Which dell monitor for a photographer to choose. Selecting a monitor for displaying images and graphics

The main feature of the tested monitor was its bright 4K panel with a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. Added to this is excellent equipment. Due to the high cost and high power consumption, the 24-inch monitor is aimed primarily at professional artists. Even the first glance at the package set makes the graphic artist's heart beat faster: the protective visor for the monitor is already assembled, and it remains only to attach it to the screen. The screen rotation function works great, the stand is stable and can be adjusted as you like. Equipment for device calibration is integrated into the frame of the monitor. In addition, there is a USB 3.0 hub with three ports, as well as HDMI and Display Port video interfaces (two of each).

The high-end monitor impresses with its extremely wide color gamut (150% sRGB) for exceptional color reproduction, high contrast and wide viewing angles (176°). In addition, the device has demonstrated the best image quality among competitors in its price segment, so it is an excellent choice for designers who often work with graphics. The screen can be rotated in a horizontal plane, adjusted in height, and also switched to portrait mode. Even an inexperienced user will understand the simple control menu. The most significant disadvantage lies in the high power consumption. With a diagonal of 24 inches and a resolution of 1920 × 1200 pixels, the monitor requires 61 watts of power.

Today we will talk about monitors suitable for working with photos. First we need to understand what parameters we are interested in and which ones, in principle, should be paid attention to. Basically, this is the type of matrix, size, aspect ratio and, in addition to everything, screen coverage, PWM, manufacturer, interfaces, price. We will also touch on calibration and the factor of different color display on monitors.

UPD: It is worth mentioning that this article is written primarily for people who understand that they need to change the monitor, but do not yet understand anything about it. It's more of a reminder plain language for a potential buyer of a monitor for working with photos. For advanced users or professionals, it will be of little information, because. has a small overview of the characteristics.

Matrix type: Ips matrix is ​​best suited for working with photos, as it displays colors well and has good viewing angles. There are several modifications of Ips matrices: S-Ips, H-IPS and others. These are all modifications of the usual Ips matrix, some are simpler, some are better. If you do not make money on a photo or your budget is limited, then you should not take a steam bath and choose a specific matrix. Just make sure there is ips. Well, if the budget allows you to choose a better monitor, then you should bother with Ips modifications.

Matrix Bitness: There are 6, 8, 10-bit. The more, the better the color and gradients are transmitted. Budget monitors usually have 6-bit and pseudo-8-bit. Pseudo-8-bit is when there is a 6-bit matrix and it emulates 8 bits, but in fact it is still 6 bits. If you need good quality and you don’t have a very small budget, then it’s better to watch 8 or 10. If you choose a completely budget monitor, then don’t worry and take any - there will most likely be pseudo-8-bit.
For reference:
6 bits - 262 thousand colors.
8 bit - 16 million colors.
10 bits - 1 billion colors.

Screen size: The best option is 24” or more. Even 22” is no longer such a comfortable size, your working area will still be smaller. The edges of the screen are usually eaten away by the interface of the program in which you work, be it Photoshop with its panels or any raw converter. If you want more (and space on the table allows), then take more - 27 "or 30".

Aspect Ratio: There are 2 options - this is 16:9 and 16:10. Most models on the market today are 16:9. But it is better to take 16:10, because you will have 1” screen more in height. Roughly speaking, you have more monitor. And its resolution will be normal 1920x1200, not cropped 1920x1080. To work with photos at 16:10 is really more convenient to work with. From the technical side, there is no difference, just a different size. It is worth noting that if the monitor is 27”, then there is only a 16:9 option. If 30”, then 16:10.

Screen coverage: Glossy or matte. Glossy - like a mirror. You see yourself in the reflection, and on a sunny day you see everything in front of the screen. It is a little more contrast and gives a richer picture. This is where the perks end. Matte does not glare, no reflections and other things. Now almost all 24” monitors with an aspect ratio of 16:10 and an Ips matrix do matte. This makes me happy.

