Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System
The Spyder3Express Color Calibration System from Datacolor allows you to calibrate your monitor so that the image that it displays matches the true color stored in the image file. This ensures that the image you see is displayed the same that it is on other calibrated screens, as well as prints. It features a standard USB interface, compatible with Mac and Windows systems.
Note! Spyder3Express is for calibrating a computer with a single monitor. If you have more than one display please see Spyder3Pro or Spyder3Elite.
- Delivers professional-grade calibration, ensuring that you are seeing true colors on your display
- Software wizard guides you through the calibration process
- Shows before and after results following a calibration
- Sophisticated software guarantees simple calibration
- High-quality optics ensure that your colors match accurately
| System Requirements |
Operating System: Windows XP (32/64-bit), Vista (32/64-bit), 7 (Release Candidate); Mac OS X 10.4 Memory: 128MB Hard Drive: 100MB Display: 1024 x 768 at 16-bit (24-bit recommended) Hardware: USB port |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 260 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Reliable (91)
- Easy to use (83)
- Great picture quality (63)
- Lightweight (18)
- Small footprint (18)
Cons
- Lacks adjustability (16)
- Unreliable performance (3)
Best Uses
- Photo editing (29)
- Photography (20)
- Landscape photography (16)
- Portraits (16)
- Everyday (15)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Graphics enthusiast (35), Enthusiast (23), Quality oriented (23), Photo enthusiast (21), Photographer (20)
- Primary use:
- Personal (132), Business (57)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (56)
- Computer Platform:
- PC (37), Mac (15)
Most Liked Positive Review
Did the job
I liked the product, it was easy to use and the results were satisfying. What I didn't like were the sparse instructions on setting contrast and brightness controls before calibration. Fortunately their website is...Read complete review
I liked the product, it was easy to use and the results were satisfying. What I didn't like were the sparse instructions on setting contrast and brightness controls before calibration. Fortunately their website is quite informative and after spending some time digging through articles I found out what I needed to know. Also, packing the equipment away after using it was a pain as the packaging does not leave any room for error.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Spyder3Express Dual Monitor Not So Good
How I use this product - Well, at this time I don't. I wish I had done a little more homework to discover that I cannot calibrate a multi-monitor system with the Spyder3Express.-I...Read complete review
How I use this product - Well, at this time I don't. I wish I had done a little more homework to discover that I cannot calibrate a multi-monitor system with the Spyder3Express.-I was very excited to finally calibrate my dual Dell 2407WFP monitors. After loading and walking through the setup, I was presented with an on-screen calibration zone inbetween both of my monitors. Not so good.-I was able to at least walk through the setup as the calibration zone was large enough to accommodate the Spyder3Express sensor.-Things that are great about it - I wish I could say something about it as it is currently sitting unused.- Things that aren't so great - No multi-monitor support. Yes, I know, i /could/ calibrate one monitor and just use that monitor, but that's not the way I want to roll.-I probably should have purchased the Pro or Elite model, but those cost quite a bit more.-Here's a very good detailed review:[@] Best regards
Reviewed by 260 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
The device performed flawless color calibration of my monitor with amazing ease.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Having never user a calibration tool, I was blown away at how easy this was to use. It's really simple and took less than ten minutes to install and be calibrated.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- For any pictures
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Initial setup was very easy with windows 7. After install you can notice the difference right away. Definetly helps you in editing just before printing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Exactly what I need to get my montior calibrated to my print labs. I shopped around and found the best price here. ;-)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- simple
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I bought the Spyder 3 Express Color Calibration because I needed a color calibration for the photo class I am taking this semester. I was a little skeptical about how the calibration system would work, but it ended up surprising me by showing me just how off the colors on my screen were. Now that I know exactly what my photos will look like when they are printed, I have a lot more confidence in my work as a photographer. I would definitely recommend this item to new beginners that just need a quick and easy calibration on their computers or tv screens. Great for new photographers! It does take a little bit to get it started, but once you have it going, it's very simple to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Compared to working without the settings I have noticed a big difference. If you are serious about the quality of work that you are producing you need this tool. Since I only have a single monitor that I am using this version is great. However, if you have more get the pro version.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I hoped monitor calibration would improve my printing process (fewer trial prints). So far so good...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I bought a new computer and the colors were all out of whack! I tried calibrating the screen through the computer but still didn't like the colors. I bought the Spyder 3 and after having for a 1/2 hr I could not believe the difference. Very easy to install and use!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
i dont know why all these time i never had Spyder. Spyder makes all the difference when it comes to looking at your photos on your computer screen. it gives the best and the right color... it makes all your editing easier. no more guessing if your color is accurate or not after you install this little guy. it is truly a must have.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Accurate
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Seeing true colors
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
My sent out to print photos were just not correct, now I can see why!The colors are the way they should be.And the price, just cannot beat it.....William Perrelli www.perrelliphoto.com
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Perrelliphoto
WWW.PERRELLIPHOTO.COM
Images shared by Perrelliphoto
WWW.PERRELLIPHOTO.COM
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Studio
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
It's much easier than calibrating manually. The instuctions were clear and the process was very simple. The unit is not very big so it does not require a lot of drawer space.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
This product really optimized the colors on my monitor. Opening the box it was smaller than I expected but that makes it easy to store in my laptop bag. The directions were easy to follow. If it had not been required for my online class I would have never known about it but I am really glad I have now.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Product was extremely easy to use and I saw a difference in my monitor display instantly. Would recommend.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I've got a Macbook air. So I had to download the software/drivers from their website.
Had no issues what so ever.
Download, installed and Calibrated in about 30mins.
The instructions are straight forward.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I use this for college; I'm a BFA photography major and it works awesome!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I like how easy this is to run. Simple steps. The software that you install will guide you, step by step. Afterwards, you notice a difference right away, with your colors on your monitor. Nothing bad to say about this Spyder 3 Express...Great to have a calibrated monitor! Great Price at B and H!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Color calibration software is a must have for proofing your photographs before you print them. If you are serious about accurate color when printing, you must use this (or another similar product) to calibrate your monitor, and you also must use a correct ICC profile in Photoshop. Although it often makes photographs look better on your computer, this is NOT really its intended use (unlike what other reviewers have said). This product is designed to ensure more accurate color, especially when printed. My point is this. If all you want to do is display your photographs on a computer screen or share them on the internet, you probably don't need this product (there are many free ways to calibrate for this purpose). However, if you want to make professional level prints, it's a must have! Spyder 3 express works quickly, easily, and is extremely accurate.
The only downside here that I can think of is that it doesn't give you options for adjusting contrast and brightness. If you need to do this you must use your standard computer controls (preferably comparing them with prints). However, as long as you know how to adjust these properties on your system, spyder 3 express takes care of the rest without a problem. Be sure to buy a higher model if you have multiple monitors or care about the extra features.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Studio
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
It does what it's supposed to do. Well worth it for it's value.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
This is the first color correction tool I have ever used. I found this product to do the job and is satisfactory for the price. I am sure there are much better tools available, but for my occasional use this product is plenty adequate.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Monitor calibration
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Just bought the Spyder3Express to calibrate my NEC monitor. The product works great was easy to install and now my prints come out exactly as I see them on my monitor screen. =D
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Care & Cleaning
- Price: $4.99
What's in the Box
- Screen Cleaning Cloth
- Software CD
- Quick Start Guide
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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