The courier called me and said that the BenQ SW2700PT monitor had been delivered. Frankly, I was waiting with interest for this monitor for the test. The monitor was declared by the manufacturer as a "monitor for the photographer". This is just for me! When people ask me what I do, I answer: "I am a professional photographer."
And I explain that “professional” means what I earn with this profession, that is, this is my main occupation. And of course, I try to work with tools designed specifically for my profession. It is generally accepted that for a photographer it is a camera and lenses. Then there are lighting equipment and other equipment. The computer and the monitor are on this list, but far from the first place. But I'll tell you what, if you evaluate
the time spent on the set, behind the camera, in the studio and in front of the monitor, the time spent processing photos is almost more.
Professional work requires comfortable working conditions, any problems affect the result and, ultimately, income. You guessed that the monitor is a tool with which the photographer works as much and carefully as with the camera.
So, the box with the BenQ SW2700PT is in front of me, and I unpack it.
The first thing I find in the box is a factory calibration report for the monitor.
Having read about the BenQ SW2700PT in advance, about the configuration and characteristics, reviews about the model, I knew that this monitor is calibrated at the factory and you can start working right away. On paper, the calibration results of this particular monitor, which is confirmed by its serial number. I immediately look at the DeltaE value, 1.9344 is indicated. This value guarantees accurate color reproduction for me. In addition, the BenQ SW2700PT supports 99% of the AdobeRGB color space. I must say that I chose my work monitor with similar characteristics. The fact is that my professional specialization is photographing jewelry. It is important for me to see the slightest deviations in the color of precious stones and metals. In the camera settings, the AdobeRGB color space is also set.
I continue to remove the monitor components from the box. I know that there should be a protective visor. Here he is!
Assembled from three parts. It is remarkable that the inside is covered with velvet material. I've always made my monitor visors out of black studio backgrounds. I remove the stand and the monitor itself.
In addition to a set of standard connecting cables, I also find an external controller in the kit - such a round thing that looks like a wired computer mouse.
The rack has a hole for parking the controller. When I collect, let's see what kind of gadget it is!
Assembling the monitor took a matter of minutes. My Mac mini has two HDMI and DisplayPort video inputs. The monitor comes with DisplayPort and DVI cables. The connection to my work monitor is also assembled from a DVI cable and an HDMI adapter. I don’t waste time and connect it with a ready-made cable to the DVI monitor output. The kit includes a USB 3.0 cable, a type A to type B plug. This connection to the monitor ensures the operation of two USB inputs and an SD card reader on the BenQ SW2700PT. I mount the visor on the assembled monitor, not without difficulty, something went wrong, I could not get into the installation
grooves on the monitor. Now everything is set.
Turn on!
The indicator at the bottom right changes from red to white, which means "the monitor has been successfully connected to the computer." The screen lit up, and I started working through the password. Can't wait to see the picture on the 27-inch monitor. The first picture will be a photo of a piece of jewelry from my favorite
customer. I open in the editor a photo of a colorful brooch made of gold, hot enamel, diamonds and colored stones.
I understand that the resolution does not match the declared BenQ SW2700PT - 2560x1440 pixels.
In the system settings of the MAC OS, the list of screen resolutions does not contain the expected value of 2560x1440. I remember reading in a review of the BenQ SW2700PT monitor that the maximum data transfer rates from the computer to the monitor are provided when connected via a DisplayPort cable, in particular, output in 10 bits per color mode!
This, of course, is not related to resolution, but I'm not ready to deal with the subtleties now. I'll just change the connection type. A miracle has happened! The resolution is now 2560x1440 pixels.
I was very pleased that at a magnification of 200%, the picture slightly loses clarity. This is due to the density of 109 pixels per inch.
Now I start testing the monitor!
First tinctures.
