Product Reviews

Hardware/software/camera/lens reviews

There are a growing number of reviews of hardware and software on the site. This page provides links to all of them. More general photography articles are listed on their own page.

Our reviews are aimed at giving a feel for using a product, rather than just a list of features - we really do welcome questions and feedback.

Latest Review - DxO Optics Pro V6

Writing for this site?

We are happy to consider guest articles and reviews - if you are interested, please have a look at our article submission guidelines.

Info. - If you use LinkedIn and are interested in any aspects of Digital Black and White photography. I've set up a LinkedIn group called:
Digital Black and White

Are you a software or hardware supplier?

Looking for reviews of your products?

For more information on this and advertising on this site see Northlight's policy on reviewing products... In 2009 this site had over 5 million visits

Can't find what you wanted?

Use the search box at the top of the page to search through the hundreds of pages on this site.

Reviews - Monitor profiling

Spyder3Elite V4.0 - Review of the improved and updated software for the Spyder 3 elite [May 2010]
Spyder3Express - basic display calibrator from Datacolor - emphasizes ease of use. [September 2009]
i1 XTreme - the current top end i1 Pro kit from X-rite, with monitor/projector/camera/scanner/printer profiling [December 2008]
ColorMunki Photo - The latest 'All in One' Spectrophotometer from X-Rite that supports monitor, projector and printer profiling. It's aimed at people who might have avoided colour management in the past as just too much trouble or too difficult. Our initial review is an overview based on pre-release software. A second article covers printing in more detail and there is an article covering specifics of B/W printing with the ColorMunki. [March 08]
ColorMunki software update - update to V1.1 adds improved monitor calibration capabilities and other improvements [July 2009]
Spyder3Pro - Datacolor's Spyder profiling package offering a set menu of profiling choices, ambient light measurement and supporting profiling multiple monitor systems. [January 08]
i1Photo LT - An updated review of the base level i1Pro spectrophotometer kit from X-Rite. The cheapest way to get an i1 spectro, offering support for monitor calibration, basic printer profiling, ambient light measurement and spot colour measurements. Includes links to all the various options and upgrades we have reviewed separately.[December 2007]
Spyder 3 Elite - An all new version of the Spyder monitor profiling and calibration hardware and software. Supports multiple monitor systems and calibration of projectors. Includes ambient light sensor for monitoring room lighting and aiding choices in initial calibration parameters. [November 07]
Colour Confidence Profiler. An update to our review earlier this year of this printer and monitor profiling package that comes with an i1 spectrophotometer. The original package had serious usability issues - the update addresses many of the issues we found. [September 2007]
The Pantone huey PRO
The PRO version of the huey supports multiple displays on Macs and PCs, and has much more control over display settings and profiling [June 07]
Feature Update - Spyder2PRO Ambient light measurement
The Spyder2PRO now allows you to measure your ambient room lighting conditions before deciding on monitor calibration settings (it also now supports vista) [April 07]
The Colour Confidence Print Profiler
A kit with an Eye One spectrophotometer (EFI ES-1000). Offers printer profiling, monitor calibration and the EFI Color-Verifier package. [May 07]
ColorEyes Display Pro
Top end monitor profiling software that works with a variety of measurement devices. Tested with Spyder2, Eye One Display 2 and Eye One Pro. [Feb 07]
Spyder2express - review
An entry level monitor profiling system from ColorVision for Macs and PCs.
Pantone Eye One Display 2 - review
The top of the range monitor profiling solution recently announced from Pantone. The measuring device is an Eye One Display 2 from GretagMacbeth, and uses the Eye One Match software. This review has additional information to that in our original GretagMacbeth Eye One Display 2 review, and compares features between the Display 2, Display LT and Huey.
Pantone Eye One Display LT - review
The mid range monitor profiling solution in the trio recently announced from Pantone. The measuring device is an Eye One Display LT from GretagMacbeth, and uses the Eye One Match software.
Pantone Huey - review
The Huey is a new and relatively inexpensive addition to the monitor profiling market. Keith looks at how it performs, including its novel capacity to modify your monitor setup in response to changing room lighting.
Eye One Display 2
Monitor calibration and profiling device from GretagMacbeth - also allows ambient light measurement.
Spyder 2 Pro
The latest monitor profiling and calibration device from ColorVision..
The Eye One Design
A Spectrophotometer and software for monitor calibration, light measurement and basic printer profiling.

