Understanding Monitor Profiling Devices
A common question from clients and students is, “What’s the best device to use for calibrating my monitor?” In some ways this is an easy question to answer. I simply direct them to the devices I’ve used, such as the Spyder 3 Pro, i1 Display 2, and the Color Munki. Because I’ve used these devices, I know they can be relied on to produce consistent results. However, there are some differences in the technology used in monitor profiling devices that influences which ones are most appropriate in specific situations.
I was aware of some of the differences in profiling devices, but I never really had a complete understanding of how all of the pieces fit together. I’m happy to say that it all came together when I read an excellent post to the ColorWiki by Pat Herold, color expert from CHROMiX, Inc. in Seattle, WA.
The post, titled Profiling Devices for Monitors, can be found here: http://www.colorwiki.com/wiki/Profiling_Devices_for_Monitors.
If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a spectrophotometer and a colorimeter and which specific devices use these technologies: or your simply wondering which device might be best for calibrating that new iMac, you’ll want to read this article.
