Monitor calibration

[Mavik]

Hi all at SA,

Would like to find out if you would happen to know any local shops in KL/PJ area selling monitor calibration devices such as Spyder 2 or other monitor calibration devices around at a reasonable price?

[noordin]

Eng Tong in SS2, PJ.

[ShaolinTiger]

I bought mine from Eng Tong, it's the only place I know that sells.

[Mavik]

I bought mine from Eng Tong, it's the only place I know that sells.

Great thanks! How much did it cost by the way?

[ShaolinTiger]

I bought the Spyder2 Express as I don't need the printer calibration software or the more advanced features like multi-monitor support.

It cost RM377, but that was KLPF price, I think it's normally around RM415. You can check with them.

Spyder2Pro was RM997 for fair price, normal price around RM1300 I think.

You can always call them to check.

[root]

shashinki is selling too
http://shashinki.com/shop/gretagmacbeth-pantone-huey-display-calibrator-p-152.html?osCsid=6d14d5648af641fdc4c33e1e5be668a7

[easyihzy]

Hi ST,

may i know what monitor are you using ? and is there a significant amount of changes after calibration using the spyder2 express ?

thanks

[ShaolinTiger]

I'm using Samsung 226BW.

There's quite a difference after calibration on all monitors I've tried so far.

The biggest difference is colour temperature generally, monitors by default tend to way too cool and have too much blue tones as this makes whites look super white and it tends to make the monitor crisper.

It's also harder on the eyes, after you calibrate you'll notice the colours are much more softer and natural and easy on your eyes.

[Mavik]

shashinki is selling too
http://shashinki.com/shop/gretagmacbeth-pantone-huey-display-calibrator-p-152.html?osCsid=6d14d5648af641fdc4c33e1e5be668a7

Unfortunately its not validated for Vista yet. I know the Spyder2 express is already Vista ready.

[ZulSim]

I'm using Samsung 226BW.

There's quite a difference after calibration on all monitors I've tried so far.

The biggest difference is colour temperature generally, monitors by default tend to way too cool and have too much blue tones as this makes whites look super white and it tends to make the monitor crisper.

It's also harder on the eyes, after you calibrate you'll notice the colours are much more softer and natural and easy on your eyes.

Any difference between Spyder2 Express & GretaMacbeth Pantone Huey? About RM100 price difference. Which is better? Thanks.

[ShaolinTiger]

Any difference between Spyder2 Express & GretaMacbeth Pantone Huey? About RM100 price difference. Which is better? Thanks.

Never tried the Pantone Huey, but from experience Spyder has a better rep.

You can probably Google some comparisons between the two.

[twsttl]

Currently I'm upgrading from Gretagmacbeth to Spyder 2 Suite.:):)

For you guys' information, if you have an ebay account, better buy the ColorVision Spyder 2 over there as the prices there are very attractive;
What I got after checked in ebay:-
Spyder2 Express- USD85+-
Spyder2 Suite- USD140+-
Spyder2 Pro- USD250+-

All prices quoted including postage to Malaysia.:D:D

[easyihzy]

what about the pantone / gretag macbeth's eyeone display 2, anyone use it before?

http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/monitor_calibration_tools.htm

anyone knows the internet / ebay price? i got a quote from a local vendor for rm 1000+ for a eyeone display2

[twsttl]

GretagMacBeth eye-one Lite. (http://cgi.ebay.com/GRETAGMACBETH-EYE-ONE-DISPLAY-LT-NEW_W0QQitemZ190156540503QQihZ009QQcategoryZ46730Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem):):):redface:

:):):):):)

[Ken]

Anyone knows which shop is selling GretagMacBeth eye-one Lite in Malaysia?
How much would it be?

[hotdrive]

here's a noob question....

after calibrating a monitor....does this affect how your output looks like when you print your pix? how do i make my output colour same like what i see on my monitor?

:)

[macropixman]

Sorry for the stupid question but like a software I once bought, you can only install it on 1 computer. What about this Spyder 2 Express? Can it be used to calibrate my notebook and my office computer as well?
Thanks...Does it make a lot of difference as shown on the box.. the colours look something like between a polarizer shot and without...

[Mavik]

Sorry for the stupid question but like a software I once bought, you can only install it on 1 computer. What about this Spyder 2 Express? Can it be used to calibrate my notebook and my office computer as well?
Thanks...Does it make a lot of difference as shown on the box.. the colours look something like between a polarizer shot and without...

When calibrating your monitor, you can't expect huge changes such as a miracle change especially when it comes to colours. :0

Remember, calibration is just to make sure that your colour tone is correct and the exposure is correct (meaning you can see proper gradation for a grayscale chart and the white is not too white and the black is not too black).

