Yet more monitor questions...

[Lettermanian]

I know monitor questions are frequent here, so I will try to frame my questions differently, based on how I view and edit photos. I have a Lenovo 24" QHD 8-bit monitor with a usb hub, which has been working very well with my M2 Mac mini (connected via usb-c, not HDMI). I would like a bit more screen real estate though for larger program windows, or for having two programs open at the same time, so I'm thinking of going to 27" (32" might be too big for my space). Given current sales, now would be the time for me to upgrade. Consumer-level only though, I'm just a hobbyist so I'm looking at monitors around the $500 CAD range or less. So:

1. Will a 10-bit monitor have an advantage over an 8-bit monitor when viewing and editing RAW files to JPEG? How about when viewing/editing JPEGs only?

2. Due to scaling and other concerns, will there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting a 27" 4k monitor vs a 27" QHD? Right now my 24" QHD displays the UI at native 2560 x 1440 and it's nice and sharp; will that stay the same on a 27", but allow a slightly larger program window? On a 4k screen, will the UI scale to 2560 x 1440, but allow for more detail when I want to zoom in to the image as I edit?

3. I have seen recommendations for getting an app like Better Display when using a 4k monitor with a Mac; can anyone confirm if it would be useful?

Thanks for any replies

 

[Jeff Wahaus]

Going from a 24" to 27" wont gain any screen real-estate if both are set to QHD, but everything will be slightly larger on the larger screen.

I found that a 27" is still to small to run at 4K resolution as the interface gets tiny. If you have good eyes and sit pretty close to the monitor then perhaps this isn't a problem.

 

[CAcreeks]

I'm just a hobbyist so I'm looking at monitors around the $500 CAD range or less.

This outfit is based in Montreal, so Canadian availability is likely:
https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd

4K 27" is the sweet spot for price/performance.

1. Will a 10-bit monitor have an advantage over an 8-bit monitor when viewing and editing RAW files to JPEG? How about when viewing/editing JPEGs only?

I have never seen evidence that 8+FRC is worse than 10-bit.

2. Due to scaling and other concerns, will there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting a 27" 4k monitor vs a 27" QHD? Right now my 24" QHD displays the UI at native 2560 x 1440 and it's nice and sharp; will that stay the same on a 27", but allow a slightly larger program window? On a 4k screen, will the UI scale to 2560 x 1440, but allow for more detail when I want to zoom in to the image as I edit?

I have a 4K monitor scaled to 2560x1440 and it works well. UI elements are similar size on the 27" monitor as on my Macbook 16. MacOS scaling is great!

3. I have seen recommendations for getting an app like Better Display when using a 4k monitor with a Mac; can anyone confirm if it would be useful?

No idea. Nothing seems wrong with regular MacOS display settings.

 

[Lettermanian]

I'm just a hobbyist so I'm looking at monitors around the $500 CAD range or less.

This outfit is based in Montreal, so Canadian availability is likely:
https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd

4K 27" is the sweet spot for price/performance.

1. Will a 10-bit monitor have an advantage over an 8-bit monitor when viewing and editing RAW files to JPEG? How about when viewing/editing JPEGs only?

I have never seen evidence that 8+FRC is worse than 10-bit.

My current monitor is only 8-bit, thats why I'm wondering if 10-bit (8+FRC or true 10-bit) would be better for viewing and editing photo files.

2. Due to scaling and other concerns, will there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting a 27" 4k monitor vs a 27" QHD? Right now my 24" QHD displays the UI at native 2560 x 1440 and it's nice and sharp; will that stay the same on a 27", but allow a slightly larger program window? On a 4k screen, will the UI scale to 2560 x 1440, but allow for more detail when I want to zoom in to the image as I edit?

I have a 4K monitor scaled to 2560x1440 and it works well. UI elements are similar size on the 27" monitor as on my Macbook 16. MacOS scaling is great!

Good to know, but then what is the advantage of the 4k spec over a QHD spec? I can get a decent monitor in either 4k or QHD for similar prices, so I'm really trying to figure out which way to go. How is 4k relevant if it has to be used at QHD resolution on a Mac?

