Monitor Calibrator - DPChallenge Forums

11/04/2007 11:53:10 PM · #1

I am looking to buy a monitor calibrator. I was wondering what people think I should buy. I don't want anything too expensive, but I also don't want to buy some cheap product that won't work well. I have heard a lot about EyeOne, but searching for that I see several different versions. I don't really know enough about what to look for in a good product.

11/04/2007 11:55:22 PM · #2

I guess the other one I hear a lot about is the spyder2. Anybody have experience with both? Are they about the same, is one noticeably better than the other?

Ken

Canon EOS-7D

11/04/2007 11:58:08 PM · #3

I can't comment about the EyeOne, but I have the Huey Pro and it does a great job for <$100. It's easy to use and only takes a few minutes to calibrate. The difference after calibration is amazing.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

11/05/2007 12:11:22 AM · #4

I guess I will go to bed and wait to see what people have to say tomorrow before I decide. I hope there is a lot of feedback when I check tomorrow morning, thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Dirtypainter

Canon EOS-40D

11/05/2007 02:32:31 AM · #5

Well I just got the Pantone Huey about a month ago. and for the price I say it has alot going for it. It real simple to run and I use it to monitor the room lighting so it adjusts the monitor to different light settings thru out the day

leaf

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

11/05/2007 03:31:18 AM · #6

I used the spyder2 a fair bit with a company I worked for, and was happy with it (until it stopped working) :)

Then now I have purchased the spyder2pro for myself. Not sure the extra functionality is worth the extra $$ over the regular spyder2 (I believe it is just the software that is different). I would guess they calibrate to the same quality, just the one has more flexibility. if you are not going to use the extra functions though I would go with the regular spyder2.

As a side note, I can stand looking at my monitor before the monitor calibration has kicked in(on start up) It made a big difference.

option

Nikon D200

11/05/2007 04:11:33 AM · #7

you can probably get a good deal on a spyder2pro now that the the spyder3elite is out

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

11/05/2007 06:12:32 AM · #8

I can't make any comparisions - but after a number of frustrating entries where people were making comments regarding things they saw or a difference in brightness etc to what I was seeing on my monitor - I bought the Spyder2 for my laptop. Made a big difference. I don't know about any other system but I'm pleased with it. Simple and worked a treat on my HP laptop. It cost me A$150 but I did see it recently at a Mac shop for under a $100.

I might add thou - if I had the extra cash I think I would have bought the sypder with the printer calibrator as well. (Another aspect that is causing me - and a lot of others- frustration).

Message edited by author 2007-11-05 06:16:25.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Colorvision Spyder2 for $69.95

11/05/2007 07:05:09 AM · #9

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

11/05/2007 07:42:35 AM · #10

Originally posted by doctornick:

Colorvision Spyder2 for $69.95

Same thing at your local
Walmart $68.82 and Online BestBuy $59.99

Review of the Pantone Huey

11/05/2007 07:56:01 AM · #11

11/05/2007 11:21:30 AM · #12

Thanks for all of your suggestions, and feedback. I will look into the different products you have all mentioned and see what I think will work out best. What is the printer calibrator good for? I have PS do the color management on prints, isn't that good enough? Or will the printer calibration do a better job?

11/05/2007 11:39:50 AM · #13

After looking at the specs on the Huey, I really like the idea of it changing throughout the day based on the lighting in the room. Is this the only one that does this? Does it actually work well, or is it just a nice selling feature that really doesn't help out?

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

11/05/2007 12:01:00 PM · #14

Not real sure I I don;t have one either and am watching this thread. I did however find the Pantone Huey on ebay for around $60

option

Nikon D200

11/05/2007 12:35:34 PM · #15

Originally posted by travis_cooper:

The spyder2pro and xrite i1 display2 both have ambient sensors that I've been told are rather useless. Better to work in a room with low ambient than have to worry about changing your calibration all day.

I suppose it would be useful for lappy calibration on the road, but you shouldnt be doing critical work on a laptop anyways.

11/05/2007 02:34:42 PM · #16

Guess I will be a guinea pig again. I just bought the Pantone Huey on ebay. I will post my results when I receive it.

11/05/2007 06:28:13 PM · #17

Originally posted by rex:

Guess I will be a guinea pig again. I just bought the Pantone Huey on ebay. I will post my results when I receive it.

I think I might check out the spyder2 express. Seems like a lot of people that have responded have liked it, and it is pretty cheap, I'll see where it gets me. I think the Huey is a good idea if you the automatic changes for lighting are really helpful, but it sounds like that doesn't matter much, and the lighting where my computer is doesn't really change.

jenesis

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/05/2007 06:47:05 PM · #18

I just ordered the spyder2express also (Thanks for the links MrEd & doctornick). I've been meaning to get my monitor under control for awhile now. This was a good reminder to get off my butt and get it done.

Makka

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

11/05/2007 07:06:47 PM · #19

We picked up the Spyder 2 Pro a few months back. Does the job fine and is great value! More than happy with it!

11/05/2007 08:02:03 PM · #20

Well maybe I will regret buying the Pantone Huey. We will see.

jenesis

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/05/2007 08:19:43 PM · #21

Originally posted by rex:

Well maybe I will regret buying the Pantone Huey. We will see.

I'm sure it'll work great James. I just had to go cheap. :)