Monitor Calibrator

I'm considering getting one - but I;m not quite convinced just yet.
I'm curious about how it will work because if my monitor is calibrated, and the viewer's monitor isn't - the photograph will still look just OK.
If my monitor is calibrated and the printer isn't, the photograph will also still come out just OK.

Any Thoughts?

Thanks!

[theArchitect]

That's true but the printers in most labs are calibrated which is where it matters for me.

[OsmosisStudios]

See the link in this thread:
Must Read. Seriously.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by ms-loveridge

I'm curious about how it will work because if my monitor is calibrated, and the viewer's monitor isn't - the photograph will still look just OK.

It's highly doubtful that your monitor is currently set to display anything the same as almost anyone else's monitor, anyway. Someone who really matters to you -- clients, contest judges, etc -- should be using a calibrated display.

If my monitor is calibrated and the printer isn't, the photograph will also still come out just OK.

If you don't have your own print workflow (ie., you don't print yourself), the calibration is done to an ICC standard that any good print shop's printers can be (and usually are) set to. If you do print on your own, you can also calibrate your printer.

Display calibration is not absolutely necessary, unless you are trying to sell very high-quality prints or displaying in galleries, etc. You can usually get acceptable results by comparing prints to your display or getting a "calibration sheet" from your print service.

Thanks for reminding me to get that tutorial on radying files for print finished...

Originally Posted by theArchitect

That's true but the printers in most labs are calibrated which is where it matters for me.

Hmmm - but are they going to be calibrated in a complementary way to my monitor calibration?

[sk66]

Originally Posted by BCampbell

It's highly doubtful that your monitor is currently set to display anything the same as almost anyone else's monitor, anyway. Someone who really matters to you -- clients, contest judges, etc -- should be using a calibrated display.
.

+1
Additionally, *which* calibration system you use will give different results (IME "color eyes" is the best).... If you print yourself, calibrate monitor and printer...otherwise it's about pointless. It would be FANTASTIC if everyone calibrated and the results were all the same (i.e. everyone sees what I see), but it will never happen. A simple "visual calibration" will ensure prints sent out come back pretty close to what you expected.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by ms-loveridge

Hmmm - but are they going to be calibrated in a complementary way to my monitor calibration?

Probably.

Most calibration tools calibrate to "ICC standard". Most good print services print to "ICC standard". If in doubt, ask your service, but this is generally how it works.