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 243 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Reliable (86)
- Easy to use (68)
- Great picture quality (63)
- Small footprint (18)
- Improves performance (16)
Cons
- Lacks adjustability (16)
- Unreliable performance (3)
Best Uses
- Photo editing (29)
- Photography (20)
- Multimedia (15)
- Everyday (11)
- Home (10)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Graphics enthusiast (35), Quality oriented (23), Photo enthusiast (21), Photographer (20), Business user (18)
- Primary use:
- Personal (132), Business (57)
- Computer Platform:
- PC (37), Mac (15)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (41)
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 243 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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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
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Very easy to use and the result of the calibration was astounding. Very happy with this product..
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Simple and efficient. Color looks good.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Great for beginners
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
It's important that users don't have professional level expectations of this program. It's a basic level calibration system, but it does the job.
So far I haven't been able to figure out how to pull up the old, saved calibrations, but that's probably because that's a more advanced feature, found in it's 'big brother' versions.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Very simple setup, was performing my first calabration within minutes of installing the software. While I had tried to calibrate my LCD "By eye" using various sites on the internet there was still something lacking in my prints and display. I was able to make my first print that matched my screen within an hour of setting this up. I'm completly satisfied with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I hooked the Spyder 3 Express up to my computer that uses dual monitors. I designated my Main monitor as number one as I wanted Spyder to calibrate it. Unfortunately the Spyder always wants to calibrate the second monitor. I tried switching the names but it still wants to calibrate the older monitor. The only way it will calibrate the one that I want is to unhook the 2nd monitor. I did not wish to do this. I contacted Datacolor. They suggested the Spyder 4 pro if my graphics card supported two lookup tables LUT. I checked with Nvidia and it does. I am going to order the Spyder4Pro and use this one at work on a single monitor setup.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
The installation went very quickly with the supplied CD.
The callibration of my Laptop took about 2 minutes - and WOW what a change in the appearance!
Since the outcome was so great - I will also callibrate all my friend's computers!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Every monitor job
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Until you correctly calibrate a monitor, you do not realize how off target your RAW conversions are. After using the monitor for a week after Spyder3Express calibration, I wanted to see how much better it was. I clicked on the uncalibrated function of the software and I couldn't believe how much better the calibrated version is. Spyder3Express almost sets itself up, it is that easy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I should have bought the Spyder years ago. If you are serious about good photo prints, you need one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Used this to adjust my monitor for photography work. This is the first time I used a calibration device and I was amazed at how effective it was, and how easy it is to use. Great bargain.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I use the Spyder3express to calibrate my monitors for my photography business. I love knowing that my images are accurately colored when I am editing and printing. I also love how quick it was to calibrate. I have no complaints!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I had borrowed a friend's Spyder calibrator a while back and was satisfied then. Now that I take more photos (I'm a casual photographer who's just started to get hooked), I wanted to get my own.
After doing some research, the Spyder3Express seemed just the right combination of what I needed (easy installation, basic calibration) vs what I didn't (dual screen calibration, more specific settings etc).
I've only used it once so far, but it worked as expected, and as quick as I expected. Personally, the black & white post-calibration sample felt a little on the warm side, but the color samples came out looking great and had an extra depth and punch to them.
If you want "good" color vs. "accurate" color - I would be comfortable saying that this is a perfect product. I'm not saying it's not "accurate", just that I am not concerned about my blacks being a perfect black. I would defer to others' reviews on that matter.
I imagine having the calibration saved, being able to re-calibrate, and getting consistent colors will be the strongest point of this product for me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Very easy to use, reasonable price!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- Not on tv
Best Uses
- Everyday use
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
What a differance. I'm going to get the spyder3tv next.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
I recently bought a Dell UltraSharp panel and no matter how many times I made adjustments, the colours never seemed right. I bought the Spyder 3 Express and after a fairly quick calibration routine, my monitor is producing consistent, good colours, IMO.
I used it on my work computer as well, but that is just a cheap panel and the results were not as pronounced.
(I do not use either monitor for professional colour applications... not a photographer, just a programmer :))
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
There have been other reviews indicating that the Express version will not do multiple monitors...not true. In win 7...first zero out all monitor controls. Then set gamma and brightness using the monitor calibration tool in Win7. Then...you need to designate each monitor separately and calibrate each...as the ONLY monitor on the system when calibrating. Then rename the profile in win\sys32\spool\drivers\color with a new name that you will associate with that monitor...and assign it in control panel\color management\devices as the default profile for that display. Deactivate that display and activate the next display and do likewise. Continue until all monitors have been calibrated and profiles renamed to designate which monitor they apply to.
This also works with laptops when you designate the external monitor as the ONLY display when calibrating that display. It will not recognize the external display if you leave the laptop display active.
Then when both (all) displays are turned back on and all active...you can go back into color management and assign each individual monitor it's specific profile as a default. Then delete Spyder3 express from the start menu so it isn't confused by your renamed profiles, and you are good to go as the system will use the profiles on each of the designated monitors upon boot without loading Spyder3Express at all.
I have used four different profiling devices in the past including high and low end devices, and for monitors only ...this one works as well as any of the others.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
It's easy to set up, easy to use. Prints now match the screen. It does exactly what it's supposed to.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Studio
Comments about Datacolor Spyder3Express Color Calibration System:
Use on my monitor. Just have to send pics to the lab to see if they are close.
I like the way it just does all the work for you.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Care & Cleaning
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
What's in the Box
- Screen Cleaning Cloth
- Software CD
- Quick Start Guide
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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