speed first.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Properframe wrote:

I have a 4k BenQ and frankly I don't know that it makes a rats difference. The other features, foremost the color spectrum, should drive your decision. It just turned out for me that once I got to where I wanted all the other specifications the monitor was a 4k. Be aware just having a 4k monitor means nothing if the graphics card can't get you there. Spend money on things that get you speed first.

Thanks for the input. The computer will be able to handle a 4k but I'm having some real second thoughts on the monitor. I have a 5 year old Dell U2415 monitor and the dark colors seem to get muddled when using Photoshop and I cannot see flaws that need either cloning stamp or healing brush tool. To see the flaws, I have to push the brightness way up.

columbine1111

I am also in the deciding mode for a new computer and trying to decide on which BenQ as my Nikon D500 takes 4K video and I have 9 grandchildren with 3 under a year old. (I am also a birder). I will be watching for more comments. Thanks!

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The Dell U2718Q has a max resolution of 2560 x 1440. My Dell U2913 has a max resolution of 2560 x 1080, which is almost identical (it is a wide monitor format. I have never been disappointed with Dell monitors.

Whatever you do, get yourself an Xrite Hardware monitor calibrator to get the most out of your new display system.

Just wondering, Robert. What made you choose Xrite over Datacolor Spyder? Now that the Spyderx Pro is out, I'm sorta leaning that way.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use an 27" iMac for my photo editing. It seems to work just fine and the prints I get after processing are spectacular. However, if I were using a computer that required a monitor, I'd definitely look at an EIZO ColorEdge CG319X - LED monitor specifically. I'd also use a Datacolor Spyder for calibration.
--Bob

Golden Rule wrote:

When post processing on a 27" monitor on a desktop does one really need a 4k or will a 2k work? I'm a bit concerned about discerning sharpness on a 4k and later printing the photo. I've looked at the BenQ SW2700PT and the BenQ SW271 then looked at the Dell U2718Q 4k IPS monitors. Okay, I'm a blonde but I'm a bit confused on what to purchase when I get my new computer build delivered and installed. Please help and thank you for some sound advice!

FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County

rmalarz wrote:

I use an 27" iMac for my photo editing. It seems to work just fine and the prints I get after processing are spectacular. However, if I were using a computer that required a monitor, I'd definitely look at an EIZO ColorEdge CG319X - LED monitor specifically. I'd also use a Datacolor Spyder for calibration.
--Bob

Do you print your own (what printer do you use)? Or, do you outsource (from whom)?

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Now that I think about it, I would love to have a touchscreen monitor for fine editing.