Monitor Calibration with Spyder/Optical

[scottbergerphoto]

I posted this on the Software Board also. Sorry if you saw it twice.

I installed Spyder / Optical today and calibtated my monitor with Spyder and the Optical software. Here are some observations:
1. My pictures before, using Adobe Gamma to calibrate my 19" Dell M992 monitor were very close to what came out of my Epson 2200 using the Epson provided printer profiles. Now they are a little better. Not earth shaking, but a little closer and a little brighter. They looked great before and they look just a little better now.
2. The factory settings on my monitor were a color temp of 9300K making everything look bright. Using the Optical / Spyder caused me to check that and reset it to 6500K, which is dimmer. That explains why my printed pictures before were a little darker then my screen. Now they are the same except for the difference between a monitor that radiates light and a piece of paper that doesn't.
3. The installation / set - up were easy.

I use a 10D, shoot RAW, set to AdobeRGB(1998 ), convert in BreezeBrowser with embedded profile, open up and post process in Photoshop Elements 2.0, Print with source as Adobe RGB(1998 ), output as "SP2200-----(Epson Printer Profile), and No Color Adjustment in Printer Driver.

If you thought that this was a useful post or have any suggestions about this software or the process I described, please let me know.
Scott

[Monet]

How much is the Spyder and where can I find the best deal for it?

[scottbergerphoto]

Monet wrote:
How much is the Spyder and where can I find the best deal for it?


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=241655&is=REG
$299.95 minus $70 rebate.

Scott

[MediaMagic]

scottbergerphoto wrote:
I posted this on the Software Board also. Sorry if you saw it twice.

I installed Spyder / Optical today and calibtated my monitor with Spyder and the Optical software. Here are some observations:
1. My pictures before, using Adobe Gamma to calibrate my 19" Dell M992 monitor were very close to what came out of my Epson 2200 using the Epson provided printer profiles. Now they are a little better. Not earth shaking, but a little closer and a little brighter. They looked great before and they look just a little better now.
2. The factory settings on my monitor were a color temp of 9300K making everything look bright. Using the Optical / Spyder caused me to check that and reset it to 6500K, which is dimmer. That explains why my printed pictures before were a little darker then my screen. Now they are the same except for the difference between a monitor that radiates light and a piece of paper that doesn't.
3. The installation / set - up were easy.

I use a 10D, shoot RAW, set to AdobeRGB(1998 ), convert in BreezeBrowser with embedded profile, open up and post process in Photoshop Elements 2.0, Print with source as Adobe RGB(1998 ), output as "SP2200-----(Epson Printer Profile), and No Color Adjustment in Printer Driver.

If you thought that this was a useful post or have any suggestions about this software or the process I described, please let me know.
Scott




Very cool, I just did the very same thing yesterday. Had to get a new monitor and purchased the Colorvision spyder/printfix combo (don't have a printer yet, but from what I understand, the standard profiles bundled with Epson are just fine, so if you have an Epson 2200 the Print Fix calibrator will not improve you, didn't learn this until after I made the purchase).

I was concerned about the screen being dimmer at 6500k white point. I am glad to hear that it matches your prints that way. THe 2200 is the printer I'm interested in acquiring so very glad to hear you have having satisfying results.

Thanks,
David

[scottbergerphoto]

The screen is noticeably dimmer due to the color temp being set at 6500K. It doesn't really bother me. It has eliminated the issue of my prints looking darker then my screen. If it annoys you, you can use 9300K for when you're not doing photographs and change back when you are. I may be wrong, but I don't think you need to reclaibrate after donig this (6500K - >9300K -> 6500K).
Good Luck with your new monitor.
Scott

[Belmondo]

After a couple years of lusting for a flat panel display, I spent the money and bought one.

Then, I found out they're not the hot setup for photo editing. Bummer---I'd already sold my old CRT monitor. Not wanting to give up my sexy new flat panel monitor, I bought another CRT and a dual output video card. Now I have both, and have found it to be an ideal situation. I have the clear, bright display of the Flat Panel for everyday general use, and the CRT for image editing. The extra screen space is really useful in Photoshop----menus and toolboxes are on the other monitor and not on top of the image. The desk is a little crowded, but it is truly a superior working arrangement.

[shafiq]

I have recently purchased a EyeOne by GregMacbeth. It is regarded as one of the best monitor cailbration tools out there. Allegedly much better than the Spyder.

It used to sell for around $600 but has now dropped in price to $250ish.

I am very please with the tool. Of all the reviews I had read when investigating, this one was given top marks. Originally I was too looking at purchasing the spyder, but the price drop made me pick one up without any hesitation :)

You can get further information at http://www.i1color.com