Monitor callibration question

[ivgonzalez]

How necessary is it?

Is there a problem with LCD latop monitors?

Also, my monitor has an "ambient" light sensor that brightens pending the amount of light around the monitor, will this present any problems? (Fancy smancy)

Where can I find a reasonable priced callibration software?

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by ivgonzalez

How necessary is it?

Is there a problem with LCD latop monitors?

Also, my monitor has an "ambient" light sensor that brightens pending the amount of light around the monitor, will this present any problems? (Fancy smancy)

Where can I find a reasonable priced callibration software?

Calibration is critical.

Calibrate in the place where you will do the majority of your work. The Hardware calibrators come with software.

I really suggest people planing to start calibration to understand it's just the first step to fully manging you color for shot to print. Here's my suggested reading list on the subject.

Real World Color Management

Color Management for Photographers, Hands on Techniques for Photoshop Users

[srwatters]

I think a sticky post is required on this topic. It seems to be a recurring subject.

Full color management or not, monitor calibration is critical if you decide to edit your images on your computer.

[ivgonzalez]

What is "Full color management" and where do I get that software?

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by ivgonzalez

What is "Full color management" and where do I get that software?

Read the books. It's not just "software" but a process involving serveral peices of software and profiles.

[srwatters]

IV, it's not as simple as just a piece of software. It's a workflow and tools that allow you to reproduce accurate (or desired) colors from the time you press the shutter until the finished image appears on the output media of your choice. That means the colors will be the same on a LCD, CRT, paper print, poster, canvas, or other physical medium.

The books that John suggested are an excellent starting point.

[iCe]

And speaking from experience... it's VERY important to understand the workflow if you are going to print an image and you want the results to match what you see on your monitor. I screwed up and forgot to proof an image that I sent out for a large gallery wrap and now I have a muddy looking large print that I won't let anyone see.

[Sonny]

What's the difference between Spyder2PRO and Spyder2PRO Studio 2.0 (besdies a few bucks)?

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by Sonny

What's the difference between Spyder2PRO and Spyder2PRO Studio 2.0 (besdies a few bucks)?

See the Compare tab on this page.
http://www.colorvision.com/profis/pr...iew.jsp?id=602

[katiexjo]

Has anyone used HueY?

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by katiexjo

Has anyone used HueY?

Yea, I was given one to try out...it is the "wal-Mart" Version of Color Management. I didn't like.

CJ

[katiexjo]

Good to know, so I don't waste my time. ~KJ

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by katiexjo

Good to know, so I don't waste my time. ~KJ

Your money is definitely better spent on the book(s) listed above and good calibrations software/spectrometer like Eye 1 Display 2 from MacBeth or one that is equal to that.

CJ

[jeffkohn]

Calibration/profiling of your display is really a separate issue from general color management. If somebody shoots, edits and prints in the same color space I don't think intricate knowledge of color management is all that important, but display calibration can be very important in order to match prints to your screen and/or ensure that other users with a calibrated display see the same thing as you do when viewing your files.

If a photographer does want to learn about color management, I think the Fraser Book is a bad place to start because not only is does it get very technical, but that book was written for graphics professionals and other users preparing files for offset press printing. It was not written photographers as primary audience, and while some of the content in the book will be useful there are other books that are IMHO better for photographers. "Color Management for Photographers" by Andrew Rodney is one of them, another good one is "Fine Art Printing for Photographers" by Uwe Steinmueller. That latter book is not strictly about color management, but does cover display calibration, use of ICC profiles, and printing.

[jeffkohn]

How necessary is it?

Depends on how critical/picky you are, and how good your display is to start with. Unfortunatley you can't really know how good/bad your display is until you try to calibrate it.

Is there a problem with LCD latop monitors?

Generally speaking, yes. Viewing angle can impact apparent screen brightness and contrast (both up/down and side-to-side). These screens usually also have pretty limited controls for calibration. Some screens may be better than others in this regard. A few years ago pretty much all the laptop screens on the market were garbage when it came to serious editing work, but the screens have gotten better.

That's not to say you shouldn't bother calibrating, though. Even if you can't get it to the same level as a good desktop display you still want to get the best display calibration you can.

Also, my monitor has an "ambient" light sensor that brightens pending the amount of light around the monitor, will this present any problems? (Fancy smancy)

I would disable this if possible. If not, try to keep the lighting levels consistent in your work area and calibrate for that.

Where can I find a reasonable priced callibration software?

You need hardware and software, software alone can't do it. At the upper price range for display only I'd recommend the new Spyder 3 Elite, it has a new colorimeter with increased gamut, higher sensitivity, and an ambient sensor. For mid-priced look at the Eye One Display. I guess the cheapest option is the Pantone Huey but reviews have been pretty mixed.

BTW for anyone with a display that has 12-bit LUT in hardware, avoid the Spyder3 since the included software doesn't support that feature and none of the 3rd party software supports the Spyder3 colorimeter yet.