Monitor calibration - worth it?

JohnX · 2011-08-31T15:47:07+0100

I don't really do anything with my photos. Store them on a multitude of hard disks, look at them occasionally, never share them. Notwithstanding, is it worth me calibrating my monitor? For those of you who do calibrate your monitors, how often do you need to do it? I keep seeing calibration hardware on evil bay that's 'only been used once or twice.' Are there benefits to monitor calibration other than photographic, i.e. games?

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ChrisA ChrisA

4839 posts
19 years
South West London

Posted 01/09/2011 - 08:33 Link

An unqualified yes from me too.

Before I calibrated mine (Huey Pro), prints I got back from places like PhotoBox were terrible - way too dark, since my monitor was way too bright.

Since then I've been a lot happier with prints, in particular with a photo book I did using Blurb.

Considering the effort it took to edit the 30-odd photos and arrange the book, the 70 quid secondhand I spent on the Huey was nothing.

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Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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JohnX JohnX

2470 posts
17 years
South London

Posted 01/09/2011 - 12:20 Link

Thanks for all the responses, especially the one from MattMatic pointing out how software might be the only difference between standard and pro versions.

I like the look of the SpiderPro 3, and can get it at a good(ish) price new, but initally evilbay - might be another 'Gareth' bargain out there?

Edited by JohnX: 01/09/2011 - 12:20