Out of habit, I press the buttons on the monitor at the bottom right. I master the control of the poke method. The menu call and settings are clear, the transition to Russian. There is a common understanding. With interest I take the controller, connected by a relatively short wire to the monitor. I press the "1" key. The BenQ SW2700PT responds with an "AdobeRGB" message in the lower right corner of the screen. I press the key "2" - the message "sRGB" appears. It's clear. There is also a key "3", it is responsible for switching the monitor to B / W mode. Everything is logical! The controller also has a central button and a joystick-type circular key. Having pressed several times both of them, I understand that I have knocked down some settings. Read the instructions, friends! Instructions for cameras, monitors, microwave ovens and even cars!
Of course, I was in a hurry, without opening the instructions, I relied on my experience and the intuitive simplicity of assembling the monitor. The instruction was already waiting for me on the site. Reading: It's very simple. In fact, the controller is very convenient for quick transitions from one setting to another. For example, I was wondering if I would see a difference when switching from AdobeRGB to sRGB in the display of gemstone and gold colors in jewelry photos. I see!
The BenQ SW2700PT monitor provides self-calibration of the monitor, the program for this can be downloaded from the site. But I prefer to entrust such an operation to specialists. One of the best lives and works in our city, and I always turn to him. Now directly work with the monitor. I was told that a few days would be enough for the test. So I will continue to describe the impressions of the BenQ SW2700PT monitor in a couple of days.
I'm lucky. I have enjoyed working with the BenQ SW2700PT monitor. For two days we worked with him on retouching photos of jewelry by artist Mikhail Shemyakin.
By the way, it turned out to be very convenient to quickly switch to B / W mode on the controller. This is when you want to evaluate the contrast in the picture or see how the photo looks in black and white.
The matte screen does not tire the eyes. There are quite a few reviews and reviews of the BenQ SW2700PT monitor on the Internet. Of course, there are also negative opinions. Naturally, choosing a product, any person will pay attention to the shortcomings. From similar reviews, I learned about color unevenness across the screen field and broken pixels. I did not find anything like this and did not observe it during my work. But what I lacked was the built-in speakers. There were times when we wondered why mobile phone camera. Now we don’t even think about it and we are waiting for new models of smartphones with super cameras. Who knows, maybe professional monitors will be equipped with decent acoustics?! After all, there is simply no place for speakers on the desktop. It's nice to work with good music!
I agree with the manufacturer - BenQ SW2700PT monitor for photographers!
P.S. I do not want to return the BenQ SW2700PT monitor to the editor!)
Review author: Oleg Vaidner is a professional photographer specializing in advertising photography of objects, glass, jewelry, antiques, bronze. Member of the Russian Guild of Advertising Photographers, certified by the Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP).
After buying a 13-inch MacBook Pro, it turned out that it was not possible to fully work on such a screen. Therefore, I had to look for a good designer monitor in pursuit. And you know what? The author found it.
As it turned out, choosing a monitor for a designer is not as difficult as it seems. First of all, when buying a monitor, you should pay attention to the matrix. The best matrix is IPS (In-Plane Switching). It provides good color reproduction with deep and rich hues, as well as large viewing angles and good contrast.
There are several modifications of this matrix: S-IPS (Super-IPS), P-IPS (Professional IPS) H-IPS (Hitachi IPS). It is better to take a second one, but such monitors are much more expensive.
There are not many companies producing good monitors. You can choose from Apple, NEC or DELL. The author set the price category to 60,000, so the NEC SpectraView Reference 301 for 105,000 immediately disappeared :).
Apple LED Cinema Display from 80,000 rubles
Great monitor that matches perfectly with your Apple computer. But, unfortunately, the crisis did its job, and the price soared from 39 to 80 thousand rubles. But on Avito you can find it for a very reasonable price.
Main parameters:
- 27″ LCD monitor
- LCD type TFT IPS
- resolution 2560×1440 (16:9)
- light-emitting diode (LED) backlight
- Connection: Mini DisplayPort
- brightness 375 cd/m2
- contrast ratio 1000:1
If you are a fan of Apple technology, this monitor will be a great friend and helper for you. Everything is fine with him, from design to the quality of the output image. Additionally, it has 3 USB ports, a webcam, a microphone, speakers, and a MagSafe connector for charging your MacBook.