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/spyder2express.html

[ShaolinTiger]

You'll notice 99% of the time your monitor colour temperature will be quite a lot warmer after calibration.

This is because most monitors are set cool by default as it makes them appear brighter and sharper.

It doesn't render real colours though, I always find a monitor easier on the eyes after calibration.

[macropixman]

so the b4 and after pix on the cover of the Spyder is pure marketing then...much like the b4 and after pix on the box of Expodisc...

[ShaolinTiger]

so the b4 and after pix on the cover of the Spyder is pure marketing then...much like the b4 and after pix on the box of Expodisc...

It makes a lot of difference, you can see before and after when you complete the calibration.

The major difference is the natural rendering of skintones, you'll see they are very pale and washed out before, rosy and natural after.

[ND40]

It makes a lot of difference, you can see before and after when you complete the calibration.

The major difference is the natural rendering of skintones, you'll see they are very pale and washed out before, rosy and natural after.

Agree with you. You can really see the difference b4 and after. Especially the white balance and contrast.

[Peisqo]

Hmm after looking at ST's model photos .. i think my monitor really cannot make it ... coz ST's photo looked like 80% white on my monitor lol .. MIGHT consider getting this calibration stuff ... few questions tho

1) Can this software be used in many places ? Coz i'm using laptop .. then i have 1 other monitor ... and I have 1 more monitor at home .. so can I use in so many place ? Or if i damn kiamsiap .. or found 1 other fren who is interested .. can we just share ? Or the thing has to be attached to your monitor all the time or something ?

2) Does it work on laptop LCD ?
- I shall answer my own question :P Yes it does ...

3) Whats the difference among them all ? I see there is spyder2 express ... spyder2suite ... spyder2 ... spyder2pro .. blablabla ...
- I shall answer my own question again :P Table of comparison here (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Colorvision-Spyder2-Express-Monitor-Calibration-Kit_W0QQitemZ360036683363QQihZ023QQcategoryZ51344Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638 .m122) taken from ebay ..

[ND40]

Hmm after looking at ST's model photos .. i think my monitor really cannot make it ... coz ST's photo looked like 80% white on my monitor lol .. MIGHT consider getting this calibration stuff ... few questions tho

1) Can this software be used in many places ? Coz i'm using laptop .. then i have 1 other monitor ... and I have 1 more monitor at home .. so can I use in so many place ? Or if i damn kiamsiap .. or found 1 other fren who is interested .. can we just share ? Or the thing has to be attached to your monitor all the time or something ?

2) Does it work on laptop LCD ?
- I shall answer my own question :P Yes it does ...

3) Whats the difference among them all ? I see there is spyder2 express ... spyder2suite ... spyder2 ... spyder2pro .. blablabla ...
- I shall answer my own question again :P Table of comparison here (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Colorvision-Spyder2-Express-Monitor-Calibration-Kit_W0QQitemZ360036683363QQihZ023QQcategoryZ51344Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638 .m122) taken from ebay ..

1. it is a hardware and not a software. You can use it in multiple computer. It need not to attach to your computer all the time. After calibrate keep it for 2 weeks then recalibrate again. Of course this depends on your setting. You can set the duration for the next calibration.

2. I'm using laptop, what do you think. It can calibrate CRT, LCD monitor. It come with user manual you can refer to it when you buy it. For crt, you need to take out the adapter. for LCD, you need not to do anything on the tool.

3. They are a few model. For photo enthusiastic till professional. Top of the end can even calibrate the printer if i'm not mistaken.

[kiankheong]

If I'm not wrong, your monitor must be on for certain hours (?2 hours) before calibration, and that different lighting environments (room, office, outdoors) affect calibration.

Perhaps these steps are considered when one wants a critical calibration. :?

[ND40]

Manual did stated that, no lights should shine directly to the monitor. Shade it if any lights shine it directly. As for me, my room got a small yellow lights. I working most of the time with it. I switch off tall the lights, and left the only light bulb on while calibrating my monitor..result turns out great!!

Peisgo, way to go...Get the Spyder2Express!! you wont regret for it!!

[Peisqo]

Manual did stated that, no lights should shine directly to the monitor. Shade it if any lights shine it directly. As for me, my room got a small yellow lights. I working most of the time with it. I switch off tall the lights, and left the only light bulb on while calibrating my monitor..result turns out great!!

Peisgo, way to go...Get the Spyder2Express!! you wont regret for it!!

