The Spyder2 Pro gives good results profiling CRT Monitors and LCDs. It does a good job with laptops as well, and ColorVision's latest update to the software adds ambient light measurement, and can now run on Microsoft Vista as well.

This is one of our short 'Feature Update' articles, where we've found a new feature in a package we've reviewed before, that we feel worth mentioning.

Spyder 2 Pro - V2.2

This feature update covers the new functionality only - there are more detailed reviews of the Spyder 2 Pro and Spyder2express elsewhere on the site.

[2008] We now have reviews of the latest Spyder3 Pro and Spyder3 Elite.

Just in case you are wondering just what this 'Colour management' stuff is, I've a very short guide to colour management page that might be of help

The profiling functionality is covered in our original Spyder2Pro review and the update(V2) that covers projector calibration. In this short article, Keith gives a quick overview of just some new features.

What has changed?

The latest release of the Spyder 2 Pro software (download here) now supports vista and includes functionality to allow you to measure ambient light levels before profiling.

Note that this is not the same as the huey continuous measurement option (not a feature I'd personally ever want activated on any system I'm using).

Although most people would stick to a particular setting for their profiling (I use 6500/2.2 for my main monitor and native/2.2 for my laptop), the particular settings that are best may well depend on ambient light levels.

Our colour vision changes at different light levels, and you can allow for this by choosing a lower temperature white point in dimmer conditions.

When you are calibrating, you can choose to activate this feature.

enable ambient measurements for screen profiling and calibration

Activating ambient light checking

The sensor (with LCD filter attached) is just positioned sensor upwards to detect the room lighting level

After a quick check, the program offers you its choice for calibration options.

ambient light level results and suggestions for monitor profiling

Low ambient light levels

In this instance I happened to have most of my room lighting switched off.

Buying the Spyder 2 Pro

We make a specific point of not selling hardware, but if you found the review of help please consider buying the Spyder 2, or any other items at all, via our link with Amazon.

It won't cost any more (nor less we're afraid) but will contribute towards the running costs of our site.

If you are not sure about this feature then do make use of the useful help facilities. ColorVision are to be commended for including a lot of background material in their help files ... Their on-line 'help' is something I think other manufacturers would do well to consider.

For example, this information covers the choice of settings (text from ColorVision)

Very Low: appropriate for prepress image editing. Calibrate the display to a White Luminance level of 85-100 cd/m^2* and a White Point of 5000K (warm white) to compensate for the eye’s cooler response at low light levels. LCD monitors (including laptops) can be used in this situation as well as CRT displays.
Moderately Low: dim, but appropriate for photo image editing. Calibrate the display to a White Luminance level of 125-150 cd/m^2 and a White Point of 5800K (slightly warm white) to compensate for the eye’s slightly cooler response at moderately low light levels. LCD monitors (including laptops) can be used in this situation as well as very bright CRT displays.
Medium: appropriate for typical photo editing. Calibrate the display to a White Luminance level of 175-200 cd/m^2 and a White Point of 6500K (medium white) to compensate for the eye’s moderate colour response at medium light levels. Only LCD monitors (including laptops) can be used in this situation.
High: uncontrolled, not recommended for colour critical work. Lower the ambient light if possible, otherwise use a monitor hood and calibrate the display to the maximum White Luminance it can produce and a White Point of 6500K or higher.
Very High: uncontrolled, not recommended for any colour managed work. If you must work in these conditions use a monitor hood, umbrella or photographer’s cloak and calibrate the display to the maximum White Luminance it can produce and a White Point of 6500K or higher.

I tend to work in what would be described as moderately dim, but with 6500. Do remember that the visual system is extremely adaptable, and if you are particularly worried about getting conditions right then you should

also give quite a bit of attention to your room decoration, and in particular your print viewing conditions.

Summary

Useful functionality, although to get the best from such features you need to consider your whole working environment.

More Info

As of Autumn 2009...

Spyder products feature comparisons

Information from Datacolor (late 2009)



Target User	Home user & digital imaging enthusiast	Home user & digital imaging enthusiast	Serious & professional photographers	Professional photographers, photography studios and professional users of all kinds	Photographers, fine art printers, production professionals
Measurement Device	Datacolor Spyder2	Datacolor Spyder3	Datacolor Spyder3	Datacolor Spyder3	Datacolor 1005 Spectrocolorimeter
Gamma Choices	Fixed (2.2)	Fixed (2.2)	4 choices: 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 (16 target combinations)	Unlimited choices, user defined	Unlimited choices, user defined
Colour Temperature	Choices Fixed (6500K)	2 Choices 6500K/Native	4 choices: 5000K/5800K/ 6500K /native (16 target combinations)	Unlimited choices, user defined	Unlimited choices, user defined
Custom Targets				Yes, unique custom choices (NTSC, PAL/ SECAM, Cineon, L-Star)	Yes, 3 levels of colour targets, plus extended gray targets
Embedded Ambient Light Sensor/Desktop Cradle					Desktop cradle /calibration tile
Aperture Size	14.5mm diameter	27mm diameter	27mm diameter	27mm diameter	7mm diameter
Ambient Light Measure					N/A
ReCAL, Recalibration Assistant					N/A
Expert Console
Custom B/W Luminance Control
Display History Utility					N/A
SpyderProof Interface
Multiple Display Calibration					N/A
Studio Match					N/A
Front Projector Calibration					N/A
Gamma Curve Editing
CheckCAL, Calibration and Profile Check					N/A
L-Star Workflow Option*
Custom Curves Capability
PreciseLight Functions
Hi-Bit Profiling Option
Precision Gray Axis Algorithm

Spyder3 Print review

Spyder3 Elite - multiple monitor support and projector profiling (inc. ambient light measurement)

Spyder3 Pro - review

The Spyder 2 Pro - original review

Projector profiling with the Spyder 2 Pro

Eye One Display 2 Monitor calibration and profiling device from GretagMacbeth - also allows ambient light measurement.

An Introduction to colour management article by Keith and collection of CM info.

Colour management links on this site

The Viewing page - basic monitor set-up

Reviews - Other equipment and software reviews by Keith.

Why don't my prints match my screen?
A short article showing why there is more to getting your prints to match your screen, than just calibrating your monitor. It's the vital first step, but you do need to consider some other factors for best results.

The views in this article represent those of Keith Cooper. Keith is always happy to discuss matters raised in his articles. You can Email Us

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