Monitor Calibration ?????

[JKK]

Okay I just ordered a new PC last night thanks to some real nice help from people on this forum. I was wondering does anyone calibrate their monitors? if so what is the best way in doing this when my new PC arrives so I can get the best and most true colors I want while editing my photos.

Is this some kind of softwear I get from a store like office depot or is this a online help site???

Thanks,
Jason

[gturner]

Most (me incl) use one of the SYPDER versions
Datacolor - Global Leader in Color Management Solutions

It makes a massive difference. Just make sure you run it with your lighting as close to normal as possible.

Unless you have 2 graphics cards you will only be able to load the spyder profile settings into 1 screen (if you run 2 or more)

[Jim Bryant]

I have a Spyder 2Pro. However, you need to calibrate in the light source that you'll use. I have a lamp off to high left on a four foot book shelf behind me.

[autofocus]

There are several companies that make calibration tools...Spyder is one of them you might want to check out. They offer a few products at different price points. The least expensive is under $100, and it's the one I use on my CRT monitor, and it gets the job done. Calibrating a flat screen may be a bit of a different animal though.

[oldwolf]

I run the Spyder3Pro on my monitors. Yes, you can have two profiles, one for each monitor using one video card.

[Murtasma]

I find most monitors to really have an issue with the correct brightness and contrast. For free you can try using these sites to calibrate your brightness and contrast. While it won't be perfect like a physical hardware tool it's better than nothing.

Photo Friday: Monitor Calibration Tool

Monitor Calibration

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

I have a Spyder 2Pro. However, you need to calibrate in the light source that you'll use. I have a lamp off to high left on a four foot book shelf behind me.

THIS is a very important point. No point calibrating your monitor with you lights on and then use it with lights off. Make sure your ambient light is the same when you calibrate it as it would be when you're actually doing your editing. Change nothing.

[mshockley]

You know you guys have brought up something interesting, as I may edit at all different times of the day, and my office has 2 windows. Granted I keep the shades down, but it still considerably brighter than at night with just one desk light way off to the right. The night viewing is what I used to calibrate. Is there a way to somehow calibrate for different lighting conditions/time of day and save it?

[Biomech]

Spyder3pro here too!

[JKK]

Thanks for all the input and help, I just ordered the spyder 3 pro. and it should be here before my new PC gets her.

Thanks again,
Jason