Help! Best LCD Monitor for photo editing!

Bela my friend! I truly appreciate your recommendation and thanks for the heads up on the S-IPS and S-PVA options! I will watch out for that!
Always good to hear from you mate!

My best to all there
Leo
Leo!

I'm using a Samsung SyncMaster 245T 24" LCD (S-PVA panel) calibrated with Spyder 3 pro and I am satisfied.

I have absolute no complains regarding this display, and I tell you this after using many cathode tube - trinitron and conventional - and also LCD displays (including a huge variety of Eizo, HP, Sony, LG, VieWsonic, NEC, Apple...) I'm in graphic design business since 1990, so I had time enough to evaluate displays :)

There are a nice number of very good LCD displays regardless of brand. The difference is mostly in the included extras like USB connectors, connectivity options like HDMI, VGA, DVI, etc. Be sure to choose one with S-IPS or S-PVA panels. These are the key features for good image quality and reliable color rendition.

here is a link to the samsung 245T

http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/office/monitors/professional/LS24HUCEFV/XAA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&tab=features

I am not a samsung brand-fan, I just tell you my experience. You should take in consideration some DELL-s, NEC-s - just be sure for the panel types I've mentioned. You can check about panels here:
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/panelsearch.htm
Just input the display's name and type and you've get the panel type!

regrads,
Bela
--
Bela Nagy
http://www.speopixel.hu
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nbela/
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/belanagy
--

K-7: Pentax DA* 200mm f2.8, Pentax DA* 55mm f1.4, Pentax DA 35mmm f2.8 Limited, Pentax DA14mm f2.8, Sigma 17-70mm Zoom, Sigma EX DG f2.8 70mm Macro, Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG Macro
mitch
 
Something to watch out for if you go this route...

The HP LP2475w, the Philips 240PW9EB, and the Dell U2410 all use a variant of an H-IPS panel made for them by the LG/Philips panel consortium.

This panel has had some issues, namely a left side green / right side red caste to the screen that is easy to see on a white background after the monitor warms up for 30 minutes or so.

I have not seen a report on the HP LP2475w in a while but this was an issue shortly after it was introduced last year. It is an issue right now with shipping units of the Dell and Philips units. It seems that this is happening in a fairly small sample size otherwise there would be much more of an uproar.

Looks like this (sample form Philips monitor):



.

--


Newsy http://newsy.smugmug.com

.
 
You shall search for an IPS monitor. Usual (cheaper) TN monitors are not suited for image editing (if you dont have very low requirements).

Personally I have a PHILIPS Brilliance 200 P that I like very much. But its old and probably cannot be found any more.

There is a new kid in town; E-IPS. It is said to be low power, cheap, fast and very good at colors - the best of all worlds.

I have not checked if its true. But - I would do that today if I was looking for a monitor.

--
Roland

support http://www.openraw.org/

X3F tools : http://www.proxel.se/x3f.html
 
Due to the very loose QC of LG made H-IPS panels, I cannot really recommend them even though they are the cheapest IPS money can buy. But if you found a source that allows unlimited exchange, go for it. :)
--
Alan Chan
http://www.pbase.com/wlachan
 
I had the 245T for a short while but the left side of the panel was much brighter, the difference was so severe it is obviously defective when using the dim mode in LR2. The review I found also suggested the evenness of this model was not great against other LCDs. The shop I bought it from admitted it was common and would only do refund or exchange for other models, but not for another 245T. It also runs quite hot. But image quality wide, it is very good when it works.
--
Alan Chan
http://www.pbase.com/wlachan
 
LOL !

I hope you don't mind me using it to point out this issue. It is the best I've seen to date.

Thank you for posting it a few weeks ago on another unnamed forum in Kanader. ;)

.

--


Newsy http://newsy.smugmug.com

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Leo: I just bought a Dell 24" ultra-wide monitor and find it to be an excellent upgrade to my former Samsung. It calibrates easily and is large enough for pinpoint editing (Wacom Intuos 4 medium). You might find that the background will fry your retinas, so turn it WAY down!
 
I am about to replace my old Samsung Syncmaster cathode tube type ... monitor ... if you are about to pull the trigger on one, let me know of your research if you have the time and the inclination!!
Leo, that was exactly my situation too, replacing a Syncmaster cathode tube that is. I did indeed a lot of research and decided to buy - like obviously quite a few others over here - the HP LP2475W 24" TFT Monitor 1920x1200 with S-IPS screen. Reasons were the just about perfect size, very good build, top colour gamut and pretty moderate price for what it offers.

