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PRICE: £109
CALIBRITE.COM
Calibrite Display 123 This pint-sized piece of tech is supposed to make monitor calibration as easy as... yep, you guessed it. Let’s see if it lives up to its name
likes to digitally edit their images – particularly those looking to print their work. Colour reproduction can vary from display to display, and even change over time, so even the most expensive monitors are susceptible to inaccuracies. Regular monitor calibration ensures your displays are both accurate and consistent, avoiding any unwanted colour casts. So, how do you change monitor calibration from a complex process reserved for industry specialists into something more accessible to the
TESTED BY PETE TOWNSHEND
masses? It’s a conundrum Calibrite aims to answer with the Display 123. Designed with simplicity at its heart, the Display 123 is a tool made to do a job as quickly, efficiently and affordably as possible. This comes at the cost of more advanced features like an ambient light sensor and support for more than two displays per workstation, but considering its £109 price
MONITOR CALIBRATION. TWO words that, for many, will sound intimidating, boring or both – and is that such a surprise? It can be a time-consuming affair riddled with complicated processes and puzzling jargon and nigh endless adjustments. However, while it may be inaccessible for many, the truth is that a correctly calibrated display is essential for any photographer who
point and entry-level consumer target audience, we don’t see these omissions as a major issue. Something that could be, however, is the Display 123’s incompatibility with Apple’s latest Liquid Retina XDR displays or any display with over 1000 nits of brightness, so do keep that in mind before parting with any cash. In the box, you’ll find nothing but the unit, a counterweight and a web address to download the Calibrite Profiler software. This is a simple enough process requiring MacOS 10.15 or Windows 10-11, 32- or 64-bit. Once downloaded, simply plug the Display 123 into your machine via its refreshingly long USB-C cable, launch the software and then the three-step process begins. Easy-to-follow instructions guide you on your way, complemented by a link to a video demo if you’re more of a visual learner. In the first step, you select the target display and choose between calibrating at your monitor’s current brightness or the standard photo editing brightness of 120 nits. If you choose the former, step two is as simple as hanging the Display 123 in place and clicking Measure.
SPECS › In the box Display 123, adjustable counterweight
› Connection USB-C › Number of displays Up to two per workstation › White point settings D65, Native › Max luminance 1000 nits › Dimensions (dxh) 37x34mm If the latter, you’ll first need to set your display to 120 nits via its on- board menu system. Step three is the automatic measurement process, in which the software displays a sequence of colours for the unit to read. This lasts around four-and-a-half minutes and ends by automatically applying the calibrated settings and presenting before-and-after visuals, which is a satisfying touch. All in all, I found the calibration sequence a doddle. Calibrite is on a mission to bring accurate colours to everyone, regardless of technical know-how. With the Display 123, they’re certainly succeeding.
Verdict The Display 123 does a great job of taking the confusion out of monitor calibration with a simple, lightweight design and remarkably easy three- step automated process. Just be certain to check display compatibility before purchase. PROS Small, lightweight, easy to use and affordably priced CONS Apple Liquid Retina XDR displays, and displays with a brightness of over 1000 nits, are not supported
EASY AS 1-2-3 With its simple three-step automated process, the Display 123 makes monitor calibration as easy as clicking a few buttons. It balances functionality and affordability, bringing professional-level calibration to beginners
36 Photography News | Issue 116
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