Best Places To Buy A Monitor Calibrator

Calibration tools are essential for photographers, designers, and other creatives to ensure that their monitors display accurate colours. While some high-end monitors come with their own calibrators, most people will need to purchase one separately.

There are two main brands of monitor calibrators: Datacolor's Spyder X range and Calibrite's ColorChecker. Both offer a range of models, from standard options to more professional versions with extra features. These tools typically cost between $80 and $500.

Monitor calibrators can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon, B&H, and Park Cameras, as well as Wex Photo Video.

Online retailers

There are several online retailers where you can buy a monitor calibrator. Here are some options:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of monitor calibration tools, including:

• Datacolor Spyder series: The Spyder X Pro is ideal for first-time users and ensures accurate colours for photographic images. The Spyder4Pro S4P100 Colorimeter is another option, which comes with a colour chart.
• Calibrite series: The Calibrite Display Pro and Calibrite ColorChecker Studio are advanced options that offer both monitor and printer calibration. The Calibrite Display 123 Colorimeter is a more affordable option.
• X-Rite i1Basic PRO 3: This colour match tool supports NTSC, REC.709, PAL, and SECAM.

B&H

B&H has a range of monitor calibration tools, including:

• Datacolor Spyder series: The Spyder X2 Ultra and Spyder X2 Elite are both available, as well as the Spyder4Pro S4P100 Colorimeter.
• Calibrite series: The Calibrite Display Plus, Calibrite Display Pro, and Calibrite ColorChecker Display are all available.
• X-Rite i1Basic PRO 3: This colour match tool is available on B&H and supports brightness up to 5000 cd/m².
• Wacom EODIS3-DCWA Color Manager: This calibrator is designed for use with Wacom Cintiq pen displays.

Park Cameras and Wex Photo Video

Park Cameras and Wex Photo Video are two retailers that offer the following monitor calibrators:

• Datacolor SpyderX Pro: This calibrator is a good option for most people, offering high accuracy and superb value.
• Calibrite Display Pro: This calibrator is ideal for multiple screens and can be used to assess ambient light in your workspace.
• Datacolor SpyderX Studio: This is a more expensive option that is suitable for professionals.

Other Options

There are also other online retailers that offer monitor calibrators, such as:

• Creative Bloq: In addition to the Datacolor SpyderX Pro and Calibrite Display Pro, they also recommend the Wacom Colour Manager for Wacom tablets.
• Digital Camera World: This website offers a range of options, including the Datacolor SpyderX series and the Calibrite ColorChecker series.

Computer shops

If you're looking to buy a monitor calibrator from a computer shop, you're in luck! There are several options available, both online and in-store. Here are some details on where to find them and what to consider when making your purchase:

Online Computer Shops

You can find monitor calibrators at various online retailers, such as Amazon, B&H Photo Video, and Park Cameras. These websites offer a wide range of products, and you can compare prices and features to find the best option for your needs. Some popular monitor calibrators include:

• Datacolor SpyderX Pro: This calibrator is known for its accuracy and value, offering advanced features like multi-monitor support and light condition detection.
• Calibrite Display Pro: This calibrator is ideal for multiple screens and can assess ambient light to ensure the best results. It also measures and adjusts display profiles for reduced contrast ratios caused by glare.
• Datacolor SpyderX Elite: A pricier option with additional features, this calibrator is suitable for those who want to conform to colour space standards and calibrate their monitor for video colour spaces.
• X-Rite i1 Display Pro: This calibrator is useful if you work with laptop screens and projector screens. It allows you to use the same profile across displays and assess ambient light conditions.
• Wacom Color Manager: Designed specifically for Wacom displays, this calibrator offers professional-level colour calibration and is compatible with Apple and Android devices.

In-Store Computer Shops

While online shopping provides a convenient way to compare and purchase monitor calibrators, there are also physical computer shops that may carry these devices. Best Buy, Micro Center, and Apple Stores are examples of retailers that offer a range of computer accessories and may have monitor calibrators available.

When purchasing from a computer shop, whether online or in-store, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. Some factors to keep in mind include:

• The type of work you do: Different calibrators cater to various professions, such as photography, graphic design, or videography.
• The number of monitors you use: If you work with multiple screens, ensure the calibrator can support multiple displays.
• Your printing requirements: If printing is a significant part of your work, consider a calibrator that can also calibrate printers, or look into dedicated printer calibration tools.
• Budget and features: Evaluate your budget and the features you need. More expensive calibrators may offer advanced options, but there are also cost-effective options that provide accurate colour calibration.