PWM: is an abbreviation for Pulse Width Modulation. In simple terms, this is a flickering of the screen backlight (mostly noticeable at low brightness). Some people get tired of such monitors, and some do not even notice. Before the purchase, you will not know about it, only after working for a long time at the monitor. But most don't notice. I advise you not to bother on this point.

Manufacturer: This is a very interesting point. I may upset someone (lovers of stereotypes), but on the contrary, I will please someone. So. Now it doesn't matter who the manufacturer of the monitor is. almost all matrices are made by LG. There is a stereotype, for example, that only Dell and NEC are excellent, and the rest suck... But LG also makes matrices for both of them :) And even Apple she does. So the manufacturer can be anyone. Anyway, in 90% of cases you buy a matrix from LG. So it goes. It should be noted here that if you compare NEC for 50 tr. and some BenQ for 10 tr., then the difference, of course, will be noticeable. But this is not a question of the manufacturer, but a question of the price segment itself. It is clear that cheap and perfect does not happen.

Interfaces: Everything is simple here. The most popular are DVI and DisplayPort. VGA is already dying, HDMI is also fading into the background, because. more for TVs imprisoned than for monitors. Therefore, see what outputs you have on your video card and select the appropriate monitor.

Price: Depends on the width of your wallet. But the principle is standard, budget ones are worse, expensive ones are better. For example (very average) monitors up to 15 tr. These are all budget monitors. You should not expect ideal brightness gradients and a very cool matrix from them. Monitors of thousands from 15-20 - already middle segment, you can find a really good option. Monitors of thousands from 35 and above - can be considered an expensive segment. There you can choose what is called, perfect option(as far as possible due to technical limitations). For most people working with photography, the budget segment will do. And if you are a professional photographer (I mean not just people who consider themselves to be such, but really professionals), then it is better to take a good monitor, because. in which case you will be responsible for your work to the customer (color / ladders and all other charms that can come out during printing).

Additional goodies: Usually this is a USB hub and the portrait mode of the monitor (when you can rotate the monitor to a vertical position). USB is a really handy thing. You can shove a webcam or some other small device you need there, and the wires will not be pulled from the system unit. Portrait mode is rarely needed. Those who really need it know this already. In other cases, it is practically not used.

And now let's talk about what you also need to know.

Calibration: Definitely needed. It is done so that all people who have monitors on an Ips matrix see the same color. We took a photo, sent it to a photo lab for printing - we got the printed material exactly as you saw it on your monitor. They gave it to the customer - he also sees exactly what you saw. Those. colors seem to be standardized and become correct (black is really black, gray is really gray, etc.). Even if you are not a professional, but bought a monitor on an Ips matrix, it is better to calibrate it once. If you are a pro, then you yourself probably know that it occasionally needs to be calibrated again.

Matrix features: Budget Ips matrices have such features as tint and glow.

Tint- this is when one side of the monitor can give a little bit in one color, and the other side in the other (purple / green). Can be localized anywhere, but usually closer to the edges. It is not treated in any way, because. iron problem. Just choose carefully when buying. look at clean grey colour, white, - usually noticeable on them. If explicitly expressed, then ask for another instance.

Glow is when black is not completely black. For example, turn on the black screen screen saver and see that at certain angles the monitor seems to glow a little, i.e. not perfectly black. There is no cure, but it doesn't interfere either. You are not processing a 500*500 pixel image on a completely black background. Just know what it is, but don't even worry about it.

Expanded color gamut- in most cases it is not needed (interferes). And for calibration, it even causes extra hemorrhoids. But if you buy a monitor just for home, watch movies, play games, see pictures, then you can use it. The image will be a little clearer.

