Professional equipment plays a special role in the work of specialists in creative professions. Special devices not only emphasize the level of skill and a serious approach to business, but also help to fully realize your idea. Therefore, professional photographers and designers do not skimp on the essentials and prefer monitors with better color reproduction. When the image is processed, the monitor becomes the eyes of the photographer. The correct transfer of all colors and halftones is the key to success. This means that the main advantages of a successful model for working in a photo editor are realistic colors, excellent brightness and contrast ratios, the ability to manually calibrate colors, and screen coverage.
The last parameter causes a lot of controversy. A glossy monitor often attracts the eye of a connoisseur of bright colors with its juicy palette. But first impressions are deceiving. Most glossy monitors are highly glare, they reflect the surrounding objects, in bright light, the color is often distorted. Matte screens, in turn, can slightly muffle the colors, but at the same time give a clear picture without glare. Fortunately, many modern monitors allow you to adjust colors manually. At the same time, in professional series of devices, matte, as a rule, does not interfere with color saturation. Therefore, matte screens for the most part are better suited for working with photos.
Also, when choosing a monitor, the photographer is advised to pay attention to the resolution, dynamic contrast, type and quality of the backlight. At the same time, despite the popularity of curved screens as elongated as possible, a standard widescreen display is better suited for professional needs. Not the last value for photo processing is the matrix. The best color reproduction is provided by IPS, the most common matrix among this class.
Today, the choice of professional monitors is quite large. However, not all devices that are positioned as professional, really are. At the same time, monitors for photographers are diverse. Each of them has its own advantages, and sometimes disadvantages. We studied many devices and chose the best ones both in terms of general indicators and specific properties, guided by user reviews, expert reviews and technical descriptions.
TOP 10 best monitors for photographers
10 AOC U2777PQU
The optimum ratio of price and quality. Versatility
Country: Taiwan
average price: 26 200 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.2
"Hey-oh-si" is a rather exotic brand in Russia, which is why it is quite often associated with the Chinese no name. In fact, this is a respected international company, founded in 1967 and engaged in the development of a full range of monitors. Its success can be judged by the U2777PQU model, which from its very appearance on the market immediately aroused the interest (we announce - well deserved) of experienced photographers and designers. Judge for yourself: at a cost of just over $400. the device is equipped with all the goodies necessary for professional processing of multimedia content.
This is an IPS-matrix with high resolution, brightness and contrast, and a matte anti-glare panel, and an adjustable stand, and all common connection interfaces, including a USB hub with 3 connectors. Comfortable button control from the monitor, a wide range of fine settings, the ability to control hardware settings through software greatly simplifies the process of setting up for current needs. Judging by the many reviews, the device shows itself to be a universal device, ready for professional use at work and for everyday tasks at home.
9 Iiyama ProLite XUB2792QSU-1
Stylish frameless design. High dot density. Ergonomic stand
A country:
Average price: 22,100 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.2
A few years ago, the Japanese company Iyama already made a splash in Russia with its monitors based on AMVA + matrices, when they were swept off store shelves and waited for months for new deliveries. The same story is repeated with the XUB2792QSU-1, 95% of reviews and reviews of which are more than positive. The model deserves the favor of users at first sight - thanks to the almost complete absence of frames on the case (on 3 sides, their width is only 6 mm) and elegant design (for lovers of the Scandinavian style there is a version in a white case).
The 27-inch panel in the usual 16:9 format for photographers with a pixel density of 110 ppi and a resolution of the WQHD standard also commands respect. It is capable of producing 1.07 billion colors and is 10-bit (8+A-FRC). Other technical characteristics, such as contrast, brightness, viewing angle, are not inferior to similar devices from other manufacturers, including those from a more expensive segment. The display is mounted on a stand with 4 degrees of freedom - it can be tilted forward / backward, rotated 90 ° vertically and horizontally, height adjustable up to 130 mm.
