How to choose a monitor for working with color and photography. Monitor models.

Choosing a monitor for a photographer.

So, you bought a camera, the necessary accessories for it, took a lot of photos, merged everything into the computer and now it’s time for creativity, namely, throw away most of it as scrap, sort it, make corrections, work in graphic editors. For correct color rendition and correct display of your masterpieces, you need a monitor that will be able to display colors correctly, without distortion, on which you will be comfortable to work and which will not have floating colors.

There are a lot of reviews and advice on the net, but in my opinion, this article and site will impartially answer this very important question and many other questions regarding a monitor for a photographer.

Well, then you need to print (which is now becoming increasingly rare in the digital era) photographs in exactly the color you intended. With the tonality and shade of gray that you saw on your monitor, here is another problem awaiting you. But that is another topic. So:

When choosing any complex device A very useful source of information is the Internet - especially forums. The more popular the device you choose, the more information you can get from its current and past owners. But when choosing professional (rare/expensive) equipment, there are very few reviews. You have to rely on the opinion of the sellers, and which seller is the advisor? One example is monitors for photographers and printers, the main requirement for which is high-quality color reproduction. I will try to talk about the main criteria that will be useful when choosing such a monitor.

Criterion #0 (useless): LCD or CRT?

This section could be omitted, but I still (2009) get asked the question: “Can LCD monitors be used to work with color?”

The most essential part of the answer is obvious. Regardless of the capabilities of LCD monitors, you will have to use them. Because the production of CRT monitors was discontinued several years ago, stocks sold out, and buying a used CRT monitor is more like a lottery (if even possible). However, don't be upset. Among modern LCD monitors there are many models that reproduce color well. And if we add to this the well-known advantages of LCD monitors over their CRT predecessors, the picture becomes quite optimistic.

Criterion #1 (obvious): Dimensions and Resolution

Choosing a monitor size is a matter of taste and budget. The most common opinion is: the more, the better. But more expensive. Author's opinion: the most convenient diagonal is 26". Thirty-inch models, in my opinion, are too big - at the usual distance to the screen you have to turn your head too often. Another note for those who choose "small" diagonals: a 22-inch widescreen monitor has almost the same height as a regular 19-inch, but all the increase in diagonal has gone into width.

Criterion No. 2 (mandatory): matrix type

The basis of a modern monitor is an LCD matrix. Modern matrices come in four types: TN, PVA, MVA and IPS. IPS matrices are best suited for working with color (they are also the most expensive). The cheapest (and therefore most popular) TN matrices are completely unsuitable. An intermediate position (in terms of price and quality) is occupied by PVA and MVA matrices. Among the monitors on such matrices, there are quite decent ones, especially if you have to save money.

Criterion No. 3 (important): die surface

IN Lately LCD monitors with a glossy surface are becoming increasingly common. It is difficult to understand the reasons for this. Perhaps manufacturers are counting on a more impressive appearance of the monitor on the store shelf. But for of this work When using images, monitors with a glossy surface are contraindicated: you will see your reflection, not the processed photograph. The only thing these monitors do well is show movies in semi-darkness.

Criterion #4 (only useful): hardware calibration

Some of the most expensive monitors (eg NEC, Lacie, Eizo) have the so-called "hardware" or "internal" calibration. Experience has shown that this feature actually improves image quality and calibration accuracy. But this improvement is not fundamental, and you can do without it - if your budget does not allow you to purchase a monitor with internal calibration.

Criterion #5 (unexpected): increased color gamut.

One of the directions in the development of modern professional monitors is expanding the range of colors that the monitor can reproduce (i.e. increasing the color gamut). Monitors with a larger color gamut are capable of displaying richer colors than conventional models.

This certainly (at first glance) useful feature hides a potential problem. Almost all images intended for distribution (including via the Internet) are prepared on an average monitor and based on the characteristics of an average monitor. Such images (if we work in a program without a built-in color management system) on a monitor with an increased color gamut will look more saturated, which is especially critical for portraits. The opposite situation is also possible - a photo that looks good in a web browser on a monitor with a large color gamut will become pale and sluggish on a regular monitor.

In general, an increased color gamut is certainly useful as long as we work inside programs that have a built-in color management system (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc.). If we exchange images with the outside world, this “trick” can cause a little trouble. In any case, hardware calibration of such a monitor using a measuring device is required.

