Cheap but effective calibration device?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
September 24, 2024
2 replies
532 views

I have been upgrading my displays and finally have some wide-gamut models that I found cheap (Goodwill FTW!) Unfortunately I don't think my old Huey Pro calibrator is up to the task of properly profiling them. The old software is long since obsolete and using DisplayCal hasn't worked out well. So I'm looking to pickup a cheap but decent display profiler.

I currently have an LG 24MD4KLB-B Thunderbolt display and a Dell Ultrasharp U3011 via HDMI on my M1 Mac mini. I also have a second LG and an old NEC 30" wide-gamut model (that weighs about 40 pounds) as backups. I typically edit RAW files in Adobe RGB, 16-bi.

Any recommendations? Apple Silicon compatibility is a must, I won't be using it with Windows at all.At some point I'd love to upgrade to a Mac Studio but probably not today so the mini is it.

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D Fosse

Community Expert

Sorry, in my hurry I didn't notice it was you 😉 (Lumigraphics is a regular in the Photoshop forum).

Still, don't know what else to recommend. Most budget calibrators (like the Spyder Express) don't support dual monitors. And with wide gamut monitors you do need a good sensor.

L

LumigraphicsAuthor

Legend

Good advice is good regardless of who you are telling. I just wish I had money. LOL. I was leaning toward the Calibrite line, they are running a promotion too so I might jump on it next month.

NB, colourmanagement

Community Expert

@Lumigraphics Yeah I agree the renamed X-Rite sensors are a good answer

as you know I like the basICColor display software's capabilities that’s an inexpensive upgrade if you like the idea - once you have the sensor and have decided to try their 14 day demo.

I hope this helps
neil barstow, colourmanagement net - adobe forum volunteer - co-author: 'getting colour right'
google me "neil barstow colourmanagement" for lots of free articles on colour management

D Fosse

Community Expert

If you buy cheap, you get cheap.

The Calibrite Display Pro, at $279 at B+H, is the best all-round mainstream colorimeter on the market. (formerly known as x-rite i1 Display Pro, now rebranded and improved).

I don't know why some people think calibrators are "expensive". It's an absolutely essential piece of equipment. Considering what it buys you, which is confidence in your work, they are ridiculously cheap. An external drive of reasonable capacity will cost you more.

L

LumigraphicsAuthor

Legend

I go with what I can afford. Its hard to tell from the Calibrite website what the differences between models are, I'd love to see some product comparisons. I don't currently have any HDR displays but maybe in the future I'll have a MacBook Pro, if the cash fairy pays me a visit.

Thanks for the guidance!

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