But if you do not have special feelings for Apple technology, you can find better and cheaper ones.
NEC MultiSync P242W from 46,000 to 62,000 rubles
Only positive feedback from designers and photographers of all stripes. This monitor is worth the money. Slightly cheaper than Apple, but much more geared towards graphics people.
Main parameters:
- 24.1″ LCD monitor
- LCD type TFT IPS
- resolution 1920×1200 (16:10)
- light-emitting diode (LED) backlight
- brightness 350 cd/m2
- contrast ratio 1000:1
- response time 8 ms
- USB hub
This monitor has a 14-bit internal calibration table, which, in fact, provides endless possibilities for fine-tuning it.
DELL U2713H from 44,000 to 62,000
The strict design of this truly huge monitor pleasantly surprises, and the relatively low price and screen resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels make you think about buying it.
Main parameters:
- 27″ LCD monitor
- LCD type TFT AH-IPS
- resolution 2560×1440 (16:9)
- light-emitting diode (LED) backlight
- brightness 350 cd/m2
- contrast ratio 1000:1
- response time 6 ms
- card reader
Great versatile monitor. Suitable not only for designers, but also for gamers. It has two built-in USB ports and an SD card reader. One of the distinguishing features of this monitor is the fine grain, which you get used to over time, according to other designers.
NEC MultiSync P232W from 30,000 to 60,000 rubles
Nice 23 inch monitor for little money. I think it will be a great addition to the MacBook Pro.
Main parameters:
- 23″ LCD monitor
- LCD type TFT AH-IPS
- resolution 1920×1080 (16:9)
- light-emitting diode (LED) backlight
- Connection: VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
- brightness 250 cd/m2
- contrast ratio 1000:1
- response time 8 ms
- USB hub
There are many reviews on the Internet and many positive reviews. If you do not want to spend 50,60,70 thousand on a monitor, the NEC MultiSync P232W is what you need.
DELL U2413 from 30,000 to 42,000
Budget monitor for a designer with a diagonal of 24 inches. Who does not need a super-professional screen and wild opportunities for calibration - I advise this option.
His color reproduction is excellent, his eyes do not get tired and do not hurt.
Main parameters:
- 24″ LCD monitor
- LCD type TFT AH-IPS
- resolution 1920×1200 (16:10)
- light-emitting diode (LED) backlight
- Connection: DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort
- brightness 350 cd/m2
- contrast ratio 1000:1
- response time 6 ms
- card reader
Among other things, it has: a 90-degree rotation mechanism, anti-reflective coating and a 36-month warranty.
Finally
The author has listed far from all models, but perhaps the most interesting of them. You can also find them on YandexMarket or in any other adequate store and get acquainted with extended features and reviews. The author, however, believes that a monitor is a purely intimate thing for a designer, and it is necessary to evaluate not only the imaginary parameters of the matrix, but also the overall comfort of working with it.
The monitor is a tool in the photographer's arsenal, behind which he spends most of his working time. The quality of the photographs taken by him and his health will depend on which monitor the photographer has chosen for himself. The better the monitor, the more comfortable it is to work with it.
Immediately it is necessary to make a reservation that the main purpose of the monitor for the photographer is to work with photographs. This is in cases where most of the time is given to her. At the same time, other types of work may be less effective, such as working with video.
The main requirements for a photographer's monitor are to accurately display the shades of all colors, as well as gradations of brightness on a gray scale. The similarity of the image on the monitor, paper and on the screen of other devices directly depends on this.
When choosing a monitor for a photographer, first of all, you need to pay attention to such characteristics as screen size and matrix type. All other characteristics of the monitor, such as brightness, contrast, viewing angle and others, largely depend on them.
The monitor screen size is one of the main parameters from which the choice of a monitor for a photographer begins. The convenience of working with photographs depends on this parameter, and, more importantly, the price of the monitor. The screen size of a monitor is determined by its aspect ratio, diagonal size, and pixel resolution.
