Spyder2Express

[RobertP]

Has anyone used this cheaper version of Spyder for calibration? And what are your thoughts on its performance? Thanks, Robert

[Keith Taylor]

Has anyone used this cheaper version of Spyder for calibration? And what are your thoughts on its performance? Thanks, Robert

Robert,

I've used the Spyder2Pro with 3 flatscreen monitors (all Apple) and it consistently gave me results that were slightly magenta. It's easy enough to use, but I wouldn't buy another. All my calibration now is done using Apple's Display Calibrator Assistant which, if you take your time, can be very good. I've no experience with PCs however.

Keith.

[jd callow]

I also use the spyder2pro on crt's and lcds. I have had few if any problems with it. Even the 'pro' is not as full featured as those that are or were more likely to be used by pros -- xrites and g macbeths. It is about 1/10 as much money (~200 v.2000usd) and the express is even less.

On the flip side I have long ago resigned my self that a silver bullet, closed loop system is a pipe dream. meaning that no matter how much you calibrate and no matter how many profiles you build and tweak, you may still will need to run multiple test prints/strips and make multiple corrections before the print is perfect.

[SanFranciscoNudes]

I have a Spyder2 - I don't think it's 'express' or 'Pro' - I think they split those out later. I believe, but could easily be wrong, that the hardware's the same and it's just a question of different software packages.

Anyway, mine works and I'm happy with it. I use it on LCDs now, CRTs in the past. I do gather that the more expensive units will do better on some theoretical level with extreme highlight and shadow values, but at the level of "I send something to the lab and it looks like what's on my screen" I'd say things are just peachy now, and they sure weren't before I got it.

Stated another way, better a cheap hardware calibration then none at all, that's for sure.

[jd callow]

sfn I think the hardware is the same. I bought the pro on ebay after usiing the non pro. The only difference that I can tell is that the pro will work on a multi monitor system.

As I recall...
The xrite and others allowed for amongst other things greater accuracy, better software and the ability to match or map specific colours -- such as pantone colours. The xrite would aslo work in tangent with thier reflective and transmissive meters. This allowed you to a build mystical closed loop system.

[Lee L]

This allowed you to a build mystical closed loop system.

Mystical, or mythical? Or both?

Lee

P.S. Mike Tyson just called and he says I'm making a non-existant distinction. At least I think that's what he said...

[jd callow]

probably both, but I did mean mythical. oops

[livemoa]

I have the spyder something, it has been very helpfull in getting me close to what comes from the printer, but like John, I find that in the end I have to do a few test prints and make alterations.

My one came with a whole load of other disks (I'm not at home so can't remember what) but I have been wondering what they are for. The support material that came with my version was not that helpful. Anyone got any ideas? I think some are Panatone colours, are they for colour management?

[livemoa]

probably both, but I did mean mythical. oops

Ahhh, I think it would be a mystical experiance to have the perfect system......

[jd callow]

I have the spyder something, it has been very helpfull in getting me close to what comes from the printer, but like John, I find that in the end I have to do a few test prints and make alterations.

My one came with a whole load of other disks (I'm not at home so can't remember what) but I have been wondering what they are for. The support material that came with my version was not that helpful. Anyone got any ideas? I think some are Panatone colours, are they for colour management?

I got two with mine; one is a semi manual/automatic print profiler and the other is the software for the spyder.