Q and A: What are the best, affordable LCD monitors for photographers?

Question

I appreciate your test reports on Photocrati.com and want to ask for a recommendation about a computer monitor. What are the best LCD monitors for photographers and what is available at a reasonable price? I don’t want to pay thousands of dollars. S.R.

Answer

Most reviewers agree that the Eizo Color Edge CG series is among the very best in LCD monitors for digital photographers and graphic arts professionals. Some of the CG models do cost thousands, but the 22-in CH222W (B&H: CH222W), (Amazon 22IN 1650X1050 Coloredge Blk Dig/alog) is more affordable and ships with a hood to block stray light. This model provides 1680 x 1050 resolution, a very wide color gamut (97% sRGB , and 92% Adobe RGB coverage) and other pro-grade features such as dual DVI interface and ColorNavigator calibration software. Brightness is 200 cd/m2 (more than adequate) and the contrast ratio is 800:1.

Many of us want to spend less, making two other monitors more popular. The most affordable model with pro-calibre features, the 22-inch NEC MultiSync P221W (B&H NEC MultiSync P221W), (Amazon 22IN Ws LCD 1680X1050 Multisync P221W Profl Display) boasts 1680×1050 resolution, 300 cd/m2 brightness, 1000:1 contrast, along with a very wide colour gamut (96% of Adobe RGB) and DVI input. This NEC model is also available in a SpectraView version including SpectraViewII color calibration software and hardware to ensure maximum display accuracy.

My vote for the best value in a monitor with excellent photographic reproduction goes to the 24-inch Samsung SyncMaster 245T (B&H Samsung SyncMaster 245T), (Amazon Samsung SyncMaster 245T 24″ LCD Monitor) with 1920×1200 resolution, 300 cd/m2 brightness and 1000:1 contrast (1500:1 in dynamic mode). In addition to DVI input, this Samsung model is equipped with an HDMI port (and full 1080p support), which is useful for those who own DSLRs with HDMI output or those who want a monitor that can double as a TV.

Even the SyncMaster 245T may not provide a perfectly accurate display right out of the box, making a colour calibration kit an essential accessory as it is for any monitor. The Datacolor Spyder3 Elite (B&H Datacolor Spyder3 Elite), (Amazon Spyder 3 Elite) would be an excellent choice.

The Rolls Royce of monitors for serious photographers and graphic arts specialists, an Eizo Color Edge (CG) model always gets rave reviews. If you want a more affordable but still superb monitor, check out the 24-inch Samsung SyncMaster 245T or the 22-inch MultiSync P221W from NEC.
The Rolls Royce of monitors for serious photographers and graphic arts specialists an Eizo Color Edge CG model always gets rave reviews If you want a more affordable but still superb monitor check out the 24 inch Samsung SyncMaster 245T or the 22 inch MultiSync P221W from NEC

Monitor NEC

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. It would be interesting to see how you rate the Apple monitors. Are they not counted because they are mostly connected with the Mac platform?

  2. I came here looking for a monitor to use because my iMac monitor is so bad. Nice computer for the money, but the built in monitor is not good enough for professional graphics.

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