Best monitor for photography?

[jocelynaz]

Hi everyone --- My husband and I are thinking of buying me a new computer monitor. I currently have a 21" NEC CRT monitor.

As a photographer, what specific features should I look for in a monitor? What do some of you recommend? I have a PC.

Thanks!
Jocelyn

[Doug Pardee]

For best color rendition on flat-panel monitors, the general agreement is that IPS LCD technology is the way to go. IPS technology is also pretty expensive—usually $1000 or more for reasonably large screens—but a new technology called e-IPS provides much lower costs and considerably less power usage.

My wife and I both just got Dell 2209WA monitors (22" wide-screen e-IPS). She's a graphic designer and very particular about color rendition, and she's quite pleased with it. That monitor sells for $299 list. You might be able to get it for less if you talk to a "small business" sales rep at Dell—they will work with individuals as well as with small businesses.

Regardless of the monitor that you get, you also need a calibrator, so allow some money for that.

[jocelynaz]

Thanks Doug! I appreciate the feedback. We're on a budget and cannot spend more than $400 for a monitor (at the most), so what you've suggested helps a lot. I'm going to have my hubby look into it. I've never heard of e-IPS technology. But I'm sure my hubby has, being that he's a computer programmer.

I realize I will need a calibrator. Do you have any experience with the Spider2 Express? That is within our budget as well.


Thanks again!

[Jim Bryant]

yea check around...Apple makes great monitors, as well as Le cie. Yup....I use the Syderpro 2, great program. I don't use the overhead lights in my room. I have a daylight balanced lap sitting atop a book shelf about four feet back. Make sure your light source is constant. The Spyder pro, One eye and other color manage,ent type tools, don't work well on a taptop where you carry it around to work under a multitude of lighting conditions.

[sk66]

I must recommend LED backlit for LCD monitors...
Imaging resources has a 30% discount for Spyder products...
I have a spyder2 it's "ok" and definitely better than nothing, but just upgraded to the Spyder3 elite using the link above. ($200 with shipping/tax)

[Rajah Sulayman]

I actually just did The Great Monitor Hunt not long ago and managed to find a fantastic display for under $600.

Specifically, the HP LP2475W. It's a 24" H-IPS monitor that produces fantastic results, especially for the price. You won't find another monitor on par with this one for under a grand. It's a little higher than your $400 budget but believe me, it's well worth it.

Informative review available at http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/hp_lp2475w.htm

[jocelynaz]

Hi gang --- Thanks so much for all the great suggestions. My hubby and I finally decided to go with the Dell 2209WA 22-inch widescreen flat monitor! Thanks Doug for mentioning it! The price with the e-IPS technology was the deciding factor. I actually just bought it. It's supposed to arrive tomorrow or Wed. Can't wait!