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What is the best monitor for use by photographers?
I know that this is a loaded question and there probably won't be a singe answer. My old 19" CRT is starting to flicker and jump around a bit so I guess it's time to look for a new monitor. When I start researching what is out there it gets real confusing very fast. High resolution 24" LCD flat screens are pretty reasonable in price these days. I was figuring on getting something in a $300 range. I've been putting this off for awhile as I really like my work 22" NEC Multisync CRT. Many people at work have upgraded to flat screens but every one I've seen can't match my CRT.
I started looking at some photography sites that had things to look for from a photographers point of view. The biggest concern is if you are going to print your photos. Unfortunately for most low cost monitors you are NOT going to get out what you see on your monitor. In the past I just bought the cheapest model with as a big screen as I could get for home. I have to be careful about editing as my work monitor and home monitor are so different. The edit looks good at home but when I look at it at work I wonder why it is so dark or have a different tone. The photo sites say you really should have a good monitor, it's as important as having a good lens. If you don't have a good calibrated high quality monitor you are going to be wasting a lot of print paper running test strips.
I started thinking where could I get good unbiased opinions on monitors. Why not Ipernity? Surely most members here have run into this problem. Is it really that important? Are there any good LCD models that don't cost a arm and a leg and can be calibrated properly for photography work?
If you have recently purchased a new monitor or have a strong opinion on monitors I'd love to hear it. Should I hold off and wait to the next generation of LED LCD's come down in price (some reviewers are calling these better than high end CRT's?
R Leslie says:
I bought an LCD about 3 years ago and about two months ago I couldn't get a decent calibration on it. I went back to an old Multi Sync 19 inch CRT and it is a delight to use.
I'm looking at LCD screens but can't figure it out. The best are still expensive and I haven't been impressed with what I have seen in the stores.
I'm sure you will not get an unbiased opinion as most people have the 'Best'
Of course opinions depend on experience. I know many who run monitors that are miles out and they think they are good and I still know a few who still don't rate the LCD ones unless you are going to spend an arm and a leg.
You mention calibration. Any monitor you buy needs to be calibrated on your computer. Out of the box some of them do well but none are calibrated for your system. There are plenty of sites that have charts and info to help out there. I check my monitor calibration regularly and often have to re-adjust, also if you work in daylight and artificial light you may need two calibrations, daytime and evening or change the position of your monitor. Colour calibration is a complex subject and there are many links in the chain that have to match. Look at the Luminous landscape photo site for plenty of info on the subject
Good monitors to look at in order to make a judgement are the newer Mac ones.
If you find something great (For PC) let me know as I want one soon!
Gee Dubpro replies:
I guess I'm a little off in asking for a unbiased opinion. Of course member opinions will be biased but at least they will not be some ghost writer giving a user review to pump up the user ratings. Many reviewers are gamers or video users. I want people who are photo users.
One concern I have is that should I worry about print matching? I rarely print my own as it is cheaper to use someplace like Shutterfly for prints. When I've tried to do color printing at home I end up using too much ink and paper to get what I really expect out. And what good is it to have a great accurate monitor if the viewers have crap monitors and can't actually tell the quality of my image?
The Spectatorpro says:
PF007 says:
Gee Dubpro replies:
olderwomen admirerpro says:
olderwomen admirer edited this comment 2 months ago.
Gee Dubpro replies:
UCwhatICpro says:
Unless you have about $2000+ to spend on a high quality flat screen, they are still not ready for prime time when it comes to accurate display of photos. In the $300 range, CRT's still rule, if you can still find one. Yet with my flat screen I still do all my editing and posting and don't own any calibration tools. Maybe I don't know how others see my photos.
tongueyourhead2 says:
CMOpro says:
http://usa.asus.com/Product.aspx?P_ID=7QeBdyp1ohixDvxq&content=specifications
I read reveiews at the time and decided to buy one. Ive had ony models in the past but 2 broke after under 18 months so i thought id try a new brand. Its prpobably been updated now but i can say its been great. I also think you should consider some calibration software, ive been thinking about it and theres agood range of products out there varying in price etc. Ive never used these before but think Pro photographers use them all the time, example below
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-colorvision-spyder-2-express/p1012615
hope this may help
regards
Chris
Venetian Candids says:
Gee Dubpro replies:
I have a new 24" Dell flat screen under my desk that I haven't even opened because my 5 yr old 22"NEC is better than any other flat screens in the office. I do CAD work so line quality is a must for me. We have some of the highest quality flat screens in the business where I work because we do editing for TV shows. For final edit they use a CRT for final quality checks.
I am tempted because my home CRT is a cheap model and only 19" but I'm going to hold on for a while longer till it completely dies.