Calibrite Display Plus HL - the basics of calibrating and profiling your screen

[@mekosmowski]

Thank you. Without this video i might have purchased the wrong kit, as my primary display is capable of > 1,000 nits brightness. (It's not too fancy, actually a TCL 613 55" 4k HDR TV - North American model number.) It's also been helpful to hear, repeatedly, that you can't match images / color on different devices, especially display / screen vs print.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it helped!

[@gazdyer2732]

Thanks Keith very interesting as usual.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@lynsmith1096]

Very informative video Keith

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@uabpsab]

As usual excellent, thx!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks again! I'll be using this calibrator for some new monitor testing in due course

[@aylahashemi]

Thanks for sharing. Very helpful 👌

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@javorrrful]

Hello @KeithCooper, thank you for this review. How would you compare it with Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra?

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, I couldn't... ;-) Not had a chance to try that one yet... The differences often come down to how many features you need

[@javorrrful]

@@KeithCooper You actually tested the X2 Ultra months ago, you have a video about it.

[@KeithCooper]

Doh! - thought that was another new one. I forgot the 'ultra' bit www.northlight-images.co.uk/datacolor-spyder-x2/ Yes, very similar. I don't have any very bright monitors to test that aspect. The Datacolor software is in general more user friendly, but now that the monitor calibration is under the Calibrite label they are changing that. This is one of those areas where unless a feature is missing/needed, choice is as much about cost and finding any deals/offers. I don't have the very expensive kit needed to measure the accuracy of the devices, but any testing like that would need multiple samples to be of any significance.

[@douglasmoneer9119]

Hey Keith love yours videos , I have questions my friend , I have a2017 Imac 5k retina and I have the epson p900 printer. I have been having problems with my pictures not even printing remotley close to what is on my screen . I have called Epson . printer is out warranty and they will not help me. I used the correct icc profiles for the printer and paper, Calibrated my screen and still no luck . I will love to be able to have zoom meeting to try and figure out what is going on.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - Make sure an update hasn't set the printer driver incorrectly [I'd re-install, taking care not to use an AirPrint driver] Start with a known test image, print with Epson EPL- all as per the main [i.e. written] review at www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/ Sorry but I don't really do 'zoom' at all...

[@widise]

I have a 27 inch 4 k IMac. The question is, what is the brightness level that should be set on the screen before starting the calibration? since the last update I find the screen is much too bright with the basic ICC profile imac I am at a quarter of the cursor otherwise it is much too bright thank you keith

[@KeithCooper]

The calibration software should take care of setting the brightness. You set it [to say 120 cd/m2] in the software

[@widise]

@@KeithCooper Thanks

[@Longdancer]

Hi Keith Thanks again for this video. Very very helpful. I've just bought the Display Plus HL - looks like a powerful piece of kt. However....i'm having a couple of issues... 1: Is it possible to import the .icc file into the main Display setting of the Macbook pro M2, presets? I have tried to do so via the Colour Sync folder but for some odd reason the file won't import via the 'import' (three dot) option in the System Settings, now will it allow me to drag and drop, or copy and paste it into the same folder. It's pretty tedious having ot open the Calibrite Calibration Software to change the profile on the Macbook. 2: Is it possible to maintain manual brightness control over the colour calibration. The screen tends to be too dark for my needs when calibrated for video @ BT1886. And, once calibrated with the new profile, it isn't possible for me to alter the Brightness of the screen as it seems to counteract the setting of the .icc profile. Any adivce, pointer would be gratefull received. Thanks again for all your hard work and knowledge Truely appreciated.

[@KeithCooper]

IIRC there is a bug in the latest Mac OS which has issues with screen profiles for Apple displays - check on forums such as at DPReview for info. Apple have messed up system setting of late trying to make Macs behave like phones, and incorporating a bit to much of the intentional dumbness you need for phones... ;-) My 2010 MacBook Pro has no such issues :-)

[@Longdancer]

Thanks for the reply@@KeithCooper It's doin' my 'ed in.

