Datacolor Spyderx Elite Review
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted properly calibrate my iMac monitor. I follow quite a few photographers on YouTube and I have seen how they manage to get their photos looking like they want them to.
For this review, I will also discuss the benefits of the Datacolor SpyderX Elite and Pro versions. The SypderX Elite has its own software version, as does the SpyderX Pro version. Choosing between the two will come down to your budget and how much you are willing to spend or whether you can benefit from having all of the tools you need to calibrate your monitors or projectors.
When you Purchase the SpyderX Pro/Elite. You receive a code to active the Elite version of the SypderUtility Monitor Software. Or at least that is what I was sent for this review. I was given the SpyderX Pro device and the SypderX Elite software activation code.
*This post contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you purchase from them*
Contents
Which Spyderx Is Best for Me
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.
When it comes to comparing my photos for in-studio side by side and being able to do soft proofing with print output previews for my clients, which I would not be able to do on the SpyderX Pro version.
Why the Spyderx Elite Is the Better Option?
Why did I choose the SpyderX Elite Edition over the Pro option? Quite simply, I have more than one monitor and computer for doing my editing and I need to be able to calibrate all of my monitors side by side. I also need to see and compare my monitor colours, before and after calibration and see the differences that matter most in my photo editing work.
With the SpyderX Elite edition, I get to see how my images will look different when I print or view them on other devices such as tablets. With the Softproof function, I also get to see what my images are like through a simulated (only available with the Elite version) view and how these changes are affected across all of my devices.
I can see these changes on my calibrated screen(s). When it comes to printing my work, I can see how my prints will look for a specific printer model, paper and ink type.
Why Do I Need to Calibrate My Computer Monitor?
When I edit my photographs, I am always mindful of two things. Are my photographs too bright or the right colour? This can be a constant battle from the moment you take a photograph, to transferring your images off your memory card to the computer.
Are the images you see on your camera matching in colour, brightness and contrast all aligned and matching equally when it comes to the final print. If your monitor is not calibrated properly, you will begin to see how different your images are when they are printed or appear on your client’s monitor(s).
So calibrating your monitor, is just as important as making sure you have the correct exposure for your photographs.
Can I Calibrate My Projector Too?
The short answer to this question is Yes you can. You may have to look up your projector manual on how to calibrate your projector. The SpyderX device does have a 1/4 inch screw thread so you can mount the device on a tripod. You will need to then connect the SpyderX device to the projector and run the software on your computer. The software will do the rest.
Calibrate Digital Projectors
When it comes to calibrating digital projectors, both the SpyderX Pro and Elite models offer advanced technology for color accuracy. However, the Elite model offers the additional capability of projector calibration.
It also has more customization options, such as multi-device calibration and unlimited gamma presets. In terms of technical support, the Elite model also offers
a higher level. Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Those who prioritize projector calibration and advanced customization may prefer the Elite model, while those who simply want reliable color accuracy may be satisfied with the Pro model.
Overall, both models offer exceptional calibration technology for digital projectors. This makes the SypderX a great monitor calibration tool for one or multiple displays.
Datacolor Spyderx Pro Options
Feature Description for the Pro Version
- Single Click & Wizard Calibration Capability – YES
- Multiple Monitor Support – YES
- Ambient Light Monitoring & Profile Switching – YES
- Before and After Calibration Review – YES
- Display Mapping & Analysis Tools – Basic Option
- Calibration Setting Choices – 12 for the Pro Option
Datacolor Spyderx Elite Options
Feature Description for the Elite Version
- Single Click & Wizard Calibration Capability – YES
- Multiple Monitor Support – YES
- Ambient Light Monitoring & Profile Switching – YES
- Before and After Calibration Review – YES
- Display Mapping & Analysis Tools – Advanced Option
- Calibration Setting Choices – Unlimited the Elite Option
- Expert Console Calibration – YES
- Video & Cinema Calibration Targets – YES
- Soft Proof of Print Results – YES
- Projector Calibration – YES
- Display Matching in Studio – YES
- Visual Fine-Tuning for Side-by-side Display Match – YES
The Datacolor Spyderx Wlite download is completely separate, just like the Datacolor SpyderX pro option.
How Easy Is It to Calibrate My Monitors?
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.
If you are calibrating your monitor for the first time, it could take longer than normal. You can set a 30-day reminder for when you need to calibrate your monitor again.
After my first monitor calibration, I had to get used to having the screen brightness lower than I was otherwise used to. It can take a bit of getting used to, but it to be honest, if it meant having my photos correctly exposed on the camera and not having them adjusted too much via lightroom, I guess it was a huge compromise for screen brightness. Where I am only limited to 12 calibration choices on the Pro option. I get unlimited calibration options for the Elite version.
Multiple Displays
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.
Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Both models offer exceptional calibration technology for multiple displays. No matter which version you choose, you can match multiple displays through the new calibration settings the SypderX give via a new profile.
Simply apply the new profile and away you go. Also, it does help with you have matching monitor brands, as it does make it easier for calibration purposes.
Photography Studio Calibration Kits
There are many other calibration options from Datacolor. So once you have calibrated your monitor. You can also calibrate your camera, by making sure your camera is capturing the colour shades, white balance (WB) and your lenses are focusing correctly.
Why not go for the whole thing, as calibrating your computer monitor, your camera and your printer. This Datacolor SypderX Studio package allows you to ensure that everything you see from your screen to the image printed in front of you, matches in brightness, colour and white balance scale.
Datacolor Sypderx Elite Pros and Cons
The SypderX Pro is £136.21 on Amazon.co.uk and the Elite version is £172.00. Although the prices have come down considerably, you are still paying quite a lot for side by side studio fine tunning, unlimited calibration options plus a heck of a lot more than the Pro version offers.
If you are not wanting all of what the Elite version offers, then the SpyderX Pro version will be more than necessary for your home office equipment. So the Pros and Cons are what you are looking for from your SpyderX purchase and weighing up your available budget.
Spyderx Pro vs Elite
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.
Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. If advanced customization and support are top priorities, the Elite model may be the better option. However, for those who simply want reliable color accuracy, the Pro model may suffice. Ultimately, both models offer exceptional color accuracy and calibration technology.
Datacolor Spyderx Pro vs Elite
The SpyderX Pro and Elite models are both excellent choices for advanced color accuracy and calibration. However, the Elite model offers more features and customization options, such as multi-device calibration and unlimited gamma presets. It also has a higher level of technical support. Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
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 Pro
The SpyderX Elite is the best software for photo and video editing workflows. The Datacolor Spyderx Elite vs pro means that there are some of the excellent features available with SpyderX Elite are the ability to match multiple displays connected to one computer or a whole studio of displays, standards for common video color spaces, gray balance calibration for smoother gradients and transitions in tone.
Additionally, there are unlimited amounts of calibration settings (gamma, white point and brightness) for finer calibration control or advanced color workflows. Moreover, the SpyderX Elite has sophisticated display analysis capabilities and soft-proofing abilities within the application. If any of these features are applicable to you, then this is the recommended SpyderX tool for your requirements.
*Disclosure: We were sent this item in exchange for an honest review. All the words in this post are my own.
