Once you click next, the software will show you where to place the Spyder 3 on the screen (Figure 3), and then begin the measuring process (Figure 4). The only other decision you need to make is selecting the appropriate monitor type - LCD/Laptop or CRT (Figure 2).
The first screen (Figure 1) asks you to verify a few options, including monitor warm-up time (ideally, you should have your monitor on for at least 1/2 hour to stabilize prior to calibrating the display), the lighting conditions (try to calibrate in the lighting conditions you normally work in), and whether the monitor settings have been set appropriately. The installer will place a shortcut onto the task bar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), making it easy to launch and use the software. I used Windows 7 64-bit for this review, but the process is the same on both operating systems.
Install the software on your Windows or Mac system, and connect the Spyder 3 by plugging in the device to an available USB port.
Using the Spyder 3 Express really couldn't be easier. At only $89 it's a cost effective way to improve your imaging quality, particularly if you print or share images online - you know in advance what the image will look like.
A significant upgrade from the previous Spyder 2, the new model is both faster at calibrating and more accurate. Also available is the Spyder 3 Pro, and Spyder 3 Elite (the Elite is included with the Studio SR package). The Spyder 3 Express is the most basic of the monitor calibration choices offered by Datacolor. It does one thing - calibrate your display, and does it well. The Spyder 3 Express is the latest incarnation of Datacolor's monitor calibration hardware. Inexpensive and reliable, you don't need to know any of the how or why involved with color calibration. If you're the “get it done quickly” type, the Spyder 3 Express is the way to go. Which approach is right? Both of course, and that's why it's nice to have options. Others are more practical, and just want good results with a minimum amount of time or effort. It also includes an easy-to-use, photo-centric user interface with features that photographers and creative professionals need.ĭesigned for the way photographers work, the Spyder3Pro is the next generation in calibration accuracy, precision and speed, allowing you to create profiles to your specifications and bring an unprecedented level of color control to your work.Some of us are controls freaks - we want total control over what adjustments are made to our systems, and to have the ability to tweak each setting until we have what we feel is the perfect solution. The updated form factor includes an embedded ambient light detector and desktop cradle.
Professionals can view four quadrants of thematic photos to specifically evaluate saturated colors, skin tones, gradients, and black and white images to ensure the desired calibration results.Īs compared to its award-winning predecessor Spyder2, the Spyder3 offers a sleeker design that's 37 percent smaller and incorporates third-generation Spyder technology. SpyderProof enables professionals to evaluate calibration with a before and after mode.
This ensures consistent color on all LCD, CRT, and laptop displays.Īmong its most innovative features is a proofing capability called SpyderProof that brings an impressive level of color control to any digital workflow. The Spyder3 is the only colorimeter available on the market offering a seven detector color engine, with an aperture several times larger than other devices, thereby increasing its light sensitivity by 400 percent for increased accuracy and performance. The DataColor Spyder3Pro provides monitor color calibration for serious photographers and creative pros who require a high degree of color accuracy from capturing images, to digital editing and printing.
Spyder 3 Pro Display Calibration. Includes original box.ĭISCLAIMER: In the instance that you order a specific item that we do not in fact have in stock you will be contacted and a full refund will be issued. Vintage Optics, Binoculars, Monoculars, Microscopes