Datacolor SpyderX Pro: Monitor Calibration designed for serious Photographers and Designers

Product Information

The ambient monitoring is also a great feature and ensures that even if the light in your working environment changes then the Spyder software will make the adjustments necessary. Outwardly the SpyderX Pro takes on much the same shape and size as the previous generation of Spyder devices, a colour change and smoothing of the edges bring the ergonomics up to date with a more stylish fashion. One feature that always impresses is the before and after, so you can see if the calibration has had the desired effect, inevitably it will. It’s also great to show anyone who dismisses colour calibration or says that they can do it by eye, they can’t, and this is a great demonstration. I used to keep the Spyder under the monitor but then realised that shadow from the monitor was affecting the ambient reading of the room. Placing it on a stand by the monitor seems a better solution.

If you’re in the market for a monitor calibrator, then the SpyderX Pro is an excellent choice. It’s fast with no fuss, and the results are excellent. Introduction Datacolor points out that the lens based colour engine significantly increases the precision, colour accuracy and low light capabilities of the device. We’ll have to wait and see through the test and look at the result. If you’re a keen photographer, then monitor calibration is something you need to do. The beauty of the SpyderX Pro system is that the only real thought you need to give to calibration is the thought behind buying it. Once that’s done, and it’s set up it handles everything else for you.

Performance

The change shown on the monitors and laptops calibrated with the Spyder5 was far less, a slight change but nothing drastic. In the end, it shows you the before and after and the results are stark. A new BenQ monitor I’m testing showed that when it arrived and factory reset it was far too warm. I also keep the Spyder5 on a stand to read the ambient light and always thought that a stand in the box would be a good idea, or at least an option. While the colour and brightness might look great on our monitor it often doesn’t look quite so good when it comes to printing or sharing with others. In use, the new Spyder works in much the same way as the older version. Initially placing the device on the desk so that it can read the ambient light in the room, then move over to the monitor so it can read the illumination.

The build of the SpyderX is one up on the Spyder5. It just feels like the quality of plastic has increased as has the finish, and the new glassy white gives the new device a great look. The hardware is the physical part of the SpyderX, but then there’s also the software which is the engine for the calibration. The difference you’ll see in your work, whether photographic or video is striking, with shadows and detail on screen being drawn out.

As with previous versions, I’ve always felt some type of case to keep the Spyder in would have been a good idea. I use the Spyder most of the time with my MacPro, and I’ve bought a case to keep the Spyder safe in my bag. Overall the SpyderX Pro is an excellent monitor calibrator. It’s easy to use and ensures that your monitor is always displaying the correct colours. Monitor resolution 1280×768 or greater, 16-bit video card (24-bit recommended), 1GB of available RAM, 500MB of available hard disk After calibration, it then sits neatly by the side of the monitor to read the ambient light and if selected adjust the monitor automatically. ColorAccuracy/Streamlined Workflow/fully customizable calibration targets/high brightness calibration