\"good\" LCD panels

[SWPhotoImaging]

At the risk of starting a holy war here, what is the consensus opinion on higher-end LCD screens such a Viewsonic's VP171b or VP191b? Are all LCD's considered too bright or inaccurate to be valid digital photography editing screens?

Your opinions may shape my work area design, depending on whether I need room for some 21" CRT monitors . . .

[mebow]

You are right. Your probably will start a war on this issue.

I have read, and agree, that CRT's are still the best for serious image processing work..... That will add to the war...

I use an NEC MultiSync 21 inch CRT and love it !!

Later,
Mike

[ilya]

I have one, the VP191b. I'm very happy with it for both aesthetic and practical reasons. The downside to the flat screen is that they're three or four times as expensive as what you can get a similarly sized CRT for, and you need to invest in a calibrating system (though you should calibrate any kind of monitor).

Another thing, if you get the Viewsonic, I found that running it off a high quality grapics card makes a huge difference. Not only that, the digital video input is significantly better then the video. The way I have mine set up, the MSI ti 4800 SE (128mb) card has a digital and analog port. Viewsonic runs on digital, and the palette-holder cheapie 15" runs on analog.

So if you do go the LCD route - its nice, but expensive and very intolerant of mediocre graphics cards.

Disclaimer - This is what works for me, and I get great results. Your mileage will likely vary.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Sony, Samsung, Viewsonic are all supposed to be rather good,. oddly the LCD that is consistantly rated very very high is Sharp. Seems they make a very good LCD.

[Evanrich]

just make sure it has a low pixel pitch, and you can adjust alot of settings on it. You will of course want to color profile the lcd panel, but CRT's are still much better.


I personally have a 21" NEC P1150, which is color calibrated using profiling software, and it's simply amazing how real everything looks. I'd stick to a good 21" CRT for now, wait a little while on lcds.


On the other hand, I've thought about getting a lcd panel to use for minor stuff, as a second monitor, so that I can use it to store some stuff like tools, swatches, previews, etc. so that i can use more of my screen to edit with. I'd probably get a cheapt 15" or so and hang it near the 21" NEC


Evan

PS: if you're going to be doing alot of stuff with calibrated monitors, and need everything to be perfect. I'd recommend getting a monitor hood, to help block out stray light while you work.