Projector Profiling

ColorMunki Photo - The latest 'All in One' Spectrophotometer from X-Rite that supports monitor, projector and printer profiling. It's aimed at people who might have avoided colour management in the past as just too much trouble or too difficult. Our initial review is an overview based on pre-release software, and will be followed by a detailed coverage of all the features when full software is available. [March 08]
i1 Beamer - A software upgrade and hardware attachment device for using the X-rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer for digital projector profiling [February 08]
Spyder 3 Elite - An all new version of the Spyder monitor profiling and calibration hardware and software. Supports multiple monitor systems and calibration of projectors. Includes ambient light sensor for monitoring room lighting and aiding choices in initial calibration parameters. [November 07]
Digital projector profiling with the Spyder 2 Pro
An update to the Spyder 2 Pro software now allows you to calibrate digital projector systems.

Reviews - Colour management tools

Dual monitor profiling under Windows XP SP2 - A brief note on profiling and calibrating dual monitor systems under Windows XP SP2. Additional information that may be of use to readers of our reviews of monitor profiling hardware and software. Includes link to free Microsoft software that improves colour management functionality for all XP SP2 systems.
Eye-One match update
A brief overview of the new functionality (such as 64bit Windows support) available in this free update (V3.6) from GretagMacbeth.
Colour Confidence Kodak Colour Management Check-up kit
Test files and high quality test prints to help ensure that your colour management set-up is OK. For printer and monitor evaluation.
Eye One ruler and carry case.
The various Eye One Pro colour management packages now have a new ruler design for measuring target prints, and a new carrying bag for holding all your colour management and profiling equipment. We've looked at what's new.

Reviews - lighting and accessories

ColorChecker Passport - a new convenient to use version of the X-rite ColorChecker card that includes software to create Adobe DNG profiles and additional targets for grey balance and exposure adjustment. [September 2009]
SpyderCube - A lighting cube with white/grey/black faces to help with exposure and white balance, also has a built in light trap and chrome ball for checking specular reflections and absolute black points. [April 2009]
Desktop Print Viewer - PDV-3e - A review of the GTI print viewer, showing why having a well defined print viewing solution helps with print evaluation and soft proofing. Good lighting is a key factor in print consistency and prints looking more like you see on your monitor. [March 2009]
basICColor CaliCube and Gray Card - A spectrally neutral 25% grey card for optimum camera white balance, and a lighting cube that as well as black, grey and white faces, has a built in light trap and chrome ball for checking specular reflections and absolute black points. [August 2008]
GrafiLite Review - The Grafilite is based on the Ott Lite task lamp and is aimed at improving the consistency and quality of your printed work, without going to the expense of getting a full print viewing stand or cabinet. [April 2008]

