Monitor solely for viewing photos

[cliffp]

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I mostly use my monitor for viewing photos ie I never print. I presently have a late 2009 spec imac 27" and want to upgrade this and am trying to decide whether to replace it with the new imac 27" or get a Mac Pro and high quality monitor such as an Eizo or Nec.

 

Would an Eizo or Nec monitor give me a significantly better viewing experience than an imac 27? (I am happy to calibrate the imac to optimise this).

[hoppyman]

Here is one perspective from an Australian specialist. I have one of the excellent NEC models from him and am very satisfied. Apart from the evenness, smoothness and colour fidelity, other advantages include hardware calibration of the monitor itself rather than the video card output and the ability (with the Spectraview software) to have multiple profiles than you can call up with a couple of clicks. For example I have sRGB simulation for seeing what can be similar to most people monitors (way too bright and contrasty and limited colour space) and separate ones for making image versions for printing on various papers.

 

This is a good free resource well worth exploring in any case.

ImageScience.com.au

Good articles under the Knowledge and Buying Guides tabs.

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[cliffp]

Thanks Geoff, the website you referenced was unbelievably helpful!

 

Cliff

[DigitalHeMan]

My take on this: the iMac is basically a Mac Mini integrated into a screen. From an investment perspective, if your iMac is due for replacement, then the best way to use your money is to buy a Mac Mini (or, if you think you need the performance, a Mac Pro), together with an external screen. That way when you come to need another replacement computer on 3-5 years, you won't need to repurchase the screen. Personally I am looking at either the Apple 27", or more likely a HP ZR2740w for my next screen to use on my Mac Mini. (disclaimer: I work for HP so financially that is the most interesting option for me)

 

 

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[kdriceman]

My take on this: the iMac is basically a Mac Mini integrated into a screen. From an investment perspective, if your iMac is due for replacement, then the best way to use your money is to buy a Mac Mini (or, if you think you need the performance, a Mac Pro), together with an external screen. That way when you come to need another replacement computer on 3-5 years, you won't need to repurchase the screen. Personally I am looking at either the Apple 27", or more likely a HP ZR2740w for my next screen to use on my Mac Mini. (disclaimer: I work for HP so financially that is the most interesting option for me)

 

 

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.... Or when the monitor goes out - as the one did on my imac - you won't have to replace the entire computer.

 

 

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[almoore]

Would an Eizo or Nec monitor give me a significantly better viewing experience than an imac 27?

 

For viewing only, probably not.

 

The arguments for getting an Eizo are very strong if you're preparing your image files for printing or reproduction, but most of those arguments disappear if your images are never going to go beyond your own monitor. Mac monitors are bright and unsubtle which is a definite disadvantage if your files are going to migrate into an external workflow, but for home display their punchy characteristics might actually be a positive.