Gamma and WhitePoint (and stuff)

[Reds]

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Some monitor calibration queries coming up

 

I have a 27" NEC Spectraview as my main editing monitor and am using an i1 Display Pro by X-Rite with the NEC Spectraview Profiler software.

 

As usual on tinternet; many conflicting tips on best way to calibrate.

 

I guess I had a very common problem in the past with prints being too dark, for which I was advised to turn my monitor brightness down by the lab in the first instance.

 

My question is related to what input parameters might drive you to decide a starting point for calibration target settings.

 

i.e. The main ones to select are gamma, white point, luminance and contrast ratio.

 

Does your choice of output (for print - not web btw) govern any of these? i.e. different paper types, maybe with a warmer paper tone or a brighter, cooler one. And what about ambient light conditions, or print viewing conditions?

 

I'm currently trying out 1.8 gamma, D50, 120 cd/m2 and 1:200 contrast ratio to see how I get on, alebit in a rather uninformed way.

 

My previous settings were 2.2 gamma and 5800 blackbody temp. I have a feeling some of my editing decisions were a little too on the warm side for print with this and also sometimes had to brighten up the image consciously for print which resulted in over bright skin tones at times.

 

I'm usually printing to either Epson Lustre paper or Ilford GFS which has a warmer base tone.

 

What's your experience? Thanks,

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[Paul J]

D65 2.2 is the industry standard. I've had mine set to that for 15 years or so and get perfect colour, printed internationally with countless clients. NEC's recommendation of 140 for luminance I found was crazy and I ended up with output that was far too dark. I have mine set to 110 and it's good for my work area. One of the main factors is determining the right luminance for your work area and also making sure your work area is consistent throughout the day.

 

Check that the rgb colour values are completely grey and equal in your photoshop background and desktop background. A Monitor shade can help if your room lighting isn't right.

 

I soft proof EVERYTHING. It's a really crucial part. Depends on paper type, printer, CMYK etc.

 

The only real difference for web is converting to sRGB and some sharpening.

[tobey bilek]

80/90 candles is standard . I work in a dark room only. Stray light only screws things up.

 

2.2 is standard for gamma. white point is 256, black is 1. My pro lab wants me to use 235 and 15 for the new Kodak Paper. They set exposure to black point. You make the print look good starting from black at 15, ie the high values float. If you happen to have a pure white, make it 235.