3. I have seen recommendations for getting an app like Better Display when using a 4k monitor with a Mac; can anyone confirm if it would be useful?

No idea. Nothing seems wrong with regular MacOS display settings.

 

[MarshallG]

I know monitor questions are frequent here, so I will try to frame my questions differently, based on how I view and edit photos. I have a Lenovo 24" QHD 8-bit monitor with a usb hub, which has been working very well with my M2 Mac mini (connected via usb-c, not HDMI). I would like a bit more screen real estate though for larger program windows, or for having two programs open at the same time, so I'm thinking of going to 27" (32" might be too big for my space). Given current sales, now would be the time for me to upgrade. Consumer-level only though, I'm just a hobbyist so I'm looking at monitors around the $500 CAD range or less. So:

1. Will a 10-bit monitor have an advantage over an 8-bit monitor when viewing and editing RAW files to JPEG? How about when viewing/editing JPEGs only?

2. Due to scaling and other concerns, will there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting a 27" 4k monitor vs a 27" QHD? Right now my 24" QHD displays the UI at native 2560 x 1440 and it's nice and sharp; will that stay the same on a 27", but allow a slightly larger program window? On a 4k screen, will the UI scale to 2560 x 1440, but allow for more detail when I want to zoom in to the image as I edit?

3. I have seen recommendations for getting an app like Better Display when using a 4k monitor with a Mac; can anyone confirm if it would be useful?

Thanks for any replies

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?). My monitor is a 27” 4K LG, and I frequently change resolution, using full 4K mode when editing photos (making for a small UI), and a lower res for web browsing and document creation. With this display, you shouldn’t need to do switch resolutions.

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

 

[Lettermanian]

I know monitor questions are frequent here, so I will try to frame my questions differently, based on how I view and edit photos. I have a Lenovo 24" QHD 8-bit monitor with a usb hub, which has been working very well with my M2 Mac mini (connected via usb-c, not HDMI). I would like a bit more screen real estate though for larger program windows, or for having two programs open at the same time, so I'm thinking of going to 27" (32" might be too big for my space). Given current sales, now would be the time for me to upgrade. Consumer-level only though, I'm just a hobbyist so I'm looking at monitors around the $500 CAD range or less. So:

1. Will a 10-bit monitor have an advantage over an 8-bit monitor when viewing and editing RAW files to JPEG? How about when viewing/editing JPEGs only?

2. Due to scaling and other concerns, will there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting a 27" 4k monitor vs a 27" QHD? Right now my 24" QHD displays the UI at native 2560 x 1440 and it's nice and sharp; will that stay the same on a 27", but allow a slightly larger program window? On a 4k screen, will the UI scale to 2560 x 1440, but allow for more detail when I want to zoom in to the image as I edit?

3. I have seen recommendations for getting an app like Better Display when using a 4k monitor with a Mac; can anyone confirm if it would be useful?

Thanks for any replies

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?).

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

In Canada it will probably be priced over $1200, then I get to pay another 15% sales tax on top, so those kinds of monitors are simply out of the question for me. However, Asus does have a 27" QHD 10-bit Proart with usb-c and 4-port hub that is in my price range (the PA278CGV) , so I'm trying to figure out if there's an advantage to a 4k monitor or not, if its optimal Mac setting is scaled down to QHD anyway (for a 27").

 

[MarshallG]

I know monitor questions are frequent here, so I will try to frame my questions differently, based on how I view and edit photos. I have a Lenovo 24" QHD 8-bit monitor with a usb hub, which has been working very well with my M2 Mac mini (connected via usb-c, not HDMI). I would like a bit more screen real estate though for larger program windows, or for having two programs open at the same time, so I'm thinking of going to 27" (32" might be too big for my space). Given current sales, now would be the time for me to upgrade. Consumer-level only though, I'm just a hobbyist so I'm looking at monitors around the $500 CAD range or less. So:

1. Will a 10-bit monitor have an advantage over an 8-bit monitor when viewing and editing RAW files to JPEG? How about when viewing/editing JPEGs only?