Aspect ratio of the photographer's monitor
The aspect ratio of the monitor for the photographer must be chosen based on the convenient viewing of the finished photograph. At the same time, it should occupy the maximum screen area of the monitor, both horizontally and vertically. At the same time, it is desirable that there is as little empty space as possible above and below, as well as from the sides (Fig. 1).
Fig.1 On the photographer's monitor, the photo should occupy
maximum area.
You can choose a monitor for a photographer among the three main formats that are mainly on the market: 4:3, 16:9, 16:10. 4:3 format monitors are gradually ceasing to exist and this must be taken into account when choosing. In addition, the interface of graphic programs is gradually adapting to widescreen monitors.
The classic photo format is 3:2. It is convenient to choose the most suitable monitor format for the photographer by comparing inverted fractions 2\3, 3\4, 9\16, 10\16. Bringing them to a common denominator, we get the following fractions: 32\48, 36\48, 27\48, 30\48. The 16:10 format is closest to the 3:2 format, since their fractions are almost equal to 32/48 and 30/48.
Diagonal size of the photographer's monitor
The diagonal size of a monitor screen for a photographer must be determined by two important requirements. First of all, it is the health of the eyes, and secondly, the availability of sufficient space for convenient operation in graphic programs. These two requirements are not compatible with each other, and therefore it is important to find a compromise between them.
The eyes are the most important tool photographer, and the monitor is their main enemy. In order for the eyes to tire as little as possible, the angle of coverage for them should fit within the width of the monitor so that the pupils remain motionless. If the monitor is wider than the coverage angle, the eyes will move, and therefore get tired (Fig. 2).
Fig.2 The size of the photographer's monitor must match
visual angle.
The visual coverage angle for a monitor screen is determined by its width and distance from it. The optimal size for a monitor diagonal for a home workplace is 17 - 19 inches. But this is not enough for comfortable work in graphic programs such as Photoshop or Lightroom. They need 21 - 24 inches. A monitor for a photographer at home should be selected from 19 to 22 inches.
Photographer monitor resolution
An important parameter in the size of the monitor screen for the photographer is its resolution. The higher it is, the more information can be displayed on the monitor screen. In the work of a photographer, this is of great importance in the graphic processing of photographs. When choosing a monitor, keep in mind the resolution recommended by the manufacturer (Fig. 3).
Fig.3 Photographer's monitor must have resolution
recommended by the manufacturer.
The choice of resolution for the monitor screen will depend on its dimensions, which must be determined in advance. Having chosen the format and diagonal size of the monitor, you need to look for all available models with such parameters, and among them those with the highest resolution. The found models are suitable for choosing the following important features monitor.
The screen resolution of a monitor is measured in pixels per inch on each side of the screen. The higher the resolution of the monitor for the photographer, the smaller the size of one pixel, which means the sharper the image. When choosing a screen, the monitor can also be guided by the size of one pixel. Its size should not exceed 0.27 mm.
Photographer monitor matrix
The basis of all liquid crystal monitors is a matrix. This component forms and displays the image that we see on the monitor. There are four types of monitor matrices: TN, PVA, MVA, IPS. For the photographer's monitor, you need to choose an IPS matrix. It is better than others for working with photographs (Fig. 4).
Fig.4 The photographer's monitor must have an IPS matrix.
IPS matrices have a full RGB color depth of 8 bits per channel. Other types of matrices only transmit 6 bits per channel. In addition, they have the best color reproduction and the largest viewing angles both vertically and horizontally, without visible color and brightness distortions. For the photographer's monitor, this is the only possible solution.
Other characteristics that are important in the photographer's monitor for working with photographs directly depend on the type of matrix. IPS matrices have the best performance: black depth, contrast, brightness, color gamut, calibration and many others. There is no alternative for photo editing.
Photographer monitor price
After the choice of screen size and monitor matrix for the photographer is made, it is possible to compare models from different manufacturers. It is necessary to choose among them the monitor that has the best parameters at the lowest price, if any. If not, you need to find a compromise between price and quality.
