As a professional colorist, you know that having a good monitor is essential for getting the best results. But with so many different options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best monitors for color grading and help you decide which is the right one for you. So, whether you’re just starting out in the industry or looking to upgrade your current setup, read on to learn more about the best monitors for color grading!
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What is a monitor for color grading?
IPS LED technology is the best choice for colorists because it has better viewing angles and inaccurate colors compared to other types of panels. It’s also more expensive, but if you want your grades looking pristine then this should be at the top on your list!
Top 6 best monitor for color grading
#1/ BenQ SW321C 32” 4KIPS Photo&Video Editing Monitor w/AQCOLOR tech 99% AdobeRGB
Accurate colors are critical for photo and video editing, and that’s where the BenQ SW321C excels. With full coverage of the Rec. 709 and sRGB gamuts and 95% support of DCI-P3, this monitor delivers industry-standard color performance with up to 10-bit color depth for smooth shading. The 1300:1 contrast ratio prevents details from getting lost in darker parts of the image, while BenQ’s Uniformity Technology ensures consistent color and brightness across the entire panel. Whether you’re retouching photos or grading videos, the SW321C gives you the accurate colors you need to get the job done right.
This innovative monitor features GamutDuo mode, which lets you display content with two different gamuts side-by-side for easy comparison. You also get Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP) modes, as well as an advanced Black & White mode. With its AQCOLOR technology and 99% AdobeRGB coverage, this monitor is ideal for professionals who demand the best in color accuracy and reproduction.
The AQCOLOR technology ensures that your images are accurately reproduced with 99% AdobeRGB coverage. The USB-C port makes it easy to connect to your computer or other video sources, while the HDMI and DisplayPort connections provide high-speed data transfer. The two USB-A ports and one USB-B port allow you to connect additional peripherals.
Features:
Brand: BenQ
Model Number: SW321C
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Display Resolution Maximum: 3840 x 2160
Response Time: 5 Milliseconds
Pros:
– Achieve accurate color reproduction for your creative work.
– Spend less time calibrating your monitor and more time being productive.
– Images that are closer to what you see in real life.
– Achieve accurate color results with hardware calibration and Paletter Master Element software.
– Get precise color matching for your prints, projects, and more.
– Dual monitor productivity mode.
Cons:
-This monitor is more expensive than some others.
#2/ LG 32UL950-W 32″ Class Ultrafine 4K UHD LED Monitor with Thunderbolt 3 Connectivity Silver (31.5″ Display)
Introducing the LG 32UL950-W 32″ Class Ultrafine 4K UHD LED Monitor. This superior quality monitor offers an expansive range of colors, covering 98% of the industry standard DCI-P3 color space. The high Dynamic Range is certified to reach 600-nit peak luminance, making it perfect for graphic designers, video editors, and other professionals who require color accuracy and precision. The Thunderbolt 3 port enables simultaneous display on two monitors at 4K quality, making it a perfect solution for both home and office use.
Features:
Brand: LG
Model Number: 32UL950-W
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Display Resolution Maximum: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
Response Time: 5 Milliseconds
Pros:
– See more colors than ever before.
– Get the most accurate picture possible.
– Get a smooth, tear-free gaming experience.
– Play the latest games at their best possible quality.
– Faster speeds and improved performance.
Cons:
-The controls on Macs are difficult to use.
#3/ BenQ PD2700U 27 inch 4K Monitor for Designers 3840×2160 UHD IPS panel with AQCOLOR 100% Rec.709
If you’re a professional designer, you know that having a top-notch monitor is essential to your workflow. That’s why we’ve designed the BenQ PD2700U, a 27 inch 4K IPS monitor that covers 100% sRGB and Rec. 709. With HDR10 support, this monitor is perfect for creating stunning photo and video content. Plus, our exclusive CAD/CAM, Animation, Darkroom, and DualView modes make it easy to get the results you need. And because your eyesight is important to us, we’ve equipped this monitor with our proprietary eye care technology. So, you can rest assured that your eyes will be taken care of while you work.
Features:
Brand: BenQ
Model Number: PD2700U
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Display Resolution Maximum: 3840×2160 Pixels
Response Time: 5 Milliseconds
Pros:
– The monitor is 27 inches and has a 4K resolution.
– It also has an HDR feature.
