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Feature Update - The Spyder 2 Pro - V2.2
ColorVision updates the Spyder2 Pro software
The Spyder2 Pro gives good results profiling CRT Monitors and LCDs. It does a good job with laptops as well, and ColorVision's latest update to the software adds ambient light measurement, and can now run on Microsoft Vista as well.
This is one of our short 'Feature Update' articles, where we've found a new feature in a package we've reviewed before, that we feel worth mentioning.
The profiling functionality is covered in our original Spyder2Pro review and the update(V2) that covers projector calibration. In this short article, Keith gives a quick overview of just some new features.
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Topics The What's New Page gives a quick overview of the hundreds of pages of articles and picture on this site. This page is part of the Reviews feature in our Articles and info section Northlight Images prides itself on its independence when giving advice. We do not sell hardware or software and have no direct commercial links with any of the software or hardware vendors that may be mentioned here. See our Review Policy for more information. |
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This feature update covers the new functionality only - there are more detailed reviews of the Spyder 2 Pro and Spyder2express elsewhere on the site. [2008] We now have reviews of the latest Spyder3 Pro and Spyder3 Elite. Just in case you are wondering just what this 'Colour management' stuff is, I've a very short guide to colour management page that might be of help |
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What has changed?
The latest release of the Spyder 2 Pro software (download here) now supports vista and includes functionality to allow you to measure ambient light levels before profiling. Note that this is not the same as the huey continuous measurement option (not a feature I'd personally ever want activated on any system I'm using)
Although most people would stick to a particular setting for their profiling (I use 6500/2.2 for my main monitor and native/2.2 for my laptop), the particular settings that are best may well depend on ambient light levels.
Our colour vision changes at different light levels, and you can allow for this by choosing a lower temperature white point in dimmer conditions.
When you are calibrating, you can choose to activate this feature.
The sensor (with LCD filter attached) is just positioned sensor upwards to detect the room lighting level
After a quick check, the program offers you its choice for calibration options.
Low ambient light levels
In this instance I happened to have most of my room lighting switched off.
If you are not sure about this feature then do make use of the useful help facilities. ColorVision are to be commended for including a lot of background material in their help files ... Their on-line 'help' is something I think other manufacturers would do well to consider.
For example, this information covers the choice of settings (text from ColorVision)
- Very Low: appropriate for prepress image editing. Calibrate the display to a White Luminance level of 85-100 cd/m^2* and a White Point of 5000K (warm white) to compensate for the eye’s cooler response at low light levels. LCD monitors (including laptops) can be used in this situation as well as CRT displays.
- Moderately Low: dim, but appropriate for photo image editing. Calibrate the display to a White Luminance level of 125-150 cd/m^2 and a White Point of 5800K (slightly warm white) to compensate for the eye’s slightly cooler response at moderately low light levels. LCD monitors (including laptops) can be used in this situation as well as very bright CRT displays.
- Medium: appropriate for typical photo editing. Calibrate the display to a White Luminance level of 175-200 cd/m^2 and a White Point of 6500K (medium white) to compensate for the eye’s moderate colour response at medium light levels. Only LCD monitors (including laptops) can be used in this situation.
- High: uncontrolled, not recommended for colour critical work. Lower the ambient light if possible, otherwise use a monitor hood and calibrate the display to the maximum White Luminance it can produce and a White Point of 6500K or higher.
- Very High: uncontrolled, not recommended for any colour managed work. If you must work in these conditions use a monitor hood, umbrella or photographer’s cloak and calibrate the display to the maximum White Luminance it can produce and a White Point of 6500K or higher.
I tend to work in what would be described as moderately dim, but with 6500. Do remember that the visual system is extremely adaptable, and if you are particularly worried about getting conditions right then you should
also give quite a bit of attention to your room decoration, and in particular your print viewing conditions.
Summary
Useful functionality, although to get the best from such features you need to consider your whole working environment.
More Info
- Spyder3 Print review
- Spyder3 Elite - multiple monitor support and projector profiling (inc. ambient light measurement)
- Spyder3 Pro - review
- The Spyder 2 Pro - original review
- Projector profiling with the Spyder 2 Pro
- Eye One Display 2 Monitor calibration and profiling device from GretagMacbeth - also allows ambient light measurement.
- An Introduction to colour management article by Keith and collection of CM info.
- Colour management links on this site
- The Viewing page - basic monitor set-up
- Reviews - Other equipment and software reviews by Keith.
- Why don't my prints match my screen?
A short article showing why there is more to getting your prints to match your screen, than just calibrating your monitor. It's the vital first step, but you do need to consider some other factors for best results.
We have a version of Google's Search engine, optimised for photography related items that may be of use in finding more information...
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