Photography shops

When shopping for a monitor calibrator at a photography store, you may want to consider the following factors:

• Screen types: Monitors use different types of technology, such as LED backlighting, which can affect their colours. Look for a calibrator that is compatible with the specific type of screen you are using.
• Ambient light detection: This feature allows the calibrator to adjust the display's profile to compensate for the surrounding ambient light in your workspace. This is particularly useful if the lighting conditions in your workspace vary throughout the day.
• Speed: Calibrating your monitor can take a few minutes, and you should aim to do this regularly (every 2-6 weeks is recommended). Therefore, a fast calibration tool can save you time, especially if you have multiple monitors to calibrate.
• Advanced features: Some monitor calibrators offer advanced features such as video colour standard support, printer calibration, and the ability to conform to specific colour standards. Consider whether you need these additional features or if a more basic model will suffice.
• Datacolor SpyderX Pro: This calibrator offers advanced features such as multi-monitor support and ambient light detection. It is a good option for those seeking a balance between performance and value.
• Calibrite Display Pro: This calibrator allows you to use the same profile across multiple displays and assess the ambient light in your workspace. It can also adjust your display profile to compensate for glare on your screen.
• Datacolor SpyderX Studio: An all-in-one kit that includes a monitor calibrator, a printer calibrator, and other tools such as a Spyder Cube for defining white and black values. This option may be overwhelming for beginners but is ideal for professional photographers and designers.
• Calibrite Display Plus HL: Designed for those working with HDR video and super-bright screens. It provides HDR support and can set BT 1886 gamma, making it suitable for LCD, mini-LED, and OLED displays, including Apple XDR panels.
• Datacolor SpyderX Elite: A pricier option that allows you to calibrate your monitor for video colour spaces. It conforms to colour space standards like sRGB, Adobe RGB, NTSC, and Rec 709.
• Datacolor SpyderX Capture: A bundle that includes the SpyderX Elite monitor calibrator, Spyder LensCal for lens autofocus calibration, Spyder Cube for white and black value definition, and Spyder Checkr for colour consistency.
• Wacom Colour Manager: Specifically designed for Wacom Cintiq pen displays. It allows you to save profiles for different displays and create custom colours.

These are just a few examples of the monitor calibrators you may find at photography shops. Be sure to consider your specific needs and budget when making your purchase decision.

Electronics shops

If you're looking to buy a monitor calibrator from an electronics shop, there are a few options to consider.

Specialist Photography Shops

Specialist photography shops are likely to stock monitor calibrators, as these tools are considered essential for photographers. Some of the best monitor calibrators for photographers include the Datacolor SpyderX Pro, the Calibrite ColorChecker Display Pro, and the X-Rite i1Display Studio.

Electronics Superstores

Electronics superstores, such as B&H, are another option for purchasing a monitor calibrator. These stores typically offer a wide range of products, including those related to photography and graphic design.

Online Retailers

Online retailers, such as Amazon, are also an option for purchasing a monitor calibrator. This option may offer a broader selection of products and the convenience of home delivery. However, it is important to consider factors such as delivery times, return policies, and customer reviews when purchasing online.

Other Options

In addition to specialist photography shops, electronics superstores, and online retailers, you may also be able to find monitor calibrators in more general electronics shops or tech stores. These stores may have a dedicated section for photography equipment and accessories, where you could find a range of monitor calibrators to choose from.

When purchasing a monitor calibrator, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Factors such as compatibility with your device, the range of calibration settings, accuracy, ease of use, and price should be taken into account to ensure you select the best calibrator for your needs.

Camera shops

Monitor calibrators are an essential tool for photographers, ensuring that the colours on your screen are accurately represented in your photographs. Camera shops will typically stock a range of monitor calibrators suited to different needs and budgets. Here are some options to look out for:

Datacolor SpyderX Range

Datacolor offers a wide range of monitor calibrators, from the basic Spyder5EXPRESS to the more advanced SpyderX ELITE. The SpyderX ELITE is a favourite among professional photographers, offering an endless range of calibration settings, including grey-balancing, and delivering accurate results in just a few minutes. The SpyderX Pro is another popular option, offering advanced features like multi-monitor support and ambient light detection at a more affordable price point.

Calibrite ColorChecker Range

Calibrite's ColorChecker Display Pro is a compact, self-sufficient, and portable calibrator that can be directly plugged into your computer's USB port. It also allows you to see before-and-after results. The Calibrite ColorChecker Studio is another good option, offering similar features but missing ambient light monitoring, which may be a deal-breaker for some photographers.

X-Rite i1Display Range

The X-Rite i1Display Pro is ideal for creatives who work with both laptop and desktop screens, as well as projector screens. It offers the ability to use the same profile across multiple displays and assess ambient light in your workspace. The X-Rite i1Display Studio is a similar but more affordable option, though it lacks ambient light monitoring.

Wacom Color Manager

The Wacom Color Manager is designed specifically for Wacom displays and offers professional-level colour calibration. It features infinite settings that can be saved and shared, as well as manual colour controls for total colour control. It is also mobile-ready and compatible with both Apple and Android devices.

Calibrite ColorChecker Studio

This calibrator is designed for photographers and offers both monitor and printer calibration in one package. While it is bigger than a standard calibration tool, it comes with a case that can hold it on your screen during operation.

When purchasing a monitor calibrator, it is important to consider your specific needs, such as the number of monitors you use, your printing requirements, your budget, and the level of accuracy you require.

Frequently asked questions