Best monitor for photo editing?

Here we go again, (so much to learn). If you were buying a new monitor for photo editing at around £500 what would it be, what spec is important.

Jeff

What size would you like Jeff?

Panels

The type of technology used in the panel dictates a number of things, such as viewing angle and colour depth.

I would go for a monitor with a sPVA or sIPS panel (or one of their variants) as they are generally better on both counts.

You'll probably be able to get a cheaper TN panelled monitor in a larger size versus a good quality sPVA or sIPS but in smaller size.

However some of the new TN panelled monitors are pretty good colour-wise, we have a 21" Samsung on our testing bench and colour wise it is very vibrant - but it does suffer from poor viewing angles, so you get colour shift by moving away from dead on. (Actually I'll calibrate it later and see what it's like and let you know.)

Colour Gamut / backlight

Getting a monitor with a wide colour gamut will give you more colours on screen - this is great for photographers.

Dot Pitch

The other thing you need to ask is do you prefer bigger or larger text - as that will be dictated by the dot pitch. Smaller dot pitch will give you smaller text, bigger will give you bigger. (Bigger is also better for pixel work - as basically it means each pixels are bigger.)

Personally I prefer bigger text and larger pixels because when you're working with images/graphics it's better.

Let us know more about what you'd like from a monitor and I can perhaps offer some suggestions

The most important spec to look out for when buying a monitor for photography is the panel type (as Azz mentioned above) avoid TN panels at all costs.

If you want a widescreen then go for at least 24" but you will be limited to only a few models below £500, e'g NEC, LG, HP and Dell. Check out the different panel types and monitor reviews at tftcentral to help you out

Thanks for all the advise, have researched the price for the HP2475w and I can get it for a low as £391 inc VAT. Seems good to me.

Jeff

The text on that will be tiny Jeff - I used to have a 24" Dell and it really did my head in!

Which monitor do you have now? (So we can compare dot pitch/text size)

Excellent choice Jeff, I have that monitor and I chose it because of the top reviews it recieved, and because it is h-ips, you won't get better for the money guaranteed
it has every possible connection you could want including USB hub, HDMI etc etc

And of course the image quality is perfect and you will notice a huge differance if you used a smaller TN panel before.

The text size is not tiny it is perfectly normal @ 1920 x 1200

DJ, I read the reviews and was impressed with the recommendations for photo editing.

Azz, this is the monitor I have at present:

http://www.computermonitors.org.uk/a...puter-monitor/

Jeff

It depends on what you're used/prefer. The text on a 24" @ 1920 x 1200 will be a lot smaller than a 17" CRT monitor @ 1024x768 for example. You may find you get eye strain/headaches - I did! And it was the reason why I bought a 27" monitor instead (and now have a 30" ...all running at the same res).

You often see people with 24" monitors in the middle of their desk - that's because they need it close to be able to read the text properly.

You should always buy a screen for your own needs - personally, text size is a big deal to me, I want to be able to read my screen comfortably, be able to put it at the back of my desk and not have to squint.

Jeff the dot pitch on that is actually smaller than 24" monitors so you should be fine.

If you'd prefer text size to be even bigger, then a 26" or 27" (running at 1920x1200) would be better.

I would suggest going in to currys or comet to have a quick look tho - it's a big investment and if you're happy then you can go ahead and order

Apart from text size, the HP2475w does sound like a nice option - so long as your certain you want 24".

Just to add, I would seriously consider the dell 2410, not just because it has a wide gamut and IPS panel, but because Dell usually offer a 5 year warranty and you can haggle with them on price. Their customer service is excellent! I bought a 24" off them and as I mentioned I wasn't happy with the text size, they let me send it back for a refund no problems. I then ordered a 27" but then realised I wanted HDMI as I wanted to connect my PS3 so they let me send that back too In the end I bought a 3008 and I love it! Best monitor I have ever owned.

Azz, many thanks for all the information, it is really helpful. I will look at others before making up my mind and consider all the points you mention.

Tks

Jeff