Advice on profiling printer and display

[Scarlet]

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I don't have a super-duper printer but use the Epson R1900. I also have an Apple Cinema Display (the previous matte version, A1082).

 

I wish to profile these two and feel confused about the options.

 

I read a review by Keith Cooper over at Northlight Images about the X-rite i1Photo Pro, which is very expensive (€1000+) but which handles both displays and printers.

 

Then I saw there's something that is imaginatively called the Color Munki, which also appears able to profile printers and displays. And costs less than €400.

 

Why should I not get the Munki? And are there any other options available?

 

Many thanks in advance

/s

[kanzlr]

I use the Munki as it works with NECs SpectraView software for their screens (which I happen to own). It does a very good job and I am satisfied with the results for both screen and print.

 

It is easy to use and it doubles as a colorimeter for stuff like papers, color cards, textiles, etc.

[Scarlet]

Thanks very much. This is very helpful.

 

I'd also be interested in views on whether the Munki software's (apparent) lack of fine-tuning is a problem, including for BW printing. Cooper wrote about this in his review, noting that the Munki appears aimed at those who want as easy colour management as possible.

[Jeff S]

Perhaps you also saw his review of the Color Munki. If not, I think this may be instructive. See especially some of his 'personal gripes.' Note, however, that the review is a few years old, and things may have changed.

 

Jeff

[Scarlet]

Thanks Jeff. Yes I read that one too which made me doubt the Munki's usefulness. I'd hate to get something which I'm eventually disappointed with because it doesn't offer sufficiently fine-tuned settings.

 

It is a bit difficult to find current/recent reviews of monitor and printer profilers. Or perhaps I just haven't found them yet.

 

Is there any equipment that profiles both printers and displays for about the same price as the Munki?

 

Or, if I stick to Epson inks and papers with my printer and their ICC profiles, will it be enough to profile the display?

[Jeff S]

All depends on your standards. For many, profiling...printers or papers...is not done. For others it's accepted practice. And still for others, it's not acceptable unless that extra ounce is extracted. Plus, one person's ounce is another's kilo. And colors add a whole world of subjectivity.

 

My experience, similar to my darkroom days, is that there are many important links in the print chain...from camera capture... to editing software (and the myriad settings therein)... to paper choice... to printer (and the many possible printer settings, not to mention use of RIPs)...to ink choice...and so on. Profiling is just another dimension. Some people extract the most from very little. Others require that every element, and every piece of equipment, is optimized.

 

Even so, nothing IMO substitutes for a critical eye and judgment. I know folks who use the same darkroom equipment, yet a few produce amazing work while others not so much. Same can be said, obviously, for cameras and such.

 

The fact that you care about profiling is a step in the right direction. If you don't know the differences between two pretty darn good profilers (Munki vs i1Pro), then chances are you don't yet have enough experience to make your own determination. And, in the end, the only judgment that counts is yours.

 

I'd say go for the Munki, and in the meantime make sure you've done everything you can to optimize the other links in the chain as well. I'm still incrementally improving each of those steps after many years. (And companies like Adobe keep making free upgrades over time with no effort on my part whatsover.)

 

A friend of mine, who owns the best and latest XRite gear, did new paper profiles for me (using even more passes), which resulted in subtly better prints. Until then, I thought the earlier profiles he generated were just fine. Some people wouldn't know the difference, and nobody would know in any case what gear I used...and that includes the camera, lens and everything else. You choose. (Although I do see a benefit from custom paper profiles.)

 

Jeff