Help - which Monitor Calibration for me?

[makario]

Gday Folks,

I am looking to get a monitor calibration tool and hence am seeking advice on what is best for someone with my current setup.I have a Samsung Syncmaster 2243bw 22inch LCD monitor connected to my desktop (a single monitor computer) that I use for Photoshoping. I have heard of the name Colorvision Sypder, but not sure what model I need, hence my questions;

1. Which device will suit my setup
2. Is there any software that I would need for the same or will CS4 be enough
3. Anyone know where I can get a good deal on such a device.

Thanks
Cheers
Mak

[DaveB]

1. Which device will suit my setup

Of course there are choices:

• Spyder3express - simple calibration for single-monitor systems
• Spyder3PRO - fancier software - will cope with multi-monitor systems
• Spyder3Elite - even fancier software. Will also profile projectors.

All 3 support both Windows and Mac: all your machines with one device.
All 3 use the Spyder3 device (which seems to handle wide-gamut monitors well - even though your current monitor isn't one of those).
Many photographers settle on the PRO model, but the express does have a significant price advantage. The Spyder3express has just been introduced (replacing the older Spyder2express): first units are expected to arrive 3 weeks from now.

2. Is there any software that I would need for the same or will CS4 be enough

Once your monitor is calibrated/profiled, that will be used by Photoshop/Bridge/InDesign/Illustrator/etc, Lightroom, NxView, Firefox, etc, etc. You shouldn't need any extra software.

3. Anyone know where I can get a good deal on such a device.

You could try my store.

[makario]

thanks for the information dave. I will have a browse of your store. Hopefully we get to catchup on the Sunday at the Melb meet. At this point I am trying to decide between Pro and Express. While I dont have a multi monitor setup at the moment, i am toying with the idea and I dont want to be stuck with a monitor calibration system that doesnt cope with this.

Cheers
Mak

[Nnnnsic]

While Dave's better suited to answer the question than me, I'm not sure if colour calibrating a TN panel - the sort of panel found in your display - will be a brilliant improvement.

Dave?

[DaveB]

Calibrating/profiling a TN panel is worthwhile if you're stuck using the panel. It will give you a fighting chance of getting the best images possible from it.
Not as good as you'll get from a VA or IPS panel, but _much_ better than you'll get from an uncalibrated panel!