8 Viewsonic VX3211-2K-mhd
The best budget solution. Maximum reproducible shades
A country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 21,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.3
The 31.5-inch display is more of a multimedia solution and, most likely, an advanced photographer will not be interested. But its characteristics, coupled with the price, will surely delight the novice "photoshop" who, in between, does not mind shooting Call of Duty. Matrix parameters for this price category are very good: WQHD standard, reproduction of more than a billion colors, flicker-free throughout the brightness range, LED backlight.
Flicker-Free technology effectively combats eye fatigue, which every PC user invariably faces after 3-4 hours of sitting in front of the monitor. True, the ergonomic component is relatively weak - the body tilt is available only in one plane, and even then within 5 ... 13 °, but excellent viewing angles completely compensate for this nuance. There are no USB ports for connecting peripherals; instead, other popular interfaces are implemented - HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA. Leading review sites consider the model to be the best in terms of functionality, and we agree with them.
7 Acer EB321HQUAwidp
The maximum screen size. Acer ComfyView technology
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 22,400 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.4
The Acer EB321HQUAwidp monitor is based on an IPS-matrix, the resolution of which (2560x1440 pixels) is quite enough for semi-professional photo processing with high detail. Thanks to the increased to 32" diagonal, the editing process is convenient and productive: there is enough space on the screen for both the work area and the toolbar. The matrix comes with a factory-set color gamut, so the photographer does not have to deal with incorrect color display on the printed image. Broken Most users did not find pixels and highlights, and they have no complaints about the quality of the matrix device.
Working with graphics is simplified as much as possible due to the full reproduction of all colors of the sRGB palette. The use of Adaptive Contrast Management technology allows you to improve image clarity by optimizing the level of contrast in automatic mode. Another branded "chip" called Acer ComfyView reduces the amount of glare, so that the eyes practically do not get tired during photo processing.
6 Asus MG279Q
Fastest IPS response. Wide range of interfaces
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 38,300 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
Despite the fact that Asus MG279Q is positioned as a gaming monitor, it can also be considered an excellent candidate for use in the field of design, engineering, photo and video editing. Photographers are just right for the 27-inch screen, WQHD resolution, screen transition to portrait mode and 100% coverage of the color space in sRGB mode. The use of an AHVA-type IPS panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a record response time of 4 milliseconds leaves no doubt that image quality and viewing angle will not have to be sacrificed either.
As for the purely practical side of the photo editing process, namely the convenience of connecting various external devices to the monitor, the MG279Q has everything well thought out here. At the bottom right of the device, there was room for two HDMI ports, two USB 3.0 ports with charging function, a headphone output (as you know, good music inspires great photos), DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort connectors. The latter are usually installed in premium devices and allow you to transfer digital content in the highest resolution.
5 DELL P2415Q
Profitable price. The most compact
A country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 34,200 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The next review of the best monitors for photographers included, although not the most budgetary, but very popular model, which is characterized by good color reproduction and excellent detail. Although this monitor is not in the full sense of the professional device, it is endowed with everything necessary for fruitful work with photos and various graphics.
The 23.8-inch screen is quite compact, but still has a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels, usually found in larger and more expensive monitors. At the same time, a high-quality IPS matrix has the smallest pixel size, which makes the image very clear. In addition, colors can be adjusted manually. The model will also please with a contrast ratio of 1000 and a brightness of 300 cd/m2. Anti-reflective coating with a slight glow effect makes the image on the screen look like a photo on high-quality glossy paper. Flicker-Free technology evens out the backlight and prevents flicker.
4 LG 27UK850
4K display. High-quality assembly and ergonomics at the level of EIZO
A country: South Korea (made in China)
Average price: 37,450 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
A rare case - the 27UK850 monitor is positioned by the manufacturer as a purely office monitor, and users massively confirm its ability to honestly perform tasks more complicated than standard ones, and photo processing is one of them. Usually the opposite happens. The model replaced the beloved 27UD88 display and, having inherited the best characteristics from it, received several significant updates. Engineers added built-in acoustics with the MaxxAudio function, provided HDR support, and improved the characteristics of the matrix. The maximum brightness has increased to an impressive 450 cd/m. sq. The quality of materials and assembly has significantly improved, and some of the users even compare them with unsurpassed in this regard and much less budget Eizo.