Models

In conclusion, here is a list of manufacturers whose monitors are more or less suitable for working with color. The only criterion when selecting monitors in this review is the type of matrix. Therefore, the presence of any model here does not mean that I definitely recommend it for working with color. The choice must be made based on many parameters.

Acer

Among the many inexpensive monitors from Acer, you could once find several models that used MVA matrices and could become an acceptable choice on a limited budget. Currently, all Acer monitors use TN matrices and are not suitable for image processing.

Fujitsu-Siemens

HP

LG

Monitor calibration.

Why do you need monitor calibration?
You need to calibrate your monitor to achieve natural color reproduction.

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You will NEVER achieve an absolute match between the image on the monitor and the print for two reasons:

The first reason: the paper does not glow like a monitor, it reflects light (and it can be different). Depending on the light in which you view the prints, the shade on them will change. Try looking at the photo in the light of the lamps, and then going to the window. Notice how the shades have changed.

The second reason: a new roll of paper was loaded in the prolab, and the color faded a little. And if you believe that in the prolab they calibrate every day printing machine, then you are a holy man!

If you have no idea what matrix your monitor is made on, but you bought it based on the requirements “that it would not be expensive,” then most likely you have a monitor on a TN matrix. There is no point in calibrating a monitor on a TN matrix, but owners of cheap monitors also believe in miracles, and let’s not ruin their illusions. The right monitor is an expensive monitor with IPS or a slightly cheaper one with a PVA (MVA) matrix.

Terms necessary to understand the monitor calibration process.

Colorful temperature.
In simple terms, color temperature is the “color of light.” Physicists came up with an “absolute black body” and began to heat it, measuring the temperature in “kelvins”.
We are interested in the question of what color temperature to set for the monitor. There are only two main standards: 5000k (kelvin) and 6500k.

5000k is also designated in calibration programs as D50. Gives a warm tint to the image on the monitor.
6500k is often indicated as D65 gives a cool tint to the image on the monitor.

Decide for yourself which standard to choose. If you look at printed photos under lamp light, then D50 is better - there will be more accurate color rendition on the print. If you look at photos exclusively in daylight, then use D65. Our eyes adapt to color temperature, and neither warm nor cool tones will be noticeable until you start comparing images.

Gamma.
It happens 1.8 or 2.2, the latter is considered a standard, but secretly, gamma affects the elements of the program interface and the operating system. Images will look the same at different gammas.

Brightness and contrast.
There are two ways to adjust brightness and contrast. By eye and using a calibrator.

Online tests for monitors:

and others.

Using measurements with a white point brightness calibrator.
The procedure is quite simple, attach the calibrator to the suction cup, twist, brighten and monitor the calibrator readings. It will show the brightness in candelas per square meter - cd/m2. I recommend setting the brightness to at least 80 cd/m2, but no more than 120 cd/m2. The lower the brightness, the less tired your eyes are and the longer your monitor will work. If you make an image too bright on the monitor, it will appear dark when printed.

God forbid you adjust the brightness and contrast using the Adobe Gamma utility, it is hopelessly outdated, it was intended for CRT monitors and 5 years ago it was removed from the Adobe Photoshop program.
About calibrators.

Recalibration (re-calibration).

The settings of a calibrated monitor should not be changed! If you change the brightness, contrast, temperature, you need to set the previous value or recalibrate the monitor. Apple monitors have one unpleasant feature: there are no digital values ​​in the brightness settings, and changing the brightness automatically leads to the need for recalibration. The monitor should be recalibrated when replacing the video card. It is also recommended to recalibrate the monitor every two weeks or less. This is a trick of calibrator manufacturers; the characteristics of the LCD monitor may change over time (due to changes in the color temperature of the backlight lamps), how long it will take, a month, six months or a year is unknown. And finally. Turn off any auto brightness modes on your monitor! They were invented for those who sit in the office playing Lines and saving electricity.

Photographer's workplace.

Very strict requirements are imposed on the lighting conditions of the workplace, but they can be neglected to some extent if you are not engaged in color-critical work. Just try to avoid direct light, mixed light (window-lamp) and remove images of beauties in bright swimsuits or exotic views from your desktop.

