Datacolor Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor
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From capturing images to digital editing and printing your work, you can rely on consistent, accurate color throughout your studio and digital workflow with the DataColor Spyder3Elite. The Spyder3 is the only colorimeter available on the market offering a seven detector color engine, with an aperture several times larger than other devices, thereby increasing its light sensitivity by 400 percent for increased accuracy and performance. This ensures consistent color on all LCD, CRT, laptop and front projector displays.
Among its most innovative features is a proofing capability called SpyderProof that brings an impressive level of color control to any digital workflow. SpyderProof enables professionals to evaluate calibration with a before and after mode. Professionals can view four quadrants of thematic photos to specifically evaluate saturated colors, skin tones, gradients, and black and white images to ensure the desired calibration results.
As compared to its award-winning predecessor Spyder2, the Spyder3 offers a sleeker design that's 37 percent smaller and incorporates third-generation Spyder technology. The updated form factor includes an embedded ambient light detector and desktop cradle that doubles as a tripod mount. It also includes an easy-to-use, photo-centric user interface with features that photographers and creative professionals need.
Designed for the way photographers work, the Spyder3 Elite is the next generation in calibration accuracy, precision and speed, allowing you to create profiles to your specifications and bring an unprecedented level of color control to your work.
- Third Generation Spyder Technology
- The Spyder3 colorimeter is based on a state-of-the-art optical design, using a 7-detector color engine and a very large light aperture, providing unrivaled performance. In conjunction with the patented filter array and embedded ambient light sensor, the Spyder3 provides industry-leading performance for the precision calibration of LCD, CRT, projector and notebook displays.
- Elegant Form and Function
- With a unique fusion of design excellence and functionality, the Spyder3 offers a small footprint, embedded ambient light sensor, and LED indicator. The desktop cradle can be used for storage, ambient light monitoring, or tripod attachment, and the three attachment methods - large area suction cup, counterweight, or tripod mount - can be used interchangeably to suit the needs of any photographer.
- Designed for Photographers
- The Spyder3 has increased light sensitivity by 400% as compared to the previous edition, and also features the largest screen sample area or aperture in the industry resulting in improved accuracy on LCD screens and a faster calibration time.
- Super-Fast ReCAL
- ReCAL reduces full calibration time by more than half allowing you to quickly and easily re-calibrate on a more frequent basis or before any important shoot or post-production project.
- Intelligent Ambient Light Control
- Embedded with a next-generation, high precision sensor, Spyder3 automatically measures the ambient light within a room for a new level of precision calibration. Spyder3 provides you with options to change either your studio lighting or display profile if the ambient light changes. Maintaining a history log of lighting conditions, Spyder3 can intelligently discern true lighting changes from random fluctuations caused by studio flashes or shadows.
- Unlimited Calibration Targets
- Unlimited, user-defined choices for white point, gamma, white luminance, and black luminance give you full control of your digital color workflow. This means that discerning professionals can tune their calibration to optimize shadow detail, studio light or lightbox matching, and destination output device.
- Custom Black and White Luminance Control
- This essential tool for studio matching allows precision control of a monitors black and white luminance, so that professionals can achieve the ultimate in calibration accuracy and screen matching.
- Expert Console
- The Expert Console is the professional's choice for precise color calibration by putting all of the calibration parameters and actions in one comprehensive window. This means that power users can by-pass the step-by-step wizard and get right down to business.
- StudioMatch Assistant
- StudioMatch Assistant gides you through calibrating all of your studio displays to a single calibration target, and accounts for each display's white and black luminance as well as studio light conditions. This means that you can rely on consistent and accurate color and luminance on all the displays in your studio. In addition, the Display Assistant allows you to enter all of the model-specific information for each of your displays and stores them, saving you time on all future calibrations.
- L-Star Calibration Option
- Using patented L-Star Technology as an alternative to typical gamma settings; you can generate unique tonal response curves for open shadows and detailed highlights. This is especially useful for photographers using L-Star workflows.
- SpyderCertification Option
- This unique feature enforces consistent calibration standards and settings for all subscribed displays, and a warning appears when a display's calibration is out of date or incorrect. Any screen with the SpyderCertified icon is assured of being current and accurate.
- Support for Next Generation Displays
- The patented Spyder3 optical design and color engine enable precise calibration and profiling of the latest in wide gamut, LED backlight and AdobeRGB displays.
