Calibrating my monitor

[zmikers]

Ok, I know this has been talked about before, but I'm going to try to be as specific as I can. I really need to buy something to calibrate my monitor and I've made the decision to order something online. Living in Taiwan presents some limitations when shopping for these things so I'm going to take your advice and just order it. I do NOT have the eye to calibrate my monitor. Everytime I get photos printed, they do not match my computer. What device do you suggest I use. I want accurate and easy to use. The online tests do not work for me, I've tried many times. I need something that will take my eye out of the equation. Price is not really an issue as long as it works. I've heard about the spider, but I don't know much about it. Basically I'm looking for advice from people who use one. Cheers in advance!:D

[fotogmarc]

I know what you mean about the mismatch. I also looked at a calibrator. The Pantone Huey was my first choice, probably because it was the lowest priced. The mags gave it great reviews, but user reviews were not as flattering. My guess would be; that you really need to be familiar with this item before it is of any use.
There are a number of reviews from magazines and shopping sights (Amazon) give them a read.
Haven't bought anything yet, just waiting for something new I guess.

Right now I use 'ocular scan analysis comparison':
I print an 8 X 10 and hold it next to the monitor and make the adjustments until they match.:rolleyes:

[erichlund]

There are three major products that are reasonably priced for the consumer. The companies are Pantone, X-Rite and Datacolor Colorvision. The products are
Pantone: Huey and Eye one
X-Rite: I1 Display
Colorvision: Spyder 2 and now 3

Price goes up fast with capability, but electronic monitor calibration can be had for around $80 (US). Monitor and Printer calibration is substantially more expensive.

The products are all good, so got to the sites( www.pantone.com, www.datacolor.com, and www.xrite.com), and decide which combination best meets your needs.

For my purpose (monitor and printer), I'm going with the Spyder 3 Suite, but that's about $600, and I have no idea what your budget is.

[zmikers]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll check out the websites and try to decide. Like I said, as long as it calibrates my monitor without me having to use my eyes, then that's great.:D

[BBPhoto]

If you order the Spyder2, be sure not to order the express version if you are calibrating an LCD. With the express software, you do not have the option to change the whitepoint temperature and the default this is 6500K (if I remember correctly). If your monitor's native whitepoint is very different from 6500K, and they often are, your monitor will not look very good at all, so basically the express version will be useless to you. Better to get the Suite or Pro version as you can change the whitepoint temperature to native (suite) or completely customize it (pro).

[zmikers]

If you order the Spyder2, be sure not to order the express version if you are calibrating an LCD. With the express software, you do not have the option to change the whitepoint temperature and the default this is 6500K (if I remember correctly). If your monitor's native whitepoint is very different from 6500K, and they often are, your monitor will not look very good at all, so basically the express version will be useless to you. Better to get the Suite or Pro version as you can change the whitepoint temperature to native (suite) or completely customize it (pro).

Thanks for the advice. That's good to know Cheers:)