Datacolor SpyderX Elite: Monitor Calibration designed for expert and professional Photographers, Videographers and motion imagemakers

Product Information

Based on years of research and development, the SpyderX provides significantly increased precision, color accuracy and low light capabilities. When I was first briefed on the Datacolor SpyderX Elite, I was told about the new lens on the product. I was concerned about this because the design of this lens is similar to that of a camera’s. I really wondered if it would need a protection filter or anything like that. Instead, those concerns were put to pasture when I saw that the lens is pretty well protected and like the previous sensor before it, rarely ever needs to be unsheathed. Ease of Use

However, this is fine for a projected image in a darkened room, where the eyesight of my audience will adapt to this and see the white on the screen as a pure bright white. For much more about this (including soft proofing) see my article about 5 key steps to improving your photography by printing your work High-end monitors with true hardware calibration capabilities use custom software and are compatible with specific colorimeter models. I highly recommend the SpyderX Elite and can confidently say that it does an excellent job of calibrating my monitors. It competes at the same level as the other calibration systems in the industry and is a high-end tool for professional photographers and videographers. Video reviewAll the Spyders… I’ve been fortunate enough to review every Spyder model produced, right from the first (far left). All these still work, but only the most recent ones will give optimal results for a wide gamut screen like the BenQ monitor here. Comparing accuracy and raw performance between multiple devices on a scientific way goes beyond my own means of measuring. I prefer to focus my evaluation on actual results. On that sense, I wouldn't mind trading my i1Display Pro for a SpyderX. It does everything I need. Advanced-featured monitor calibration for desktops and laptops, designed for serious photographers and designers seeking control within their color workflow. Each display shows colors slightly (or significantly) differently and each needs to be calibrated to a standard. While running the sequence, the system will first assess the brightness of the screen. If overall brightness is too low or too high, then it asks you to increase or decrease your screen’s brightness until you reach the target. In this specific case, I’m targeting 200 cd/m

How far has color calibration technology had progressed in four years, since April 2015 when the Spyder5 series was released? For this example, look at the different gamuts shown in the profile overview option (available after profiling).I’ll settle for the better visual match, but remember that if you use the tuning, only one screen is now fully calibrated. How easy is it to calibrate your monitor? The answer is very simple. It is VERY easy and with each update of the Spyder software and the Sypder device(s). Each calibration time is reduced, making each calibration just that little bit shorter. Both the SpyderX Pro and Elite models are excellent choices for calibrating multiple displays. The Elite model offers advanced customization options, such as multi-device calibration, as well as a higher level of technical support. However, the Pro model may still be sufficient for those who simply want reliable color accuracy on multiple displays. The profiling options should meet the needs of a wide range of users, although if you need all the really advanced hardware calibration options found in the custom software that comes with some higher quality monitors, you’d use that software with a Spyder X colorimeter (when supported).

And it's at this point you really experience the SpyderX advantage. Our test monitor was a Dell XPS 15 laptop with a 4K IPS display and 100% Adobe RGB coverage. Calibrating with our Spyder5 Elite took 5 minutes 17 seconds, whereas an identical calibration with the SpyderX was completed in a blistering 1 minute 15 seconds. Given monitor calibration isn't a once-only procedure - you should calibration roughly once a month to ensure consistent color accuracy - such a noticeable time saving is very handy indeed. The Pro model may be sufficient for those who simply want reliable color accuracy, while the Elite model may be a better choice for those who prioritize advanced customization and support. Overall, both models offer exceptional color calibration technology. Spyder X Elite vs ProThey now have a lens over the colorimeter, which I assume is to protect the filters, and the filters are supposed to be made of a different material now. For Steps 13 and 14, user intervention is required to set the monitor brightness to the recommended level. The SpyderX Pro and Elite models both offer advanced color accuracy and calibration technology. However, the Elite model offers more advanced options and customization capabilities, including multi-device calibration, projector calibration, and unlimited gamma presets. It also offers a higher level of technical support.

Which SpyderX option is best for me? Well, I had a look at the options for the Datacolor SypderX software and went from there. If you have used other Datacolor Sypder devices in the past, this will be an easier choice to make for new versions as they are released. For me, I knew that I needed more options as my office and editing equipment increases, so I required more adaptable options and the SpyderX Elite version suited those needs. The iDisplay Pro and the iDisplay Studio are as far as I can tell exactly the same hardware. The only difference is the software and what it allows you to to do. Note that the position of this weight on the wire can be adjusted for proper balance for the setup being calibrated.Monitor resolution 1280×768 or greater, 16-bit video card (24-bit recommended), 1GB of available RAM, 500MB of available hard disk