[@Longdancer]

Thanks alot for this insightful episode. Can i ask....do you have to do a Calibration for each profile you need to use? Eg, one for Rec709, another for Srgb, another for Rec.2020, etc? Or does the single calibration act as a reference point to which all the other Colour Spaces will relate to? The same for doing High Brightness screens, etc. Thanks again.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - Each profile/calibration relates to one screen setup. So for the screen I use for editing I have a 'work' setup D65/2.2/100 and have also calibrated its REC709 mode. All depends on the system and how the monitor is calibrated - so, for my BenQ screens, I'll normally be using their software, so as to set the screen hardware calibration. No general rules other than multiple calibrations are most likely

[@Longdancer]

@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith. That’s most helpful. Just bought a calibrite Plus HL, but not used it yet. You vid was very helpful. All the best 👍

[@hochzeitsfotograf.dominik]

You also tested the Spyder X2 Ultra. What do you think? Which Calibriter giving the best results? :)

[@KeithCooper]

Without rather expensive lab quality testing equipment, and multiple device samples, any direct comparisons are meaningless I'm afraid. Look at the functionality and usability for what you need. Most people have no need of the higher spec versions of the calibrators for what they need. If you need to calibrate high brightness displays, then that's what you need to look for Watch too for features which are of no real use beyond marketing purposes... I'd put ambient light sensing in this category - it simply has no real use IMHO.

[@WaldoP-d8b]

I have a BenQ PD2705U, do you recommend calibrating it with Display Pro HL for Video Editing? or What would you recommend?

[@KeithCooper]

You don't necessarily need a high end profiler for photo use - the SL is fine However, if you want to set up REC709, I believe the HL may be needed [IIRC] See the features comparison at: calibrite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Calibrite-Calibrator-comparison-chart-EN_0124.pdf

[@icyvolts]

Hello sir, I had heard this tool was capable of calibrating HDR monitors was wondering how this is possible when the only gamma color spaces on advanced are SDR based such as 2.2, sRGB, BT.1886

[@KeithCooper]

You'll need to check the latest specs for that one. I didn't have any such monitors to test it with. The details I've seen are not specifically mentioning HDR? I note in the specs, the somewhat vague: "HDR-ready for advancing technology and software developments"

[@srphoto90]

Will the Display SL work to calibrate the new MacBook Pro’s or do you need the Display Pro HL or Display Plus HL?

[@KeithCooper]

I believe it needs the HL. I have a new MBP but have not actually calibrated it yet! The process is rather more involved than 'normal monitors' - I likely need to cover this in a video some time ;-)

[@alangrant5684]

I have the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 32" monitor, and an Epson ET-8500 printer. Is there a single calibration device or software utility which can tune the colors on both of these?

[@KeithCooper]

Calibrite ccStudio is needed for the printer profiling. It will calibrate/profile monitors as well. There are also monitor calibrator devices [Calibrite, Datacolor] but they only do monitors/projectors Relatively few people ever need to consider printer profiling - it's also noticeably more expensive. You cannot do this reliably with software alone...

[@alangrant5684]

@@KeithCooper Good info. I know that for the common household you can't really get sync'd color between monitor and printer because of the standard RGB vs CMYK differences and even the ambient lighting - you can only get "as close as possible". You say printer cal isn't really needed, presumably in the home scenario, but nevertheless how can someone get to the "close as possible" level?

[@KeithCooper]

@@alangrant5684 The icc profiles are widely available so hence don't need making [BTW you profile printers, not calibrate them] See the coverage of this in my main [written] review for the 8500 www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8500-printer-review/ I've created quite a few for this printer.

[@alangrant5684]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for your info and time.

[@alinobino]

I have a question for you regarding calibration and monitors I have an xrite product- I am using a BenQ monitor What color mode should I be using to get my prints to match monitor- Should I be using adobe RGB always or should I be alternating between the adobe RGB and SRGB if I am looking at exporting my Adobe RGB images to jpeg. I know my system is calibrated but no one covers the display for printed / screen settings

[@KeithCooper]

Are you calibrating it with the BenQ PME software? My main editing screens [not shown in any videos] are set to D65 and calibrated to their native gamut [near A98] and I only switch the active monitor [to REC709] when editing videos with Davinci Resolve Setting colour mode has no real connection with matching prints - that's a whole different thing...

[@alinobino]

@@KeithCooper I used the xrite software for calibration

[@KeithCooper]

I'd strongly suggest you sou should use the BenQ PME software if the monitor is one of the hardware calibrated ones - the x-rite software only makes a profile. Having a good monitor and using the non OEM software [x-rite or Datacolor] is a bit like having a sports car but not using top gear. ;-)

[@PsGetSid_]

would you recommend colorometers or spectrometers for regular calibration?, am not a photographer or make video

[@KeithCooper]

In general, colorimeters are cheaper and as long as they are OK with the display technology, a better solution. I have spectrophotometers of various types, but always set up monitors with a colorimeter. Spectrophotometers are more versatile, if you have the software. I'd note that older SPs were often regarded as inferior to colorimeters at low light levels.

