Colour is the essence of any given photo or video. It amplifies the depth of a photograph or a video, making it even more appealing. Not every photo or video is perfect when it is shot – a lot goes into making it look perfect. The way our eyes ultimately perceive these images is what matters the most. This is where BenQ monitors can certainly help. Colour management is what enhances these images by balancing them with correct colour. A colour managed process turns photos from plain, odd-coloured photos to appealing, mesmerising pictures.
What Exactly is Colour Management?
It is controlling the colour in a given image, or a video. Colour management brings uniformity in the way an image appears on different types of devices. So, whether it’s a laptop or a tablet (or even a hard-copy), colour management will ensure that your image looks splendid on all platforms.
This is something that would not be possible without the magic of colour management. Now that we’ve told you the secret behind those photos that garner reactions like ‘Woah, that is simply epic”, let’s talk about how to do it.
A monitor calibrator is a tool that is the whole and soul of colour management. It can considerably ease out the whole colour management process for you. Calibrating your monitor with the help of a monitor calibrator is the quicker and easier way to ensure that every image or video that you post out there is stunning.
Some monitors seamlessly support the functioning of monitor calibrators. BenQ has developed fantastic monitor models that the best photographers and video editors across the world swear by. The best monitors with excellent reviews in the BenQ monitor clan are:
1. BenQ SW321C 32” 16:9 4K HDR IPS Photo and Video Editing Monitor
2. BenQ SW271 27” 16:9 4K HDR IPS Monitor
3. BenQ SW240 24-Inches 16:10 PhotoVue IPS Monitor With SH240 Shading Hood
Why Should You Calibrate Your BenQ Monitor?
- A monitor calibrator is worth every penny you’ve invested in it. It is faster and efficient. The outcome is worth it all.
- It is perfect for the smooth replication of images across all devices – irrespective of the device and type of printing paper – the calibration simply evens out all possible inconsistencies that could hamper the quality of your images and videos.
- There’s also a health reason. A calibrated monitor will also protect your eyes from strain caused by excessive screen usage.
Best BenQ Monitors for Colour Management
BenQ SW321C 32” 16:9 4K HDR IPS Photo and Video Editing Monitor (Highly Recommended)
Designed for colour accuracy, amongst other stunning features, this monitor from BenQ is the ultimate model for the perfect experience in photo and video editing. It supports multiple colour gamuts and is equipped with an anti-glare panel coating, a static contrast ratio of 1300:1 and an exceptional dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000,000:1. Additionally, it has the Uniformity Technology, which results in realistic images and colour precision.
- The model is certified for Mac, Windows 10, 8, 8.1 and 7. It also ensures multiple model consistency, which is a huge advantage for those opting for dual monitors.
- AQ colour technology (incorporated with ISO and ICC colour standards) for accurate’ as is’ replication of colour across all devices and types of paper.
- Equipped with video editing, format and calibration support, it perfectly suits the requirements of videographers. Seamless movement in the workflow – from editing the photos and videos until the final outcome – is the major plus point of this model.
BenQ SW271 27” 16:9 4K HDR IPS Monitor
Enhanced colour technology and 99% coverage of the Adobe RGB colour space makes this model from BenQ popular amongst photo and video editors. A 4K UHD resolution assures clarity in details and textures. Enabled with a Hotkey Puck, the model allows effortless movement between Black and White mode, sRGB mode and Adobe RGB mode.
- Equipped with the Palette Master Element Calibration Software, the monitor ensures the output colour quality is maintained.
- The shading hood is a unique feature of the IPS monitor as it minimizes the screen glare and optimizes colour accuracy. The hood is flexible and can be used in landscape as well as portrait mode.
- For more realistic, original and detailed to the T images, this BenQ monitor also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) and HDR10.
BenQ SW240 24-Inches 16:10 PhotoVue IPS Monitor With SH240 Shading Hood (Recommended)
With an in-plane switching panel and a 1920×1200 resolution, this BenQ model has 178°/178° viewing angles. The shading hood is an interesting feature that comes along with this model.
- The 24-inch screen size facilitates extra viewing space. This is perfect for both beginners and professionals.
- The detachable and flexible hood optimizes the screen by reducing the glare resulting from external factors.
- Enabled with eye-care technology for minimizing eye strain caused due to continuous exposure to the screen.
What to Look For in a BenQ Monitor
- 24 to 30-inch screen-size for monitors is apt for usage of photo and video editors. This ensures not only viewing space but also colour clarity. Both of these aspects are critical when it comes to professional usage. Secondly, this screen size allows you to toggle between multiple pages on the same monitor, eliminating the need for a dual monitor.
- 4K screens are trending in 2020 – everything it brings along is perfect, not only for viewing but also for editing. More importantly, 4K screens are easier on the pocket when compared to 8K screens. 8K screens are equipped with way better features, but you need to be prepared to burn a hole in your pocket to get one.
- A 1920 x 1080 FHD resolution is just right for a 24-inch monitor. 2560 x 1440 QHD and 3840 x 2160 UHD go well with the 27-inch and 30-inch monitors respectively.
- While many monitors offer higher ratios, an 800:1 ratio is enough when it comes to editing.
- Monitors with a matte finish are preferred over ones with a glossy finish. Matte-finish monitors offer a considerable reduction in glare, making them ‘anti-glare’. It improves screen visibility that is otherwise hampered due to external factors.
How To Calibrate a Monitor for Perfect Colour
Calibration of a monitor is a simple and effortless task. All you require are the right tools. And we’ve got the best tools listed, right here.
Datacolor SpyderCube
While professionals can also use this calibrator, this product is perfect for beginners. With a two year warranty, this model by Datacolor is just right for processing a RAW file a lot faster than normal. For those who shoot with a Digital SLR or in the RAW mode, you need to get the SpyderCube right away! It’s easy to use mechanism is what makes it appealing to beginners.
How to Use it?
Placing the SpyderCube near the subject, all you need to ensure is that the black point is facing the camera and then click the photos. Further, you need to import the images clicked into an image processing software to measure and set the white balance, RGB balance, tonality and luminosity for the white area, black area and black point area of the SpyderCube. Then, all you have to do is copy these adjustments to all the images shot in the same lighting scenario.
X-Rite i1 Display Pro Calibrator
As the name suggests, this one is for the professionals who dedicatedly shoot photos and videos often. It has two user modes – basic and advanced – and offers just what professionals look for – colour perfection.
How to Use it?
To calibrate your monitor using the X-Rite Pro model, you have to set the display and technology type. While the model usually detects it correctly, if you are not sure you can always seek help. Select the appropriate white point, luminance, gamma and contrast ratio (according to your device).
Further, move to adjust the ambient light and check (or uncheck) the flare. You would have to adjust the patch setting next. After setting a couple of more options as per your requirements, you would be good to go.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you are struggling to get the best colour results out of your camera, monitor or printer, you need to calibrate and manage your workflow. Colour management is a very important step in ensuring you deliver the correct colour to your clients. This is especially crucial if you are filming a product or artwork.
To order your own setup of monitors which we covered in this article click the links below:
- BenQ SW321C 32” 16:9 4K HDR IPS Photo and Video Editing Monitor
- BenQ SW271 27” 16:9 4KHDR IPS Monitor
- BenQ SW240 24-Inches 16:10 PhotoVue IPS Monitor With SH240 Shading Hood
Visit us in the store or send us a live chat. We would be more than happy to walk you through how to best set up your workspace to achieve exceptional results.
