JockItch43
Feb 9, 2008, 10:31 PM
Hello All,
I admit, I'm a newbie when it comes to color work. However, I'm very much into photography and I need a color accurate monitor for post processing RAW files in CS3. I realize that I have much to learn, but I want to make a good decision in regards to this purchase.
I know I'm getting a Mac Pro soon, but I'm seriously struggling with which 30" display to purchase. If I'm going to spend nearly $2000 on a display, I want to make sure I get my moneys worth. The three models I'm considering, in order of current preference, are as follows:
-30" NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi: Not yet released but is a new generation, high gamut S-IPS panel with the best specs, features for image quality, and brand name reputation for quality. 2 DVI inputs with one of them being HDCP. Rotates from landscape mode to portrait mode. However, this panel is atheistically the least pleasing of the group (which is a negative), but I'm most concerned about image quality.
-30" Dell 3008WFP-HC: Uses the same new LG S-IPS panel as the NEC. Has a ridiculous amount of inputs (including HDMI, displayport). Has a built in scaler for connecting other sources besides a computer. Has a CF card reader built in. Looks very nice aesthetically to me. However, knowing Dell, I wouldn't expect great color accuracy out of the box with this unit. But with proper color calibration, this panel should do well with color accuracy, correct? Also, many have reported significant back-light bleeding issues with the early shipments of this display. Additionally, some complain that the back-light, even set to its lowest setting, is too bright.
-30" Apple Cinema Display: This model is a very distant third for me right now. It looks very nice aesthetically, but I feel like I'd be paying a premium for an older display with limited features nearing the end of its lifecycle. Only one input (not HDCP) and lower color gamut than the other two models. My worst fear is purchasing one of these and Apple finally releases an updated model a month or two later. I can't wait for Apple to release an update any longer.
So, basically in my mind right now, it's between the NEC and Dell. For features and looks, I like the Dell much better. However, for image quality, which is ultimately most important to me, I'm thinking the NEC will probably be the best choice (which is why it's my first choice right now). If a properly calibrated Dell is equal or very close to the image quality of the NEC, I'd probably prefer it. I'll likely pull the trigger at the end of the month. Any thoughts or suggestions?
I admit, I'm a newbie when it comes to color work. However, I'm very much into photography and I need a color accurate monitor for post processing RAW files in CS3. I realize that I have much to learn, but I want to make a good decision in regards to this purchase.
I know I'm getting a Mac Pro soon, but I'm seriously struggling with which 30" display to purchase. If I'm going to spend nearly $2000 on a display, I want to make sure I get my moneys worth. The three models I'm considering, in order of current preference, are as follows:
-30" NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi: Not yet released but is a new generation, high gamut S-IPS panel with the best specs, features for image quality, and brand name reputation for quality. 2 DVI inputs with one of them being HDCP. Rotates from landscape mode to portrait mode. However, this panel is atheistically the least pleasing of the group (which is a negative), but I'm most concerned about image quality.
-30" Dell 3008WFP-HC: Uses the same new LG S-IPS panel as the NEC. Has a ridiculous amount of inputs (including HDMI, displayport). Has a built in scaler for connecting other sources besides a computer. Has a CF card reader built in. Looks very nice aesthetically to me. However, knowing Dell, I wouldn't expect great color accuracy out of the box with this unit. But with proper color calibration, this panel should do well with color accuracy, correct? Also, many have reported significant back-light bleeding issues with the early shipments of this display. Additionally, some complain that the back-light, even set to its lowest setting, is too bright.
-30" Apple Cinema Display: This model is a very distant third for me right now. It looks very nice aesthetically, but I feel like I'd be paying a premium for an older display with limited features nearing the end of its lifecycle. Only one input (not HDCP) and lower color gamut than the other two models. My worst fear is purchasing one of these and Apple finally releases an updated model a month or two later. I can't wait for Apple to release an update any longer.
So, basically in my mind right now, it's between the NEC and Dell. For features and looks, I like the Dell much better. However, for image quality, which is ultimately most important to me, I'm thinking the NEC will probably be the best choice (which is why it's my first choice right now). If a properly calibrated Dell is equal or very close to the image quality of the NEC, I'd probably prefer it. I'll likely pull the trigger at the end of the month. Any thoughts or suggestions?
