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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Monitors....HELP...
Jay Gonzalez, Photographer
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Manchester | CT | USA | Posted: 3:58 PM on 12.30.03 |
->> I'm starting to look for a new monitor. I'm thinking about a flat screen this time around. I'm just not sure what I need to be looking for in a quality monitor.
Do I need to look at the Dot Pitch? Is it better to have a 1600X1400 resolution over a 1280X1024?
Do I really need to spend top dollar on a name brand or are there any generic brands out there that compete with the big names? I would like to keep my budget under $800.00 or so...
Jay |
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David Johnson, Photographer
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Social Circle | GA | USA | Posted: 4:06 PM on 12.30.03 |
->> This will give you some basic information.
http://micro.uoregon.edu/buyersguide/buyingadisplay.html#Screen%20Image%20C...
While flat panels are attractive and have a smaller footprint, I still prefer the image quality of a CRT monitor.
Dot Pitch is pretty important to me.... the smaller pitch the better.
Check places like cnet.com for monitor reviews. |
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Michael Hickey, Photographer
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Muncie | IN | USA | Posted: 4:08 PM on 12.30.03 |
->> For calibration purposes you should look for ones that have brightness and contrast settings and be able adjust colors independantly of each other. I would go for color rendition over resolution. So get the top model of the style you can afford.
I can't help with specific brands but keep in mind you get what you pay for. |
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Dave Amorde, Photographer
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Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 4:09 PM on 12.30.03 |
->> Jay, the answer largely depends upon what you will be doing at the monitor, and where it will be placed. If you are using the monitor for in-studio photo editing, then a high end traditional CRT monitor is still your best choice. LCD monitors are getting better at color reproduction, but they still are a long way away from CRTs.
As for dot pitch, it is only part of the equation. Look at refresh rate, contrast ratio, and maximum angle of view. LCD monitors, in order to get decent contrast, often have to be set so bright that they tire your eyes quickly. A top notch monitor should retain color reproduction and contrast at a reduced brightness setting and high enough refresh to reduce eye strain. It's very frustrating to begin a four hour editing session, only to get a headache twenty minutes into it.
I'll avoid mentioning specific brands, only because the models change so frequently. Get yourself down to a large computer store and compare directly. Ideally, do the comparison under lighting conditions similar to what you will be using after you purchase. |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Santa Ana | CA | USA | Posted: 4:11 PM on 12.30.03 |
| ->> I recently asked a similiar question directed to the owner of a good size pro film and digital lab where I spend my money. He said, CRT not flat screen, Sony and Mitsubishi. |
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Mike Leakey, Photographer
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Noblesville | IN | USA | Posted: 4:14 PM on 12.30.03 |
->> I'm not an expert on monitors but I recently bought a 19" lacie electron blue IV that I am very happy with. I would love to have gone with the 22" version but it was three times the price ($275 vs $800). It has separate RGB controls which are critical for color management. I did a lot of research on other message boards and the Lacie kept coming up recommended.
I know Sony makes a very good monitor called the Artisian that is very expensive (~$1700 i think).
Check out http://www.nikondigital.org/ for some info on CRT vs. LCD monitors. Their main point is that the CRT is a better bargain right now.
Also, if you don't already have one, make sure you get a Colorvision Spider to calibrate whatever monitor you buy. |
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Dave Amorde, Photographer
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Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 4:16 PM on 12.30.03 |
| ->> Note to Ian and others: "flat screen" is misleading terminology. There are many excellent "flat screen" CRTs being made. In particular, the high-end Sony Trinitrons are awesome. The term you are looking for is "flat panel", which is the LCD-based beast. |
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Neal Vaughan, Photographer
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St. Joseph | MI | USA | Posted: 4:36 PM on 12.30.03 |
->> If you get a flat panel make sure it accepts DVI inputs (and make sure your graphics card outputs it). It can make a big difference in image quality.
Resolution is personal to each person, but I find 1600x1200 just about perfect for my 19" CRT. If 1600x1200 is too high-resolution for you but you find yourself still limited on desktop space, consider running 2 (or more) monitors. You can put the palletes, email, IM programs, etc on the secondary monitor while still have the program on your main monitor maximized. |
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Pablo Galvez, Photographer
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Calgary | AB | CANADA | Posted: 5:13 PM on 12.31.03 |
->> I have used both and always use my 21" Sony Trinitron CRT for any important work as the colour is calibrated and the contrast is true no matter what angle you are viewing it at. LCD's - just like a laptop - are brighter or darker depending on the angle of the screen.
I would buy a CRT for important work. |
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Allan Campbell, Photographer, Assistant
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Salem (Portland) | OR | USA | Posted: 6:23 PM on 12.31.03 |
| ->> We have not had much luck at calibrating LCD flat panels. We have had both Sony and Mitsubishi, they are great CRT monitors. The Sony Artisan is a great line but pricey. (I want to order these next) We have several LaCie 4's with the wands, they work well as well and they are at a great price point atm. Our color advisors Alder Technology only recomend Apple's Cinema Display for the "flat screen" footprint and quality picture. |
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