It came yesterday and sits on my desk now for just about two hours - and one thing is for sure: I'll never look back to my good old Samsung... :-)

Regards,
Hannes
 
Uncle Leo,

What you haven't mentioned is your budget which obviously very important. Here another vote for the HP. Brilliant monitor!!

But if money is no object, you couldn't go wrong with Eizo. Probably the best monitors around but very expensive. Whether the quality difference between the HP and the Eizo is woth the difference in price though is only something you can answer.

But make sure you get one with an S-IPS or H-IPS panel and not a cheap TN panel as the viewing angles tend to be bad. Especially if your eyesight is not what it used to be...

P.S. and if you haven't already got one, get yourself a good monitor calibrator such as the X-Rite Eye One Display 2 or the Colorvision Spyder 3 Pro...

Your nephew,

--
René



http://www.luminous-pixels.com
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/ren%C3%A9box
 
Regardless of which monitor you eventually choose, make sure you have a calibration device (if you don't already have one). Although LCDs don't tend to stray once they have been calibrated, getting it set up right to begin with is crucial to post processing.

You will tend to discover, especially if you do your own printing at home, that if you don't get that display tamed with good calibration that you will be frustrated with dark prints. Use calibration software that lets you get the colors adjusted at a proper brightness level (which is WAAAAY lower than they are set for by the factory).
 
The dell 30" (which is the same panel as the Mac Cinema Display). You can get it for $999 Canadian so I assume it is even cheaper in the states.
 
Allow me to add another vote for the Samsung 245T if price is an issue (if not, then an Eizo or NEC might be better). I find the colours rich when calibrated properly as well as having great choice of connections (HDMI, DVI, Component, USB). Lots of parameters to choose from in the menu too. As far as I can tell, the light is uniformly distributed across the panel, with good viewing angles. iirc, this is the same panel that is used in the Dell 2408/2409wp monitors.
 
I've been using an HP LP2065 20inch monitor that I bought on-line from Ottawa several years ago. Not wide screen. They still sell several verisons for approx $C540. (Has 8bit RGB, no 6-bit dithering). I also like built in USB hub to give me more connections for mouse, printer, camera, etc. The HP calibration software that comes with it works well to set up Gamma correction, contrast, brightness, etc. I've had no problems using PSPX2 or Silkypix for color priniting on a Canon Pixma printer with excellent results. For picture editing even small chenges while sharpening, curves, etc how up very well. Even off-axis viewing (+ - 45 deg) is good. Highly recommended.

Good luck in your search.
Bob
 
I am overwhelmed by your generous help and suggestions! Typical of this forum, Pentaxians have again shown they will help when asked! I appreciate the time and effort you all took!

I will work through and research based on your suggestions and I will let you know when I finally make a choice.
Very best to all
Leo
--

K-7: Pentax DA* 200mm f2.8, Pentax DA* 55mm f1.4, Pentax DA 35mmm f2.8 Limited, Pentax DA14mm f2.8, Sigma 17-70mm Zoom, Sigma EX DG f2.8 70mm Macro, Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG Macro
mitch
 
This monitor has recently been on sale for $500 Canadian. I haven't even calibrated mine yet, so I can't speak to its quality. I'm coming from a great 19-inch Dell Trinitron of many years, which I continue to use, so I think my standards are pretty high.

Even though the panel is the same as in the HP and Phillips monitors, there are many other components and design choices that affect the usability and quality of the monitor. For instance, I think the backlight is independent of the panel (someone correct me if I'm wrong), and the evenness of the backlight is a significant consideration, as is the ability to control its brightness (so that you can get decent blacks). Other potential differentiators are QC (cf. Phillips?), warranty, and the features such as connections, USB hub, physical adjustability, and electronic adjustments (what level of control do you have for calibration and for presets; also for aspect ratio, for instance, if you want to want to watch movies on it).
 
Hi Leo!

I wish you well finding the right monitor!

Here is a post I made last year...I trust it may be of help. The gentleman Mr. Karl Lang, was principle in the design of the Sony Artisan monitor. Seems to know his stuff more than anyone in the biz. He recommended the NEC 2490wuxi with Spectraview II over any other at the time. Reidreviews.com has the article (small subscription, but well worth it!)

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=29121414

Best,

Nic
 

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