If you take workplace lighting seriously, the color temperature in the workplace must be constant, otherwise the color sensations will change. Natural light from a window changes its color temperature throughout the day, and there is also an unpredictable mixing of lamp light and window light, so ideally the room should be light-isolated.
Using a hood on the monitor protects against bright light and does not make the color temperature more stable. For lovers of perfectionism, I advise you to paint the walls a neutral gray color, remove all colored objects from the room and use overhead diffused lighting with lamps with a constant color temperature.

A large number of photographers have been taking a huge number of photographs of the area and nature for a long time. But besides this, as a rule, photographers process the captured frames on a computer. But it is worth paying attention to the fact that the photographer’s computer must have certain technical parameters. Photographers do a lot to get a high-quality picture of a particular object, location, and so on. But no matter what, the final work with the photo should end quite successfully. This can be affected by a number of aspects.

Aspects affecting the quality of the created photo during processing

First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the weaving of a photograph after processing will directly depend on the operation of the processor in the computer that the photographer uses. It is worth paying attention to the fact that processors that can handle 3D are suitable for photographers. The second aspect that can have an impact is the computer's RAM itself. It must have a sufficiently large volume. But the most important thing in a computer that processes photographs is the monitor itself. It is recommended to purchase a monitor that has a diagonal size of 26 inches. On such a large monitor, the photographer will be able to see any small details. But the colors that the monitor reproduces should be as saturated, bright and at the same time natural as possible. It is worth paying attention to the resolution of the screen itself. As a rule, it should be no lower than 1920x1080.

Monitors for photographers

As a rule, a monitor is of great importance for a photographer. After all, it is with its help that the user processes photographs. Currently, the largest manufacturer of monitors is NEC. Monitors from this manufacturer are very expensive. But they have excellent color rendition and stable performance. The cost of such monitors can currently range from $700 to $1,500. It all depends on what diagonal the monitor has. Currently, the most affordable monitor model from this manufacturer is NEC MultiSync EA231WMi. The monitor has a diagonal of 23 inches. But the screen resolution is 1920x1080 pixels. This monitor can become indispensable when working as a photographer. The user will also be able to use it for other needs.

Recently, Apple was able to take a big step in the use of certain IPS matrices. Among all the monitors that this company offers, the following model stands out: Apple Thunderbolt Display A1407. The diagonal of this screen is 27 inches. This size can be perfect for working with photographs. The screen itself has a fairly high resolution. Please note that this particular screen model can display 16 million colors. It is also worth noting that the horizontal and vertical viewing angle in this monitor is 178 degrees. Recently, screens from Apple have become very popular among huge amount users.

If you have a significantly limited budget, then you will need to opt for a budget screen model. The screen is directly related to these Dell U2212HM. This display perfectly combines low cost and decent quality. When creating the monitor, the manufacturer used an E-IPS matrix. Currently, the user can purchase such a monitor for $400. Its screen measures 21.5 inches. It is worth noting that the color rendition in this screen is slightly worse than in the previously described monitors. Also currently a large number of photographers use a screen model such as LG Flatron IPS234T. The user can buy this monitor for only $300. But there is one minor drawback to this screen. It lies in the fact that the monitor has low quality in displaying dark shades.

Summarizing

As a rule, the user needs a fairly large screen to process photos. On a monitor that is large enough, the user will be able to see any little details captured in the photograph. In this article, we were able to describe screens that are most suitable for photo processing. When choosing a monitor to use as a photographer, there are a few factors to consider. It is recommended to purchase only a monitor that has a sufficiently high resolution and large size. Please note that the larger the diagonal of the selected screen, the more comfortable it will be to work with graphics.

