What matters for photo editing when comparing the LaCie 324i and Asus PA246Q?
Asked 11/29/2011
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I’m trying to understand how to compare monitors for photo editing, not just get a buying recommendation. On paper, the LaCie 324i and Asus PA246Q look very similar: both are IPS displays with similar size, resolution, viewing angle, luminance, response time, and wide color support. Yet the LaCie is much more expensive.
Beyond headline specs, what differences are likely to matter for photo editing? For example, are there factors like backlight stability, calibration consistency, uniformity, or long-term color/contrast reliability that would justify the price difference? Also, how can I identify those differences when researching monitor specs online?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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Well, the LaCie also has analog component video capability, for one thing. And there's the "adjustable backlight stabilization".
That's not to say that the Asus is a lesser device in any way. I have no direct experience with either of these particular models. I just know from experience that there's a reason why LaCie (like Eizo, whose offerings are equally pricey) has been able to command a high price over the years. The colour and contrast are rock-solid and consistent, perhaps to a degree not actually required for photo editing. Periodic "recalibration" is almost an exercise in confirmation of the existing profile -- it can be months before anything actually changes.
For all I know, the Asus monitor may be every bit as reliable and consistent. And it may be better than merely good enough. But when you're doing colour work to Pantone specs, it makes a big enough difference to warrant the extra cost for certainty, and Asus hasn't quite proven themselves yet.
Originally by user2719. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2719
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For photo editing, the biggest differences often aren’t the basic panel specs. Two monitors can look nearly identical on paper yet differ in the things that matter most for color-critical work:
- backlight stability
- uniformity across the screen
- consistency of color and contrast over time
- how well the display holds calibration
From the answers provided, the LaCie’s notable extras include adjustable backlight stabilization and additional video connectivity. More importantly, premium brands like LaCie and Eizo have a reputation for very stable color and contrast, so recalibration may show little drift even after months.
That doesn’t automatically mean the Asus is worse; it may still be excellent. The point is that spec sheets usually emphasize easy-to-market numbers like response time, viewing angle, or dynamic contrast, while they often say little about uniformity and calibration stability.
When researching monitors for editing, look beyond panel type and gamut. Try to find information on uniformity compensation, hardware calibration support, backlight stabilization, and reports of long-term consistency. Those traits are often what separate a professional display from a cheaper model with similar headline specs.
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