– Edit video content in HDR for better faster results.
– 350 cd/㎡ brightness allows you to preview video content in HDR.
– 5ms response time lets you edit video content quickly and easily.
– Speed up your workflow with powerful CAD/CAM tools.
Cons:
-There is no support for the DCI-P3 gamut.
#4/ ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCX-PK 32” 4K HDR Mini LED Monitor
The ASUS ProArt PA32UCX-PK 32” 4K HDR Mini LED Monitor is a high-end display designed for content professionals. It features Off-Axis Contrast Optimization technology for increased viewing angles, quantum dot technology for true 10-bit color, and 1152 local dimming zones for higher luminance and deeper shadows. It also comes with a free 3-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Features:
Brand: ASUS
Model Number: PA32UCX-PK
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Display Resolution Maximum: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
Response Time: 5 Milliseconds
Pros:
– Get a great viewing experience with stunning detail and clarity.
– Connect to more devices than ever before.
– Get a clear and vivid picture from any angle.
– Enjoy watching movies and playing games on your phone without distortion.
– Get more accurate colors for video editing, photo editing, and other creative work.
Cons:
-This is very expensive.
#5/ Dell U-Series 32-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor (U3219Q)
The Dell U-Series 32-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor (U3219Q) is perfect for working on big projects or watching movies and TV shows. With 4K resolution, this large 32-inch monitor provides stunning visuals, making it a great choice for graphic design, video editing, and gaming. You can also keep an HD version of your media in the playback window while surrounding it with your editing tools, making the Dell U-Series an extremely versatile and powerful monitor.
It is a high-end display that covers 99 percent of the sRGB and Rec. 709 color spaces. It also covers 95 percent of the DCI-P3 space, which is up there with even pricier screens. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals who need accurate color reproduction. The screen also has great viewing angles and a high resolution, making it perfect for working on graphics or watching videos.
With its USB-C connection, it can deliver up to 90w of power, making it perfect for MacBook Pros. This display also has standard mounting sockets on the back, so you could put two or even three of them together if you wanted to make an ultimate editing station.
Features:
Brand: Dell
Model Number: U3219Q
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Display Resolution Maximum: 4K 3840 x 2160 Pixels
Response Time: 5 Milliseconds
Pros:
– Get more out of your TV watching experience.
– View images and videos in unparalleled clarity.
– View your images and videos in stunning detail with a resolution of 3840 x 2160.
– Get accurate colors that are true to life with DisplayHDR 400 certification.
– The clearest, most realistic picture quality available.
– Get your work done faster and more efficiently.
Cons:
-This person found that the color accuracy and picture quality were good, but they returned it because of backlight bleeding and a lack of customization options.
#6/ Viewsonic VP2785-2K 27″ WQHD LCD Monitor
The Viewsonic VP2785-2K is a 27″ WQHD LCD monitor that delivers stunningly detailed images with Quad HD resolution. This premium panel provides accurate colors and vivid images, while the frameless design ensures a nearly seamless viewing experience in multi-monitor setups. With ultra-wide viewing angles, you’ll enjoy stunning detail and brilliant clarity from any vantage point. With its WQHD resolution and integrated color uniformity function, it delivers stunning image quality and consistent colors across the entire screen. The 14-bit LUT and 3D LUT create a smooth palette of 4.39 trillion colors for amazingly accurate image reproduction, while the DisplayPort and HDMI inputs provide future-proof connectivity. Plus, the USB 3.1 Type-C input delivers charging power, video, and audio over a single connector.
Features:
Brand: ViewSonic
Model Number: VP2785-2K
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Display Resolution Maximum: 2560 x 1440 Pixels
Response Time: 6 Milliseconds
Pros:
– Get a monitor that is 4x the resolution of 1080p for unbelievable detail.
– The IPS panel ensures colors are accurate and consistent from all angles.
– The ergonomic stand allows you to adjust the angle, height, and swivel of the monitor for maximum comfort.
– 60Hz refresh rate allows for smooth video playback and gaming.
– See more of your picture and less of the frame.
Cons:
-A calibration kit is not included with the purchase of this product.
Factor to consider before buying best monitor for color grading:
Video color space
Video color space is an industry group that defines the standard for encoding and decoding videos. It’s important because cameras, monitors or projectors can only display certain colors depending on what they were designed to do with those specific frequencies being one of them!