I have some colors on the monitor, and a friend (at work / customer, etc.) has different ones. Yes, this is the place to be, because. Everyone's monitors are different. Calibration partly solves this problem. But not only with you, but also on the second monitor. In 99% of cases this is not possible. You will not advise to calibrate monitors to each customer. And not everyone has a normal monitor on an Ips matrix. The vast majority of monitors on the TN matrix. These are the most budget monicas, at least calibrate them, at least not - you still can’t achieve the right colors. It will certainly get better, but it will still lie. Therefore, this problem cannot be solved in any way. And you should not even try to process somehow pictures with the expectation of that other monitor. These are all dances with a tambourine.

I honestly tried to make it short and succinct... but it turned out to be a lot of letters :) I touched even more than the average user needs. But information is never redundant.

If you have any other questions - ask.

PS: I have an HP LP2475w monitor (24”, 16:10, honest 8 bits).

The choice of monitor for a photographer largely determines the result of his work. The task of this device is to convey colors as accurately as possible and have a number of other properties. What to rely on when choosing a model? You can deal with the problem by analyzing the main parameters, as well as based on the rating of popular models, reviews of experts and users.

Color gamut and number of colors

These parameters are the most important when choosing a screen. Color gamut is an indicator that determines the range that a monitor can display. The higher this indicator, the more pure and saturated colors are displayed on the screen. The term "number of colors" characterizes the number of shades between two neighbors in the spectrum. Greater value parameter allows you to "smooth out" this difference.

The colors reproduced by the computer screen are divided into a certain number of gradations. You can set a specific color up to a specific gradation, which means that with an increase in the color range, relative to the number of colors, the difference between the tones adjacent in the spectrum also grows. A large gap between the first and second indicators leads to the appearance of transverse bands on smooth gradients.

Attention! Extended range monitors require mandatory calibration.

Matrix type

The parameter that you should pay attention to in the first place. All other characteristics depend on it. For each type of monitors, matrices of varying complexity are used. LCD monitors are as follows:

The first type is equipped with the simplest matrix, which is characterized by the fastest possible response, i.e. updating the picture. At the same time, this outdated model has a number of disadvantages. TN-matrix has a small viewing angle, poor color reproduction, low contrast. One of the main disadvantages is the inability to accurately display black.

The IPS matrix is ​​able to effectively convey depth in the sRGB color model. Possesses wide angle, reaching up to 140 0 . To improve the performance of this type of matrix, upgrades are being made to reduce the response time (H-IPS), increase the contrast level, expand the viewing angle and brightness (AFFS). Measures to improve IPS-matrices are regularly carried out by all popular equipment manufacturers.

The compromise MVA technology makes it possible to see deep blacks due to good contrast. The viewing angle here reaches 170 0 . Of the minuses, one can note the lack of detail in the shadows, which depends on the viewing angle and color balance.

Brightness and Contrast

Working with photos and images largely depends on these parameters. The first of these displays the amount of light emitted by the surface and the second is determined by the ratio between the maximum and minimum brightness, when viewed against a black and white background.

Advice. To check the brightness of the monitor declared in the passport, you should set the parameters to the maximum and evaluate the image. If, at the same time, there is a desire to reduce the value, then the margin of the brightness parameter can be considered sufficient.

What else to pay attention to

In addition to the main ones, there are no less important additional parameters:

1. screen surface. It comes in matte or glossy. The first option is more comfortable for the eyes, does not form glare, but on such a monitor the image looks less bright. When working with a glossy surface, you have to strain your eyes more, reflecting objects interfere.
2. Diagonal and resolution. Interdependent parameters. The larger the monitor, the higher the resolution should be. This approach also increases the cost of equipment, while an unnecessarily large screen is not required for photo processing. A screen of 24 (1920x1200) - 27 (2560x1440) inches can provide comfort in work.

The most favorable for working with photography are monitors with an IPS type matrix. It is she who provides the correct color reproduction. It is better to avoid cheap models with TN, PVA and MVA matrices. For indoor use, when the monitor is located near a window or other light sources, you should select a screen with matte finish. At the same time, if you need the maximum brightness of the picture and it is possible to adjust the illumination of the room, you can opt for glossy. Optimal size monitor - at least 24 inches.