The following can definitely be said about the price of a monitor for a photographer. If there is no budget to buy a monitor with the characteristics mentioned above, it makes no sense to talk about some kind of monitor choice for the photographer. Accordingly, it also makes no sense to talk about the correct processing of photographs. Photography has always been an expensive hobby!
About others necessary tools for the photographer can be read in the following chapters of this article:
How to choose a monitor for working with color and photography. monitor models.
Photographer's monitor, LCD or CRT, sensor type, sensor surface, hardware calibration,Choosing a Monitor for a Photographer
So, you bought a camera, the necessary accessories for it, took a lot of photos, merged everything into a computer, and now it's time for creativity, namely, throw away most of it as a waste, sort, correct, work in graphic editors. For the correct color reproduction and correct display of your masterpieces, you need a monitor that will be able to display colors correctly, without distortion, on which it will be convenient for you to work and which will not float colors.
There are a lot of reviews and tips on the net, but in my opinion this article and the site will impartially answer this very important question and many other questions regarding a monitor for a photographer.
Well, then you need to print (which is now becoming less and less common in the era of numbers) photos in exactly the same color as you intended. With the tone and grayscale you see on your monitor, here's another problem for you. But that is another topic. So:
When choosing any complex device, a very useful source of information is the Internet - especially forums. The more popular the device you choose, the more information you can get from its current and past owners. But when choosing professional (rare / expensive) equipment, there are very few reviews. You have to rely on the opinion of sellers, and which of the seller is an adviser? One example is monitors for photographers and printers, the main requirement for which is high-quality color reproduction. I will try to talk about the main criteria that will be useful when choosing such a monitor.
Criterion #0 (useless): LCD or CRT?
This section could be omitted, but I'm still (2009) asked the question: "Can LCD monitors be used for color work?"
The most essential part of the answer is obvious. Regardless of the capabilities of LCD monitors, they will have to be used. Because CRT monitors have been discontinued a few years ago, stocks are sold out, and buying a used CRT monitor is more like a lottery (if at all possible). However, do not be upset. Among modern LCD monitors, there are many models that reproduce color well. And if we add to this the well-known advantages of LCD monitors over their CRT predecessors, then the picture becomes quite optimistic.
Criterion #1 (Obvious): Dimensions and Resolution
The choice of monitor size is a matter of taste and budget. The most common opinion: the more the better. But more expensive. Author's opinion: the most convenient diagonal is 26". Thirty-inch models, in my opinion, are too big - at the usual distance to the screen, you have to turn your head too often. One more note for those who choose in "small" diagonals: 22-inch widescreen monitor has almost the same height as a regular 19-inch.
Criteria #2 (mandatory): matrix type
The basis of a modern monitor is an LCD matrix. There are four types of modern matrices: TN, PVA, MVA and IPS. IPS matrices are best suited for working with color (they are also the most expensive). The cheapest (and therefore the most popular) TN matrices are completely unsuitable. An intermediate position (in terms of price and quality) is occupied by PVA and MVA matrices. Among monitors on such matrices, there are quite decent ones, especially if you have to save money.
Criterion #3 (important): matrix surface
Recently, LCD monitors with a glossy surface are becoming more common. It is difficult to understand the reasons for this. Perhaps the manufacturers are counting on a more effective appearance monitor on the store shelf. But for real work with images, monitors with a glossy surface are contraindicated: you will see your reflection, and not the processed photo. The only thing that these monitors do well is show movies in the twilight.
Criterion #4 (Just Useful): Hardware Calibration
In some of the most expensive monitors (eg NEC, Lacie, Eizo) there is a so-called. "hardware" or "internal" calibration. Experience has shown that this feature actually improves image quality and improves calibration accuracy. But this improvement is not fundamental, and it is quite possible to do without it - if the budget does not allow you to purchase a monitor with internal calibration.
Criterion #5 (unexpected): increased color gamut.
