Monitor Calibration

The23rdman

The23rdman

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Dean
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Just had my first shots come back from DSCL and found them at least a stop too dark. I know that this is a common problem. Is there any reliable software to correct this?
Thanks,
Dean
 
2 & 3 I have covered. #1 sounds like it might be expensive considering it's something that needs doing regularly. Most cost effective way?
 
The23rdman said:
Just had my first shots come back from DSCL and found them at least a stop too dark. I know that this is a common problem. Is there any reliable software to correct this?
Thanks,
Dean
Click to expand...

Chaz is right but just to add, has this happened before? It COULD be their mistake. For literally £3-4 you could get 3-4 12x8 pictures printed by ALDI photos all done over the internet and delivered. So using that you could lighten one image from one stop darker to 2 stops lighter and get the same one done. Might help point at the problem.
 
The23rdman said:
2 & 3 I have covered. #1 sounds like it might be expensive considering it's something that needs doing regularly. Most cost effective way?
Click to expand...

Just buy a calibrator for £40-100 lots to chose from. I use a HUEY PRO or else borrow one from a TP member who lives nearby !
 
or you might like to try Keynsham as they do free test shots before you start to pay for any prints also you can get their profiles for the papers they use.
quote for ther web
Turnaround time is 48 hours for 12x18 or less. Larger ink jet printing is a 7 working day turnaround. Also our profile can be downloaded. Please send us a test CD first, with 10 8x6 images so you can see how they look against your images on your monitor. We will print and send your test images F.O.C.
 
Chaz Photos said:
or you might like to try Keynsham as they do free test shots before you start to pay for any prints also you can get their profiles for the papers they use.
quote for ther web
Turnaround time is 48 hours for 12x18 or less. Larger ink jet printing is a 7 working day turnaround. Also our profile can be downloaded. Please send us a test CD first, with 10 8x6 images so you can see how they look against your images on your monitor. We will print and send your test images F.O.C.
Click to expand...

Thats useful :thumbs:
 
The DCSL actually gives you a calibration print to check your monitor with:

http://www.dscolourlabs.co.uk/images/calibration_image.jpg

If the print looks good and all the grayscales are there and seperated your momitor should be OK.

May not be quite as accurate as the professional kit but it's a start and it's free.
 
cowasaki said:
Just buy a calibrator for £40-100 lots to chose from. I use a HUEY PRO or else borrow one from a TP member who lives nearby !
Click to expand...

I'll put a shout out. :thumbs:

cowasaki said:
Chaz is right but just to add, has this happened before? It COULD be their mistake. For literally £3-4 you could get 3-4 12x8 pictures printed by ALDI photos all done over the internet and delivered. So using that you could lighten one image from one stop darker to 2 stops lighter and get the same one done. Might help point at the problem.
Click to expand...

Never had anything printed before. :)

Chaz Photos said:
or you might like to try Keynsham as they do free test shots before you start to pay for any prints also you can get their profiles for the papers they use.
quote for ther web
Turnaround time is 48 hours for 12x18 or less. Larger ink jet printing is a 7 working day turnaround. Also our profile can be downloaded. Please send us a test CD first, with 10 8x6 images so you can see how they look against your images on your monitor. We will print and send your test images F.O.C.
Click to expand...

Useful, thank you.

petersmart said:
The DCSL actually gives you a calibration print to check your monitor with:

http://www.dscolourlabs.co.uk/images/calibration_image.jpg

If the print looks good and all the grayscales are there and seperated your momitor should be OK.

May not be quite as accurate as the professional kit but it's a start and it's free.
Click to expand...

Well, I tried that, but they still came out very dark. I'm not overly bothered and luckily the one shot that was for a present came out ok, but I'd rather not have anymore fails.
 
A couple of things to try. Are all the prints dark or just some.

If you still have a copy of the original files have a look at them on the monitor and see if you still agree with your adjustments. The lighting in the room can make a difference to the way you see the images on the screen. It's a bit like watching TV with the lights off and on. It could be your monitor is too bright !

I've not used DSCL but I have used others, and using a calibrated monitor , I do get very good screen to print match. If you can find a lab that can supply a test image and reference print, that would be the easiest way for you to proceed.

A monitor calibrator is one of those accessories that doesn't seem to do a great deal, its not like a flash or a new lens but it is one of the most important tools in today's digital photography environment.
 
Chappers said:
A couple of things to try. Are all the prints dark or just some.

If you still have a copy of the original files have a look at them on the monitor and see if you still agree with your adjustments. The lighting in the room can make a difference to the way you see the images on the screen. It's a bit like watching TV with the lights off and on. It could be your monitor is too bright !

I've not used DSCL but I have used others, and using a calibrated monitor , I do get very good screen to print match. If you can find a lab that can supply a test image and reference print, that would be the easiest way for you to proceed.

A monitor calibrator is one of those accessories that doesn't seem to do a great deal, its not like a flash or a new lens but it is one of the most important tools in today's digital photography environment.
Click to expand...

I actually have a friend who runs a print service. The only reason I didn't go to him first was he can't compete price wise even at cost and money is tight.
 
treeman said:
Why would the lab send out prints that were a stop too dark? Doesn't anyone check these things before dispatch?
Click to expand...

Probably not!

Many labs with online printing service operate a WYSIWYG

What You Send Is What You Get. This keeps the cost down as all they have to do is print the files. It's up to the photographer to make sure his prints are correct before sending them.
 
Exactly, Chappers. They state quite clearly that is their policy. And, tbh, at just over a quid for an A3 print you can't complain.
 
How are the lab to know if it is intentionally 1 stop under? Or processed that way because of an out of calibration monitor. Hardware calibration is really the best option.
 
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