It doesn’t matter who chooses a monitor: a professional photographer or just a person passionate about photography - the first thing that comes to mind when choosing a monitor is, of course, the size. Previously, monitors with a diagonal of 19 and 21 inches were especially popular, but now 27- and 32-inch panels are the most popular. From a photographer's point of view, working with images on a large screen provides a much higher degree of satisfaction in the process. In addition, a larger screen accommodates more windows, which also improves productivity when using professional imaging software. So, with that said, is “bigger is better” really when it comes to monitor size? Unfortunately, it is not. The optimal distance between the user and the monitor is directly proportional to the size of the monitor. Ideally, this distance should exceed the size of the monitor (diagonal viewing area) by 1.5 times. In other words, the larger the monitor, the greater the distance from it to the user should be. If the user is too close to the monitor, the image on the screen will look blurry, which, at a minimum, will lead to discomfort and ultimately have a negative impact on vision. On the other hand, a user who is too far from the monitor simply will not be able to distinguish image details or even text. Thus, when it comes to choosing a monitor, it turns out that “bigger” is not always “better”. The ideal size monitor ensures optimal quality of work and content viewing with maximum visual comfort.

The most common monitors among photographers are 27-inch monitors. This size is also recommended by experts. This choice is due to two reasons. First of all, 27 inches is a large enough size to provide the user with optimal comfort when working and viewing images. It is also perfect for cases where users use professional image processing software: Overall operating efficiency is greatly improved. In addition, if you simultaneously open two images on the screen of a 27-inch monitor, the area of ​​each of them will be sufficient to easily process and compare them. Secondly, the optimal distance between a 27-inch monitor and the user is 100 cm, and this is the distance most of us work from our monitors when processing images.

The advantage of large monitors is their ability to fully display all open windows and other content, which increases user satisfaction when viewing images. Smaller monitors have lower native resolution and larger pixel spacing, which forces the user to constantly scroll or drag elements on the screen to find the desired content or function.

A competent selection of components and peripherals will allow you to best meet the user's needs. Certain models of video cards, processors and monitors are suitable for the intended purposes. Of course, you can always choose a universal solution, but to achieve the best results, you should look closely at a narrow range of options.

Before purchasing a monitor, users personal computers It’s worth thinking about the tasks that he will perform.

General tips on choosing this peripheral were given in the article,

Criteria for choosing a monitor for a photographer

PC owners who plan to work with photographs have special needs and interests. Photographers and graphic designers When purchasing a monitor, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Matrix type. For high-quality photo processing, it is worth buying a monitor with an IPS matrix or its improved version H-IPS (has a high response time) and AS-IPS (features increased display contrast). This kind of devices convey colors most naturally and achieve the highest possible viewing angles (from 140 to 178°).

  Photographers have special requirements for the monitor, because the work of a professional depends entirely on the image on the screen

• Contrast and brightness. The higher these indicators, the better. The first should not be lower than 250 cd/m2, and a level of 1000:1 is considered acceptable for the second.
• Screen surface. The material applied to the display is extremely important for people working with photographs. Design masters do not favor devices with glossy surfaces, because they reflect all the incident light, while matte ones absorb any rays directed at the screen.
• Color rendition. The higher the quality and quantity of flowers, the better. There are models on the market with 16.2 and 16.7 million shades - this is quite enough.

  When working with photography, good color rendition is important, so the monitor must display 16.2–16.7 million shades

• Screen sizes. You should not choose a very small monitor: best options have a diagonal of 19 inches. Of course, on 40-inch screens you will be able to take in almost all the details of the image, but there is a high chance of not seeing the entire composition.
• Resolutions below Full HD are not considered by photographers. Most often the choice falls in favor of 2K and 4K.

TOP 10 best monitors for photographers

There are many interesting models of monitors on the modern market that could become good assistants for photographers in their work. Let's look at the 10 best.

LG 27UK850

LG 27UK850 - an office monitor that is suitable for photo processing

The LG 27UK850 was not initially positioned as a monitor for photographers. This is a typical expensive office device that has unexpectedly found favor among designers and soap dish fans. The device has amazing characteristics and is distinguished by its material, which allows it to be successfully used for photo processing. What sets LG apart is its deep development of the HDR effect, which is the main feature of the monitor.

Viewsonic VX3211–2K-mhd

Beginners should pay attention to the Viewsonic VX3211–2K-mhd monitor

If you are a beginner photographer, then you should take a closer look at a monitor from VIEWSONIC. Why is it good for beginners? Firstly, with all its advantages and excellent characteristics, the device is extremely cheap when compared with other representatives of the market - only 20 thousand rubles. Secondly, we have amazing color reproduction, supporting more than a billion colors, which remain natural and unique across different brightness ranges. Thirdly, if you are going to spend a long time editing photos, then the Flicker-Free function will save your eyes from overstrain and fatigue.