2. Due to scaling and other concerns, will there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting a 27" 4k monitor vs a 27" QHD? Right now my 24" QHD displays the UI at native 2560 x 1440 and it's nice and sharp; will that stay the same on a 27", but allow a slightly larger program window? On a 4k screen, will the UI scale to 2560 x 1440, but allow for more detail when I want to zoom in to the image as I edit?

3. I have seen recommendations for getting an app like Better Display when using a 4k monitor with a Mac; can anyone confirm if it would be useful?

Thanks for any replies

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?).

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

In Canada it will probably be priced over $1200, then I get to pay another 15% sales tax on top, so those kinds of monitors are simply out of the question for me. However, Asus does have a 27" QHD 10-bit Proart with usb-c and 4-port hub that is in my price range (the PA278CGV) , so I'm trying to figure out if there's an advantage to a 4k monitor or not, if its optimal Mac setting is scaled down to QHD anyway (for a 27").

 

[Lettermanian]

I know monitor questions are frequent here, so I will try to frame my questions differently, based on how I view and edit photos. I have a Lenovo 24" QHD 8-bit monitor with a usb hub, which has been working very well with my M2 Mac mini (connected via usb-c, not HDMI). I would like a bit more screen real estate though for larger program windows, or for having two programs open at the same time, so I'm thinking of going to 27" (32" might be too big for my space). Given current sales, now would be the time for me to upgrade. Consumer-level only though, I'm just a hobbyist so I'm looking at monitors around the $500 CAD range or less. So:

1. Will a 10-bit monitor have an advantage over an 8-bit monitor when viewing and editing RAW files to JPEG? How about when viewing/editing JPEGs only?

2. Due to scaling and other concerns, will there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting a 27" 4k monitor vs a 27" QHD? Right now my 24" QHD displays the UI at native 2560 x 1440 and it's nice and sharp; will that stay the same on a 27", but allow a slightly larger program window? On a 4k screen, will the UI scale to 2560 x 1440, but allow for more detail when I want to zoom in to the image as I edit?

3. I have seen recommendations for getting an app like Better Display when using a 4k monitor with a Mac; can anyone confirm if it would be useful?

Thanks for any replies

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?).

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

In Canada it will probably be priced over $1200, then I get to pay another 15% sales tax on top, so those kinds of monitors are simply out of the question for me. However, Asus does have a 27" QHD 10-bit Proart with usb-c and 4-port hub that is in my price range (the PA278CGV) , so I'm trying to figure out if there's an advantage to a 4k monitor or not, if its optimal Mac setting is scaled down to QHD anyway (for a 27").

Honestly, I think it’s subjective. I’m happy enough with my 27” LG 4K, and it wasn’t very expensive. The 4K seems to be very useful to me when I’m photo editing, but everybody’s different, you know? It would be best if you can try for yourself or buy from a store that accepts returns.

Yes, I will be buying from BestBuy or Amazon, both accept returns. Are you editing photos at the full 4k (which would mean a very small UI) , or at a scaled UI? If at a scaled UI, is there still an advantage over editing photos on a QHD monitor (I.e. if I zoom in for finer editing will there be more resolution to the file?).

 

[MarshallG]

I know monitor questions are frequent here, so I will try to frame my questions differently, based on how I view and edit photos. I have a Lenovo 24" QHD 8-bit monitor with a usb hub, which has been working very well with my M2 Mac mini (connected via usb-c, not HDMI). I would like a bit more screen real estate though for larger program windows, or for having two programs open at the same time, so I'm thinking of going to 27" (32" might be too big for my space). Given current sales, now would be the time for me to upgrade. Consumer-level only though, I'm just a hobbyist so I'm looking at monitors around the $500 CAD range or less. So:

1. Will a 10-bit monitor have an advantage over an 8-bit monitor when viewing and editing RAW files to JPEG? How about when viewing/editing JPEGs only?

2. Due to scaling and other concerns, will there be any advantage/disadvantage to getting a 27" 4k monitor vs a 27" QHD? Right now my 24" QHD displays the UI at native 2560 x 1440 and it's nice and sharp; will that stay the same on a 27", but allow a slightly larger program window? On a 4k screen, will the UI scale to 2560 x 1440, but allow for more detail when I want to zoom in to the image as I edit?