One of the directions of development of modern professional monitors is the expansion of the range of colors that the monitor is capable of reproducing (that is, the increase in color gamut). Wide gamut monitors are capable of displaying richer colors than conventional monitors.
This certainly (at first glance) useful feature hides a potential problem. Almost all images intended for distribution (including via the Internet) are prepared on an average monitor and based on the characteristics of an average monitor. Such images (if we work in a program without a built-in color management system) on a monitor with an increased color gamut will look more saturated, which is especially critical for portraits. The reverse situation is also possible - a photo that looks good in a web browser on a monitor with a large color gamut will become pale and sluggish on a regular monitor.
In general, the increased color gamut is certainly useful while we are working inside programs that have a built-in color management system (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc.). If we exchange images with the outside world, this "chip" can cause a little trouble. In any case, hardware calibration of such a monitor using a measuring device is required.
Models
In conclusion - a list of manufacturers whose monitors are more or less suitable for working with color. The only criterion for selecting monitors in this review is the type of matrix. Therefore, the presence of any model here does not mean that I definitely recommend it for working with color. The choice must be made on the basis of many parameters.
Acer
Among the many inexpensive monitors from Acer, there were once several models using MVA matrices that could become an acceptable choice in a limited budget. Now all Acer monitors use TN panels and are not suitable for working with images.
| AL1952 | 19" | PVA |
| AL2616Wsd | 26" | PVA |
| AL2623W | 26" | PVA |
| AL2623Wtd | 26" | PVA |
| FP241W | 24" | MVA |
| 2408WFP | 24" | S-PVA |
| 2709W | 27" | S-PVA |
| UltraSharp U2410 | 24" | IPS |
| 3008WFP |
| FlexScan S1961H | 19" | S-PVA |
| FlexScan S2232WSE | 22" | S-PVA |
| FlexScan SX2461WK | 24" | S-PVA |
| FlexScan SX2761WK | 27" | S-PVA |
| FlexScan SX3031WK | 30" | S-PVA |
| Color Edge CG211 | 21" | S-IPS |
| FlexScan L761T | 19" | S-IPS |
| FlexScan MX190K | 19" | S-PVA |
| FlexScan MX210K | 21" | S-PVA |
| Eizo FORIS FS2331 | 19 | PVA |
| Eizo ColorEdge CG211 |
| Eizo ColorEdge CG223W |
| Eizo ColorEdge CG232W Reference |
| Eizo ColorEdge CG243W |
| Eizo ColorEdge CG245W |
| ColorEdge CG303W |
| Eizo FlexScan SX2462WH |
| Eizo FlexScan SX2761WK |
| Eizo FlexScan SX2762W |
| Eizo FlexScan SX3031WK |
| Eizo FORIS FX2431W |
Fujitsu-Siemens
| P20-2S | 20" | S-IPS |
| P26W-5 | 26" | S-IPS |
| Fujitsu P22W-5 ECO IPS |
| Fujitsu P23T-6 IPS |
| Fujitsu P24W-5 ECO IPS |
| Fujitsu P24W-6 IPS |
| Fujitsu P27T-6 IPS |
HP
| LP2480zx | 24" | H-IPS |
| LP2275w | 22" | PVA |
| LP2475w | 24" | S-IPS |
| HP LP2475w |
| 19" | S-IPS |
| 20" | S-IPS |
| 24" | S-PVA |
| 26" | H-IPS |
| 24" | S-PVA |
| 30" | S-PVA |
LG
| Flatron L2000C | 20" | S-IPS |
| MultiSync LCD2490WUXi | 24" | S-IPS |
| MultiSync 1990SX | 19" | PVA |
| MultiSync EA191M | 19" | PVA |
| MultiSync LCD1990FX | 19" | S-IPS |
| MultiSync LCD1990FXp | 19" | PVA |
| MultiSync LCD2090UXi | 20" | S-IPS |
| MultiSync LCD2170NX | 21" | PVA |
| MultiSync LCD2190UXp | 21" | S-PVA |
| MultiSync LCD2470WNX | 24" | S-PVA |
| MultiSync LCD24WMGX3 | 24" | MVA |
| MultiSync LCD2690WUXi | 26" | H-IPS |
| MultiSync LCD3090WQXi | 30" | H-IPS |
| MultiSync P221W | 22" | S-PVA |
| Spectra View 1990 | 19" | S-IPS |
| SpectraView 2090 | 20" | S-IPS |
| SpectraView 2190 | 21" | S-IPS |
| SpectraView 3090 | 30" | H-IPS |
| MultiSync LCD2190UXi | 21" | S-IPS |
| NEC MultiSync EA231WMi |
| NEC MultiSync EA232WMi |
| NEC MultiSync LCD1990SXi |
| NEC MultiSync LCD2180UX |
| NEC MultiSync LCD2190UXp |
| NEC MultiSync LCD2490WUXi2 |
| NEC MultiSync LCD2690WUXi2 |
| NEC MultiSync PA231W |
| NEC MultiSync PA241W |
| NEC MultiSync PA271W |
| NEC MultiSync PA301W |
| NEC SpectraView 231 |
| NEC SpectraView 3090 |
| NEC SpectraView Reference 241 |
Monitor calibration.