DELL P2418D

The DELL P2418D monitor is inexpensive, but has high image quality

The presentation of budget models continues with the DELL P2418D monitor, which has become a favorite among photographers for its ability to produce natural and detailed images. This device for a ridiculous 17 thousand rubles is perfect for both beginners and professionals, but the latter will most likely look at more expensive options. DELL P2418D will offer stable high quality images and excellent brightness and contrast.

DELL UltraSharp U2410

UltraSharp U2410 is another monitor from DELL, suitable for photo processing

DELL seems to have occupied the niche of inexpensive but high-quality monitors for photographers. The UltraSharp U2518D model distinguished itself as standard high performance brightness and contrast. The manufacturer has prepared excellent LED backlighting and anti-glare coating on the screen for users. The device supports the HDR10 function, which allows you to work with high dynamic ranges of colors.

ASUS MG279Q

The ASUS MG279Q monitor belongs to the middle price category - its cost exceeds 30 thousand rubles

The average price category is more diverse with models with different modes and functions. A wide range of capabilities, connection interfaces and configurations allow the user of the ASUS MG279Q to configure the monitor the way the photographer’s soul desires. The main distinguishing features of the device are high Hertz, detailed WQHD resolution and support for sRGB colors.

ASUS PB248Q

PB248Q is another monitor from ASUS with characteristics suitable for photographers

An excellent monitor with flicker-free LED backlighting and Full HD resolution. ASUS PB248Q is quite simple, but it gets the job done: it is suitable for photographers because it has 178° viewing angles and 100% sRGB coverage. In some ways, this model is reminiscent of the previous one on the list, which was also produced by ASUS, but here users can save money and buy a good monitor for photo processing for 24 thousand rubles.

NEC MultiSync EA275WMi

The NEC MultiSync EA275WMi monitor costs more than 40 thousand rubles, but still belongs to the middle price category

More expensive devices immediately announce their cool characteristics: NEC MultiSync EA275WMi is equipped with an excellent, bright 27-inch IPS display with 2K resolution. In addition, compared to mid- and low-budget monitors, it can boast an increased brightness of 350 cd/m2. The contrast is at the standard level of 1000:1. For those who like to edit photos with music, MultiSync has built-in high-quality speakers. You will have to pay about 42 thousand rubles for such a device.

NEC SpectraView 241

NEC SpectraView 241 - monitor for professionals

A monitor for true professionals in their field. Only the best of the best use the NEC SpectraView 241 in their work. This device immediately stands out as interesting. appearance, because many will ask the question: “What function does this strange visor perform?” Believe me, photography masters find many uses for this interesting gadget, from holding photos to limiting the incidence of light on the display. Professionals highlight excellent color reproduction and deep tones in the NEC SpectraView 241, but you will have to pay 240 thousand rubles for this monitor.

Eizo ColorEdge CG248–4K

The Eizo ColorEdge CG248–4K monitor is preferred by many professional photographers

Less expensive compared to the previous one, but much more interesting, the Eizo ColorEdge CG248–4K has impressive characteristics: a very high-quality 23.8-inch display that conveys natural colors, a resolution of 3840x2160 and stunning viewing angles of 178° on each side . This professional monitor will cost the user 190 thousand rubles.

For people working with photos, Eizo has long been the main supplier of top-end devices.

iMac 27

iMac 27 is not just a monitor, but a candy bar that has everything for photo processing

Apple equipment is in demand among amateurs and professionals working with video and photos. The iMac 27 is not just a monitor, but an entire all-in-one. You don’t have to spend money on other components, because inside this device there is already everything a photographer needs to carry out any operations on photographs. Yes, the device from Apple is not cheap, but it fully justifies its cost of 130 thousand rubles. For this money you get a 27-inch screen with Full HD resolution, a high-quality IPS matrix with a glossy finish and a built-in AMD Radeon Pro 500 video processor.

Table: comparison of the best monitors for photo processing

Manufacturers offer monitors for photo processing in different price categories. When buying a device, focus on your needs.

Perhaps among our readers there will be real photographers who will share their opinions regarding the use of monitors in work. Be sure to leave comments and tell us which devices you prefer.