Going to WPPI Convention for photographers are like kids going to Disneyland or a candy store. There are so much to look at, and not to mention the temptation for an insane shopping spree in the trade show. There are so many toys that I would love to buy, Leica M9, Nikon 24mm F1.4, and RadioPopper PX System, are definitely on the top of my wish list. Luckily the first 2 are not readily available just yet, so I didn’t break my bank account getting all these toys for myself. I will get back on the whole RadioPopper ordeal in a later post.
Datacolor Spyder 3 Elite is one that I got back from the show. Spyder 3 is a display calibration tool, it makes sure the colors you see on the screen is accurate. This is a vital first step in getting consistent and better results when you print your work. I used to use Pantone Huey, but I never get really good results with it, the color on the prints were always slightly off, so I gave up and got this Spyder 3 that have great reviews, and this is my review.
Packaging: 4 out of 5
So let’s begin with what you get in the box:
1) Spyder3 colorimeter
2) Desktop Cradle
3) Software CD
4) Screen Cleaning Cloth
5) Quick Start Guide
The Spyder 3 features a new design of sensor, used to measure light from the monitor. The top surface of this USB device also have a ambient light sensor to detect changes in room lighting condition. The Elite version comes with a reflective casing on the colorimeter, and it does add to the looks but not much on usage.
Ease of use: 4 out of 5
I have tried it on my Mac Pro with dual 23 inch LCD Cinema displays and a Thinkpad laptop. The software is pretty easy to use, a few clicks here and there and approximately 5-10 minutes wait, calibration is done and there are some sample pictures that shows you the before and after with just a click on the “switch” button. If I really have to nitpick, the only complain I could think of on the software is that the installation didn’t autorun on Mac when it was supposed to, it did work on Windows. To balance the sensor on the monitor, there is a small weight on the lead to counterbalance if you don’t use the suction cup. The weight was a little tight on the thin cable, so do be careful if you need to move it.
Color accuracy: 5 out of 5
I have been using the Spyder 3 for about a month and it has delivered very high quality results, the colors on my screen are vibrant, neither too cold or warm.
The all new Spyder3 is simple to use and gave very good results on the displays I used on. The software is easy to use with comprehensive help information, and makes basic calibration of monitor a breeze. I would highly recommend to all users, not just photographers, as it will change the way how you look at the same image. You will see exactly how the photographer would like the image intended to look.
A few shot of my current collection with my point and shoot:
