So, I decided to use our local Photography store for my print needs. They've been around forever (>50yrs), have a great reputation and I trus them. I had them print a few 5x7 JPGs (B/W) and they came back way darker than I thought they would. I looked at the files again and my computer and they look "great." I calibrate my monitor using a Huey Pro calibrator but, I was never too sure that I got the brightness and/or contrast correct since I don't have a way to adjust via hardware, those settings.

Do the facts point to the misrepresentation being on my end not the printer? Should I adjust my monitor to match the prints if I intend to use this printer inthe future??

thanx

in 90% of the 'my prints are too dark compared to what I saw on the screen' issues, it's due to the monitor being set too bright. Or you can increase the amount of light in your viewing area if that is controllable. But whatever, it's the imbalance/difference that is hurting you

I agree with Howard, that's the most likely reason for the discrepancy. Unfortunately, most LCD displays are set very bright at the factory, much brighter than they should be for photographic work. Many of the lower-cost monitor calibrators don't offer the ability to calibrate the luminance to a known value, so you may not know that your monitor is too bright. FWIW, I calibrate my display to 100 cd/m^2 and find that I get pretty good agreement between my monitor and prints.

OK, I've been playing around with my monitors, graphic card setup and monitor calibratin tools. They all suck.

Can someone recommend a monitor that will display with a respectable level of fidelity?

I'm not a pro (obviously) but to spend time in PP trying to get what I like and it just drives me nuts when print looks different.

I don't mind buying used, in fact, I prefer that. I do have a dual monitor setup because I multi-task.

I don't do any gaming so, hopefully, I can get by with my cheap stock ATI card.

thanx.

depends on how big you want to go. for a lot of people, they use a single monitor and 24" seems to be the favorite if you can swing the dollars.

lower end ($600): dell 2408WFP or HP2475W
mid-high: NEC 2490WUXI (something) (approx $1100-1200)

howardm4 wrote:
depends on how big you want to go. for a lot of people, they use a single monitor and 24" seems to be the favorite if you can swing the dollars.

lower end ($600): dell 2408WFP or HP2475W
mid-high: NEC 2490WUXI (something) (approx $1100-1200)

Thank you so much for the recommendations. I'll probably look into the lower end models.

Curious as to what you get with the higher end models. Is it bells & whistles or real image improvement.

thanx again

pawlowski6132 wrote:

Curious as to what you get with the higher end models. Is it bells & whistles or real image improvement.

A little of both. I just bought a LaCie 324, but it’s still in the box. Haven’t had the time to set it up yet. Hopefully today.

I can’t imagine a monitor that has no controls for setting the brightness and contrast. I know with my Monaco Optix calibrator, physically adjusting the brightness is part of the calibration process. A new monitor is most likely in your near future. If properly calibrated, your prints should match your monitor.

A Dell 2209W is a very good monitor for a reasonable price. One more to look at.

--------
Gary
Will Fly for Food... and more Nikon Stuff

yes, if you can sacrifice an inch or two, there are some excellent 22" units. price is exponential after 22"

reality is that for the average to better+ than average hobbiest, the Dell/HP thing is more than enough. If you're a retouching pro or such (ie. making money), they move up the food chain.

An update on what Gary said regarding the Dell 2209W. It's actually the Dell 2209WA. There is a 2209W, but that uses a TN panel. I have the 2209WA myself (have had it for 2 weeks), and I love it. It's an excellent monitor. I paid $212 with free shipping.

BobCollette wrote:
An update on what Gary said regarding the Dell 2209W. It's actually the Dell 2209WA. There is a 2209W, but that uses a TN panel. I have the 2209WA myself (have had it for 2 weeks), and I love it. It's an excellent monitor. I paid $212 with free shipping.

You know, I do know better than to use my memory to post answers in forums. Thanks for the correction. I am considering the Dell 2209WA for my other computer. I’ve heard nothing negative at all about this monitor. Even two to three day free shipping.

Quick update, I got an email from Dell this morning with a coupon code for 25-35% off all their flat panel monitors. With the coupon code I received (25%), it brings the cost of the 2209WA to $209.25, which is slightly less than I paid for it a couple of weeks ago.