The Freesync function has been added to the monitor, which will surely please owners of an AMD video card. The device offers various options for connecting peripherals - from HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 to DisplayPort 1.2 and USB Type-C 3.1. It has 15 preset modes, 2 more cells are left to record the user mode. After hardware calibration, the monitor turns into a full-fledged companion for working with photos.
3 NEC MultiSync EA275WMi
The best color rendering. Perfect factory calibration
A country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 39,700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The legendary Japanese corporation NEC is tirelessly expanding its range of display solutions, every year offering photographers models with the best performance at relatively budget prices. So, a widescreen monitor MultiSync EA275WMi with a diagonal of 27 "with a high-quality AH-IPS matrix can be purchased today for $ 600. For this money, the user receives a rich contrast display with a resolution of 2540x1440, which allows editing large photos, with the ability to tilt, rotate and rotate, as well as adjust in height.
Although nominally this monitor belongs to the highest budget universal series, colors are displayed very correctly, according to tests in various reviews, the color gamut according to the sRGB standard (mainly for Windows and Photoshop) varies from 90.7% to 97.8%. With a declared brightness value of 350 cd / m. sq. minimum measurements show 250 cd/m. sq., and the maximum - 400 cd / m. sq. In general, the richness of the provided opportunities is pleasantly surprising: there are functions for adjusting brightness and contrast, activation of color profiles is provided, technologies for flicker suppression and changes in the wavelength of the blue spectrum are built in to protect the eyes.
2 ASUS ProArt PA32UC-K
High-end model for demanding photographers. HDR support
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 173,400 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
Absolutely in all respects, the ProArt PA32UC-K panel meets the requirements of professionals: at a diagonal of 32 "it provides convincing color reproduction, smooth color transitions, decent static contrast ratio and brightness (1000:1 and 400 cd/m2, respectively). Standard settings provide for a cool color reproduction, but if necessary, you can calibrate using the included i1 Display Pro colorimeter and the proprietary ProArt Calibration utility, followed by recording the result in a profile.
The equipment of the monitor pleases with another fashionable feature today - HDR. It is very relevant for viewing relevant content, and its implementation takes place in 384 zones (for comparison, Samsung 42" has only 8 backlight zones). To sum up, ASUS ProArt PA32UC-K is a high-end monitor in every respect, allowing you to edit photos and videos with color rendering.
1 EIZO ColorEdge CG248-4K
The best equipment. Built-in calibrator. 5 years warranty
Country: Japan
Average price: 192,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The ColorEdge CG248-4K computer monitor from the eminent Japanese manufacturer Eizo is aimed at people who are seriously involved in computer animation, graphics and high-resolution photo post-production. The model received a 24-inch 4K display (3840x2160) with 99% coverage of the Adobe RGB color space and 100% sRGB. The image quality is superb thanks to the ultra-high resolution and small display diagonal, which together provide a high dot density.
The professional unit comes with a pre-assembled protective visor, a stand already attached at the factory, allowing flexible adjustment of the display position, cables, a software CD and even a cleaning kit. In addition to the drivers, the CD contains a proprietary ColorNavigator application that allows you to calibrate using ready-made templates or custom parameters. In this case, control measurements are performed by a built-in sensor, which is pulled out of the body for the duration of the operation. The manufacturer guarantees the stability of the characteristics for 10 thousand hours. With daily 8-hour operation, this resource will last for about 5 years. This is the duration of the guarantee.
What is the secret of competent retouchers? What allows them to quickly get high-quality results? Of course, the main factor is the baggage of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in working with graphic editors and raw converters. But, in addition to this, another thing directly affects the quality and speed of work - the computer system on which retouching is performed. When this system is convenient and stable, the retoucher does not need to deal with technical difficulties, “crashes”, “glitches” and “brakes”, wasting effort, time and nerves on something that is not directly related to working on the image.
This article will focus on the selection of a monitor and computer of the optimal configuration for a practicing photographer and retoucher.