Wah boss .. your poison so powderful ah haha :run_away:

[karheng]

Testimonial: calibration really makes a difference. :P

[dinduboy14]

Testimonial: calibration really makes a difference. :P

hey specific la :) whick one you got? how much? what difference? u using monitor or laptop? ...lol too many questions i know :D :D

[lurker]

1. it is a hardware and not a software. You can use it in multiple computer. It need not to attach to your computer all the time. After calibrate keep it for 2 weeks then recalibrate again. Of course this depends on your setting. You can set the duration for the next calibration.



but u can't use the hardware without installing the software
so can the software legally be installed on multiple pc?

[ND40]

but u can't use the hardware without installing the software
so can the software legally be installed on multiple pc?

If you would like to share your serial key, why not? I had installed the software into a few pc[s]. FYI, with the software, without the calibrator, the calibration will not performed. and vice versa.

[jevous]

Folks,

Got a few questions here which relates to monitor calibration... using Spyder2Express. I was previously using it fine with my desktop/LCD but now that my desktop is wrecked, I got myself a laptop and there are a few variables that come to mind before I begin calibrating on the laptop.

1) Laptop's power management tends to adjust the LCD brightness according to the power source. Given that I most likely wouldn't work just relying on the adapter, the brightness will change very frequently. How shall i workaround this? Assuming i'm working off the laptop LCD only.

2) When i do connect the laptop to an external LCD, i wonder if it automatically switches profile according to the monitor being used? I guess i'll find that out once i first start calibrating.

3) Any other pointers you guys with the same scenario would like to share?

Thanks.

[dinduboy14]

i'll be interested in this answer too as i am working from a laptop and thinking of getting the spyder2

[cheewooi]

I am using Spyder2. I do agree with ST that the monitor looks cool without calibration. As far as I am concern, after the calibration, my monitor looks warmer.

Anyone can share your calibration setting? BTW, bear in mind the monitor need to be switched on for an hour before you start the calibration process. This is to make sure the monitor in stable condition.

BTW,a little OT here, I am looking for 22inch monitor, unfortunately I can't find those good one for photo editing. Most of the monitor sell in lowyat are those TN panel. Any recommendation? ;)

[ShaolinTiger]

I am using Spyder2. I do agree with ST that the monitor looks cool without calibration. As far as I am concern, after the calibration, my monitor looks warmer.

Anyone can share your calibration setting? BTW, bear in mind the monitor need to be switched on for an hour before you start the calibration process. This is to make sure the monitor in stable condition.

BTW,a little OT here, I am looking for 22inch monitor, unfortunately I can't find those good one for photo editing. Most of the monitor sell in lowyat are those TN panel. Any recommendation? ;)

Without breaking the bank the best I can recommend is the Samsung 226BW.

It's still a TN panel though, make sure you get (S) type not (A) or (C) though.

[cheewooi]

Folks,

1) Laptop's power management tends to adjust the LCD brightness according to the power source. Given that I most likely wouldn't work just relying on the adapter, the brightness will change very frequently. How shall i workaround this? Assuming i'm working off the laptop LCD only.


2) When i do connect the laptop to an external LCD, i wonder if it automatically switches profile according to the monitor being used? I guess i'll find that out once i first start calibrating.

3) Any other pointers you guys with the same scenario would like to share?

Thanks.

Answer to your question:
1. I normally set my laptop to full power and leave the screen on all the times. Brightness set to maximum.

2. You need to calibrate the external monitor that connect to your laptop and save as a profile (specially for connection to laptop VGA output)

3. I still trying different calibration method in Spyder2 Pro. Anyone can share their experience?

[gr2k]

BTW,a little OT here, I am looking for 22inch monitor, unfortunately I can't find those good one for photo editing. Most of the monitor sell in lowyat are those TN panel. Any recommendation? ;)

Apple Cinema Displays..no regrets..maybe a hole in your pocket (a rather big one)

[cheewooi]

ST, samsung 226BW what's the difference between 'S', 'A' and 'C' type? could u elaborate more on this?

gr2K, yeah Apple Cinema Display is good, they using Phillips S-IPS panel. But it is way out of my budget.hehe

[ShaolinTiger]

ST, samsung 226BW what's the difference between 'S', 'A' and 'C' type? could u elaborate more on this?


http://www.behardware.com/articles/667-1/samsung-226bw-a-and-s-series-the-verdict.html

[kiankheong]

For laptop users:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0808/08081204thinkpad.asp

[hajime]

Hi guys, Ive been reading up on the spyder, is EngTong the only place I can get it? Any shops in Lowyat selling it? :redface:

[Ken]

I got mine from Eng Tong.
I remember last time I saw YL also selling this, but not sure now they still got stock or not.

[twsttl]

Hi guys, Ive been reading up on the spyder, is EngTong the only place I can get it? Any shops in Lowyat selling it? :redface:

You can get from Creative Photography Solution-
http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15332


:):)