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Outwardly the SpyderX Pro takes on much the same shape and size as the previous generation of Spyder devices, a colour change and smoothing of the edges bring the ergonomics up to date with a more stylish fashion. Note: As OLED has become more widely available, so too are the different types of OLED display technology. While it may be possible to use the Spyder X/X2 to calibrate certain types of OLED displays, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the resulting calibration. Currently, we do not recommend using a Spyder X/X2 to calibrate any type of OLED display for color-critical applications.
Monitor calibration has come out of the shadows and much of the fear and expense around the process has dropped away. Monitor calibration is now accessible to all photographers, and to be honest, it’s something we all need to do. I also keep the Spyder5 on a stand to read the ambient light and always thought that a stand in the box would be a good idea, or at least an option. Internally is where the significant changes have been made, the first of which is apparent as soon as the protective cover is removed. Datacolor points out that the lens based colour engine significantly increases the precision, colour accuracy and low light capabilities of the device. We’ll have to wait and see through the test and look at the result. In use, the new Spyder works in much the same way as the older version. Initially placing the device on the desk so that it can read the ambient light in the room, then move over to the monitor so it can read the illumination.
The ambient monitoring is also a great feature and ensures that even if the light in your working environment changes then the Spyder software will make the adjustments necessary. The hardware is the physical part of the SpyderX, but then there’s also the software which is the engine for the calibration. When it came to calibrating the next monitor, all of which I connect through USB-C, each monitor appeared in the monitor selection dropdown and then the calibration process for each could be started. Verdict Monitor resolution 1280×768 or greater, 16-bit video card (24-bit recommended), 1GB of available RAM, 500MB of available hard disk Open the protective cap, however, and you get to see the real change. Whereas before there was a grill covering the sensor, now there’s a lens.
The SpyderX Pro is one of those devices which from the outset simple to use, straight forward and works.
This is where Datacolor SpyderX comes into its own. The software is well structured with easy to follow on-screen instructions. One important feature is the ambient reader on the top of the device; this enables the monitor to adjust dependent on light changes within the room. This is especially important as daylight fades and room lights take over to ensure the colour temperature, and brightness of the monitor adjust.
Once the software is installed and registered on your computer, you’re ready to calibrate. The device plugs into a spare USB port and after following the on-screen instructions; the SpyderX is hung over the monitor ready to read the quality of the display. Open it up, and there’s a small welcome slip inside, remove this, and there’s a small plastic tray and the white SpyderX sits beneath. ColorAccuracy/Streamlined Workflow/fully customizable calibration targets/high brightness calibration
Features
After calibration, it then sits neatly by the side of the monitor to read the ambient light and if selected adjust the monitor automatically. In the end, it shows you the before and after and the results are stark. A new BenQ monitor I’m testing showed that when it arrived and factory reset it was far too warm.
There’s no doubt the calibration process is fast, and although the interface for the on computer software looks the same as the previous generation, you can see there have been tweaks in the workflow. As with previous versions, I’ve always felt some type of case to keep the Spyder in would have been a good idea. I use the Spyder most of the time with my MacPro, and I’ve bought a case to keep the Spyder safe in my bag. If you’re a keen photographer, then monitor calibration is something you need to do. The beauty of the SpyderX Pro system is that the only real thought you need to give to calibration is the thought behind buying it. Once that’s done, and it’s set up it handles everything else for you.
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Studio Match feature allows use of multiple computers/displays for simultaneous side-by side calibration. I used to keep the Spyder under the monitor but then realised that shadow from the monitor was affecting the ambient reading of the room. Placing it on a stand by the monitor seems a better solution. Overall the SpyderX Pro is an excellent monitor calibrator. It’s easy to use and ensures that your monitor is always displaying the correct colours.
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