Budget LCD - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

07/28/2008 06:17:47 AM · #1

Hi guys, wondering if you can give me some tips on what to look for in an lcd monitor. I've currently got a CRT which is getting on a bit. I'm looking for a 17 inch monitor at around the Â£150 ($300) price range. Any good monitors out there that people can recommend, and what do I need to look out for in the specifications that will ensure I get good picture quality and clarity (for my price range anyway!). My dad's got an NEC multisync 1770 nx, and I was quite impressed with it, but from reading reviews, its not a dedicated lcd for the purposes I require (image editing!).

You're views would be much appreciated.

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

07/28/2008 07:47:24 AM · #2

Well actually, I can't believe that I am about to give this advice since I used to own a computer buisness. For the price range I would probably go with dell. They are not made by dell but because they can buy so many of them at one time they can purchase them and resell them for cheap. They put me out of busness with their prices. What ever you do, do not go to Bust Buy. They are almost always higher in price. I'm sorry but since you stated the price in pounds I assume u are in England. I do not know of any good stores to go to or prices over there... I hope that I have helped a little bit.

07/28/2008 09:21:18 AM · #3

Originally posted by cowboy221977:

Thats okay, you're advice is much appreciated! What specific things do I need to look for in the specifications to ensure I get the biggest bang for my buck (sorry, I couldn't resist! Lol).

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

07/28/2008 09:36:29 AM · #4

For editing photos, a fast response time is NOT needed. Most monitors now have a response time of around 5-7 ms, and that's plenty fast for the purpose. Gamers and video editors may want to pay more for faster response time.

Contrast ratio will be important. The average budget monitor is 1000:1 contrast ration and that will probably be sufficient, but if you can manage to get a higher one that will be better.

Two kinds of connectors: VGA, which is the 9 pin d-shell connector you have on your CRT. Then there is the newer DVI standard. If you get a monitor which only has a DVI connector, you may have to also buy a new video card that has a DVI output. Mine has both. Currently using VGA, but the DVI cable is on my desk whenever I get around to switching it.

Resolution is important as well, a 17" monitor should be at least capable of 1280x1024 resolution. More resolution is always better.

Keep in mind that an LCD behaves differently in some ways. Where a CRT looks good at any resolution it supports, an LCD will look blurry at anything under it's native resolution that it was designed for. Go into the display properties (found in Windows control panel or the Macs preferences pane) and change the resolution on one to a lower value and you will immediately see what I mean.

Message edited by author 2008-07-28 09:40:13.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/28/2008 09:52:59 AM · #5

Originally posted by yospiff:

Thanks for that, very comprehensive! I'll definately heed that advice. many thanks. Any recommendations for my price range?

hsolakidis

Nikon D50

07/28/2008 10:33:51 AM · #6

Have a look at this thread. A bit more than you have budgeted for, but a monitor is likely to last you a long time, so you 'll get your money's worth. I 've had it for a while, and all i can say is... wow.

07/28/2008 10:40:04 AM · #7

Originally posted by hsolakidis:

Cheers for that, I'll have to look at that one, but in all honesty I think I'd be more than happy with a 17 inch monitor.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

07/28/2008 11:10:24 AM · #8

Originally posted by Caravela:

Any recommendations for my price range?

I don't know if the monitor prices in the U.K. are on par with the U.S., but in April I bought a 20" NEC monitor for $200 after a rebate and a minor discount for a dead pixel. 1680x1050 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, VGA and DVI input. You should be able to find something with similar or better specs for your Â£150.

Oh, one other thing I learned when I was shopping for mine. Some models in this price range advertise a "dynamic contrast ratio" of 3000:1, "Dynamic contrast ratio" means software tricks to achieve it. If you see one of these, read the fine print to find the true(static)contrast ratio. Additional geeky tech info:"Contrast ratio" on Wikipedia

Message edited by author 2008-07-28 11:15:21.

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/28/2008 12:43:09 PM · #9

You might be able to find a Samsung 215TW.
It's a 20.5" widescreen, and is not a TN panel (forget is it's IPS or what).
I found a new one for $320 USD.

onesaint

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8D

07/28/2008 01:10:56 PM · #10

IMHO, although I love Samsung and own a 17", at my office we have about 45-50 monitors. The samsungs have all had to be returned for one reason or another.

At home I have (uggghhh) a Dell. They are not bad and will last, plus they are cheap. Just make sure the monitor has decent controls. What i mean is we own a 32" Dell and the only control it has is on/off. all the rest has to be done by software.

Viewsonic & NEC both make long lasting great monitors as well.

I might venture to say you should think about investing a bit more in the monitor as its the only piece of computer equipment youll purchase that will last. You might go throuhg 3 computers prior to purchasing a new monitor. Considering 19" - 22" go for about the same price as 17"s do, it might be worth looking into a larger monitor for the long run.

It seems that there are a lot of 21-22" monitors out there for 200-300 as well. look here and here. Also if your interested in doing some extra reading have a look through here. hope this all helps.

tnun

Ricoh GR III

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

07/28/2008 01:14:43 PM · #11

Very helpful.

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/28/2008 04:17:34 PM · #12

Beware of 22inch monitors, all are TN panels which are not the best for photo editing.

More Info then you probably care to read

//textblog.anands.net/archives/11

onesaint

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8D

07/28/2008 04:52:02 PM · #13

Originally posted by rswank:

Beware of 22inch monitors, all are TN panels which are not the best for photo editing.

More Info then you probably care to read

//textblog.anands.net/archives/11

That first post is fantastic. I love anandtech!! The only issue seems to be the high price tag for the OP. But I know i found what I want for Christmas in there! =^D

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8D

07/28/2008 05:11:18 PM · #14

thanks all. plenty of info to go at there! Really impressed with my dad's nec which isnt dedicated for what I need, so may stick with that brand. Been looking at some Dell ultrasharp's also, any comments on these monitors?

onesaint

Nikon D300

07/28/2008 05:35:12 PM · #15

Originally posted by Caravela:

well I wouldnt go for a budget dell...

Originally posted by some dell rep:

These entry level monitors will not have the higher end panels (S-IPS/S-PVA, viewing angle 178Â°) and will have a reduced viewing angle of 160Â°. They use the TN Film panel. This combination is causing some monitors to appear to be darker in certain areas depending on your viewing angle. When viewed straight on it will appear to be normal. When changing your viewing angle (view from the top, bottom or sides) certain parts of the monitor may appear darker or discolored. For the entry level monitors (E248WFP, E228WFP, E207WFP, 2208WFP, SP2208WFP, SP2008WFP), this is normal and within specifications.

As stated by Dell itself : LINK

, its supposed to be a pvn and quite good for about $400.

The Necs have wide range of monitors. but Im not sure about their budget products and how they compare to other monitors.

ETA: have a look at this one: Lenovo L220x its supposed to be great for about $400.00.

Message edited by author 2008-07-28 17:45:53.

07/30/2008 06:24:26 PM · #16

I'm finally edging towards the NEC multisync 2070nx which has an S-IPS TFT display, 700:1 contrast ratio, 250 brightness and 1600 x 1200 resolution, which I've found for around Â£270 (a bit above my original budget I know!!!). Now, I'm sick and tired of reading about LCD's, but for any of you in the know about such technologies, is this a decent enough monitor for photo editing???

07/31/2008 03:35:35 AM · #17

bump!

07/31/2008 12:10:51 PM · #18

bumpy bumby!!!

Yo_Spiff

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

07/31/2008 12:31:28 PM · #19

Looks a notch above mine overall. I'll have to check when I get home this evening and see which model I have. Looks like a good choice, but I am biased.