Why is monitor calibration necessary?
You need to calibrate your monitor to achieve natural colors.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
You will NEVER achieve absolute correspondence of the picture on the monitor and on the print for two reasons:
The first reason: paper does not glow like a monitor, it reflects light (and it can be different). Depending on the light in which you view the prints, the hue on them will change. Try looking at the photo by the light of the lamps, and then going to the window. Notice how the shades have changed.
The second reason: a new roll of paper was loaded in the prolab, and the color faded a little. And if you believe that in the prolab they calibrate every day printing machine then you are a holy man!
If you have no idea what matrix your monitor is made on, but you bought it based on the requirements “what would be inexpensive”, then most likely you have a monitor on a TN matrix. It makes no sense to calibrate a monitor on a TN matrix, but the owners of cheap monitors also believe in miracles, and we will not destroy their illusions. The right monitor is an expensive IPS monitor or a slightly cheaper one with a PVA (MVA) matrix.
Terms necessary to understand the monitor calibration process.
Colorful temperature.
In simple terms, color temperature is the “color of light”. Physicists came up with an "absolutely black body" and began to heat it, measuring the temperature in "kelvins".
We are also interested in the question of what color temperature of the monitor to set. There are only two main standards: 5000k (kelvin) and 6500k.
5000k is also referred to in calibration programs as D50. Gives a warm tint to the image on the monitor.
6500k is often referred to as D65, which gives a cold tint to the image on the monitor.
It's up to you which standard to choose. If you are looking at printed photos in the light of lamps, then D50 is better - there will be more accurate color reproduction on the print. If you look at photos exclusively in daylight, then put D65. Our eye adapts to color temperature, and neither warm nor cold colors will be noticeable until you start comparing images.
Gamma.
Sometimes 1.8 or 2.2 is considered the standard, but in secret, gamma affects the elements of the program interface and operating system. Images will look the same at different gamma.
Brightness and contrast.
There are two ways to adjust brightness and contrast. By eye and with the help of a calibrator.
Online tests for monitors:
and others.
By measuring with a white point brightness calibrator.
The procedure is quite simple, hook the calibrator onto the suction cup, turn the brightness and follow the calibrator readings. It will show the brightness in candela per square meter - cd/m2 I recommend setting the brightness to at least 80 cd/m2, but no more than 120cd/m2. The lower the brightness, the less tired your eyes are and the longer your monitor will work. If you make an image too bright on the monitor, it will appear dark when printed.
God forbid you adjust the brightness contrast using the Adobe Gamma utility, it is hopelessly outdated, it was intended for CRT monitors and 5 years ago it was removed from Adobe software Photoshop.
About calibrators.
Recalibration (re-calibration).
