Spyder 2 (express) Vs. Spyder 3 Pro

First, I tried searching the Forums. The search function does not like the number 2 or 3 and searching for just Spyder yields a zillion hits.

I just ordered a Dell U2410 IPS monitor. Someone told me that my Spyder 2 Express is not right for calibrating this monitor. I need the Spyder 3 Pro (or higher).

Can someone confirm this and explain why. I do not fully understand color profiles.

Thanks in advance!

I use the standard Spyder 3 on my dell screen running Win7 with no problems, and my prints turn out spot on colour etc.

I've used the spyder2express on laptops and all sorts of monitors and it was fine for me -If your ever going to run dual monitors you will need the 2pro, also the 2pro measures for ambient light and adjusts the screen accordingly which was a must for me.

BOUNCINGNRG wrote in post #9847061
I've used the spyder2express on laptops and all sorts of monitors and it was fine for me -If your ever going to run dual monitors you will need the 2pro, also the 2pro measures for ambient light and adjusts the screen accordingly which was a must for me.

The 2410 is wide gamut which the Spyder2 is not designed to handle. The spyder3 is the better option.

I'd strongly suggest getting the Spyder3 Elite. And see this site for U2410 monitor settings suggestion:

http://www.tftcentral.​co.uk/reviews/dell_u24​10.htm

(BTW- I've owned and used: Spyder2 Express, Spyder2 Pro, Spyder3 Elite.)

I do plan on running dual monitors but the second monitor is not critical for color.

ChasP505- Great link. Thanks!

Addicted2EOS wrote in post #9847606
ChasP505- Great link. Thanks!

For starters... try the settings the review describes in the section titled:
Dell U2410 - Calibrated Settings Standard Preset Mode

Brightness - 30
Contrast - 50
Luminance - 120cd/m2 (YMMV)

If you read the text, they don't touch the RGB controls at all.

Will the Spyder 2 Express calibrate the monitor incorrectly?

Addicted2EOS wrote in post #9847915
Will the Spyder 2 Express calibrate the monitor incorrectly?

It's not a matter of correct or incorrect, it's a matter of control. The Spyder3 Express offers no control... It's full autopilot software. Spyder3 Pro offers much more control and the Elite package more still.

It's why you're buying high internal bit monitor... for finer control.

It's why most of us use Photoshop... for fine control. Otherwise we may as well edit our photos in Picasa and click the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button.

ChasP505 wrote in post #9848442
It's not a matter of correct or incorrect, it's a matter of control. The Spyder3 Express overs no control... It's full autopilot software. Spyder3 Pro offers much more control and the Elite package more still.

It's why you're buying high internal bit monitor... for finer control.

It's why most of us use Photoshop... for fine control. Otherwise we may as well edit our photos in Picasa and click the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button.

No it also is about correct and incorrect. If the sensor is incapable of measuring a wide gamut display then it will not produce the correct .icc profile.

Sdiver2489 wrote in post #9848621
No it also is about correct and incorrect. If the sensor is incapable of measuring a wide gamut display then it will not produce the correct .icc profile.

My mistake... My failing eyesight read Spyder2 as Spyder3. My reasoning is all the versions of Spyder3 use essentially the same hardware... all wide gamut capable.

IF I am following the debate correctly, I DO need to upgrade to the Spyder 3 series.

To that matter- has anyone heard of (or purchased from) www.calibration-direct.com??

http://www.calibration​-direct.com …Imq28aPzaACFUdd​5QodEm7D0w

Addicted2EOS wrote in post #9848709
IF I am following the debate correctly, I DO need to upgrade to the Spyder 3 series.

To that matter- has anyone heard of (or purchased from) www.calibration-direct.com??

http://www.calibration​-direct.com …Imq28aPzaACFUdd​5QodEm7D0w

I saw them - they are listed on datacolor's site. I was going to use them to get my spyder3express, but they charge shipping. In the end, it was pretty much the same just to get it from B&H which has these products for free shipping, plus I didn't need to create a new account.

I would get it through Amazon > 17th St Photo for $139.95, free shipping. I've bought many items from 17th St., never a problem.

ChasP505 wrote in post #9849062
I would get it through Amazon > 17th St Photo for $139.95, free shipping. I've bought many items from 17th St., never a problem.

Will do. Thanks!