Both ICC 2 and ICC 4 profiles are supported as are all the other Pro features. While the other two models offer 64 patches for special targets, the Elite uses NTSC, PAL/SECAM, Cineon and L-Star targets.

The $249.99 Elite offers unlimited Gamma and color temperature options. In addition, it can be used to calibrate multiple monitors and includes ambient light measurement plus a recalibration wizard. The $169.99 Pro offers four Gamma choices (1.8, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.4) and four color temperatures (5000K, 5800K, 6500K and native) and supports ICC 2 and ICC 4 profiles. Read another way, those are all the things you don't have to worry about because they're set for you in the software. The base $119 Express model is simplicity itself, using just one Gamma setting of 2.2 to match the human eye and Adobe RGB, one color temperature (6500K) and providing ICC 2 profile support. All of them offer the SpyderProof interface and real-time profile and calibration checks. We say primarily because the Express does not have the tripod mount of its siblings. The Spyder4 is available in four models, distinguished primarily by the software capability so you can upgrade via Datacolor's Web site. We're a little less clued in about how the Spyder can calibrate so many devices but we promise to explain how it calibrates the iPad at the end of this review. Otherwise we found the Spyder4 to be a very familiar friend with a full-spectrum 7-color sensor to read a variety of common displays. iPad/iPhone calibration with SpyderGallery.Advanced Monitor Quality Assurance in the Elite version for uniform luminance and color graphic plus advanced multiple display tuing.Monitor Quality Analyzer in the Pro and Elite versions adds an advanced calibration accuracy test, monitor quality rating (we didn't score very high), display gamut graphing, Gamma and White Point test, support for CRTs and RGB balancing adjustments.The software component adds a few wrinkles, too: The company also notes they have improved consistency between units by 19 percent. Who wants to see all their hard work blown up by an uncalibrated monitor? Nobody.ĭatacolor claims the new model, distinguished by its tuxedo black color scheme, is 26 percent more accurate on average with double-shielded color filters that improve its long-term stability. And for pros (and the serious amateur), the stakes have never been higher. With the proliferation of screens, Datacolor is hoping its Spyder4, which can handle them all, will be as welcomed among consumers as it has been with pros. But it hasn't been as widely adopted as its importance might suggest. Hardware monitor calibration - which is what Datacolor's Spyder is all about - has always been important for achieving accurate color on your monitor and minimizing surprises from your output devices.

Spyder 4 elite pro