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Sunday, December 26, 2010

My Spyder2(Pro) Retired..

My Spyder2Pro has served me well for years. But since there has been the 3 out there for quite a while, I have been tempted to upgrade for long. :-)

But as I found that I always use 6500K and Gamma 2.2 for my calibration and I do not use dual monitor configuration but just a single monitor, I opt to buy the new Spyder3Express, which is essentially a "downgrade" if only the product class is concerned! :-0

Indeed, the Spyder3 Pro version has many more additional features than the Express, which is just an entry-level product afterall. In particular the "Native" colour temperature option and the ambient light (and colour) sensor is what that I don't need (as it varies differently anyway throughout the day as I always work near the windows, at home or at work). The re-calibration "assistant" to me is a real annoyance, and I have disabled that for my Spyder2Pro using some method that I briefed before in my previous article.

I bought the Spyder3 in late November but I have only unpacked it and tried it during the X'mas holidays. I have calibrated two monitors of mine so far, a Dell 24" Full HD 16:9 UltraSharp and an older EIZO 4:3 19" LCD. Below are some screen shots during the calibration process:-


[ Just forget about the serious pin-cushion distortion of the shots, it is just one of the "characteristics" of the Sony NEX 18-55 kit lens! :-( ]

Well, what I can tell is that the 3 works quite obviously better than the 2 with LCD. I've got better colour/tone accuracy and better consistency across different machines as well. Anyway, it is just not something totally surprised for what the latest electronic device/gadget with the latest technologies does shine over the old ones. At only (US)$90, I think this is just a real bargain, and most importantly, it does really work, and very well! :-)

For more about how to work with the Spyder 3, read this tutorial (unofficial).


Read Also:-

Blueish "LED" Screens? (How To Make Them Colour "Correct"!)

P.S. Later on, I might re-calibrate my LED notebooks and upload my Spyder3 ICC profile for these blueish monitors!

Comments (8)

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I think it is not wise to stick tape on the screen, later you will tear and draw it down and this could damage something inside the panel.
1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago
I used 3M "invisible" adhesive tape that is not really too sticky. Moreover, those LCD monitor could be stronger than we thought. My that EIZO monitor had actually been hit by my Logitech wireless keyboard accidentally with great force and it had no damage of any after that! :-o

And, without the tapes, I found no means to ensure the Spyder attached completely close to the monitor surface. So, I did it.
Hi RH,
have you used the free software HCFR Colorimeter? In the latest version supports this device.
5 replies · active less than 1 minute ago
No. Btw, is this software only available in French?
I've just found this link and may try it out at a later stage: http://www.marcelpatek.com/hcfr.html

The software seems to be more advanced but I think typical users do not care with all those anyway. Nevertheless, thanks for your kind recommendation. :-)
Ooops, I've read the page more thoroughly and found that it does not support the Spyder 3, but only the 2! :-(
Hi RH,
The software version 2.1.0 supports the Spyder3 probe and this is available in French, English and German.
you look at this link: http://www.homecinema-fr.com/colorimetre/index_en...
Oh thanks, guy! I will try it out. :-)

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