Monitor
The monitor directly affects the quality of processing. You can be a retouching genius, but if you can't see how the image really looks, expect big surprises when you print or view the photo on another computer. Theoretically, technical, formal color correction can be done “by numbers”, but when working with a portrait, it is not so much “correct” as “beautiful” colors that have nothing to do with numbers that become important when working with a portrait.
Basic requirements for a photographer's monitor
Note . Similar IPS parameters with minor advantages or disadvantages are also PLS matrices, MVA / PVA types and their varieties with different letter indices.
From the point of view of having a lot of free space for the program interface, ultra-wide monitor models and multi-monitor configurations can be convenient. But it is worth considering that when working with a graphics tablet, the user may begin to experience some technical difficulties associated with scaling the screen to the working area of the tablet or limiting its actually used surface.
However, the presence of factory calibration does not exempt the user from a more accurate initial and subsequent periodic calibration of the monitor at home due to changes in the characteristics of the matrix during use.
I would like to additionally remind you that if you do not have the opportunity or desire to buy a computer, but you want to see the right colors on a large screen, it is possible to connect a monitor to almost any laptop. And in some cases, a bunch will turn out to be economically and practically more profitable: a good large monitor + a powerful laptop with a bad screen.
Computer
Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and other modern graphic editors and raw converters, despite their outward simplicity, are complex and resource-intensive programs, and therefore are quite demanding on the characteristics of computer hardware.Consider the main parameters of a computer (or laptop) suitable for working with photos.
For the most stable and convenient work in Photoshop, any Intel Core i5, i7 (or similar options from AMD) or more powerful models are suitable. In other words, it is desirable that there be at least four physical cores (or, in extreme cases, "threads") (therefore, systems based on old Core i3 processors, especially in laptops, are not the best choice).
With regard to working in Photoshop, there is never a lot of RAM. How much of it should be in the system for completely comfortable work?
- If we are talking about high-end retouching (i.e., the use of many layers, filters, smart objects, etc.) of 24 mpx images when working in 8-bit mode and allowed 30-50 history storage steps, then completely work will be comfortable if there are 8-12 Gb of RAM installed in the system.
- If we are talking about processing 24 mpx images in 16-bit mode, you need to have a system with 16-24 Gb of RAM.
- When working with photos of 36 mpx or more, it is advisable to have a computer with at least 16-20 Gb of RAM, although work will become completely comfortable only with 32 Gb, 64 Gb or more RAM.
For comfortable work, any more or less modern video card of the middle price segment will be quite enough: for example, Nvidia's GeForce with an index, * 50 Ti - * 60 - * 70 (for example, GeForce 750 Ti, GeForce 1060) and more productive, as well as similar models from ADM.
Note . As with the overall system RAM, graphics card RAM is just as important, so don't go for models with less than 2 Gb of RAM.
Note . With an extremely large number of shootings and a huge amount of data, you can think about buying several hard drives and combining them into a Raid array in order to increase reliability, purchase an external Raid storage or store information in the cloud (for example, on Amazon servers), but this is completely other story.
The modern standard is also support for connecting peripheral devices using the USB 3.0 and / or 3.1 protocol for fast data exchange, for example, with an external hard drive, camera or memory card.
© Steve Lasmin, September 2016.
© Mikhail Panin Photo School, 2016.
Hello readers of my blog! If you got here, then you, like me, have recently chosen a monitor for yourself. In this article of my blog, I want to tell my story on how to choose a monitor for a photographer and not only. Maybe it will be useful for someone, but if not, then pass by :)). I must say right away that we will choose a monitor in the budget segment (up to $300). Someone will say, wow budget, give 25 thousand rubles for a monitor, but these are today's realities. No offense, but I have no idea how people sit at laptops, the cost of which less cost a separate similar monitor and at the same time trying to process photos. Of course, most people have ordinary monitors on a TN matrix, ordinary tablets or even just smartphones, but the photographer must give the customer photos in the right color. You have had cases when you took photos for printing and the printed photos were "not the same" as on your monitor. The culprit, of course, is the photo lab, not your uncalibrated monitor. If you have the opportunity to spend well on a great monitor, then immediately finish this reading and proceed to the choice of a model from EIZO monitors or similar.