- Display History Utility
- Track critical monitor attributes including white luminance color primaries - the Spyder3Elite provides white luminance trend recording - a very useful tool to track your displays' performance over time.
- Front Projector Calibration Option
- The Spyder3Elite calibration system can calibrates front projectors - giving you the confidence to present and show your work on projected screens with excellent color fidelity.
- SpyderProof Function
- Evaluate your calibration in before and after mode using four quadrants of thematic photos targeting Saturated Colors, Skin Tones, Gradients and Black & White. Zoom in on any photo to scrutinize highlights, shadow detail, color or tonal response. Softproof the images using your own custom profiles. Designed for the way photographers work, SpyderProof brings you a new level of color control to help you achieve color excellence.
- Native Gamma Calibration Option
- Advanced feature allows calibration of monitors to Native Gamma, or White Balanced Native Gamma.
- On Screen Spot Color Measurement
- This is an advanced feature that allows you to take custom measurements of any spot color on the display for analysis and comparison.
- Cross-platform Compatibility
- Spyder3 software runs on today's popular hardware and software platforms, including Windows, Macintosh and even Intel based Macintosh systems, and is the only calibration product that works efficiently on any computer, running Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows XP (32/64) & Vista (32/64).
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows System
Macintosh System
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 279 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (122)
- Accurate colors (97)
- Improves performance (87)
- Professional quality (75)
- Easy to navigate (68)
Cons
- Difficult to navigate (8)
- Poor design (5)
- Pricey / poor value (5)
- Inaccurate controls (4)
- Limited compatibility (3)
Best Uses
- Professional quality (83)
- In the studio (53)
- Presentations (21)
- Photography (19)
- Complex projects (17)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Quality oriented (102), Enthusiast (49), Business owner (38), Professional artist (32), Photographer (21)
- Primary use:
- Personal (79), Business (69)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (117)
Most Liked Positive Review
Straightforward and easy to use
As a newbie in color calibration this device really helps get introduced to it. Installation and use of the software is very straight-forward (at least on a Mac).
After installation a wi...Read complete review
As a newbie in color calibration this device really helps get introduced to it. Installation and use of the software is very straight-forward (at least on a Mac).
After installation a wizard shows up with a few simple questions and then just wait for the device to do its thing. If you have multiple monitors as I do it will keep in mind luminance (brightness?) so both monitors look exactly the same (or at least very very close to each other) which I couldn't do on my own before I had the Spyder3.
I believe the manual and the software warns you about it, but I didn't read it (and many people on the internet didn't based on the posts and comments I found out there): The suction cup is only to be used on CRT monitors. On LCD screens it will not have any suction power at all. Once you tell the software that you are using the suction cup (or not) there is no way to change that setting unless you uninstall the software and re-install it again. Please make sure you make the suction cup decision before you run the software for the first time.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Software not ready for prime time
The Spyder3Elite has allowed me to more accurately than ever, calibrate my monitors, however, the software which is used for the Spyder is seriously flawed.
The software works great for single monitor...Read complete review
The Spyder3Elite has allowed me to more accurately than ever, calibrate my monitors, however, the software which is used for the Spyder is seriously flawed.
The software works great for single monitor computers, however, it has a serious problem with dual monitors. On two separate computers with dual monitors, which I have calibrated, it has mixed up which monitor is which.
I would have insisted Datacolor take the unit back, if it weren't for a work around which I've figured out, and the incredible accuracy of the unit. Datacolor themselves have been of no help, insisting to me that the problem isn't there. Personally, I found their customer service people clueless and insulting.
The work around is simple, but should be unnecessary. I let the software assign the profile to the wrong monitor, then once complete, I copy the profile to the right monitor's listing, assign each one as the default profile, then remove the wrong profile. It takes about two or three minutes to perform that switch.
