Eizo monitors/Spyder4 Express - DPChallenge Forums

08/22/2013 04:23:32 AM · #1

OK, so my prints often look quite different from the images on my screen. Hardly surprising considering I now do all my editing on my Acer laptop with its uncalibrated screen. So I think it's time to get a separate monitor and calibration device. After surfing around, Eizo seem to be highly regarded in the graphics/photography world. However my pockets are nowhere near deep enough for their high-end models. So, I'm considering the Foris FS2333 (which is marketed for gaming, but has pretty good reviews for photo editing too), paired with either Eizo's own calibration tool or the Spyder4 Express.

Anyone have anything good or bad to say about either product? Or suggestions about alternatives that aren't going to cost me any more?

Cheers,
Qiki

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

08/22/2013 07:43:07 AM · #2

Well, it does have an IPS panel, and that is a big positive. The LED backlight is both positive and negative - energy efficient, but will result in a narrower gamut. It has a lot of features aimed at gamers, and you are paying something for those, and you will certainly have to manually turn off a lot of signal processing in order to ensure it does not interfere with proper display during editing. I'll post back later with some thoughts on alternatives.

Canon EF-S 15-85mm IS USM

08/22/2013 10:06:30 AM · #3

Originally posted by kirbic:

Cheers. And any alternatives certainly welcomed.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

08/22/2013 10:40:51 AM · #4

Here's one alternative. And a review of same.

DCNUTTER

Canon EOS-7D

08/22/2013 07:25:03 PM · #5

Originally posted by kirbic:

Here's one alternative. And a review of same.

I agree. The Dell monitor specs are very similar to my HP LP2475w that I have used for few years. Also a 24" monitor. I do think my HP monitor easily beats the Dell when it comes to the stand and it's flexibility in height, angle and screen orientation. My HP also has a few more options for video connections, but With HDMI, DVI, and a Display port most people wouldn't want or need anything else. My HP also has S-video and Composite as options. It's nice that the Dell has USB 3.0. My HP has 6 downstream ports and 1 upstream port for USB, but it's 2.0. Still, a hand feature when you need that extra port. I use two Belkin powered USB hubs that I swear by since all jacks are independently powered and not shared. I do occasionally use the ports on the monitor though when I don't feel like free up one on the hubs.

Mine has an IPS panel as well like the Dell and Eizo which is amazing. I also calibrate it with my Spyder3Studio kit (hardware for both monitor and printer), and the results have always been stellar. I would say that if you went with either the Dell or the Eizo and calibrate it with the Spyder 4 you will be in photo heaven!

Great recommendation by Fritz...I concur. Obviously as you said...Eizo is a market leader, but there are affordable alternatives out there that can compete. Just stick with getting an IPS panel. That's key.

Dave

Canon EF-S 15-85mm IS USM

08/22/2013 09:00:33 PM · #6

Thanks guys. The Dell certainly looks interesting, although I note in the lengthy review that it will not work with Spyder or any of the other common hardware calibration tools. Only the Dell product. This to me seems a significant drawback.

Message edited by author 2013-08-22 21:00:53.

DCNUTTER

Canon EOS-7D

08/22/2013 09:25:56 PM · #7

Originally posted by Qiki:

I bet I could figure out a work around for that. Anyway, that's one of the stupidest moves I've ever seen a company make. I don't use X-rite hardware for calibration and I never intend to. I've tried others, but I'm completely satisfied with my Datacolor solution. I do own the X-Rite color passport though.

They have to know that this monitor would be heavily marketed toward photographers. They will kill their own sales if they do not reverse this decision.

Dave