Monitor Calibration: Why is it So Important?
Are you curious about why it’s so important to calibrate your monitor, and how to do so correctly?
Excellent!
In this article, I’ll explain why it’s so important to work with a calibrated monitor, especially for those of you who (like me) work in video post-production and use your monitor for color correction or color grading.
Now, I’ve mentioned video post-production but the same is true for photographers, video editors, videomakers, etc. In short, anyone who might need to view an image as accurately as possible.
In addition to this, I’ll explain how to calibrate a monitor in a few simple steps!
What is monitor calibration?
Without getting too technical (at the moment, that will only confuse you!), calibration is a process that measures and corrects the values of a monitor in order to make it accurately adhere to a very precise standard.
Why is it important to calibrate your monitor?
In a perfect world, every image should look exactly the same on every device.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world and we need to be conscious of the fact that the appearance of an image will vary between screens.
What does that mean?
Choose any random video and play it simultaneously on four different monitors.
I bet that the video has a different look on each monitor!
The point of monitor calibration is exactly this: to examine and correct the values of a monitor to make it adhere as much as possible to a certain standard.
This will allow you to work on an accurate image and feel secure in the knowledge that your work will look its best on most devices.
Careful!
This doesn’t mean that by calibrating a cheap monitor, you will be able to obtain the same results as if you were using a calibrated monitor worth thousands of euros; on the other hand, industry professionals such as myself wouldn’t spend thousands of euros on a professional monitor.
How much does a professional color correction/ color grading monitor cost?
The price of a professional color correction/color grading monitor starts at $1500, and can easily reach as high as $40,000.
Yes, you read that right. $40.000. This is the price that top professionals pay to be sure that their published work will look its best on most devices.
In this article, you will find my pick of the best monitors. I recommend that you take a look: Color Correction Room: 5 Essential Elements.
How to calibrate a monitor
All you will need is a sensor and calibration software.
In the majority of cases, the software already comes with the sensor, along with all the instructions that you will need to carry out the calibration.
Once you’ve got the sensor, you just need to install the software, place the sensor on the monitor and using the software select the standard that you want your monitor to adhere to.
Now, all you need to do is sit back and wait for the calibration to finish.
All done!
I guarantee that you’ll be absolutely amazed by the difference that you’ll see between the before and after.
How much does a calibration sensor cost?
Just like with professional monitors, the cost of a calibration sensor can vary wildly according to your requirements.
You should be aware that prices for a professional sensor and software are very high.
In addition to this, the software and the sensor are sold separately.
Professional software costs around $2000, and the sensor could cost several thousands of euros. You could even pay a five figure sum.
These prices are clearly aimed at the sector’s top professionals.
However, there are a number of excellent alternatives that produce quality results for much lower prices.
I’ve picked out some of the best sensors for you, which you can being home for a very low price (and which come with the software included!)
Datacolor SpyderX Pro
THE FASTEST SPYDER EVER: Calibrating your monitor to achieve color precision now takes just a minute or two – several times faster than previous models.
THE MOST ACCURATE SPYDER EVER: Groundbreaking lens-based color engine provides a higher level of color accuracy for multiple monitors. SpyderX Pro features room-light monitoring, automatic profile changing and significantly more precise screen color, shadow detail and white balance.
THE EASIEST-TO-USE SPYDER EVER: SpyderX Pro is so intuitive, you don’t have to be a color expert. It features quick and easy single-click calibration and wizard workflow with 12 predefined calibration targets for advanced color accuracy.
Calibrite ColorChecker Display Plus
Direct replacement for X-Rite i1Display Pro Plus (EODIS3PL) Requires software download - ccProfiler
Black current subtraction technology, especially beneficial on OLED displays or any display that can achieve close to zero black point
HDR supported displays to minimize clipping in dark area as well as achieve better blacks
Powered by X-Rite
Calibrite ColorChecker Display Pro
Direct replacement for X-Rite i1Display Pro (EODIS3) Requires software download - ccProfiler
Optical design allows for high repeatability on the same display and across different display types for more consistent color profiling
Conveniently integrated tripod mount for projector profiling in larger venues
Powered by X-Rite
Conclusion
• I hope that you found this post useful, and that it’s got you thinking seriously about calibrating your monitor.
• No client would ever entrust their project to a professional whose gear doesn’t adhere to certain standards! Are we professionals or not? :)
• Moreover, by calibrating your monitor you can feel more secure knowing that what you’re seeing on your screen is exactly how the final result will turn out.
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