The settings of a calibrated monitor must not be changed! If you have changed the brightness, contrast, temperature, you must set the previous value or re-calibrate the monitor. Apple monitors have one unpleasant feature, there are no digital values \u200b\u200bin the brightness settings, and changing the brightness automatically leads to the need for recalibration. The monitor should be recalibrated when replacing the graphics card. It is also recommended that you recalibrate your monitor every two weeks or less. This is a trick of calibrator manufacturers, the characteristics of the LCD monitor may change over time (due to changes in the color temperature of the backlight), how much time will pass, a month, six months or a year is unknown. And finally. Turn off any auto brightness modes on the monitor! They are designed for those who sit in the office playing Lines and save electricity.
Photographer's workplace.
The lighting conditions of the workplace are very strict requirements, but they can be neglected to some extent if you are not doing color-critical work. Just try to avoid direct light, mixed light (window-lamp) and remove images of beauties in bright swimsuits or exotic views from your desktop.
If you are serious about workplace lighting, then the color temperature in the workplace must be constant, otherwise the color sensations will change. Natural light from a window changes its color temperature during the day, and there is an unpredictable mixture of light from lamps and light from a window, so ideally the room should be light-isolated.
The use of a hood-hood on the monitor saves from bright light and does not make the color temperature more stable. Perfectionists are advised to paint the walls in neutral gray, remove all colored objects from the room and use overhead diffused lighting with lamps with a constant color temperature.
It's no secret to anyone that Apple technology often chosen to work with graphics, photos and videos. Designers, planners, and engineers often come to meetings with MacBooks of all models and generations. However, to show the customer samples and examples of ready-made solutions at a meeting is one thing, but to come to grips with work at home or in the office is quite another.
A 13 or 15-inch laptop screen is no longer suitable for this, even a Retina display with such a diagonal does not allow you to work comfortably. An external monitor will come to the rescue.
Let's figure out together how not to make a mistake when choosing from a large variety of displays on the market.
Color reproduction
The most important professional requirement for a monitor. If a gamer survives not the most natural color of blood that gushing from enemies, then the designer can get into an unpleasant situation when the colors of the layout looked perfect, and after printing something awkward came out.
When choosing, pay attention to the display percentage of the Adobe RGB color field. Models for design and engineering must display at least 99% of this spectrum and be capable of hardware calibration.
So any monitor owner can independently adjust the image in order to achieve maximum similarity of colors on the screen with real ones.
What to choose: according to this criterion, there is no equal model LG 32UD99-W. The model was presented at CES 2017 and in a month it will be on sale.
Diagonal and Resolution
These parameters must be considered together. Only the correct ratio of the screen diagonal and the supported resolution will allow you to work productively with the monitor.
Currently there are models with resolution Ultra High Definition (UHD), they allow you to output up to 3840 x 2160 pixels. They are followed Wide Quad HD (WQHD) models with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Such models will cost more than conventional ones. Full HD monitors with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, but the convenience and accuracy of work at a higher resolution will be better.
When choosing UHD or WQHD, you should look at displays with a diagonal of 27 inches, and it is better to choose 32-inch matrices. Only on such a screen area can you easily set the maximum resolution so that the rest of the interface elements do not become microscopic.
Chinese electronics manufacturers are now sinning with this, adding space resolution to 22-24 inch models, and when setting the maximum, it is impossible to even notice the cursor.
Connectivity
Ideally, a designer monitor should have these connectors: HDMI, DisplayPort/Thunderbolt, and the new USB-C. Such a variety of ports will allow you not to worry when choosing a laptop or computer model. It turned out to connect everything from the old system unit to the new 2016 MacBook Pro.
Life cycle good monitor much more than modern computers. It is enough to choose the right screen once and it will easily outlive a couple of working laptops.
What to choose: the most sophisticated in terms of connectivity, the LG 38UC99 monitor.
Ergonomics
The monitor should not only be able to display colors correctly, but also be comfortable in everyday use. The stand should allow you to change the angle of the matrix and set the appropriate height of the display.
Otherwise, you will have to constantly put something under the leg of the monitor. Such a solution looks wretched, and there is still a possibility of overturning the entire structure.
