Spyder2 bashed by SmartShooter

[vladnl]

I was actually thinking about bying Spyder2 but now I have concerns. Should I? What are your experiences with Spyder?

Unfortunately, the ColorVision / ColorSpyder line and it is not on our recommended list because we do not feel it holds up to pro level standards and the people who run this company are not the quality-minded professionals that we choose to work with here at shootsmarter.com- here's the facts on their older products (http://www.shootsmarter.com/infocenter/wccvx.html)if you are looking to upgrade. Regarding the current Spyder2 kit, it's painfully slow and has a serious problem with inconsistant color in the shadow areas of your monitor. None of their products are considered acceptable in our opinion, and we suggest you switch over to any product on our list below ASAP?

[René Damkot]

No experiences, since I bought a Monaco Optix XR, based on that review amongst others.

[amonline]

Sounds like someone has a personal beef rather than a professional review... My Spyder works perfectly and I'm very happy with the accuracy... I'm also a professional and can tell the difference... for the money, it (the suite) can't be beat in my opinion.

[NorCalAl]

While I don't have the benefit of comparison, I like my Spyder setup. Like amonline said, those words are a little harsh for someone that doesn't have some kind of grudge. Not exactly sounding professional there.

[blam]

I bought the spyder 2 express a couple weeks ago

it seems to have done the job, but I had to calibrate twice because the first time it didnt work. what I also dont like is that for the price, 130cdn vs 106cdn huey, it doesn't adjust for ambient light.

how accurate it is, I don't know.

[amonline]

Yea, the more I read, the more immature the review really sounds. That's not very good practice for their site IMO. I have no interest in what they have to offer now.

[RandyMays]

I have the spyder2pro and have zero complaints.

[amonline]

Also, that review was from over 3 years ago... not to mention it was written about calibrating a 5 year OLDER CRT... I would never use a CRT for more than about 2 years max before updating - it's just common sense not to trust a CRT tube that long. ;)

After reading the entire thing, I've come to the conclusion that ol' Crockett simply does not know what he's talking about and wants to argue with CV until he's got the last word. He doesn't even go into depth of his process or how he really comes to these conclusions. He simply wanted to argue and not listen to what they had to say. They told him that he may have had a defective unit for pete's sake. :lol:

[popolz]

I've had the spyder2express for 2 months now and I had some prints done in a pro photo lab. What I have on paper and on my screen is the exact same thing.

For 100 CAN$ I can't complain!

[DocFrankenstein]

It's a very basic calibration system. It doesn't merform nearly as good as the monaco does. SmartShooter bashes it for a very good reason.

drycreekphoto reivew confirms it. It doesn't calibrate the highlights and blows them out in print ususally - hiding the subtle tonal gradations.

[condyk]

If you're happy with it then that is fine. Different people have different needs and expectations. I would trust their reviews and experience myself but I would also trust people make choices based on what they see and want.

Here is thre actual link to the March 2007 review:

http://www.shootsmarter.com/infocenter/wc026a.htm

It's not like they are saying anything that isn't stated elsewhere from what I remember when I decided not to buy one ... after it being top of my list initially.

[Mike R]

I use the Spyder2express, and it did a great job, the prints I got back from Mpix were perfect, they were too dark before I calibrated the monitor.

[stlscape]

I bought an older Spyder off eBay, and as far as I'm concerned it did a great job of calibrating my several years old CRT. I was basically after something fairly inexpensive that would let me print what was on my screen. (That wasn't happening before the calibration.)

[davidcrebelxt]

Well, I just ordered one a couple days ago, hopefully it does well!

But everything I've read about either Spyder2 or the Huey (the two I was looking at) the reviews by users are typically mixed... most saying it improved their colors.

The negatives I've seen are most likely because they
1) used it improperly (too much ambient light)
2) didn't disable other color management (adobe gamma, etc)
3) colors "didn't look right" following calibration. (many don't give eyes a chance to adjust to different color temp.)
4) want to adjust dual-monitors or other options not available at the "express" price.

But in everything I've read from sources such as popular photography and the like seem to rate the Spyder2 pretty high. I've never heard them say to avoid it.

I checked DryCreekPhoto, and they said it was a reccomended product... It said it has "exceptional" shadow performance, and the only downside was it didn't do as well with the highlights, showing some abrupt transitions... (don't think it ever said it completely blows them out.) The original Spyder, however, they said was not competitive.

[vladnl]

No experiences, since I bought a Monaco Optix XR, based on that review amongst others.
I'm also aming at Monaco, cost twice as Spyder2 express, but when I invest I like to make good decision.