[@PsGetSid_]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for kindness and answer. I norway Calibrite Display Plus HL kost 2800 NOK but if i buy the Spectrophotometer ( Calibrite ColorChecker Studio) that cost 6500 NOK..

[@KeithCooper]

Remember too that for most people the basic models of a colorimeter range will work just as well. Don't spend on features you don't need [high brightness support for example]

[@PsGetSid_]

@@KeithCooper i am werry happy for help:) thanks :)

[@burakekmekci81]

Hi Keith. I am happy to see your video. I want to buy a monitor calibrator and i want to use it on new monitors in the future. What do you think about calibrite display plus hl? Many people say Display Plus HL is less sensitive to measuring grays and blacks than the regular Calibrite Display Plus. I have Asus Proart PA329CV monitor. I'm really confused. Which one do you think makes more sense?

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - "many people say..." My question is always: Evidence? Sources? What genuine competence do they have? ;-) There is no reason I know of to get the high brightness version unless you genuinely need it and have spare money to spend ;-) It's a specialist tool for relatively specialist use.

[@burakekmekci81]

@@KeithCooper Definitely I agree with you. I am a professional videographer. Only mini LED, HDR and HDR display support attracts me. I may switch to a mini LED or HDR monitor in the future, so I'm thinking about getting the HL version. You tested both ColorChecker Display Plus and Display Plus HL. I was wondering if there was a difference between black and gray as mentioned.

[@KeithCooper]

None that I could note - but you do have the technical needs for the high brightness versions. In my photography work I don't really have anything to do with any HDR stuff ;-) My testing was definitely aimed more at showing what the calibration did.

[@burakekmekci81]

@@KeithCooper Thank you ✌

[@TonyBrough]

Hi Keith, can you tell me why you use Apple kit? I notice that most professional photographers us Apple, but being a beginner - I do not know why. All the best Tony

[@KeithCooper]

Difficult to say, since I've no desire to go anywhere near the PC vs Mac battlefield ;-) [and overtly partisan comments to this thread from either side will vanish...] For myself, I've just used Macs since 1988 - 15 years before I took up Photography for a living - back when I was also writing code for control systems and using UNIX workstations [and PDP11s] I've not kept up with PC related stuff, so know nothing about the details of colour management etc on Windows these days. I'm also not using the latest Apple kit - not unless someone sends me a winning lottery ticket - the laptop in my videos is a 2010 MacBook Pro and my main machine a souped up 2012 Mac Pro 15-20 years ago, I'd have said that when working on Macs I thought about what I wanted to do, whilst on PCs it was how to do it. Now, what I use is just easy [for me] and it has the added benefit that nobody comes to me to fix their home PC problems ;-)

[@TonyBrough]

Thank you - I understand your position and reasoning. I am using a Microsoft printer that does not appear to have any facility to make adjustments, so I am presuming it is a cheap printer and that more expensive printers will include the facility to add or apply profiles. All the best Tony

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - see any of my photo printer reviews, I usually cover the use of profiles in quite some detail

[@hugaukulele]

The x-Rite I1 Display Plus works fine with Calibrite Profiler software.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - only some older devices need the 'paid update' for compatibility.

[@drwatsonismine]

I am confused as to the difference between profile and calibration -meaning can you calibrate without a profile or what is the point of profile only? which I see people promote all the time?

[@KeithCooper]

People get it wrong a lot - much like dpi and ppi for printing ;-) I've got it wrong myself on occasions - I've simply used the wrong term... See my actual review of the software used here kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4qUgIt5nd9oo5I Calibration is setting to a known standard [brightness or whitepoint for example] Profiling is finding the characteristics of a device - the profile is used by the colour management software on the computer Monitors can be calibrated and profiled Printers are normally only profiled [with a particular media and media setting]

[@drwatsonismine]

@@KeithCooper ok. Thanks. My head is gonna fall off…. I cant keep up with everything.

[@kanedafx1]

If I going to work with HDR, do I need to calibrate in HDR, and if this is the case, do I need the Plus, look like the pro don't calibrate in dci-p3?

[@KeithCooper]

This is one you'll need to take up with Calibrite, since I don't have hardware/software to test this.

[@luisdavia8163]

Thank you Keith, I just want to be sure that I don't over spend, now I need to find a monitor.... no sure about those Chinese 1000 nits ones, my budget is 1k

[@KeithCooper]

I've not tested a wide range of monitors, but for my own photo use I'm not looking for high brightness levels.