Spyder 3 Pro vs. X-Rite i1Display 2

New to calibrating my monitors for online lab orders, but its about time I do as my print orders have started to pick up. Which of these two is the better product, or is there a better one in the same price ball park?

Spyder 3 Pro - $128.88

X-Rite i1 Display 2 - $112.12

Or some other?

Do I have this posted in the right section? Maybe not, thats why I'm getting no responses?

Well, it's in the right place, you just have to hope someone sees it that has used both calibrators!

They'll do the same thing in the end. I went with the x-rite colormunki display and it works fine.

eskimochaos wrote in post #13232074
They'll do the same thing in the end. I went with the x-rite colormunki display and it works fine.

I glanced at the colormunki too, but why is it like $499 vs. the two I mentioned that are less than $150? I mean what do you get for that difference? I just want to calibrate my monitors so that when I do some photo prints with the labs, I can use whatever method they want me to use and whatever profiles they might have, etc...I didn't think I needed to spend a whole lot to get there.

So any feedback on these two vs. the field is great as well. This is all just a very new place for me, so any info is appreciated.

ChrisMc73 wrote in post #13233378
I glanced at the colormunki too, but why is it like $499 vs. the two I mentioned that are less than $150? I mean what do you get for that difference? I just want to calibrate my monitors so that when I do some photo prints with the labs, I can use whatever method they want me to use and whatever profiles they might have, etc...I didn't think I needed to spend a whole lot to get there.

So any feedback on these two vs. the field is great as well. This is all just a very new place for me, so any info is appreciated.

The colormunki display is not 499.

ColorMunki is a spectrophotometer. The other two are colorimeters. Way different.
ColorMunki can also create printer profiles.

http://www.drycreekpho​to.com …rCalibrationHar​dware.html

Colormunki is not always a spectrophotometer. The colormunki display is a colorimeter and is the same as the i1 display pro hardware wise. the ColorMunki Photo is a Spectrophotometer though.

So, any sugestions about colorimeter brands or features to look for?

The i1Display2 used to be much more expensive, but has now been superseded by the new i1Display Pro. The i1D2 is not "future-proof" ... I mean, not so good with LED and/or wide-gamut monitors. Well, that's the reason X-Rite have given for going with the new model, anyway. Personally, I never had any problems with either of those things with my i1D2.

Sdiver2489 wrote in post #13234734
Colormunki is not always a spectrophotometer. The colormunki display is a colorimeter and is the same as the i1 display pro hardware wise. the ColorMunki Photo is a Spectrophotometer though.

True. Should have been more specific…

So help me decide what to get? Like I said, I've just started sending my work off to labs, such as Millers, WHCC, MPixPro, etc...and I don't know the ins and outs of all the labs yet but it was suggested that I get a monitor calibration device, so I can know what I'm seeing on my screen is what will print.

I use a 30" Apple Cinema Display to edit my photos on...so its not brand spanking new.

But I'm torn on what I need, and now I am more confused since new terms were thrown out there...the spectrophotometer vs. colorimeter. Still not sure what the difference is and if I need one vs. another?

Both have satisfied customers. The trick is for you to find people who have your monitor and have tried both and for one reason or another prefer one above the other -- good luck, maybe check on an Apple forum!

I have used both and prefer the Spyder 3 pro. Both will do the job, but I find the Spyder to be easier to use, more intuitive.

I've only used the 3Pro but I have an iMac 11 and it worked fine.