Reviews - Printer profiling

Spyder3Print SR - Full review of the latest printer profiling system from Datacolor. Updated spectrocolorimeter allows for strip and patch reading. [August 2009]
i1iSis OBA compensation - Optical brighteners can cause problems in profiling some papers. Article shows why, and reviews X-rite's approach to building corrected profiles for different lighting conditions with the iSis. [February 2009]
i1 XTreme - the current top end i1 Pro kit from X-rite, with monitor/projector/camera/scanner/printer profiling [December 2008]
ColorMunki Printer profiling - A detailed review looking at the ColorMunki ICC printer profiling system from X-Rite. This expands on this particular aspect of our initial review of the ColorMunki. Covers making and optimising printer profiles, with notes on profile evaluation. [May 2008]
Spyder3 Print V3.5 review - The latest ICC printer profiling system from Datacolor (aka ColorVision) is reviewed. Featuring faster operation and a wide range of profile generation options, it can be used for building printer profiles for colour and (with additional measurements) Black and White printing. For more experienced users it offers multiple version profile building (from the same set of measurements) and profile editing. [May 2008]
ColorMunki Photo - The latest 'All in One' Spectrophotometer from X-Rite that supports monitor, projector and printer profiling. It's aimed at people who might have avoided colour management in the past as just too much trouble or too difficult. Our initial review is an overview based on pre-release software. A second article covers printing in more detail and there is an article covering specifics of B/W printing with the ColorMunki. [March 08]
i1Photo LT - An updated review of the base level i1Pro spectrophotometer kit from X-Rite. The cheapest way to get an i1 spectro, offering support for monitor calibration, basic printer profiling, ambient light measurement and spot colour measurements. Includes links to all the various options and upgrades we have reviewed separately. [December 2007]
Colour Confidence Profiler. An update to our review earlier this year of this printer and monitor profiling package that comes with an i1 spectrophotmeter. The original package had serious usability issues - the update addresses many of the issues we found. [September 2007]
The Colour Confidence Print Profiler
A kit with an Eye One spectrophotometer (EFI ES-1000). Offers printer profiling, monitor calibration and the EFI Color-Verifier package. [May 07]
The Eye One iSis automated chart reader - review
An automated whole chart reader for printer profiling test charts. A3 and A4 versions provide spectrophotometer readings for both UV and UV-Cut (filtered) measurements. [April 07]
The Eye-One iO automated scanning table - review
An automated solution to improving the quality and accuracy of target measurement for printer profiles when using the Eye One spectrophotometer. [Feb 07]
Updated PrintFIX Pro review - better colour printing and B/W too... [Jan 07]
PrintFIX PLUS - review
The software only version of PrintFIX that allows you to create icc profiles without your own patch reader.
PrintFIX PRO - review
ColorVision have announced a considerable upgrade to the PrintFIX. The new version uses a Spectrocolorimeter to let you create printer icc profiles for just about any ink/paper combination. We've been looking at what it does and the results you can get.
Editing printer profiles
The Eye One Match software from GretagMacbeth now allows you to edit icc printer profiles. How easy is it to use, and what things should you consider before editing profiles.
Printer profiling with the Eye One Photo
The more advanced printer profiling capabilities of the Eye One are investigated.
The Eye One Design
A Spectrophotometer and software for monitor calibration, light measurement and basic printer profiling.
The PrintFIX -Update
Following his review of the printer profiling solution from ColorVision. Keith has added a new page covering the changes in the latest version of the software, which includes new coloured calibration cards.
The PrintFIX
A comprehensive review of the printer profiling solution from ColorVision.

Reviews - Printing

True Black and White - Review of the monochrome printer driver for canon large format printers. [Aug 2010]
Canon iPF6300 - Review of Canon's 12 ink, 24" wide format printer. [July 2010]
ImageNest V2.1
Review update for Mac print layout tool. [April 2010]
Epson Stylus Pro 3880
Review of the A2+ (17 inch width) colour and black and white printer from Epson. [April 2010]
Canon Pixma Pro9500 Mk II review A3+ 10 ink printer from Canon. [March 2010]
Epson Stylus Photo R2880 - Review of the A3+ SP R2880 printer from Epson. [December 09]
Canon iPF6100 - Review of Canon's 12 ink, 24" wide format printer. [August 2009]
HP DesignJet Z3200ps - Review of the 12 ink, 24" wide format printer from HP. Built in spectrophotometer provides paper profiling functionality directly from the printer. [April 09]
ImageNest RIP - Review of a printing package that provides layout and printer control for printers of any size. Particularly useful for making better use of large format printers and roll paper. Uses existing printer drivers, including 3rd party ones such as QuadToneRIP. [March 09]
Epson Stylus Pro 7880 - Review of the 24" SP7880 large format printer from Epson. [February 09]
Epson Stylus Pro 4880
Review of Epsons bigger, heavier A2+ (17") printer [July 08]
Epson Stylus Pro 3800
Review of the latest A2+ (17 inch width) colour and black and white printer from Epson [June 07]
PermaJet Eco-Flo ink supply system for the Epson R2400
Review of a continuous inking system that allows you to cut ink costs with the R2400 by using bulk inks. An option worth considering if you do a lot of printing. [Jan 07]
Black and white printing with MonoChromePro inks and QuadToneRIP
Keith reviews a specialist B/W pigment based ink set from Permajet. The results are compared using different printer drivers, including the free QuadToneRIP (QTR) package. There is also some setup and curve generation information for QTR. The results are also compared to the ImagePrint RIP that Keith uses on his Epson 9600 for his fine art landscape prints.

