#1
Datacolor SpyderExpress
Price: $99.00
What Customers Say:
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Bernd W. HerrmannWhen coming from an older (version 4) Datacolor Spyder, this new Spyder Express rocks!!!I’ve been using a much older (version 4) Datacolor Spyder color profile device for years. And the method used by that model was much older and longer, with color calibration lasting over 5 minutes.So finally, I elected to purchase this Datacolor Spyder Express. The first thing I did was to completely uninstall all vestiges of the previous, older version of the Datacolor software. And when installing the new Spyder Express software (which you have to download by the way – there’s no CD involved), the installation went very quick, and it also checks on any updates. The latest version by the way is 6.3.2.The biggest surprise was that color calibration only takes a minute or so – it does all the work, and then automatically saves your new color profile for you (no having to choose which one to save). I had to do a double take because it was so quick – what a pleasure.Now the only negative that I could think of (so far) is the fact that I couldn’t see a graph which shows how accurate this Spyder Express color profile was with comparison to regular Adobe RGB, Adobe 1998, and a few other color profiles. My previous Datacolor version 4, allowed all of that so you could observe the comparisons.Given the convenience of the calibration – at least in my system – I have to give this 5 stars.
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FryeExcellent monitor calibration.Works great. I’ve had a few of these other years and they just keep getting better.
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V’gerSame as it ever was – including the method of mounting it to your monitorThis is a color calibration unit, which in an era of commodity LCD screens used for computers, all with their predictable characteristics, is a little less important than it was when CRTs rules the earth. I have used these devices for 25+ years now, and I am not 100% convinced they are actually necessary for my uses (photography, esp. b/w), but it doesn’t hurt to be safe.Setup is easy in terms of finding the software and downloading it from Datacolor. That said, I question why – with a proprietary Spydercolor Express calibration program that only works with this hardware – why you need to go through an activation. The install is otherwise easy – I would skip the alerts.The calibration process is the part that has not changed in forever. The program shows the monitor a full screen of shades of red, green, blue, and white, and the program dutifully builds a curve and feeds it into your Monitors control panel. and that’s it. The one thing that has not improved with this brand is the idea that you should simply dangle the head unit over the front of the monitor with a simple counterweight. The unit does not stay flat on the monitor if you do this (which is not good for calibration), and you end up holding it tight against the screen for two minutes while it runs through its paces. It’s not a deal-killer, but I would have hoped by now someone would have invented suction cups or something.So I’d say a solid product at a reasonable price.
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Randolph GrabarczykGreat buyGreat product at a great price
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GOkay color meter, lacks fine grain controlDecent basic color meter with super fast speeds. I use this to keep my monitors in check, especially when working with printed media but it lacks a few features. I’ve used the X rite i1 pro colorimeter for years and still prefer the I1profiler suite to the one on offer here. The Datacolor express suite is much more simplified and easier to use but it lacks critical features that hold it back in the long run. While I really like the accessibility of the software, it lacks a lot of fine grain control when compared to other devices on the market. It basically gives you two options after selecting your screen type; Print or screen based media. It doesn’t ask you to set gamma or a standard like the X rite version does. It also has no ambient light sensor nor does it seem to take brightness into account. I guess this is a bit more common with apple products since they’re setup out of the box to use P3 but it would be nice to know which standard its using since it doesn’t mention it. The device itself uses the standard weighted dongle that sits behind your monitor but i’d skip that and just use a tripod if you can’t tilt your monitor like mine. Once it starts, it finishes in an astonishingly (and somewhat concerningly) fast 90 seconds. This is great if you need to setup a bunch of computers but i’d also like to see a more thorough option. Anyone that’s used the older spyders will be shocked at the speed since the spyder5 used to take forever. After its done, you don’t get a delta value chart nor the ability to see how close to target your monitor can get like the X rite devices give you. It just shows you a before and after calibration image. All in all, this is a great calibrator for apple products but just a decent one for PC. It just doesn’t give you enough information to be all that useful in a professional setting. It should be noted that the older (now discontinued) X rite idisplay pro can be found for cheaper and has way more features. If you need more fine grain options or you specifically work on an oled (like me), i’d pass on getting the more expensive Datacolor software and look at Calman since they have some of the best professional software i’ve used and it works well with any color meter.
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MichelleConsistent color across monitorsOrdered to color correct and match two external monitors on Mac mini as well as MacBook Pro.Pros – Greatly simplifies the process of color correction. Once software is installed, it takes less than 5 minutes to get a very accurate picture. Software guides you step by step. This Express version includes everything most home users need, and works with most common monitors (LCD).Cons – Express version limited to LCD monitors (no OLED) and does not allow reading of room’s ambient light. Software is a bit intrusive, likes to run all the time in the background but can be disabled. Software requires activation each install.I take time to write honest reviews that I would find helpful. Overall it’s an affordable, easy way to ensure consistent color w/ a quality piece of hardware, as advertised, so 5 stars seems fair.
Datacolor SpyderExpress is one of the best-selling products with 77 reviews and a 4.2/5 star rating on Amazon.
Key Features:
QUICK & EASY COLOR CALIBRATOR: Whether you’re editing photos, designing graphics, or producing content, SpyderExpress helps you view colors with precision and confidence; Ideal for creators who want accurate, lifelike colour in both digital and printREADY FOR THE LATEST DISPLAYS: The only calibrator of its kind to currently support the latest Liquid Retina XDR displays, including the MacBook M4 mini-LED screen, alongside everyday monitors; Upgrade the software for OLED and advanced mini-LED support3x FASTER THAN TYPICAL ENTRY-LEVEL TOOLS: Get edit-ready color in just 90 seconds – see skin tones, shadows, and highlights as they’re meant to be, with consistent, trustworthy resultsGROW YOUR TOOLKIT WITH SOFTWARE UPGRADES: Unlock advanced features like ambient light adjustment, multi-display profiling, and DevicePreview – shows how your work will appear across different devices; No new hardware needed, upgrade when you’re readyREAL COLOUR, REAL EASY: Download the software, plug in the device, and follow the 3 simple steps. Save profiles, calibrate up to 3-connected displays per workstation, and recalibrate before editing to ensure your screen always shows true-to-life color
Current Price: $99
