ColorVision Spyder 2 -- Time to replace?

[Robert A]

I have a ColorVision Spyder 2 colorimeter with Spyde2rPro 2.3.5 calibration software. Although I recently calibrated my monitor, lately it seems like my prints are coming out a little warm. I'm wondering if it is time to invest in new calibration tools.

I am running Windows 7-64 Professional (having recently upgraded from Windows 7-32), using a Dell 2407WFP-HC monitor, and printing to an Epson R3000.

Is it time to replace the colorimeter? If so, any thoughts on what I should get?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Pictus]

Datacolor Spyder4Express or X-rite ColorMunki Display and calibrate this way.

 

[Robert A]

Pictus wrote:

Datacolor Spyder4Express or X-rite ColorMunki Display and calibrate this way.

I think you answered my "what do I get" question. But what about whether it will make a difference?

 

[JudyN]

Prints from just one printer or multiple printers? What does it look like on your monitor, compared to the print? Is this the way you've always printed? If one printer, I would look into the printer first.

 

[Robert A]

JudyN wrote:

Prints from just one printer or multiple printers? What does it look like on your monitor, compared to the print? Is this the way you've always printed? If one printer, I would look into the printer first.

 

[Maxxuman]

I have the same calibration hardware and software as you and haven't had any problem with my prints, either on my home printer (Canon Pro9000 MkII) or from Adorama (whose paper profile I downloaded to allow soft proofing during retouching). I'm also using Windows 7 64 Professional and a Dell Ultrasharp monitor.

I'm sure some of the newer colorimeters offer some improvements but mine is working well for me.

 

[Pictus]

The Spyder 2 does not calibrate LED or wide gamut well.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=53825.0

http://nativedigital.co.uk/site/2013/04/i1display-pro-vs-spyder4elite/

http://www.gamutprints.com/2012/04/i1display-pro-vs-spyder-4-and-spyder-4-quick-review/

 

[Maxxuman]

Pictus wrote:

The Spyder 2 does not calibrate LED or wide gamut well.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=53825.0

http://nativedigital.co.uk/site/2013/04/i1display-pro-vs-spyder4elite/

http://www.gamutprints.com/2012/04/i1display-pro-vs-spyder-4-and-spyder-4-quick-review/

The OP's monitor is an LCD but admittedly it's supposed to have a wider color gamut than my 2209WA, so perhaps that's why he's having a problem with calibration results while I'm not. That said, the OP's monitor was released around 6 years ago. Does LCD color accuracy deteriorate over time?

 

[Robert A]

Shouldn't the Spyder adjust for inaccuracies related to an aging monitor anyway?

 

[Pictus]

The backlight http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_cathode become weaker, change the color a bit, that is why we need to recalibrate.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/working.htm

 

[Maxxuman]

Robert A wrote:

Shouldn't the Spyder adjust for inaccuracies related to an aging monitor anyway?

It should, but I was looking for something that may explain why it's not working for you now, while it did before. If, for example, there were some change that could impact on consistency of color production from one day to the next.

The news that the Spyder 2 doesn't work as well for wider gamut monitors could explain why it's working well for me but not you, but it doesn't explain why it worked well for you before but now doesn't.

 

[Robert A]

Do newer generation colorimeters make for a more accurate monitor profile?

 

[Maxxuman]

Robert A wrote:

Do newer generation colorimeters make for a more accurate monitor profile?

In one of Pictus' posts above he said:

"Pictus wrote:

The Spyder 2 does not calibrate LED or wide gamut well.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=53825.0

http://nativedigital.co.uk/site/2013/04/i1display-pro-vs-spyder4elite/

http://www.gamutprints.com/2012/04/i1display-pro-vs-spyder-4-and-spyder-4-quick-review/"

I didn't read the information in the links but your monitor has a wide gamut. That could explain why you're not getting the results you're after. Presumably the colorimeters he linked to in his earlier post do a better job with wide gamut monitors.

 

[Robert A]

Yes, I read that post. My question, though, was more general in nature -- whether there had been meaningful advances in the science of calibration.

I was once told that a colorimeter is a colorimeter, and if you're working in a closed-loop system as home, there isn't much difference. But that was a number of years ago.

----------------
Robert A
Fuji X100S
Canon 5D

 

[Toermalijn]

Robert A wrote:

JudyN wrote:

Prints from just one printer or multiple printers? What does it look like on your monitor, compared to the print? Is this the way you've always printed? If one printer, I would look into the printer first.

--
Judy

One printer. My OP is not one of those "print doesn't match monitor" posts. All used to be a closer match but now I am questioning whether the colorimeter or its software is due to be replaced. I'm not sure about this, but it seems like the problems developed when I switched to a 64-bit OS.

--
----------------
Robert A
Fuji X100S
Canon 5D

Calibrate again and see what happens, sometimes software can have some hickups.

 

[Sailor Blue]

I'm not familiar with the Spyder2 software but if you have an Advanced mode set it so that the Show RGB sliders as an option in the Identify Color Controls screen is active. I set this with my Spyder3 by using Go>Preferences>Advanced Settings.

I then manually adjust the monitor controls for Brightness, Contrast, and the individual R, G, & B until the measured results fall within the control ranges on the graphical guides.

This gives me the most accurate and stable color calibrations.

 

[exdeejjjaaaa]

Robert A wrote:

I have a ColorVision Spyder 2 colorimeter

color filters in colorimeters do degrade... so you might want to replace your old device.

 

[exdeejjjaaaa]

Robert A wrote: Do newer generation colorimeters make for a more accurate monitor profile?

Display Calibration Sensor Capabilities

Monitor calibration sensor evaluations

www.drycreekphoto.com

 

[JudyN]

Robert A wrote:

JudyN wrote:

Prints from just one printer or multiple printers? What does it look like on your monitor, compared to the print? Is this the way you've always printed? If one printer, I would look into the printer first.