Papers and other media

JetMaster - Review of light weight canvas display and mounting system. [August 2010]
Pinnacle Art papers
A look at a range of fine art papers. Includes equivalents to well known paper brands. [March 2010]
Olmec photo papers - A range of papers from Innova. Gloss/satin/matt - tested on the Epson 2880. [January 2010]
Innova Smooth Cotton Natural/High White - Two versions of Innova's cotton based art papers. IFA-11 and IFA-14. Tested on the HP Z3200 and Epson 9600. [April 09]
Innova Soft Textured Natural White - tested on the Epson 3800. [July 07]
Textured Art Silk paper
A look at a 'silk' semi glossy paper from Permajet, that performs well with pigment inks and shows much less 'gloss differential'
Pinnacle Photo Oyster paper- A review of a new Lustre finish paper from a local supplier, tested while we were looking for a good economic paper for our commercial decorative prints, rather than some of the Fine Art papers we normally use. Incl. notes on finding local equivalents. [August 08]
Innova Ultra Glossy Canvas - A review of two canvases from Innova - Photo Canvas Matte 350gsm (IFA 35) and Photo Canvas Ultra Gloss 380gsm (IFA 36). One of which prints just like their Fibaprint papers and comes out with a glossy finish, with greater colour depth and deeper blacks than you get even after varnishing more traditional canvases. [July 08]
Innova Fibaprint Glazed - A review of two 285gsm Innova 'Fibre' papers (IFA 58, 59) with a Glazed and Semi-Glazed finish. Tested on the SP4880 printer. [July 08]
Epson Traditional Photo Paper - Heavy gloss finish paper, aiming for a traditional 'darkroom' feel. Tested on the SP4880 printer (paper is known as Exhibition Fiber in the US) [July 08]
Innova FibaPrint Papers
Heavy gloss/semigloss papers with the distinct feel of heavy fibre based photographic printing papers (tested on Epson 3800) [July 07]
PermaJet Fibre Base Gloss
A heavy gloss paper from PermaJet that gives a certain 'darkroom' feel to glossy prints.

Other printer information - these were collections of pre-release information. After the launch announcements we maintain the pages with general pricing/supply information and update information.

Epson Stylus photo R2880
Epson Stylus Pro 7900/9900
Epson GS6000
Epson Stylus Photo R1900
Epson Stylus Pro 11880 64" super wide format
The Epson Stylus Photo 1400
Epson 7880/9880
The Epson Stylus Pro 7800 and 9800
The Epson Stylus Pro 4800 (and 4400)
The Epson 4000

Reviews - Scanner/camera profiling

ColorChecker Passport - a new convenient to use version of the X-rite ColorChecker card that includes software to create Adobe DNG profiles and additional targets for grey balance and exposure adjustment. [September 2009]
i1 XTreme - the current top end i1 Pro kit from X-rite, with monitor/projector/camera/scanner/printer profiling [December 2008]
Camera Profiling for ACR with the DNG Profile Editor Using a ColorChecker card and profile editor. Used for processing RAW camera files with Adobe Camera Raw. Applicable to any camera producing RAW files that can be opened in ACR.
Digital Camera profiling with the Eye One Photo SG
A review of camera profiling with the GretagMacbeth ColorChecker SG card. Includes a modified version of Thomas Fors' ACR calibration script to calibrate Adobe Camera Raw with the SG card.
Eye One scanner profiling
Using the Eye One with a scan target to get better results from your film or flatbed scanner.