When color grading an image, the colors you use should match those in your viewers’ monitors or they won’t understand what’s being shown. For example, if one person has a green eye and another blue then it would be difficult for them both to see correctly because there is no standard across all screens so each person will think something different even though neither was wrong!
Color gamut
The range of colors that your monitor can display is called its gamut. A larger color space means more potential combinations, so you will see an accurate representation in all shades when viewing recipes or other graphics with these types of devices instead on just black-and white images like some might do otherwise! The Gamut defines the range of colors that can be produced by a computer monitor or video camera. A particular gamut only ensures accurate representation on other devices with same capabilities, meaning you’ll get exactly what your audience sees when they watch TV in high definition!
Standard color gamuts
The video colorist needs to know the difference between three different kinds of colors. They can be identified by their position on an industry-standard gamut, which is broken down like this:
Rec. 709: The Rec. 709 color space is most used in TV and video projects, such as those that involve broadcast or streaming media. It’s supported by TVs but can also be found on computer monitors (and hand-held devices).
DCI-P3: The DCI-P3 color space is becoming more popular as it better matches the range and quality of film. The Apple devices are also able to capture still images in this format, which can be used by photographers who prefer not only video but pictures too!
sRGB: sRGB is the most popular color space used for computer imaging and it has almost identical characteristics to Rec. 709, except that its gamma (brightness) curve lies slightly higher in value which makes colors more vibrant when displayed on screen or printed out by a printer conforming strictly too these standards. Office monitors as well some printers will conform their output according to this particularity so you can expect an accurate representation of what your image would look like if formulated correctly!
Rec. 2020: It’s a shame that we can’t see these colors in our everyday lives, but they do exist. The Rec 2020 color gamut was created with cameras and displays purpose-built for video production professionals—the only people who will be able to take advantage of this wide range until it becomes more popular among consumers is by investing expensive high-end monitors or TVs which currently don’t exist yet!
Size: The industry has seen an increase in monitor sizes, with 24″ being large just a few years ago. Nowadays most popular are 27-inch and 32-inch screens which take up more room on your desk as well as provide better viewing distance from them than smaller models do. The sweet spot for me is 27 inches. I like to sit right up on my monitor, so having a larger screen than what’s comfortable can be nice sometimes but at least with this size it doesn’t cause any neck pain when looking back and forth between screens!
For those of you who are planning on getting two monitors, make sure that your setup is planned out before purchasing anything. You don’t want to buy something only for it not work properly inside the computer monitor!
Calibration: If you want to keep your monitor as accurate and true-to life in color representation, then it’s best that an external calibration tool be used. Calibrating the screen with this type of hardware will create custom profiles for each individual display made by running readings on how colors are supposed to be displayed versus what they appear like when visible through human eyes (or camera).
Brightness: When you work in an environment with high levels of illumination, such as if your desk is located near windows that receive lots of sunlight during the day and shine onto it throughout hours of darkness – then a screen capable bright enough for viewing can be detrimental. A better option may include one which provides 400-1000 nits brightness but isn’t too harsh on eyes at nighttime when working late into evening after coming home from long days outside where there’s little light pollution available yet–and still allow us to see what we’re doing clearly even while struggling through dark passages between buildings!
Panel type: The type of LCD display you choose is important because it will affect your viewing angles and quality. IPS or in-plane switching are both excellent choices, with various flavors available to suit different needs like brightness uniformity at an angle; some screens may lose contrast if not looked dead on, but this isn’t true for all models made under each technology!
Resolution: There is a lot of hype about 4K TVs, but not all monitors need to have higher resolutions. 1440p displays provide great picture quality with excellent color performance and brightness in addition to their lower pixel density compared to full HD resolution screens which makes them just as valuable for many people today!
It can be tricky to get a real good look at the clips you’re editing together without toggling back and forth between full screen and window mode. If your creative needs are simple enough that one monitor will do, then just stay with what works best for now; but if there’s any chance of needing two screens soon or later – go ahead and invest in 4K!
