I use both Nikon Capture NX2 and PShop for post processing my images. I write for several magazines and submit photos to illustrate / back up my stories. BUT ... I don't kid myself. I am a writer/journalist first ... and a decent but far from professional photographer. I shoot a Nikon D300.

I have just upgraded my hard drive and the new Dell is loaded with Windows VISTA.

I am looking for the best monitor calibration program that is most user friendly / intuitive / non-technical. I know this will sound "amaturish" but I am looking for something that almost calibrates on its own ... or as close to "on its own" as possible.

If anyone can provide suggestions as to a good calibration program I would be most appreciative.

Thanks a bunch!

To get accurate calibration you need hardware. A software only solution is never going to give you accurate colour, unless of course your eyes and brain are calibrated to the icc standard . For simple and cheap a Huey Pro should do what you need. Dead easy to install and use. A couple of clicks and it makes a profile in 60 seconds. The profiles are pretty good as well.

Gordon

I find the Spyder 3 Pro is simple to use and provides good results.

Thank you Gordon and DIS.

Gordon ... if I went the hardware route, can you suggest something? And is it difficult to learn?

Thanks again.

The Spyder is a hardware/software solution. I believe the Huey is too. You install software on the computer and then follow the instructions which tell you how to position the calibrator on the monitor. The software does the rest.

Every time I start my computer, the colours on the monitor visibly change after the boot up and a box pops up on the screen from Spyder confirming that the profile has been loaded into the video card. Dead simple.

Thanks DIS for the clarification.

Mind if I ask one last question.

The young techie that set up my new computer used Adobe Gamma to "calibrate" my monitor and ithe screen is so bright, especially when I use Word or the internet (versus PShot or Capture NX) that I almost need to wear sunglasses.

If I get Spyder Pro will it address this issue as well.

Thanks for your help!!!

Actually no it won't. Monitors come from the manufacturer far too bright. I use Dell 2707 monitors and had to turn the brightness down to 20% of full. They come set at something like 50%, if I remember well. I think they set them this way so that they can be seen in a bright store or show room.

Many people find their prints come out too dark, i.e. not matching what they're seeing on the screen. The solution, in most instances, is just to turn down the brightness control on the on screen display on the monitor.

I have a Spyder 2 express. It use it on my Dell WFP LCD display. You plug her in, place it over the monitor and viola, calibration.

If ease wins over cost, have a look at some of the displays with hardware look-up-tables: NEC LCDxx90 series, Eizo. You simply specify your calibration targets (e.g. 6500k, gamma 2.2, luminance ~120cd/m) and the display talks to the software automatically to hit your chosen values. You set it, affix the sensor, and press go. This is in contrast to the systems that take steps that ask you to measure with the sensor, then raise/lower the settings manually via the on-screen control panel (brightness, contrast) before going through the calibration routine. This accomplishes both of your "best" and "user-friendly" goals in terms of quality and very little interaction.

That said, monitor calibration isn't dummy proof. While the software can suggest calibration targets for you -- even going so far as offering presets for common ones, the key is to understand what is best for your conditions as well as having a loose understanding of the role of each aim point. I think this is important regardless of what software/hardware combo you choose. For photographers, you can't really go wrong with 6500k, gamma 2.2 and a luminance around 120 cd/m (±20 depending on the brightness of your working area).

RobertLynn wrote:
I have a Spyder 2 express. It use it on my Dell WFP LCD display. You plug her in, place it over the monitor and viola, calibration.

Musical huh?

Musical huh?


Pure quality and well spotted Paul Ha Ha

At least you didn't write "wallah."

paulhodson wrote:
RobertLynn wrote:
I have a Spyder 2 express. It use it on my Dell WFP LCD display. You plug her in, place it over the monitor and viola, calibration.

Musical huh?
voila even.

First you need to delete Adobe Gamma. Just removing it from the startup folder should do it. Personally I uninstall the whole program.

The Huey Pro and Spyder are hardware/software solutions and both are easy to use. I currently use a Spyder 3 but have used the cheaper Huey Pro. The profiles created by both are fine. The Spyder allows more customisation and control. This may not be a good thing if you're new to colour management.

First thing after deleting Adobe Gamma and a reboot is to set your monitor to its defaults. Then calibrate with the Huey Pro/Spyder and you should be OK. YOu may need to turn your monitors brightness down. But sometimes this doesn't work and you need to live with a slightly too bright monitor.

Gordon

Thanks a bunch, folks.

I am in the process of choosing between the Spyder and Huey and will order asap.

Thanks for all the help great with this!