To choose the best monitors for color grading is not an easy task. That is why this article will discuss best color grading monitors, along with their specifications, performance, pros, and cons, so that a buyer can make an informed decision.
Color grading is the process of improving the appearance of an image to an enhanced level. Color grading monitors are used in motion pictures, still images, and professionally made videos.
The people who need color grading monitor are graphic designers and photographers. The reason why people get color grading monitors is that they want to get as close as they can to pixels.
When a professional is working on graphics, he needs to do the best work possible. It is highly recommended that the professional buys equipment for their work, which will help them create the best graphic work.
Review Of Best Monitors For Color Grading
1. BenQ SW271 – BenQ Color Grading Monitor
2. LG 27UK650-W – Best For Color Grading And Gaming
3. Acer R240HY – Budget Monitor For Color Grading
4. Dell Ultrasharp UP3216Q – Ideal 4k Color Grading Monitor For Professionals
5. EIZO CG2730 – Best Performance Color Grading Monitor
6. ASUS PA329Q – Best 4k Computer Monitor For Color Grading
7. Acer B276HK – Best Cheap Monitor For Color Grading Under $400
8. BenQ Zowie XL2540 – Best BenQ Color Grading Monitor Under $500
Ultimate Buying Guide for Color Grading Monitor
There are several things to consider before buying a color grading monitor.
Gamut and Gamma
These two elements deal with different colors, and Luma capabilities. They ensure that when the user buys a monitor, then that monitor gives them a clear display.
Black Levels
When colorists are working on graphics, then they need black details and not muddy greys on their screen. When such muddy greys appear on the screen, then that can be very annoying for the colorist. Color grading monitors have such settings, which can have a great impact on the contrast of the monitor.
Calibration
When professionals are working on graphics, then they are not just using one application; they are using multiple applications and need to calibrate their monitor. This can be done through built-in tools and dedicated software.
Professionals even use an external probe to handle this issue. If it is a good color grading monitor, then it will provide better customization options for calibration, and the professional would be at ease.
Screen Size
The screen size of a grading monitor depends on how much room the professional has to accommodate it. It also depends on the viewing distance of the monitor. The most popular sizes in color grading monitors are 19 inches-32 inches.
Panel Types
When you are handling color grading monitors, you require a monitor with IPS LCD panels. These panels provide a better viewing angle to the professional and even support their pro color spaces. OLED monitors provide good brightness levels, along with high contrast ratios.
HDR
When buying a color grading monitor, make sure that it supports a high dynamic range, because that would increase the color intensity of the graphics. Moreover, if you want high contrast for your images, then make sure this factor is present in the monitor.
Colors
Color grading monitors have a wide floor gamut as Adobe RGB has. Such monitors are ideal, because they offer professional finer color details, as compared to the old monitors. When buying a color grading monitor, make sure you buy one with the 10-bit specification, because it increases the range dynamically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between color correction and color grading?
If you talk about the monitors and LCD screens, there are many parameters that act together to output the best and quality picture, resolution color correction, and color grading. But what are Color correction and color grading in the first place? Here is the answer.
Color correction
Technically, color correction is a process in display screens where you adjust the coloration and light of the picture. It uses multiple filters, color gels that result in the accurate and desired quality of the picture at the end of the day. In other words, color correction in monitors, cameras, and other gear is the process that makes the image look more natural as the human eyesight sees. Hence, we pick more natural detail and get to have the real visuals, with vivid colors and graphics with no exaggeration in it.
Color Grading
Whereas color grading of the image is the process where you enhance and boost up the presentation and appearance of the image under various environments. It works for all devices equally well. In color grading, you create the aesthetics and colors that feature the well-balanced mood and tone in every frame. You can not only enhance but also alter the colors of the motion picture or video, in color grading. Mostly, videographers use the color grading technique for making the visual more robust and accurate.
What are the best brightness and contrast settings for monitors?
The Monitor and display screen comes with the pre-set brightness and contrast setting. Besides, many of us won’t pay heed to make the setting personalized and changed. However, whichever settings do you use; make sure that the screen is at a recommended distance to the sight so that the continuous glare doesn’t hurt the eyes anymore. Moreover, the break after every 15 to 30 minutes is what aids you to see the better without altering the brightness or contrast setting every now and then.
Brightness
Therefore, when it comes to the question of what are the best brightness and contrast settings for monitors, it confuses a big chunk of people! Generally, the 60 %to 70% contrast setting is what many of the users are comfortable with. Also, the brightness of the display screen depends on the light and surroundings of your working area as well. If you are working near an open window you have to keep the brightness settings of the monitor accordingly.
Contrast
The contrast ratio of the monitor is the degree or the extent of the luminous white to the darker tone. For example, how light or dark the visuals screen would be all depends on the quality of the set contract that you will be experiencing afterward. The recommended contrast ratio goes from 1000:1 to 3000:1 which is perfect for the sight as well. For the detailed graphics and the working surrounding makes it more perfect, more contrast ratio would bring the best results to the viewing sight.
How Do I Calibrate My Monitor For Color Grading?
It is important to calibrate your monitor for color grading so the colors in your images or videos don’t change on other display systems. Calibrating a monitor is not that much of an issue luckily.
To start with, see where your monitor’s control panel is. Look for brightness and contrast adjustment.
- Search Calibrate in the search bar.
- Click, calibrate display color.
- Place tool window on the monitor you are color grading and press next.
- Find the default setting on the control panel.
- An example image will appear. Adjust the color on the screen comparable to the example image. When it looks correct proceed.
- Three example images appear. Your concern is the middle one. Adjust brightness on the control panel comparable to the middle image.
- You will again see three images to adjust the contrast. Adjust the contrast as high s you want without distorting the image.
- Then you will see a grayscale. You have to make it as neutral as you can to adjust the color balance.
- Click finish.
Conclusion
These are the best color grading monitors, and they show the features that a customer should always consider before buying a monitor. The resolution and the colors are what make up a picture. However, if someone is unable to truly see every pixel, and only see dead pixels, they won’t be able to fully appreciate a picture. Pixels are very important for photographers and designers, which is why they need to buy the best monitor for color grading. Some customers might want to use the same monitor in their home and office. This is why a lightweight monitor would be very helpful for the customer.
Enjoyed this? Then be sure to check out our other guides on Vertical monitors and best CAD Monitors.
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