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PRICE: £239 › OM System M.Zuiko ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS Pro › Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8 Datacolor Spyder X2 Elite DATACOLOR.COM
A colour-calibrated monitor is surely a necessity if you’re serious about editing. But how does Datacolor’s solution hold up?
While both units look identical, the difference lies in the type of monitors they’re designed to calibrate. The Elite is ideal for photographers and videographers editing on a conventional computer, while the Ultra works with the enhanced colour and brightness ranges found on HDR monitors. In technical terms, the Elite covers up to a maximum display luminance of 750 nits, with the Ultra up to 2000. If you buy the Elite, it is possible to upgrade it to the Ultra’s spec at a later date via a software update. If you’ve used a monitor calibrator before, you’ll know that the process is quick and simple. After downloading the necessary drivers, it took less than ten minutes to get a new profile for my desktop Apple iMac. The Spyder X2 works on laptops and projectors, too, and can be used to match multiple monitors running off the same computer. My speedy calibration was done using all the default settings. If you want to get much more nerdy about the process, both the Elite and Ultra have plenty to indulge yourself. Monitors or laptops should be running for at least 30 minutes prior to calibration, and the process starts by the device taking a reading of ambient room lighting. Monitor
TESTED BY ROGER PAYNE
WHEN IT COMES to spending £200+ on your hobby, I doubt that a monitor calibrator would be at the top of many photographers’ lists. Tripods, gadget bags, filters and accessories to help you create better images out in the field are far more likely to sit above it. However, colour management is a vital part of a successful workflow, meaning devices like the Spyder X2 Elite should be held in high esteem. Datacolor’s latest model comes in two versions – the Spyder X2 Elite tested here and the Spyder X2 Ultra, which costs an additional £30.
COLOUR CONFIDENT Calibrating your workstation ensures images are looking as they should brightness is then adjusted to sit within a specific range before the X2 Elite is positioned in the centre of the screen for calibration to begin. For the next few minutes, a series of colours are cycled through, and at the end of the process a profile is created, letting you compare a before and after to see how much has changed. In my case, it was notably warmer than the monitor’s default settings. The software interface itself has been improved and is very simple to follow. A progress bar shows where you are in the eight-step process and provides access to the downloadable
SPECS › In the box Colourimeter, USB-C to USB-A adapter, software download link and activation code, link to online demos, guides and support › Dimensions (wxhxd) 121x121x63.5mm › Weight 285g › Contact datacolor.com
user guide. Once calibrated, you can then decide how often you would like a reminder to re-run the process – anywhere from once a week to never. I opted for the monthly option. In addition to monitor calibration, both forms of the Spyder X2 allow you to soft-proof images to see how they will appear on different devices and displays. A series of profiles are pre-loaded, but you can also import ICC profiles to display how your images will look when output using a specific printer, paper or ink set. Handy if you’re dealing with a lab that has these profiles available. PN
CALIBRATION Editing your photos on an un-calibrated monitor is a bit like mixing a hit single in a room with an echo. Your images might seem perfect when you’re done – but they’ll look different on any other screen.
QUICK AND EASY After downloading drivers, the calibration was completed in under ten minutes
Before calibration
After calibration
Verdict Neatly designed, versatile and simple to use, the Spyder X2 Elite is a user-friendly device that takes the hassle out of colour management. It will help keep your workflow on point and avoid any nasty surprises or paper and ink wastage when you come to print out your images. PROS Good user interface, ease of use, soft-proofing capability CONS None, assuming you can justify the outlay
Issue 107 | Photography News 35
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