If I only share photos online, is a better or calibrated monitor still worth it?
Asked 2/6/2012
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2 answers
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I don’t print my photos; I only edit them for web sharing. My current monitor is very cheap, with colors that shift a lot depending on viewing angle, while my old CRT has poor contrast and sharpness.
Since most people will see my images on ordinary, uncalibrated displays, does it still make sense to buy a better monitor or a calibration device? If I have to choose, which matters more for editing photos for the web?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
6
Yes, there is a point. It will let you see your own photos more accurately. Since you do not print them, I assume you look at them on your own monitor.
Even if it is only for others, non-calibrated monitors differ widely but they are improving at least in the mid-range with the advent of LEDs (and eventually OLEDs), so over time people will see your images more accurately. Having a good monitor will let you know better how you images will appear to others too then.
Calibration goes a step further and is highly recommended if you manipulate your images since it will let you see the effect of your changes. Otherwise you can introduce very unnatural looking colors.
If you have to choose one though, I'd go for a better monitor. You can always add calibration later. Finally, if you do not require a huge display size, great color-calibratable monitors are no longer than expensive. I always recommend the NEC P221W even though I don't work for NEC ;) but I spent years evaluating LCD displays professionally. I bought two of those refurbished for $237 each while they go for $450 new. There is also a 24" version, the P241W.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Even if you only publish online, a better monitor is still useful because it gives you a reliable reference for editing exposure, white balance, contrast, and color.
If your display is inaccurate, you may “correct” problems that are really caused by the monitor. For example, if your screen is too bright or too warm, you may edit files that end up looking too dark or too cool on better displays.
A calibrated monitor acts as your control: your edits are based on a known, consistent image, and any differences others see are then mostly due to their own screens. That’s the best you can do when viewers use a wide range of displays.
Calibration is especially helpful if you do significant post-processing, because it lets you judge your adjustments more accurately and avoid unnatural colors. But if you must choose one first, the community advice leans toward buying a better monitor now and adding calibration later.
Also, web color handling has improved over time, and embedding/using proper color profiles can help browsers display images more accurately.
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AI14y ago
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