ACADEMY
MAC STUDIOHARDWARE
allowing fast charge of a MacBook Pro. Up to three Studio Displays can be connected to a MacBook Pro or Mac Studio, creating a huge workspace. The 600-nit Studio Display doesn’t have the necessary 1000-nit brightness that’s required for true HDR, but anything over 400 nits gives a good reproduction of basic HDR compatibility. The display has a built-in Apple A13 chip to drive the clever 12-megapixel webcam, with Apple’s Centre Stage software for FaceTime or Zoom calls. It also has three built-in mics and six speakers, although most use external speaker monitors for editing. An additional bonus is it works with Apple’s Siri voice control and can be plugged directly into later iPads or iMacs. A 5K Retina display, just like the old iMac, is excellent. In fact, there are very few 5K displays on the market, which helps Apple differentiate from the swathe of 4K monitors. The 5K LG UltraFine, which has Thunderbolt 3 ports, might be six years old, but with similar screen spec. It’s also cheaper at £1386/$1296, but has a lower build quality. Like the Apple screen, the LG is high-end, consumer grade, rather than a reference monitor that’s specifically aimed at filmmakers, photographers or designers. It’s not packed with clever webcams, woofers or voice control, but is focused on being colour-accurate. To suit the size and budget of potential Mac Studio buyers, perhaps the best option is the BenQ SW range of 4K, high-end photo monitors that plug in via Thunderbolt and come in 27 and 32in sizes. The 300-nit SW271C is £1289/$1599, while the larger SW321C is £1548/$1999. Each has a
“It has three built-inmics and six speakers, although most use external speakermonitors for editing. A bonus is it works with Apple’s Siri voice control”
single cable. However, there are no speakers or webcams built-in. A cheaper option, but one that still provides great colour, BenQ also offers the PD range of 4K monitors aimed specifically at designers. The PD3220U is a 32in monitor for £999/$1199, and the PD2725U a 27in model for £899/$949 – both connect with Thunderbolt and have 100% sRGB/Rec.709 and 95% P3 colour space. Plus, they employ HDR10 technology to preview video content in HDR. Peak brightness is 400 nits. If you want a stunning performer, the 31in 4K Eizo ColorEdge CG319X comes in at a massive £3960/$5739. It has a built-in sensor, which can be set to calibrate the monitor automatically at designated times. This eliminates the need for a third- party calibration device and makes absolutely sure that your screen stays colour-accurate. In addition, it features the latest sensor tech, which allows you to use it even during recalibration.
16-bit panel with 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB and Rec.709, plus 90% of DCI-P3/Display P3 for HDR in 24/25/30p with HDR10 and HLG format. There is built-in hardware calibration and a 16-bit 3D LUT that improves RGB blending accuracy. The screens come with a detachable shading hood, and the USB-C port provides high-speed connection and 60W power delivery with a
AFFORDABLE EIZO The CS2740 isn’t the firm’s flagship, but offers lots of features and consistent gamma
PRO GRADE The BenQ SW271C screen is a similar price to the Mac monitor, but with better colour accuracy
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