Why do Spyder4Elite and DisplayCAL behave differently when calibrating a monitor?
Asked 7/17/2016
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2 answers
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I use a Spyder4Elite colorimeter with Datacolor’s software on Windows and with DisplayCAL on Linux. The two programs behave very differently.
Datacolor feels mostly plug-and-play, while DisplayCAL may ask me to adjust monitor brightness, contrast, or RGB gains before profiling. Is Datacolor doing those adjustments automatically through the graphics card, or is DisplayCAL simply expecting more manual setup?
Calibration time is also very different: Datacolor finishes much faster, while DisplayCAL can take much longer. Is that because one is lower quality, or because DisplayCAL may be using a larger or more thorough patch set?
After profiling, both write an ICC profile. Can that ICC file be used on any computer or operating system, as long as it is for the same monitor and the graphics card settings remain neutral?
My monitor is an older Eizo SX2762W with a 16-bit LUT. Does that affect how calibration or profiling works?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
1
- DisplayCal suggests calibration only if you select anything other than "As measured" on calibration tab. You may skip the calibration even if it is suggested, it won't result in less accurate profile. You may also set "Gamma" (video LUT) to "As measured" because it does not affect colorimetric application.
- If you see patches changing at same speed, you have just selected too huge patch set under "Profiling" tab and that results in better profile. If patches change much slower under DisplayCal, it is the issue of the software.
- Yes, as long as video card settings are always neutral.
- Yes it does but I cannot tell how exactly.
Originally by user49477. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user49477
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The main difference is that DisplayCAL can be set up more explicitly. If you leave calibration options such as gamma/video LUT at “as measured,” it may only profile the display rather than actively correcting it. In that case, being asked to adjust brightness/RGB gains is about getting the monitor closer to the target before profiling, not necessarily a sign of lower accuracy.
The time difference is often due to profiling settings. A larger patch set in DisplayCAL takes much longer but can produce a more detailed profile. That doesn’t automatically mean Datacolor is worse; it may simply be using fewer measurements or a faster workflow.
An ICC profile can generally be used on another computer or OS for the same display, provided the system supports ICC color management and the graphics card/display settings remain neutral and unchanged.
Regarding the monitor’s 16-bit LUT: yes, it can matter to calibration/profiling behavior, but the exact impact depends on how the display and software use it.
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