At this time, I can't recommend this product to anyone using dual monitors. While the product accurately calibrates the monitors, the software must be corrected before I could recommend the product.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 279 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
I moved my display to a new location and needed to recalibrate. The Spyder 3 was perfect, and easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
I was having difficulty getting color accurate printing for my clients from an online album maker. The images were too magenta, but after calibrating my 27" iMac display with the Spyder3Elite, the colors are right. It's very easy to use compared to earlier models, and it's FAST!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Product Support
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Needs bigger suction cup
Best Uses
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
- Professional Photography
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
Mine came the other day and it wasn't very hard to calibrate on a Old Viewsonic E90fb CRT, my 27" Apple Cinema Display and my 13" 2010 Macbook pro. My package was missing the cradle. So I contacted Datacolor and they are expediting me a replacement the same day.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Cary Lee
Velvia 50 using Olympus Trip 35 on Sunset Strip
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
I had the original Spyder that I bought about eight years ago for my CRT monitor. But when it died I bought an LCD monitor and had to upgrade my calibration. I debated between the Spyder3 Pro and Spyder3 Elite and bought the Elite. Although I think the Pro would have worked just fine.
This works much better than the original Spyder and I've used it several times now while I experiment with it. There is a big difference after I finish calibrating. They also have a color gamut display comparing the monitor to previous calibrations, Adobe RGB and sRGB.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
Great tool! Must have for monitor color calibration. I can't imagine images editing without it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
Simple and easy to use system with great results when used correctly. 4 stars is because the user directions are a bit confusing and because it takes a while to figure out that it is best to calibrate your monitor with very low ambient light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
It is consistent in giving you great color on any moniter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Steve
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Monitor calibration
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
I needed this product to calibrate my laptop's monitor. I'm a photographer and color is very important to my workflow. The suction cup fell off two times during calibration, but got it to work the third time (needed to be damper.) Otherwise it did a perfect job! Love the stand it comes with too. Highly recommended.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
When you view the difference after a monitor is calibrated, you'll know why devices like this are a must! "Improve the things you can control, and those you cannot strangely seem to improve too". Highly Recommended!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
We followed the instructions and the difference was amazing. My wife edits her photographs on this computer and was having some problems. This fixed the issue. Took about ten minutes. Ran it on her laptop also. The difference was there but the laptop was calibrated okay already. In all very happy with the purchase and would recommend this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Very accurate
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
This has helped me tremendously in getting control of my monitor. All I had to do was plug it in and walk through the setup. I am very impressed at how it also adjust to the lighting in the room. I would recommend this anyone that wants accuracy in calibration.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Birdman
Forgotten Dreams
Images shared by Birdman
serenity
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- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
Worked great out of the box on both my desktop with XP and my laptop with Windows 7. Colors when I am using lightroom seem true now. Not sure I need the elite version, but I have nothing to compare it to.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
I bought this product to reign in my MacBook Pro and Samsung 245T displays. I had tried visual calibration before with poor results. This system allowed for accurate color and brightness adjustments that have really improved my workspace.
One note, this cannot be used with a hub or low power USB device and strangely enough, it only works in one of my two MBP USB ports? Not quite sure why that is.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
Good, basic calibration...pretty good value for the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
My laptop was giving inconsistent results when printing with my pixma pro9000. I hesitated to spend the money for the spyder3 elite because I am not a professional and wondered if it was really worth the cost. I will now say emphatically that I would spend the money again for this calibrator. What a difference in my printed projects! My monitor colors are much better looking. It was easy to set-up and use. I liked the before and after views so that I could see what the spyder 3 had done to improve my display. I would recommend getting it if you want your printing to match what your monitor displays.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
I received my Spyder 3 Elite and immediately solved all my problems , easy to use fast and efficient , no more stress worrying about colour .
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Support for Multiscreen
Cons
- Poor Design
- Use on LCD difficult
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
I'm using the Spyder to calibrate my 3 monitors for color correction work. It is very easy to use and the calibration seems quite accurate. If you use LCD screens, be aware though, that they haven't really thought through how you are supposed to place the sensor on the screen and keep it there. Since the suction cup could damage the surface of the LCD, they provide a solution with a counter weight. This is dysfunctional to say the least and I had to put up an adventurous contraption with small tripods and an articulating arm I had lying around to keep it in place.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
I use this to calibrate my monitor so I get real life color and match my printer.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Efficient
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
Easy to setup and use and efficient.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Spyder3Elite Display Calibration System from Datacolor:
Photo Post Processing using Spyder3Elite has brought back the the WYSIWYG principle... What You See Is What You Get! Color Accuracy at its best!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Cables & Adapters
- Price: $7.99
Care & Cleaning
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
What's in the Box
- Spyder3 Colorimeter
- Desktop Cradle/Tripod Mount
- Screen Cleaning Packets
- Spyder3Elite Software CD-ROM
- Quick Start Guide
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
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