Color gamut and number of colors are the most important indicators

Rating of popular models

ASUS VX239H

The 23-inch model, with excellent color reproduction, occupies a leading position in the ratings. Equipped with AH-IPS matrix, HDMI input, two speakers with a power of 1W. The 1.5 cm thick screen supports VividPixel and MHL technologies. Very comfortable and pleasing to the eye to work with graphic images as noted by the photographers. As a bonus - quality work without delay, as well as the GamePlus function.

BenQ GW227OH

A high-quality screen with a diagonal of 21.5 and an A-MVA matrix. A device with a fairly wide view, characterized by high image contrast and improved white balance. There is an option manual setting color reproduction. This is convenient if you have to work in conditions of changing light sources (lamps with lamps of different temperatures, the sun). Comfort for the eyes long work provides special mode GW2270H.

BenQ BL2411PT

Versatile 24" model, well suited for a variety of applications, including imaging. Embedded IPS provides efficiency. Three video inputs are supported, including HDCP. There is an energy saving function, as well as a periodic reminder to give your eyes a rest. Working with photos is facilitated by good color reproduction, contrast, lack of glare and backlight flicker, as well as uniform blacks. Nice design is complemented by a risified, intuitive menu.

DELL U2515H

The model has established itself as one of the the best options for photographers and designers. The clarity of the picture and the softness of the color reproduction are provided by the IPS matrix, as well as the semi-matte surface and protection against glare. The black glare characteristic of this type of matrix is ​​almost absent on this model. The diagonal of the model is 25 inches with a resolution of 2560x1440. Such parameters provide correct image scaling when working in photo and video editors. Functional stand allows you to adjust the position and angle of the monitor.

When choosing a monitor for regular work with images, it is important to pay attention to the type of matrix, screen diagonal and resolution, as well as brightness and contrast. Screens with a matte finish are more eye-friendly. You should not choose expensive overall models, a screen with a diagonal of 24 is enough. Before buying, it is better to test the monitor by adjusting the brightness and contrast settings.

How to choose a monitor for a photographer: video

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

Choosing a Monitor for a Photographer

So you bought a camera necessary accessories to him, took a lot of photos, leaked everything into a computer and now it's time for creativity, namely, throw away most of it as a waste, sort, correct, work in graphic editors. For the correct color reproduction and correct display of your masterpieces, you need a monitor that will be able to display colors correctly, without distortion, on which it will be convenient for you to work and which will not float colors.

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

Well, then you need to print (which is now becoming less and less common in the era of numbers) photos in exactly the same color as you intended. With the tone and grayscale you see on your monitor, here's another problem for 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 sellers, and which of the seller is an adviser? 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'm still (2009) asked the question: "Can LCD monitors be used for color work?"

The most essential part of the answer is obvious. Regardless of the capabilities of LCD monitors, they will have to be used. Because CRT monitors have been discontinued a few years ago, stocks are sold out, and buying a used CRT monitor is more like a lottery (if at all possible). However, do not 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, then the picture becomes quite optimistic.

Criterion #1 (Obvious): Dimensions and Resolution

The choice of monitor size is a matter of taste and budget. The most common opinion: 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. One more note for those who choose in "small" diagonals: 22-inch widescreen monitor has almost the same height as a regular 19-inch.

Criteria #2 (mandatory): matrix type

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

Criterion #3 (important): matrix surface

AT recent times LCD monitors with a glossy surface are becoming more and more common. It is difficult to understand the reasons for this. Perhaps the manufacturers are counting on a more effective appearance monitor on the store shelf. But for real work with images, monitors with a glossy surface are contraindicated: you will see your reflection, and not the processed photo. The only thing that these monitors do well is show movies in the twilight.

Criterion #4 (Just Useful): Hardware Calibration

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

Criterion #5 (unexpected): increased color gamut.