3. I have seen recommendations for getting an app like Better Display when using a 4k monitor with a Mac; can anyone confirm if it would be useful?

Thanks for any replies

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?).

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

In Canada it will probably be priced over $1200, then I get to pay another 15% sales tax on top, so those kinds of monitors are simply out of the question for me. However, Asus does have a 27" QHD 10-bit Proart with usb-c and 4-port hub that is in my price range (the PA278CGV) , so I'm trying to figure out if there's an advantage to a 4k monitor or not, if its optimal Mac setting is scaled down to QHD anyway (for a 27").

Honestly, I think it’s subjective. I’m happy enough with my 27” LG 4K, and it wasn’t very expensive. The 4K seems to be very useful to me when I’m photo editing, but everybody’s different, you know? It would be best if you can try for yourself or buy from a store that accepts returns.

Yes, I will be buying from BestBuy or Amazon, both accept returns. Are you editing photos at the full 4k (which would mean a very small UI) , or at a scaled UI? If at a scaled UI, is there still an advantage over editing photos on a QHD monitor (I.e. if I zoom in for finer editing will there be more resolution to the file?).

 

[CAcreeks]

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?). My monitor is a 27” 4K LG, and I frequently change resolution, using full 4K mode when editing photos (making for a small UI), and a lower res for web browsing and document creation. With this display, you shouldn’t need to do switch resolutions.

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

Cool, thanks for alerting us to it. This B&H review comment is concerning:

"The 'LuxPixel Technology' layer adds a significant amount of grain to the screen. Very annoying for a creative professional like myself. I want to see white and NOT a texture that's mostly white."

Hopefully Rtings.com will review it soon.

For Lettermanian: a 4K monitor should show more detail when editing Actual Pixels, 100% or 200% depending on application.

 

[MarshallG]

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?). My monitor is a 27” 4K LG, and I frequently change resolution, using full 4K mode when editing photos (making for a small UI), and a lower res for web browsing and document creation. With this display, you shouldn’t need to do switch resolutions.

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

Cool, thanks for alerting us to it. This B&H review comment is concerning:

"The 'LuxPixel Technology' layer adds a significant amount of grain to the screen. Very annoying for a creative professional like myself. I want to see white and NOT a texture that's mostly white."

Hopefully Rtings.com will review it soon.

For Lettermanian: a 4K monitor should show more detail when editing Actual Pixels, 100% or 200% depending on application.

LuxPixel is their anti-glare treatment. Some people like anti-glare screens, others insist on glossy. I guess you can’t make everybody happy. I haven’t seen the screen but I don’t think that’s a definitive disqualifier.

 

[Lettermanian]

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?). My monitor is a 27” 4K LG, and I frequently change resolution, using full 4K mode when editing photos (making for a small UI), and a lower res for web browsing and document creation. With this display, you shouldn’t need to do switch resolutions.

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

Cool, thanks for alerting us to it. This B&H review comment is concerning:

"The 'LuxPixel Technology' layer adds a significant amount of grain to the screen. Very annoying for a creative professional like myself. I want to see white and NOT a texture that's mostly white."

Hopefully Rtings.com will review it soon.

For Lettermanian: a 4K monitor should show more detail when editing Actual Pixels, 100% or 200% depending on application.

CAcreeks, can you check something for me? On your 4k 27" monitor, when in 4k res, can you press the cmd key with + and - key to quickly change the window size when (for example) browsing in Safari? I'm just wondering if that works as a quicker solution to make text etc larger momentarily than going into settings and changing screen resolutions. Thanks in advance

 

[CAcreeks]

CAcreeks, can you check something for me? On your 4k 27" monitor, when in 4k res, can you press the cmd key with + and - key to quickly change the window size when (for example) browsing in Safari? I'm just wondering if that works as a quicker solution to make text etc larger momentarily than going into settings and changing screen resolutions. Thanks in advance

Yes, that works in Safari and other browsers (Firefox, Chrome).

What I like is for UI elements and text, such as in Terminal and the top menu bar, to be the same size on the Macbook as on the external monitor. Text size is approximately the same with 27" 4K monitor scaled to 2560x1440 and Macbook 16 at Default.

