What’s Your Preference?

RawHope · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2010, 12:21 AM

Hello. I'm new here, I've been searching for an active digital photography forum. Things look nice around here.

I have a MacBook pro and am in the market for an external monitor. (I can't get the calibration right on the laptop) I'm fairly new to digital photography and know nothing about choosing a monitor. My goal is to buy one that is very color accurate and accurate with lights and darks, etc. so I can get great screen-to-print matches. (After proper calibration of course.) I know you get what you pay for as far as monitors go but my budget is up to $1000...hopefully a little less. I have no clue what specs to look for so if you have any general advice for me on that, that would be great.

I've been looking at the following monitors. If any of you work on one and get excellent screen-to-print matches with it (after proper calibrating of course), please let me know. I think hearing some personal experiences with any of the following will help me choose.

1) NEC MultiSync 2090UXi 20" LCD
2) NEC MultiSync PA241W-BK 24" Widescreen LCD
3) NEC MultiSync 2690WUXi2 25.5" Widescreen LCD
4) NEC MultiSync 2490WUXi2-BK 24" Widescreen LCD
5) HP / Hewlett-Packard LP2475w 24" LCD
6) LaCie 324 - I read on shootsmarter.com, this one is great for color accuracy but "has troubles with b&w tonality and photos that are low in color saturation / tinted b&w" Any experience with that?

Also, here's something that confuses me...

Some monitors say they're perfect for sRGB, some say they display a certain percentage of Adobe RGB. I want one that displays a wide gamut of Adobe RGB but that of course means those monitors also are good for sRGB, correct??

Thanks!

autofocus · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2010, 01:06 AM

Have you thought about getting a good CRT? I work on a calibrated NEC Multisync 97F, and it works out great for me. Because most really good LCD monitors for photo editing break the bank, I've stuck with good old CRTs....just a thought. I use three different sources for our proofs and enlargement resales, and rarely have had problems with color mismatches. And BTW, welcome to DPS!

Vince

RawHope · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2010, 01:18 AM

Thanks for the welcome!

No, I haven't thought about CRT's although I see them mentioned online here and there. I didn't know what they were until I just asked my hubby when I read your reply. They're old, right? I guess that's why I didn't think of them. Do any companies make them new now? I'm kind of doubting it.

Anyone else agree on the CRT idea? Do most of you work on LCD's or CRT's?

autofocus · #4 (**permalink**) 09-28-2010, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RawHope

Thanks for the welcome!

No, I haven't thought about CRT's although I see them mentioned online here and there. I didn't know what they were until I just asked my hubby when I read your reply. They're old, right? I guess that's why I didn't think of them. Do any companies make them new now? I'm kind of doubting it.

Anyone else agree on the CRT idea? Do most of you work on LCD's or CRT's?

They are basically what shipped with every PC prior to LCD's. They're probably still available with a little shopping around. The monitor I mentioned above I got from a friend for free after he decided on an LCD, and it's practically not used new. It's a 19" that probably sold for ~$400 bucks when new. I also have a backup Dell 17" should this one fail me. I think there can be some photo editing problems with LCDs..very contrasty and color saturation is very rich. I know I'll get a bunch of comments from the staunch LCD supporters on this, but it's what has worked best for me. What is absolutely critical for me is that my edits for the business match very closely to what our labs will produce in print. (which is not always easy to get) No denying that photos can look real good on LCDs, but it's how well the profiles match your lab is where the rubber meets the road.

RawHope · #5 (**permalink**) 09-28-2010, 02:20 AM

Hmmm...very interesting to hear. Will wait to see what others think as well. Thank you for the information! My ultimate goal here is definitely to get accurate screen-to-print results.

I do love the way my pics look on an LCD so that might persuade me that way but you do have me thinking about this now.

Thanks again.

jdepould · #6 (**permalink**) 09-28-2010, 02:54 AM

Is your laptop glossy or matte?

There's a pretty big price gap between normal LCDs and the kind of LCDs you'd want to use for color-critical work. Apple gear is generally better than what you get stock with a Windows machine, but occasionally they have troubles too (e.g. 27" iMac yellow shift).

If you can find an IPS monitor, you're heading in the right direction. The more expensive Dell screens are pretty OK.

AnonymousKiwi1 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-28-2010, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RawHope

I didn't know what they were until I just asked my hubby when I read your reply. They're old, right?

OMG! Now I feel old. Surely LCDs have only been the norm for... maybe 5 years at the most??

RawHope · #8 (**permalink**) 09-28-2010, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnonymousKiwi1

OMG! Now I feel old. Surely LCDs have only been the norm for... maybe 5 years at the most??

HA! I knew what they were by looking at them, our family had a few of them while I was growing up. I just never knew what they were called.

Quote:

If you can find an IPS monitor, you're heading in the right direction.

Yep, I read more about monitors last night after posting this and am convinced now that I want an ISP. Sounds like I'll get the most accurate colors from one. I guess they're what most pro photographers use?

My laptop is glossy. Why?