So, what do you need from a monitor for a photographer or designer so that the picture is correct and your eyes do not water after a long processing of photos while sitting at the monitor?
So, on what grounds did I choose a monitor in the price range up to $300(25 thousand rubles for the spring of 2016).
Firstly, it is color reproduction, viewing angles, type of screen surface, illumination uniformity. To work with color, it is better to choose monitors with IPS matrix. Gaming monitors on a TN-matrix were not even considered by me. IPS monitors have good viewing angles and colors are not distorted, the picture does not invert, does not darken when changing the angle of view, which is important when working with images. The display surface must be matte so that glare from light sources does not interfere with work and does not distort the picture. There are also semi-gloss ones, you can also see them, but it is better not to take glossy surfaces. Also pay attention to the minimum brightness (it is better according to tests from websites, and not according to the manufacturer's numbers) if you are going to work at night.
Secondly, it is the diagonal, resolution and aspect ratio of the screen. I have an old monitor that is not widescreen and now I wanted something like that, but they don’t sell these anymore. But there are monitors with an aspect ratio not 16:9, but 16:10 . My old 19" Samsung SyncMaster 971p with a 4:3 aspect ratio is taller than modern 24" monitors. The diagonal was chosen based on the budget, in the region up to 300 USD. you can't jump above 25 inches. I do not recommend taking less than 23-24. Personally, I opted for a 24-inch diagonal. We choose the resolution as follows: if you take a monitor 24 inches, then the screen resolution should be 1920 x 1200 no less or 1920 x 1080 if you still decide to take it with an aspect ratio of 16:9. If you take 27 inches, then take a monitor with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 at least.
Thirdly, this is the manufacturer, design, options for connecting to a computer and other little things such as touch buttons or a USB hub. Since progress in the monitor world is not as fast as in mobile phone displays, where there will probably soon be displays with 4k resolution in 5-inch format, we can even consider monitors 3-4 years old. For example, the old Dell UltraSharp U2412M, which has proven itself well in its time and is still on sale. There are also good monitors, but they did not fit into the budget a bit: ASUS PA248Q, BenQ BL2411PT, HP Z24i, NEC MultiSync EA244WMi. Each of them has its pros and cons. They also all have an IPS-matrix and an aspect ratio of 16:10. Monitors that have virtually no downsides are several times more expensive.
I decided to opt for the updated U2412M model on the Dell UltraSharp U2415, so to speak. Of course, it is not ideal at all, but it seemed optimal in terms of price / quality ratio. Of the minuses, one can note the Glow effect (in short, this is the illumination of black light at the corners of the monitor), the inconvenient location of the USB ports. Dell calibrates its monitors, but it's still a good idea to calibrate your monitor to get the best results. This is what my new helper looks like:
The frames of the monitor are thin -7 mm., The stand is different in color - it is silver. Despite the attached paper about the calibration of the monitor, that all colors are within the allowable values, the colors seemed dirty to me. For example, the monitor gave green color. Therefore it
Literally 10-15 years ago, every photographer faced a painful choice in the process of creating a picture. It began with determining the type of film and ended only in the process of developing a photograph: the selection of photo chemistry, developers, attenuators, filters, enlargers, photo glosses and even a red lamp for the "black room". In our time, this choice has remained the same painful and languid. Only the objects have changed - now there are many more of them, and they have become digital. It's not about the choice of photographic equipment and accessories. I want to talk about choosing components for a computer that will be optimal for working with digital photography.
With this article, I will begin the cycle of materials “Computer for the Photographer”. And the first topic of our cycle will be the choice of monitor.
The monitor is your eyes. When choosing a monitor for working with photography, it is very important to take into account its characteristics, because the final result of your work (the combination of color and light of the picture you want to show) completely depends on them. A photographer, like any creative person, completely relies on his feelings. Just as a musician trusts his ear, a photographer counts on his eye. To your eyes. His main task is to convey to others what he saw through the camera lens, preserving all the colors and moods of the plot.