I see Best Buy has Rting.com's "best 4K monitor" on sale for $499 USD. With 772 to 1725 nits maximum brightness, it is good for HDR. Very tempting.

https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd

 

[Lettermanian]

CAcreeks, can you check something for me? On your 4k 27" monitor, when in 4k res, can you press the cmd key with + and - key to quickly change the window size when (for example) browsing in Safari? I'm just wondering if that works as a quicker solution to make text etc larger momentarily than going into settings and changing screen resolutions. Thanks in advance

Yes, that works in Safari and other browsers (Firefox, Chrome).

What I like is for UI elements and text, such as in Terminal and the top menu bar, to be the same size on the Macbook as on the external monitor. Text size is approximately the same with 27" 4K monitor scaled to 2560x1440 and Macbook 16 at Default.

I see Best Buy has Rting.com's "best 4K monitor" on sale for $499 USD. With 772 to 1725 nits maximum brightness, it is good for HDR. Very tempting.

https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/best/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd

Thank you, good to know about the shortcut. I am considering this Viewsonic ColorPro monitor as it is about the top of my price range: 27" 4k with USB-C and hub, 10-bit (8+FRC), and from reviews seems to have good colour out of the box, and Mac-friendly.

 

[MarshallG]

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?). My monitor is a 27” 4K LG, and I frequently change resolution, using full 4K mode when editing photos (making for a small UI), and a lower res for web browsing and document creation. With this display, you shouldn’t need to do switch resolutions.

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

Cool, thanks for alerting us to it. This B&H review comment is concerning:

"The 'LuxPixel Technology' layer adds a significant amount of grain to the screen. Very annoying for a creative professional like myself. I want to see white and NOT a texture that's mostly white."

Hopefully Rtings.com will review it soon.

For Lettermanian: a 4K monitor should show more detail when editing Actual Pixels, 100% or 200% depending on application.

CAcreeks, can you check something for me? On your 4k 27" monitor, when in 4k res, can you press the cmd key with + and - key to quickly change the window size when (for example) browsing in Safari? I'm just wondering if that works as a quicker solution to make text etc larger momentarily than going into settings and changing screen resolutions. Thanks in advance

Yes, I do that all the time. IT doesn’t make the window larger, it makes the text and graphics larger… I think that’s what you mean.

 

[Lettermanian]

This one is over your budget but you should consider it nonetheless:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1850479-REG/asus_pa27jcv_27_proart_5k_usb_c.html/

It is a full 5K, which means it should have optimal image quality on a Macintosh. I think this has all the key features of Apple’s Studio display, in a plastic enclosure, not sleek brushed aluminum. (Sleek brushed plastic?). My monitor is a 27” 4K LG, and I frequently change resolution, using full 4K mode when editing photos (making for a small UI), and a lower res for web browsing and document creation. With this display, you shouldn’t need to do switch resolutions.

I believe it’s fairly new so I don’t know how many reviews there are, but it’s very strong on paper.

Cool, thanks for alerting us to it. This B&H review comment is concerning:

"The 'LuxPixel Technology' layer adds a significant amount of grain to the screen. Very annoying for a creative professional like myself. I want to see white and NOT a texture that's mostly white."

Hopefully Rtings.com will review it soon.

For Lettermanian: a 4K monitor should show more detail when editing Actual Pixels, 100% or 200% depending on application.

CAcreeks, can you check something for me? On your 4k 27" monitor, when in 4k res, can you press the cmd key with + and - key to quickly change the window size when (for example) browsing in Safari? I'm just wondering if that works as a quicker solution to make text etc larger momentarily than going into settings and changing screen resolutions. Thanks in advance

Yes, I do that all the time. IT doesn’t make the window larger, it makes the text and graphics larger… I think that’s what you mean.

Essentially yes, if any kind of text is too small when 4k res is set I wanted to be sure there was a quick way to make it larger when I need to, instead of changing display resolutions in settings. That said, if using an editing program in 4k mode, I assume I would still resize the window to fill the screen so the image is as large as possible.

I think I'll just have to get one and see if it's worth the switch from QHD. Going from 24" to 27" is basically the main priority to get a bit more screen space.

--
The grass isn't always greener, unless you shoot Velvia.