Reviews - Cameras, lenses and hardware

Canon 7D related articles - based on a short loan of a 7D from Canon [December 2009]
Architecture and a 7D - using the TS-E 17
Using the 7D at night
High ISO settings - includes some tips for optimising RAW conversion for noisy high ISO images.
7D vs. 1Ds Mk3 detail check - comparisons with the same lens
Some EOS 7D examples - looking at metering and WB
Looking at AF and manual focus for the 7D
EOS 7D High ISO – brief comparison with 1Ds3
EOS 7D Noise at different ISO settings
Out with the Canon 7D
Looking at the Canon EOS 7D
Using Old lenses on a DSLR - a series of short tests of assorted old lenses found in an office clearout. Some are surprisingly good, others are on a par with the ends of Coke bottles. [May 2009]
Olympus Zuiko 24/2.8
Purchased in the 1980's, this lens still gives anything else we've got at 24mm a run for their money [May 2009]
Zeiss Flektogon 20/2.8 on a 1Ds Mk3
Using an old manual focus M42 screw fit lens on a modern digital SLR. Works well, even if a bit soft at f/2.8. Having a go with manual focus lenses is (IMHO) a good way to help think differently about some aspects of your photography. [May 2009]
Mamiya M645 lenses used as shift lenses on a 1Ds3
Using an adapter, we've tried out some of our old M645 Sekor lenses as 35/55/80/210mm shift lenses on a Canon 1Ds3. [August 2009]
Ricoh Caplio GX200
Keith recently took the new GX200 on his trip to Colorado. With a new 12MP sensor and a range of other improvements, it gets a lot closer to the ideal pocket camera for photographers who don't want the camera to try and do everything for them. [October 2008]
Canon 1Ds3 - first impressions
An article covering Keith's first uses of the Canon 1Ds3 in December 2007. Updated with notes on camera use [November 2007 - ongoing]
Ricoh Caplio GX100
Camera review and discussion. Keith has tried out the 10MP Ricoh GX100 for a while and discusses different aspects of using this impressive little camera, which supports raw file capture as well as having a wide 24mm (35mm equiv.) lens. [September 2007]
Canon TSE 24 mm tilt and shift lens
Keith has been experimenting with using the Canon TS-E 24mm 3.5L lens on his 1Ds. Lots of images showing some of the effects you can get and why in conjunction with Photoshop it makes a good choice for some interior and architectural work (even hand held).
Canon TE-E 90mm tilt and shift lens
A short review of what's different when using this very sharp 90mm lens. If you are new to tilt/shift lenses we suggest you read the longer and much more comprehensive 24mm article first. (see also Shift lens modification - a short 'How-to' article showing Keith's modified 90mm)

Camera specifications and latest news - these cameras were once in our Rumours section, but after announcement, we maintain the pages for pricing and update information

Canon EOS 1Ds MkIII
1Ds3 Notes and observations
AF Microadjustment - simple test procedure
1Ds Mk2
1D Mk3
5D mk2
EOS 50D
EOS 40D
EOS 450D
EOS 400D
EOS 1000D
Nikon D3
Nikon D300
Nikon D700
Sony A900

Lenses

EF 14mm f2.8L II see examples of this in our 1DS3 notes page
EF16-35mm f/2.8L II
EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM
EF50mm f/1.2L USM
Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED
Nikon 45mm PC-E
Nikon 85mm PC-E

Reviews - Camera software

DSLRRemotePro
Camera remote control software for a range of Canon EOS cameras. [October 09]

Reviews - Monitors and other computer hardware

EIZO CG210 LCD display
An LCD monitor for colour critical work. A brief review of what you get and why you might want to consider such a monitor for high end work.

Reviews - Image processing software and plugins

DxO V6.2 Full review - detailed review of V6.2 RAW camera file conversion offering lens correction and advanced noise reduction [May 2010]
Preview of DxO V6.2 - includes quick look at noise reduction [May 2010]
DxO Optics pro V5.3.6 - update for Mac OSX 10.6 - expands camera/lens support
DxO Optics Pro Version 5.3
Full review of DxO Optics Pro. RAW camera file conversion and correction of lens distortions for selected cameras and lenses. [February 09]
DxO Optic Pro Version 4.2
An updated version of DxO Optics Pro. Even more image correction and RAW conversion features and a much improved interface. [March 07]
DxO Optics Pro V3.5
A review of the latest update to the DxO software. It adds many new features to the RAW conversion software that Keith regularly uses for his landscape prints.
DxO Optics Pro 2 and DxO Raw Engine
Comprehensive review of the new raw file processing and image correction solution from DxO. Part 1, part 2
DxO Optics Pro
Some powerful new software that can correct many of the distortions produced by lenses.
Stitcher Pro 5.5
Keith has been looking at using this powerful image stitching software to join multiple images to create high resolution panoramic prints. One particular print was over 9 feet wide and is the equivalent of using a camera of well over 100 megapixels. [Dec 06]

Reviews - Photoshop plug-ins (Some also Lightroom, Elements and Aperture)

