Spyder 4 Express/Pro users please come in!

i rarely make prints, but i want a WYSIWYG representation of the colours taken by my camera.

how far off are the colours when you guys did your calibration?

do you think it was worth the money spent?

i'm using a 27" korean IPS monitor (identical to the Apple display).

I'm looking forward to the discussion in this thread. I'm very interested too!

Bryan

I use the Spyder Express and highly recommend it. I calibrate my monitor (27" iMac) once a month. You can configure its reminder tool to remind you. Its amazing how over time monitors lose their calibration.

If you only have one monitor then you can get by with the express model for $99 on Amazon. If you have a multi monitor setup then you need to get the pro version for $169. The pro version has other features as well you may want to visit the datacolor website to see a comparison chart.

I have the 4 Pro and a pair of Dell 27" LED-lit monitors. They were supposedly factory calibrated and they weren't horribly off, but the were definitely not the same. The Spyder made them match pretty closely.

I use the express on my 24" dell monthly, works well but is never too much off

Mine didn't seem too far off, but I definitely see an improvement in my prints. I suspect the difference and benefit would be even greater if I improved the lighting in my work area. It's way too bright right now.

Overall, I think it was worth it. JMHO.

I do not think anyone's answer to "how far off were there colours" is too important. It'll vary wildly between each individual's display used. You're better off considering the type of monitor you purchased, and if it was pre-calibrated before being sold. Likely not. You do, however, sound like an individual you would be very happy with just a Spyder Express. I have a Spyder3 Express, and use it to calibrate my Dell U2412m display. In my opinion (even as just a casual photography hobbyist and enthusiast), it was a very good purchase.

Bagman wrote in post #15648521
I do not think anyone's answer to "how far off were there colours" is too important. It'll vary wildly between each individual's display used.

Surely the whole point of calibrating your monitor is that the colours are correct. ie: the same image should have the same colours on whatever correctly calibrated monitor it is viewed.

I tried calibrating my monitor with the Spyder4Express but it gave a very distinct green cast, recalibrating just intensified the cast. I assume that the problem is the Express doesn't measure or exert any control over White Balance.

I returned the Spyder and bought instead Ex-Rite's i1 Display Pro. I was really looking forward to using this as the reviews were very promising. However I was thwarted by the Software, no matter what steps I took I could not install it on my Windows 7 64 bit system. A script would not run despite disabling every bit of security software on my machine. I gave up and returned that too.

I haven't given up on calibrating my monitor affordably and am trying the Spyder4 Elite version.
I have no idea if the calibration I did last night is accurate, I am not used to looking at such a warm screen. I used the recommended 6500K and I am more used to a much cooler white. There doesn't appear to be any colour cast other than that I perceive as the warming.

My next step will be putting some genuine Canon ink in my printer, calibrating that and comparing that out put.

Whoever thought that light could be such a dark art!

To the OP, don't forget that you will need to calibrate your printer too, or buy bespoke icc profiles for it if you're looking for "perfection" whatever that is.
Also, when I first used my monitor Spyder, I forgot to move the monitor osd over to the side of the screen - it was directly under the Spyder's sensor and I got some odd results!

good luck in searching for wysiwyg!

grahame s

I recently borrowed my friends Spyder 3 Pro and have been getting great results on my 24" iMac.
Does exactly what it is designed to do. Seeing the results, I now have a Spyder 4 Pro on order.
Between the Express and PRO, go Pro. Multiple displays and the option of upgrading software to Elite if desired.

I have the four and it seems that my colors are a bit mute.

seoul4korea wrote in post #15649540
I have the four and it seems that my colors are a bit mute.

Ditto.

I think perhaps 6500K sort of does that.

Have a Spyder Pro but it seems to make my U2410 monitor have a bluish cast... And to be honest I prefer the non-calibrated view of my monitor until I can figure out why! That's not to say it's a bad product, as it may be user error on my part!

Snowyman wrote in post #15649276
I tried calibrating my monitor with the Spyder4Express but it gave a very distinct green cast

xeodragon wrote in post #15649832
Have a Spyder Pro but it seems to make my U2410 monitor have a bluish cast...

try http://dispcalgui.hoec​h.net/ . I found it way better when the stock software gave me a weird red cast.