One of the directions of development of modern professional monitors is the expansion of the range of colors that the monitor is capable of reproducing (that is, the increase in color gamut). Wide gamut monitors are capable of displaying richer colors than conventional monitors.

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 reverse 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, the increased color gamut is certainly useful while we are working inside programs that have a built-in color management system (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc.). If we exchange images with the outside world, this "chip" can cause a little trouble. In any case, the calibration of such a monitor is hardware using measuring instrument required.

Models

In conclusion - a list of manufacturers whose monitors are more or less suitable for working with color. The only criterion for 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 on the basis of many parameters.

Acer

Among the many inexpensive monitors Acer Once upon a time, you could find several models that use MVA matrices and can become an acceptable choice in a limited budget. Now all Acer monitors use TN panels and are not suitable for working with images.

Fujitsu-Siemens

HP

LG

Monitor calibration.

Why is monitor calibration necessary?
You need to calibrate your monitor to achieve natural colors.

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You will NEVER achieve absolute correspondence of the picture on the monitor and on the print for two reasons:

The first reason: 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 hue on them will change. Try looking at the photo by 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 a printing press is calibrated every day in the prolab, 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 “what would be inexpensive”, then most likely you have a monitor on a TN matrix. It makes no sense to calibrate a monitor on a TN matrix, but the owners of cheap monitors also believe in miracles, and we will not destroy their illusions. The right monitor is an expensive IPS monitor 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 "absolutely black body" and began to heat it, measuring the temperature in "kelvins".
We are also interested in the question of what color temperature of the monitor to set. There are only two main standards: 5000k (kelvin) and 6500k.

5000k is also referred to in calibration programs as D50. Gives a warm tint to the image on the monitor.
6500k is often referred to as D65, which gives a cold tint to the image on the monitor.

It's up to you which standard to choose. If you are looking at printed photos in the light of lamps, then D50 is better - there will be more accurate color reproduction on the print. If you look at photos exclusively in daylight, then put D65. Our eye adapts to color temperature, and neither warm nor cold colors will be noticeable until you start comparing images.

Gamma.
Sometimes 1.8 or 2.2 is considered the standard, but in secret, gamma affects the elements of the program interface and operating system. Images will look the same at different gamma.

Brightness and contrast.
There are two ways to adjust brightness and contrast. By eye and with the help of a calibrator.

Online tests for monitors:

other.

By measuring with a white point brightness calibrator.
The procedure is quite simple, hook the calibrator onto the suction cup, turn the brightness and follow the calibrator readings. It will show the brightness in candela per square meter - cd/m2 I recommend setting the brightness to at least 80 cd/m2, but no more than 120cd/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 to adjust the brightness contrast using the Adobe Gamma utility, it is hopelessly outdated, it was intended for CRT monitors and was removed from Adobe Photoshop 5 years ago.
About calibrators.

Recalibration (re-calibration).

The settings of a calibrated monitor must not be changed! If you have changed the brightness, contrast, temperature, you must set the previous value or re-calibrate the monitor. Apple monitors have one unpleasant feature, there are no digital values ​​\u200b\u200bin the brightness settings, and changing the brightness automatically leads to the need for recalibration. The monitor should be recalibrated when replacing the graphics card. It is also recommended that you recalibrate your 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), how much time will pass, a month, six months or a year is unknown. And finally. Turn off any auto brightness modes on the monitor! They are designed for those who sit in the office playing Lines and save electricity.

Photographer's workplace.

The lighting conditions of the workplace are very stringent requirements, but they can be neglected to some extent if you are not doing 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 are serious about workplace lighting, then the color temperature in the workplace must be constant, otherwise the color sensations will change. Natural light from a window changes its color temperature during the day, and there is an unpredictable mixture of light from lamps and light from a window, so ideally the room should be light-isolated.
The use of a hood-hood on the monitor saves from bright light and does not make the color temperature more stable. Perfectionists are advised to paint the walls in neutral gray, remove all colored objects from the room and use overhead diffused lighting with lamps with a constant color temperature.