Need help deciding on a monitor calibration tool

I recently sent some pictures to print, and noticed some differences in them from what I see on my monitor when I got them back.... guess it's time to calibrate my monitor.

Having no experience in this area, I'd like to hear what you are using. Give me an idea of what model you use, why you like it, maybe some key features that are important to you. What sold you on the device you choose to use?

I have a budget of up to $200.

Thanks in advance!

I use an eye one display 2. calibrate about every month at least. Im curious about the color munki thing though sicne it can profile displays and prints as well

I use spyder 3 pro. Such a big difference when I calibrated mine

Wide gamut display - Spyder3 Elite
Normal (sRGB) display - EyeOne Display 2

Specs and features can be found on their respective websites. Tons of discussion found in POTN if you search for it.

I used the Spyder 2 for a long time but it does not measure brightness. I recently bought the EyeOne 2 and it is much better. I highly recommend the EyeOne now to everyone who asks. I checked a print today actually and it was exact!

ChasP505 wrote in post #9741142
Wide gamut display - Spyder3 Elite
Normal (sRGB) display - EyeOne Display 2

huh?

Imagineering wrote in post #9744107
huh?

The Spyder3 devices are best for calibrating a wide gamut monitor. I believe the X-Rite EyeOne Display v.2 devices have better quality control, but are better suited for normal gamut displays. The NEC labeled X-Rite pucks that come with the Spectraview II system have specially modified filters to make them wide gamut capable.

I have a normal gamut monitor and use an X-Rite DTP-94 puck (same device as the Monaco Optix).

How do I tell if my monitor is normal or wide gamut?

i use spyder 3 elite
it is good, but i can say i am on the beta testing program and am currently evaluating the version 4

i can say that so far the latest beta software is looking so much better than the current general retail release. and regarding the functionality is far improved.

it actually now shows you a gamut map compared to preset profiles such as srgb and argb so you can assess your screens gamut and see how large or small it is compared to them.
it also does a helluva lot better job at calibrating with much more thorough attention payed to greyscales and neutrality.

i would say go for the spyder and as good as it is now - look forward to a great release of forthcoming functionality and accuracy

Armageddonmonkey wrote in post #9746443
How do I tell if my monitor is normal or wide gamut?

Well... you can look up the specs at the manufacturer's website.

ChasP505 wrote in post #9746758
Well... you can look up the specs at the manufacturer's website.

I have... but I don't know what I'm looking for. Will it be specified as wide gamut or sRGB only? I've done some looking around on the web, but haven't found a clear answer yet. I'm asking in here because someone here knows and can save me from buying the wrong calibrator. I have a wedding shoot coming up, and can't afford to make that mistake. I appreciate any help I can find here.

BEWARE - There is a well known bug where the monitor calibration settings can be 'undone' in various versions of Windows. I believe Windows Vista and Windows 7 both have issues with Spyder calibration settings. I've been messing with mine over the past few weeks. I've found out that when the computer goes to sleep (which is a setting I use when I'm away from the computer), when the computer wakes up, the calibration setting is lost. There are suggestions on various sites that say you should eliminate or delete Windows Defender but I've not had any luck - despite what I've done with Defender, it's the Windows Sleep Mode that mucks up the monitor calibration. It takes a re-boot to get the settings to come back and you can't let the computer go back to sleep or the settings get undone again. Quite annoying. I'm watching for a patch.

There is definitely no harm in getting a monitor calibration setup. It really does make a huge difference. I was finally talked into calibrating mine and noticed a huge difference. New settings are considerably more 'true' to the images and prints aren't nearly as tricky to get to match.

Good luck!

Armageddonmonkey wrote in post #9747509
I have... but I don't know what I'm looking for. Will it be specified as wide gamut or sRGB only? I've done some looking around on the web, but haven't found a clear answer yet. I'm asking in here because someone here knows and can save me from buying the wrong calibrator. I have a wedding shoot coming up, and can't afford to make that mistake. I appreciate any help I can find here.

What is your monitor?

Armageddonmonkey wrote in post #9747509
I have... but I don't know what I'm looking for.

Waiting until the last minute, then making a major change in your color management sounds like a recipe for disaster. Are you familiar with calibrating monitors? What is the brand and model of your monitor?

ChasP505 wrote in post #9748176
Waiting until the last minute, then making a major change in your color management sounds like a recipe for disaster. Are you familiar with calibrating monitors? What is the brand and model of your monitor?

I have 5 weeks till the shoot... this problem has only surfaced recently, after switching to windows 7. I am unfamiliar with monitor calibration, having never had an issue like this before.

I use a viewsonic VA912b lcd display.