Contrast ratio: The contrast ratio is the difference between a monitor’s black and white output. This usually appears as numbers that represent shades of gray, with each followed by an accumulative number like 1300:1 (one thousand twenty). With the projector’s ability to produce more subtle gradients and richer blacks, you’ll be able see things with greater accuracy. The colors will also appear bolder than before as they have a true-to-life feel that is hard for viewers of other devices not capable of displaying such detail!
LED panel technology: IPS panels offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles of all types. They also tend to be more expensive than other LED panel technologies, but they’re worth it if you need accurate colors in your grade! IPS panels offer a variety of features that can be useful in different situations. For instance, if you’re into gaming or color grading and editing videos then the lower refresh rates might not suit your needs but for other creative fields such as artistic work where accuracy with colors is key; these monitors will provide what’s needed to ensure perfect results every time!
Ease of use: The most important factor to consider when choosing a monitor is how easy it is to use. Some monitors are very complicated and have a lot of features that may not be necessary for your needs. Choose a monitor that is easy to set up and has all the features that you need.
Design: When choosing a monitor, you should also consider the design. Some monitors are very sleek and modern, while others are more basic. Choose a monitor that fits your style and needs.
Style: Some monitors are available in different styles. Choose a monitor that fits your personal style and taste.
Materials: When choosing a monitor, you should also consider the materials used. Some monitors are made with cheaper materials, while others are made with more expensive materials. Choose a monitor that is made with high-quality materials that will last long.
Price: Of course, you should also consider the price when choosing a monitor. Some monitors are very expensive, while others are more affordable. Choose a monitor that fits your budget and needs.
Warranty: When choosing a monitor, you should also consider the warranty. Some monitors come with a longer warranty than others. Choose a monitor that comes with a warranty that suits your needs.
Customer Service: When choosing a monitor, you should also consider the customer service of the company. Some companies offer better customer service than others. Choose a monitor from a company that offers excellent customer service.
Accessories: When choosing a monitor, you should also consider the accessories. Some monitors come with more accessories than others. Choose a monitor that comes with all the accessories you need.
Common mistakes made while using monitor for color grading:
Some people believe that they need a high-end monitor to do color grading effectively. However, this is not the case. You can use any type of monitor for color grading, as long as it has good color accuracy.
Another common mistake is using too many monitors for color grading. While multiple monitors can be helpful, you don’t need more than two for most purposes. Using more than two monitors can make your work more difficult and lead to errors.
Finally, some people make the mistake of thinking that they need to spend a lot of money on a professional-grade monitor to get good results. While professional monitors can be helpful, they are not necessary for everyone. There are many affordable options that can provide good color accuracy for color grading.
Tips on Maintenance of monitor for color grading:
Here are some tips on how to maintain your monitor for color grading:
Clean the screen regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the screen.
Be careful not to touch the screen with sharp objects.
Avoid placing anything on top of the monitor that could damage the screen.
Make sure the room is well-ventilated and free of dust.
Keep the monitor away from direct sunlight.
Benefits of using monitor for color grading:
There are a few benefits to using a monitor for color grading as opposed to a traditional television. For one, monitors tend to have higher resolutions than TVs, which means you’ll be able to see more detail in your footage. Additionally, monitors usually offer more accurate colors than TVs, so you can be confident that the colors you see on your screen are true-to-life. Finally, many monitors come equipped with features that make them ideal for color grading, such as adjustable backlighting and advanced calibration options.
Types of a monitor for color grading:
The type of monitor you use for color grading is important, as different types of monitors offer different benefits. For example, IPS monitors tend to offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles, while TN monitors are typically more affordable. Ultimately, the best type of monitor for color grading is the one that best meets your needs and budget.
FAQs about best monitor for color grading:
How to use monitor for color grading?
- Choose the right monitor: as mentioned before, not all monitors are created equal. Make sure to choose a monitor that has good color accuracy and resolution.
- Calibrate your monitor: once you have your monitor, you need to calibrate it to ensure accurate colors. Use a calibration tool like a Colorimeter or the HCFR Colormeter to calibrate your screen.
- Edit your footage: now that you have a calibrated monitor, you’re ready to start color grading your footage. Import your footage into your editing software and begin adjusting.
- Export your final project: once you’re happy with the results, export your project and share it with the world!
What are the different types of a monitor for color grading?