What should be the ideal monitor for a photographer? To answer this question, let's define the basic requirements. Firstly, the monitor matrix must support the sRGB color gamut as much as possible (we will talk about this below). Secondly, an IPS type matrix must be installed in the monitor. When choosing a monitor, you also need to consider the size, viewing angle, surface type, and screen backlight. Let's take a closer look at each feature.
Matrix type
The matrix is the heart of the monitor. When choosing a monitor for a computer, you, in fact, choose a matrix. Almost all other characteristics of the monitor depend on this choice. Let's look at the types of liquid crystal matrices.
To date, the main technologies for the manufacture of LCD displays are TN, IPS and MVA.
Matrix TN is the simplest, while it has the highest response time (that is, the picture on the screen is updated relatively quickly). In the past they were quite widespread. TN matrices are the cheapest. The benefits of this technology end there. Matrices of this type are characterized by certain disadvantages: small viewing angles, low contrast, poor color reproduction and the inability to obtain perfect black. The last point is especially critical when working with photographs. You will never distinguish a failed shadow from just a dark area by eye.
The matrix of the LCD monitor, manufactured by technology IPS(also known as SFT), is currently the only sensor capable of always delivering the full color depth of sRGB. An indisputable advantage of this technology is wide viewing angles reaching 140°. Based on this technology, there are already a number of improvements called H-IPS, AS-IPS, AFFS, etc. For example, H-IPS technology outperforms IPS with reduced response time and increased contrast levels. With the advent of AFFS technology, the viewing angle and brightness have increased. This technology is now used in the manufacture of tablet PCs and smartphones. Each display manufacturer (NEC, Hitachi, LG, etc.) improves the modifications of IPS matrices every year, allowing these to improve the performance of monitors.
Technology MVA(multi-domain vertical alignment), developed by Fujitsu, has become a compromise between TN and IPS technologies. The advantages of MVA technology are deep blacks (high contrast), and not gray, as in TN-matrices, and wide viewing angles (up to 170 °). The disadvantages are the loss of detail in the shadows and the dependence of the color balance of the image on the angle of view. This technology also has several modifications: Samsung PVA, MVA-Premium, etc.
However, even now there are professional photographers who work with outdated CRT monitors. And all because so far there are very few affordable LCD monitors that can compete in image quality with a kinescope.
Color gamut and number of colors
Perhaps this is the most important parameter of the monitor, if it is designed to work with color. Sometimes there is confusion with the concepts of "color gamut" and "number of colors". Most often, these characteristics are presented in the description of the monitor (usually it is 16.2 or 16.7 million). The color gamut and the number of colors are two complementary things: the color gamut determines what range of colors the monitor can show, and the “number of colors” parameter determines how many gradations it can break this range into to reflect intermediate shades and midtones. Color gamut is a hardware characteristic of a monitor: on a monitor with a larger color gamut, you will be able to get purer, more saturated colors.
The "number of colors" parameter determines the difference between two adjacent colors - the greater the number of colors, the smaller this difference. The entire space of colors reproduced by the monitor is divided into 16.2 or 16.7 million gradations. We can set a certain color only up to a specific color gradation. Accordingly, if this space (color gamut) increases, and the number of gradations (colors) remains the same, then the difference between two adjacent colors inevitably grows. It turns out that, on the one hand, a monitor with a large color gamut can show more colors in the physical sense of the word, but, on the other hand, it does it less accurately. In practice, such a lack of colors is noticeable on smooth gradients: transverse stripes appear on them, each of which corresponds to one gradation. This effect can be seen by stretching, say, a gradient from red to black across the entire screen: you will see narrow uniform transverse stripes on it, even on the best LCD monitor. The only possible way out is to increase the color depth to 30 bits (so that each of the three components would be assigned 10 bits). At the moment, only single monitors can handle 30-bit color. Their cost is from 100,000 rubles. For example, NEC SpectraView Reference 2180WG LED.
Let's get back to color gamut. For a visual description of the range of reproducible colors, a diagram is used in which a horseshoe-shaped figure depicts the entire range of colors available to human vision. Pure colors are located along the edges of this figure, and as they approach the center, they mix, eventually forming a point of white.