Nik Viveza V2
Updated plug-in for selective enhancement and adjustment of tone and colour in images. Simplifies complex masking of effects. [January 10] (P,L,A,E)
Nik Color Efex Pro V3
Plugin filter set for image enhancement and stylising. Includes advanced image selection techniques for applying filters to parts of images. [December 09] (P,L,A,E)
Nik Viveza
Plug-in for selective enhancement and adjustment of tone and colour in images. Selection techniques allow some effects previously only obtainable with complex masking techniques. [April 09] (P,L,A,E)
Nik Sharpener Pro V3
Effective sharpening of an image before printing is an important factor in giving your prints the level of detail and 'look' you are after. It varies by subject, print size and even printer type. Nik Sharpener Pro V3 includes new ways of helping produce consistent image sharpening. [February 09](P,A,E)
Nik Silver Efex Pro
Provides a wide range of colour to black and white conversion options and effects. Includes accurate film emulsion and grain simulations, and selective tools for enhancing different aspects of the resulting images. [December 08] (P,A,E - L added Apr 09)
Intellihance Pro 4.2 review.
An overview of this Photoshop plug-in that wraps up a whole load of basic image corrections in one easy to use interface. Ideal if you have occasional users of an installed copy of Photoshop, or just having difficulty learning the basics... [October 07] (P,E)
PhotoFrame Pro V3.1
Add frames and edge effects to your photos [September 07] (P,L,A,E - for V4)
Nik Sharpener Pro 2.0
A review of the latest version of this Photoshop plugin that provides essential image sharpening. It offers different types and levels of sharpening specifically for different types of printing and display (web) use, and presharpening for converted raw camera files and scans.
Fisheye-Hemi V1.1.1
Lens distortion correction plug-in from Image Trends. Optimises correction for minimal distortion of objects such as people in very wide angle shots - works for any Fisheye camera/lens combination. [June 07]
PearlyWhites
Finds teeth in images and lightens and whitens them [August 07]
ShineOff
Removes excess shine and reflections from skin in images [August 07]
Power Retouche Black/white studio
A photoshop plugin giving a wide variety of effects when converting images from colour to black and white. Includes film types and the ability to selectively alter 'zones' of images. [Dec 06]
Convert to BW Pro 3
Keith reviews the latest black and white conversion Photoshop plugin from 'TheImagingFactory' The software allows you to simulate many conventional black and white darkroom techniques, including different film stocks and grades of print papers.
Noise Ninja Photoshop plugin
A review of the new Photoshop plugin version of Noise Ninja
Noise Ninja review part 2
The first review was based on a beta version of the plugin. This article covers some additional functionality.
Focus Magic
Image processing software to fix camera shake and focus blur.

Northlight's policy on reviewing products

Explore our site... Digital Black and White photography and printing - some of Keiths thoughts, techniques and tips for those interested in a digital approach to black and white. We've lots of original Photography Articles and Photography Reviews on the site to help anyone interested in photography. New site content appears on the What's New page.

Thanks to the visitors who've made Amazon purchases (any kinds of items whatosever)
via: Amazon UK/Amazon France/Amazon Germany/Amazon USA/Amazon Canada
It won't save extra money we're afraid, but it does help in the running of the site, and we really appreciate it...

Northlight Images is based in Leicester in the UK and supplies Commercial Photography services
Visiting Leicester or wondering where it is? We have views from the Leicester traffic cameras.

ColorMunki Photo - The latest 'All in One' Spectrophotometer from X-Rite that supports monitor, projector and printer profiling. It's aimed at people who might have avoided colour management in the past as just too much trouble or too difficult. Our initial review is an overview based on pre-release software, and will be followed by a detailed coverage of all the features when full software is available. [March 08]
i1 Beamer - A software upgrade and hardware attachment device for using the X-rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer for digital projector profiling [February 08]
Spyder 3 Elite - An all new version of the Spyder monitor profiling and calibration hardware and software. Supports multiple monitor systems and calibration of projectors. Includes ambient light sensor for monitoring room lighting and aiding choices in initial calibration parameters. [November 07]
Digital projector profiling with the Spyder 2 Pro
An update to the Spyder 2 Pro software now allows you to calibrate digital projector systems.

Reviews - Projector profiling