As mentioned before, there are a few different types of monitors that can be used for color grading. IPS monitors tend to offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles, while TN monitors are typically more affordable. Ultimately, the best type of monitor for color grading is the one that best meets your needs and budget.
How much does a monitor for color grading cost?
Monitor prices can vary depending on the size, resolution, and features. You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $2000 for a good quality monitor. However, there are some cheaper options available if you’re on a tight budget.
Where can I buy a monitor for color grading?
There are a few places you can buy monitors for color grading. You can find them online from retailers like Amazon or B&H Photo, or you can purchase them from a local electronics store.
How do I know if my monitor is good for color grading?
If you’re not sure if your monitor is good for color grading, the best way to test it is to calibrate it and then try editing some footage. If the colors look accurate and the image is clear, then your monitor should be fine for color grading. However, if the colors are inaccurate or the image is fuzzy, you may need to invest in a better-quality monitor.
What is the ideal brightness and contrast setting for color grading?
Some monitors can be too bright or contrasty in certain environments, so it’s important to calibrate test your settings before going live. On average there’s around 350 nit maximum brightness with a 1300:1 contrast ratio for grading purposes – but this will vary depending on how you’re viewing the screen at any given time!
Is color grading crucial?
The type of lighting can affect how the camera’s sensor perceives color, and sometimes it gets it wrong. This means that if you want your videos to look their absolute best- adding some grade work on top could be just what is needed! The possibilities for color grading are endless, but it all starts with a click of the mouse. You can adjust colors to make them more accurate and tweak lights-darks until your picture pops!
How often should I color calibrate my monitor?
LCD screens are great for making sure your colors stay accurate and consistent, but they can’t match the stability of CRT technology. That said it’s important to calibrate an LCD monitor at least once every six months or monthly if you use that type of screen often in your work.
When should I use an external display for color grading?
If you’re doing any serious color grading, it’s best to use an external display instead of relying on your computer’s built-in screen. This will give you more accurate colors and a larger workspace to work with.
How do I set up my computer for color grading?
There are a few things you need to do to set up your computer for color grading. First, make sure you have a good quality monitor. Second, calibrate your monitor using a calibration tool like a Colorimeter or the HCFR Colormeter. Finally, import your footage into your editing software and begin adjusting.
What is the best software for color grading?
There are a few different software options available for color grading. Some of the most popular ones include DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro X. Ultimately, the best software for color grading is the one that best meets your needs.
Do you need a 4K monitor for color grading?
You want to be able monitor the kind of footage you regularly work with at its full resolution. If your job includes a lot 4K video then get yourself an Ultra HD monitor; but if it’s mostly just delivering high-definition content from cameras or other devices, 1920 x 1080 will do fine (See my 2018 update below!).
What is the best brand for color grading monitors?
The world of color grading is ever-changing and there are many options available to suit any need. However, finding the best model can be difficult which means you might not get exactly what you’re looking for in terms or features! To ensure the best quality for your grading sessions, we recommend purchasing branded monitors over non-branded ones. These products provide better assurance in terms of performance and longevity as well being more affordable than their premium counterparts! For those looking for a more affordable price option, some reliable national and local brands might suit your needs!
What monitors have the best color accuracy?
IPS panels offer a balance of angle and color representation that is hard to find in other types. VA or TN may have better viewing angles, but the colors they produce are less accurate than those from an IPS screen!
How bright should my monitor be for color grading?
If you’re looking for a monitor that will offer accurate color, the Rec 709 is your best bet. Designed with an sRGB gamut and covering around 100 nits (think CD/2), most monitors go well past this point nowadays but make sure to get one capable of displaying all five stages in its spectrum: blue violet at 400 nm; redder hues like magenta or yellow green entirety within their ranges as well!
The pros and cons of monitor for color grading:
monitor for color grading pros:
– More accurate colors
– Large workspace
– Better quality monitor
monitor for color grading cons:
– More expensive
– Requires calibration tool
– Possible color banding on low-quality monitors
Conclusion – best monitor for color grading
The best monitor for color grading is the one that will help you to grade your footage accurately and consistently. With so many different monitors on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. We’ve provided some tips to help make your decision easier, as well as a few of our favorite picks for color-critical work. So, should you buy the best monitor for color grading? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences, but we think that any of the monitors on our list would be a great investment for any video producer or editor. Thanks for reading!