Images on monitors with a wide range of colors look richer than on conventional models. Therefore, calibration of monitors with extended color gamut is required. For amateur use in the style of "plug and play" they are unlikely to fit.
Contrast and Brightness
Monitor contrast is expressed as the ratio between maximum and minimum brightness on a white and black background, respectively. Brightness is one of the strengths of an LCD monitor. This is the amount of light emitted by the display. If the brightness of the monitor is high enough, this is necessarily indicated in advertising booklets as one of the main advantages of the monitor. But sometimes the specifications of the monitor do not match the real ones. This also applies to brightness. If you can’t rely on the monitor’s passport data, then how can you evaluate its brightness? It is best to turn on the monitor and set its contrast and brightness to the maximum. If at the same time the image turns out to be too bright and a decrease in brightness is required for comfortable work, then it is safe to say that the brightness margin of the monitor is quite sufficient.
Viewing angle
The maximum vertical or horizontal viewing angle is defined as the viewing angle from which the image contrast is at least 10:1. Image contrast is the ratio of maximum brightness on a white background to minimum brightness on a black background.
For the photographer, an important circumstance is the fact that when viewing an image at an angle to the monitor surface, there is not a drop in contrast, but color distortions. For example, red turns to yellow and green turns to blue. At the same time, such distortions manifest themselves differently for different models, and for some, they are already noticeable at a slight angle, which is much smaller than the viewing angle. Therefore, comparing monitors in terms of viewing angles is basically wrong. More precisely, it is possible to compare, but such a comparison has no practical significance.
Thus, the viewing angle should tend to be as wide as possible. Cheap matrices have a very narrow viewing angle, and with even a slight change in the viewing angle, the image begins to darken and the colors are distorted. The ISP LCD matrix has the best viewing angle parameters.
A good example of a photo editing monitor is the NEC MultiSync PA241W. This is a 24" TFT P-IPS monitor with a 1000:1 screen contrast ratio and a 178° viewing angle. This monitor is capable of displaying over 1 billion colors.
Screen surface
And here everything is not so simple. The screen surface is a very important characteristic. There are two types: matte and glossy.
The glossy surface of the monitor is less convenient for work, as it reflects all light sources and illuminated objects that are in front of the screen and behind the back of the person working at the computer. Reflections greatly interfere when working with a photograph, you often have to strain your eyes and peer into the picture. But glossy displays are more “bright”, they have more saturated, intense and contrasting color reproduction, and they display deep blacks well. These are pluses.
Matte surfaces do not have a reflective effect. They are more convenient to use, although the picture on them looks a little “poorer”. But this applies not so much to working with graphics, but to working at a computer in general.
Size (diagonal) and resolution of the monitor
This is exactly the parameter where the principle “the more the better” does not work. And even harmful. Why? Let's figure it out.
First, the larger the monitor, the more resolution it needs. As a result, this is a load on the video card. If we purchase a more powerful video card, this increases the total cost of the computer. Secondly, a large monitor is not needed for processing at all. The photographer at work always increases the photo by 300-500%. This makes it easier to correct small defects. Accordingly, why do you need a large monitor, if in any case you have to enlarge the photo? However, you shouldn't waste time on trifles... A 24- or 27-inch monitor with a screen resolution of 1920x1200 and 2560x1440, respectively, is enough for comfortable work. And if you really want and the budget allows you to purchase a powerful video card (or even two in SLI mode), then you can use a 30-inch monitor with a resolution of 2560x1600. For example, this monitor might be an HP ZR30w.
IPS-matrices are best suited for working with color. This type of LCD matrix has the most correct color reproduction, but also a higher cost. Less suitable for image processing are monitors with PVA and MVA matrices. Quite common cheap TN matrices are not suitable at all. The recommended screen size is at least 24 inches. If you are going to use the monitor in a brightly lit room or in front of a window, a monitor with a matte screen is optimal. But you can hang the window and turn off the light, and enjoy a rich and natural picture from the glossy screen of your monitor.
