X-Rite Eye-One Display 2

[Abel]

Review: X-Rite Eye-One Display 2

The X-Rite Eye-One Display 2 is a monitor calibration tool that plays a very important in my own workflow. This device will test and measure the color display on your monitor and setup a profile which will ensure that your photos are displayed as accurately as possible. This is a major help in regards to photo editing because what good is it to edit a photo only to have it print out completely different. Not good. I find it surprising at times when photographers spend a ton of money on photo equipment, computer hardware and software in order to shoot and edit their photos but have never calibrated their monitor. I feel monitor calibration is just as important as those other items in regards to getting the most our of your photographs.


Features:

• Mac & PC compatible. Mac OS X, Windows 2000, XP & XP 64
• Compact colorimeter for emissive color measurements of LCD, CRT & laptop displays
• Highest sensitivity in dark areas for better control in shadow detail & more neutral gray scale
• Detachable ambient light head to capture ambient light measurements
• Detachable ambient light head also serves as a dust protector for your device
• Easily attaches to many models of LCD and CRT monitors with included built-in counterweight and suction cups
• USB Powered
• Use at multiple workstations without additional licensing fees

Specifications:

• Three channel colorimetric sensor
• Monitor frequencies: 40Hz to 150Hz
• Length 84mm, width 64mm, height 35mm
• Measurement device weight 131g, counter weight 33g

Summary:

There are a few different makes and models available on the market but after speaking to various photographers here on the forum it was obvious that the X-Rite Eye-One Display 2 calibrator was amongst the top performers. I took my friends advice on this device since it was a name that kept getting mentioned. Not only that but I've also heard various print labs recommend this device as well so that definitely speaks volumes.

Function:

The included software is very easy to install and interpret once you get it up and running. The Eye One Display 2 device is USB powered so there are no other cables to deal with other than that one. The device works with Mac and Windows platforms so it's nice to have all of the bases covered just in case. I purchased this device when I was primarily on a Windows machine and since I've moved over to a Mac and the transition was seamless in regards to the Eye One Display 2.

Included in the kit is a detachable ambient light head which simply snaps onto the front of the Eye One device and allows for measurement of the ambient light in the area you're working in. I myself don't use the attachment as my office is painted a darker shade of a neutral grey and when I'm editing there is no ambient light whatsoever as the office lights are normally turned off. So I skip the ambient light head.

The kit includes a small weight to add to the USB cable which will help stabilize the calibrating device to the right location on your monitor. As you can see in the photo below the device needs to remain around the center of the screen during the calibration process and this small counterweight is placed on the USB cable on the back side of the monitor.

The Verdict:

I am a huge believer in calibrating my monitor and I tend to run through the quick and easy X-Rite Eye-One Display 2 process on a monthly basis just to be sure my colors are true and accurate. It doesn't take but a couple of minutes to perform and the peace of mind it gives me is invaluable.

The device runs around $109 (Originally $200) brand new and its not an item that will need to be replaced every year so this inital investment will continue to give you great results for years to come. I know I can't think of much thats in my own camera bag that costs less than $110 that can dramatically improve my photos/prints.. Can you?

If you have not calibrated your monitor and wonder why your physcial prints don't look like the photos on your screen then put this device high on your "Items To Get List". You won't be disappointed.


Where To Buy:

Find the lowest price on this product from our sponsored Affiliates listed below:

X-Rite Eye-One Display 2

[L Stegall]

Yay, I ordered it and it came today. Can't wait to install tonight.

[Abel]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

Yay, I ordered it and it came today. Can't wait to install tonight.

Cool deal! You definitely won't be disappointed. Be sure to let us know how the install and calibration goes tonight.

Thanks!

[groovyone]

I use a Spyder 3 Pro, but either one is a HUGE help. You don't realize how far off your monitor is until you calibrate it.

[JohnT]

I agree! I use the one that's made specifically for my NEC wide-gamut display, and there's a big difference between it and the Spyder2 I was using. Great tool!

[Abel]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I agree! I use the one that's made specifically for my NEC wide-gamut display, and there's a big difference between it and the Spyder2 I was using. Great tool!

John, I haven't heard of that one... is it this one?

NEC Display Calibration Bundle

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by Abel

John, I haven't heard of that one... is it this one?

NEC Display Calibration Bundle

Yes, that's it. For my PA241W display. I had been using the S2 for about four years before getting this one. Sweet upgrade.

[Abel]

Very cool. I didn't realize NEC had their own. That's neat.

[Abel]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

Yay, I ordered it and it came today. Can't wait to install tonight.

So how did the install go Lisa?

[L Stegall]

It went smoothly. So far so good! Now, the figure out all the updates to LR3 and CS5...I had a busy day yesterday!

[surlynkid]

is this type of device something that you attach once, calibrate your monitor and then put in the closet, or do you redo it at some interval to account for any drift in your calibration? if it is redone, on what interval? i don't have super fancy monitors by any means. they are just samsung and dell. how high end does your monitor need to be before this thing does its job, or is it equally important and effective across all qualities of monitors? i am considering such a purchase. i am set up on a single WS 22" at home, dual WS 22" at work, and my wife does her editing on dual 19" (4x3). i would sure like my prints to be closer to what i edit in LR and CS5.

[rab3rd]

You should calibrate monthly, the back light of your monitor gets weaker over time.

[shutterbunny]

I definitely see the value in calibration, but I'm new to these products. I have a Macbook Pro and I want to calibrate not only for color but for the brightness. I have printing woes and I'm really eager to see how 'off' my monitor is.
Also, is there a product to help with angle view and the challenges of using a laptop vs. a desktop monitor?

[Abel]

Originally Posted by surlynkid

is this type of device something that you attach once, calibrate your monitor and then put in the closet, or do you redo it at some interval to account for any drift in your calibration? if it is redone, on what interval? i don't have super fancy monitors by any means. they are just samsung and dell. how high end does your monitor need to be before this thing does its job, or is it equally important and effective across all qualities of monitors? i am considering such a purchase. i am set up on a single WS 22" at home, dual WS 22" at work, and my wife does her editing on dual 19" (4x3). i would sure like my prints to be closer to what i edit in LR and CS5.

i think all monitors should be calibrated regardless of the make and model. Getting your monitor calibrated will help you in the long run in regards to editing your photos and getting it right when going to print and/or online for web viewing.

I know my EyeOne will notify me on a set time interval on when I need to recalibrate my monitor in order to be certain it is as accurate as possible. The included software will display a popup window when booting up letting you know its time to run it again. This is a major plus since I know if it were left up to me I'd forget. lol.

[L Stegall]

Ditto to what has been said. This will give you a reminder to recalibrate regularly. I don't have any uber fancy monitor, just a 19" HP. Prior to the X-Rite, I had been using a different calibrator (Huey), but I was way overdue for calibration and it had quit working and nothing I did could get me past a certain error message. This installed easily and should serve me well for quite some time.