Spyder2 vs. Eye One Display

[bob_mcbob]

After spending several frustrating hours editing photos on different

computers, I've decided that Adobe Gamma just isn't cutting it anymore

(not that it ever did...). So, I'm looking for a monitor calibration

product to get the various computers/monitors here in sync with each

other.

 

I've looked at various calibration products in the past, but never

wanted to spend the money. I just checked out what's available

nowadays, and came up with a few options. The first option, the

Colorvision ColorPlus, seems to be universally regarded as crap, so

I'm pretty much discounting that completely. The other two products

I'm considering are the GretagMacbeth Eye One Display (the original

one), which is $79.95 at B&H, and the ColorVision Spyder2, which is

$179.95 minus a $75 mail-in rebate.

 

I'm not really sure how these two products compare. The Spyder2 is

obviously more expensive than the Eye One, even with the mail-in

rebate I probably won't receive for three months. I have to pay $30

for shipping from B&H either way, so the price difference isn't really

all that great. If the Spyder2 is significantly better than the Eye

One in some way, I'd be happy to order it and wait for the rebate to

arrive. I'm pretty sure both offer site licenses for the software, so

using them on multiple computers wouldn't be a problem.

 

It would be great if I could hear some opinions on which product to

buy. Thanks!

[bob_mcbob]

Unfortunately, it seems the Spyder rebate is only available if you also purchase some expensive software. B&H conveniently neglects to mention that in their "Price after Rebate" notice! $180 vs. $80 is a pretty big difference, so it looks like my only options are the Eye One or ColorPlus. The Eye One is probably the better of the two...

[larry n.]

I have never seen a review comparing monitor calibration products. Rarely do people on photo.net comment on them.

[andrew_rodney1]

There?s a link to a review

[cosmic_c]

Check out some of the comparative reviews on the net. One of the more comprehensive is <a href="http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/monitor_calibration_tools.htm">Monitor Calibrators reviewed</a>

[erik scanhancer]

The fact that independent profiling software like ColorEyes does not support the Spyder

because of its bad reliability in terms of consistency should make you wonder if this is a

good investment. The Eye-One Display is fully supported though.

 

A quote from Jack Bingham (Integrated Color Corporation): "Unfortunately after testing the

Spyder, we determined that it was not consistent from run to run. Since that is critical in

maintaining a great monitor profile we chose not to support the Spyder."

[bob_mcbob]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll probably be going with the original Eye One Display from B&H.

[chiswick_john]

Eric - is that a reported inaccuracy from the old spyder or the new and very much improved Spyder2?

[robert_martin5]

If you get the Eye One Display, download the latest software that is supplied with the Eye One Display 2. This software works with the Eye One Display and I think it gives you a better profile.

[erik scanhancer]

"Is that a reported inaccuracy from the old spyder or the new and very much improved

Spyder2?"

 

I suppose it is meant for both as they are both not supported by the ColorEyes profiling

software, while the other known brands are.