For ease of understanding, I have divided our recommended monitors into two subcategories: regular and professional. If you are a beginner and still not good at color and color calibration, your unconditional choice is a regular monitor. When choosing a conventional LCD monitor for photography, follow the specifications in the previous paragraph. The manufacturer is not so critical. It can be a device from Samsung, LG, Asus, Dell, etc.
Choosing a professional monitor is quite difficult. These are monitors from NEC, QUATO, EIZO, etc. For comfortable work, the initial models of this segment (for example, NEC Multisync PA241W or NEC Multisync LCD 2490WUXI2) are suitable. Some professional monitors have a built-in calibrator (for example, the Eizo ColorEdge CG276W model, which costs about 170,000 rubles). And the flagship monitor from NEC Display Solutions is the NEC SpectraView Reference 302. With its impressive 30-inch size, high resolution (2560x1600, 16:10) and excellent image performance uniformity, this monitor is ideal for the most demanding applications (prepress preparing and viewing printed forms on the screen, as well as for obtaining images with professional color quality). The average price of this monitor is 178,000 rubles.
As you can see, there is a choice for any budget. The main thing is to properly dispose of them and choose a monitor that meets the requirements of high-quality work with photography. Now you can do it without much effort.
It's no secret that Apple technology is often chosen to work with graphics, photos and videos. Designers, planners, and engineers often come to meetings with MacBooks of all models and generations. However, to show the customer samples and examples of ready-made solutions at a meeting is one thing, but to come to grips with work at home or in the office is quite another.
A 13 or 15-inch laptop screen is no longer suitable for this, even a Retina display with such a diagonal does not allow you to work comfortably. An external monitor will come to the rescue.
Let's figure out together how not to make a mistake when choosing from a large variety of displays on the market.
Color reproduction
The most important professional requirement for a monitor. If a gamer survives not the most natural color of blood that gushing from enemies, then the designer can get into an unpleasant situation when the colors of the layout looked perfect, and after printing something awkward came out.
When choosing, pay attention to the display percentage of the Adobe RGB color field. Models for design and engineering must display at least 99% of this spectrum and be capable of hardware calibration.
So any monitor owner can independently adjust the image in order to achieve maximum similarity of colors on the screen with real ones.
What to choose: according to this criterion, there is no equal model LG 32UD99-W. The model was presented at CES 2017 and in a month it will be on sale.
Diagonal and Resolution
These parameters must be considered together. Only the correct ratio of the screen diagonal and the supported resolution will allow you to work productively with the monitor.
Currently there are models with resolution Ultra High Definition (UHD), they allow you to output up to 3840 x 2160 pixels. They are followed Wide Quad HD (WQHD) models with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. Such models will cost more than conventional ones. Full HD monitors with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, but the convenience and accuracy of work at a higher resolution will be better.
When choosing UHD or WQHD, you should look at displays with a diagonal of 27 inches, and it is better to choose 32-inch matrices. Only on such a screen area can you easily set the maximum resolution so that the rest of the interface elements do not become microscopic.
Chinese electronics manufacturers are now sinning with this, adding space resolution to 22-24 inch models, and when setting the maximum, it is impossible to even notice the cursor.
Connectivity
Ideally, a designer monitor should have these connectors: HDMI, DisplayPort/Thunderbolt, and the new USB-C. Such a variety of ports will allow you not to worry when choosing a laptop or computer model. It turned out to connect everything from the old system unit to the new 2016 MacBook Pro.
The life cycle of a good monitor is much longer than that of modern computers. It is enough to choose the right screen once and it will easily outlive a couple of working laptops.
What to choose: the most sophisticated in terms of connectivity, the LG 38UC99 monitor.
Ergonomics
The monitor should not only be able to display colors correctly, but also be comfortable in everyday use. The stand should allow you to change the angle of the matrix and set the appropriate height of the display.
Otherwise, you will have to constantly put something under the leg of the monitor. Such a solution looks wretched, and there is still a possibility of overturning the entire structure.
Still photographers and designers will appreciate the ability to rotate the monitor 90 degrees. It is so convenient to edit portrait photos or projects with a vertical orientation.
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