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Post by Antonio Correia on May 12, 2012 12:20:32 GMT
Which monitor calibration device do you use ?  |
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Post by katynoelle on May 12, 2012 13:27:35 GMT
Oooooh....it's ever so funny that you should ask this. The last comment I made was about my monitor calibration issues and printing.... I have the spyder 4 express. www.amazon.com/Datacolor-S4X100-Spyder4Express/dp/B006TF3746/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336828795&sr=8-2 (I hope this link works.  At first, I was having a terrible time getting it to calibrate to anything without a strange color cast or coming out really dark. I read a ton about how they don't work with an imac (caveat emptor) but, then, read some reasonable comments recommending them for an imac - but I'm not sure who to trust - on the internet, 'everyone' likes to be an expert.  ;D Then, last evening, I gave it another try and I think that it's worked beautifully. I'm not sure why it didn't work at all before and why it looks wonderful, now. Perhaps, it's the updates?  (I thought that I hadn't finished updating the software....I'm not sure what's going on. I'll let you know when I figure it out.) |
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Post by Antonio Correia on May 12, 2012 13:37:18 GMT
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Post by nickjohnson on May 12, 2012 16:43:53 GMT
Hi, FWIW I have a Spyder II - about 6 years old now - but I still get a good consistent result. Consistent is the key here. It's helpful to view the monitor calibration as part of a production process. Get it right, get it consistent, then don't go messing with it. Some folks take the view that the perceived rigidity of a production processes is incompatible with a creative approach to photography. In fact, it's the complete opposite. Having a solid production process frees up valuable time and removes frustration. Tips for monitor calibration:- Find a way to control the light levels in your workplace - so when you calibrate you have a chance to actually do your work at a similar light level. Most monitors are set way to bright - by default - out of the box. The manufactures do that to make their product look impressive in the store. Remember, printers do not have white ink. So the unprinted paper is as bright (white) as a print can get. You need to have your monitor set to a brightness that is reasonably close to that of a well lit plain piece of paper if you need your on screen image and you prints to be reasonably close. Do not use your own work to judge the quality of the calibration. Use an industry standard - like this:- www.jirvana.com/printer_tests/PrinterEvaluationImage_V002.zipYes I know it's for print evaluation - but it's also fine for monitors too. I Hope I've not made things more difficult for you both. I've not said much on this subject previously since I run a Windows PC and do my own printing. I know that Katy has a Mac and is wanting to use a commercial printing service - so I've made my Tips generic. |
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Post by Barry on May 12, 2012 19:31:11 GMT
I also use a Spyder3 with my HP IPS monitor, giving good screen to print images.
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Post by Antonio Correia on May 13, 2012 14:41:37 GMT
OK. Then, let me go just a bit further if you please.
1. I calibrate the monitor with a device whichever it may be.
2. I save the photograph with a profile suitable for the specific printer.
3. I print and what I get on paper is (supposed to be) what I see on the monitor.
To profile is to adjust - by means of a file - what I see in the calibrated monitor to what I get in the specific printer I use.
The process turns more and more intricate and complex. And if we mix in, the kind of paper ...
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Post by nickjohnson on May 13, 2012 15:21:17 GMT
Antonio, You are correct, it is indeed an intricate and complex process – and is made all the more so if well meaning folks say things that turn out to be unhelpful to the person(s) seeking help.
My experience and knowledge – such as it is – concerns printing my work on my own printer using a Windows PC. I am more than willing to describe the process I use – but I am very afraid of causing confusion If you have a different situation.
So for example – If you are using a Mac, or printing with another persons printer at a different location, or using a commercial service at a store, or a commercial service on the Internet – my writing about what I do is likely to be dis-information and unhelpful.
On the other hand I know that Barry uses a commercial printing and his experience and working methods may be far more useful to you.
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Post by Antonio Correia on May 13, 2012 15:24:35 GMT
Thank you  |
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Post by nickjohnson on May 13, 2012 15:30:30 GMT
OK. Then, let me go just a bit further if you please.
1. I calibrate the monitor with a device whichever it may be. 2. I save the photograph with a profile suitable for the specific printer. 3. I print and what I get on paper is (supposed to be) what I see on the monitor. To profile is to adjust - by means of a file - what I see in the calibrated monitor to what I get in the specific printer I use. The process turns more and more intricate and complex. And if we mix in, the kind of paper ... Antonio, I should have added that your post quoted above contains a number of statements that may – or may not – be true. The specifics depend upon which printing route you choose to take. I'm just desperate not to send you or anyone else down a rat hole. |
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Post by Antonio Correia on May 13, 2012 15:35:22 GMT
Nick, this is way too much for me - poor, miserable Portuguese - who learned English only for 3 short years !!!  I Google about this idiomatic expression about the rat and...  So, if you please... Thank you |
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Post by nickjohnson on May 13, 2012 15:47:37 GMT
Humble apologies …. A Rat Hole in this context is an unnecessary, and unhelpful diversion away from the main point of a discussion. It is often used by polititions to waste time and to divert attention away from an embarrassing revelation. Is. That OK?
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Post by Antonio Correia on May 13, 2012 15:54:44 GMT
Humble apologies …. A Rat Hole in this context is an unnecessary, and unhelpful diversion away from the main point of a discussion. It is often used by polititions to waste time and to divert attention away from an embarrassing revelation. Is. That OK? ;D ;D I am going to remember this expression. Thank you |
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At first, I was having a terrible time getting it to calibrate to anything without a strange color cast or coming out really dark. I read a ton about how they don't work with an imac (caveat emptor) but, then, read some reasonable comments recommending them for an imac - but I'm not sure who to trust - on the internet, 'everyone' likes to be an expert. 