Cheers
Vladimir

[René Damkot]

Konijnenberg (http://www.fotokonijnenberg.nl/product_details.php?id_product=6307) has the XR for 169 euro ATM...

[pcasciola]

I'm very happy with the Spyder2. The software works well, and my prints match my display 100% now, where they were way off before. Are there better calibration tools? Probably. There is always something better. But I see nothing wrong with the Spyder2 and it meets my needs 100%.

[vladnl]

Thanks Rene, that's the best price currently in the Netherlands :) I'm feeling I can't go wrong with Monaco!

Thanks everybody else who posted their experiences, your imput is greatly appreciated!

[gparvan]

I just ordered the Monaco Pro based on this thread. Hopefully, there will be no problems!

[PhotosGuy]

If you're happy with it then that is fine. Different people have different needs and expectations. I would trust their reviews and experience myself but I would also trust people make choices based on what they see and want.
I've been to one of his seminars & he's a "No BS" type of guy. Shoots mostly jpg & doesn't want to PP 800 shots, so he's very picky as to what will work for him. Doesn't mean that it won't work well for you, but it's not up to his standards. ;)

[amonline]

I've been to one of his seminars & he... Shoots mostly jpg... so he's very picky as to what will work for him.
Are you serious? :shock:

[ohenry]

Will Crockett's comments rank right up there with Ken Rockwell's, in my book.

[nicksan]

I have the Spyder2Pro as well and I am quite happy with the results.
Makes a world of difference, that much I know.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Although the reviews conclusion may be a bit overstated, it is fairly consistent with every thourogh review I have read on calibration "pucks" in the last five years or so.

However, two things have changed recently to make the Spyder less appealing thean it was even two or three years ago.

1. Cost difference. There was a time when the difference in cost between the Spyder and the more highly recommended units was significantly higher. (three years ago hardly anyone had a puck but pros making $$ off there work.) Recently prices have become far more competitive, and the Spyder's price advantage is diminished if not gone all together.

2. Demand has become greater and more choosy in the amateur market for Pucks, so the Spyders shortcomings may be more noteworthy.

All this said, I am using a Spyder Pro (not "2" ) and it has met my needs. It sometime seems to have trouble with correct calibration due to the impact of ambient light. Rigging up a sheild like the ones the Sony and LaCie complete systems had helps, as does dousing the lights during calibration.. unfortunately the latter can have other detrimental effects.

The difference though between an uncaibrated monitor, and one calibrated with a Spyder can be a marvel to behold.

I would not write them off completely.. but rather consider them as what they are, an affordable option. Most pros will however get another system.

[DocFrankenstein]

CDS - when you're saying a "puck" what do you mean exaclty?

Thanks

[davidcrebelxt]

CDS - when you're saying a "puck" what do you mean exaclty?

Thanks

He's talking about the colorimeter itself.... kinda like hockey puck.
We use the same term where I work to refer to the large specialized "mouse" we have to use for drawing.

[DocFrankenstein]

He's talking about the colorimeter itself.... kinda like hockey puck.
We use the same term where I work to refer to the large specialized "mouse" we have to use for drawing.
All of them look like pucks, don't they?

puck being a colorimeter and the non-puck being a spectrophotometer? :confused:

[CyberDyneSystems]

CDS - when you're saying a "puck" what do you mean exaclty?

Thanks

Yeah, the actual device.. I thought the term was pretty universal for the "calibration devices" .. until the "huey" came along they all pretty much looked the same. Definitely not spectrophotometer though.

[DocFrankenstein]

Gotcha

How does huey compare against spyder anyways? Any reviews?

[vladnl]

Huey is also not recomended by ShootSmarter.
How and Where to Buy These Products

If you're interested in one of the "monitor profile only" products like the EyeOne Display 2, we suggest you buy it from your local dealer. If they don't have these products, ask them to order one for you. Just DO NOT let them talk you into the ColorVision / ColorSpyder / Pantone / Huey products because "they are just as good" - they are not acceptable.

I believe they have limited gamma and colour temperature settings comparing to the more top model opponents.

[cosworth]

It's a very basic calibration system. It doesn't merform nearly as good as the monaco does. SmartShooter bashes it for a very good reason.

drycreekphoto reivew confirms it. It doesn't calibrate the highlights and blows them out in print ususally - hiding the subtle tonal gradations.

Yes and no. The Spyder2 that gets some bad press is the Express version. Since the Pro and Express version differ greatly in software yet share the same hardware it makes sense for these people who are reviewing and reading to understand the difference.

The onus also falls on Colorvision to brand their products better perhaps. I tried the Express and the Pro software. Vastly different results.