Hi Everyone,
I've been slogging along with a dud of a Toshiba with a fairly low resolution screen for about 4 years now. I'm fixing to pull the trigger on an Acer V15 Nitro with an ultra high def screen that, according to reviews covers all the sRGB range and most of the Adobe 1998 range.
So, this is a really stupid question, but I'm wondering whether there is any reason to fear Ultra Hi Def screens for photo editing? I know the deal on laptop v. desktop, etc., but that just doesn't work for my life (which is thankfully pretty portable). This laptop seems to have about the best display out there (and a big hard drive and 512 GB SSD to boot).
The reason I'm wondering is whether using an ultra high def display for processing would provide a false sense of dynamic range, detail, etc. when going to print. There is always a bit of tweaking for print, but have other folks wished for a lower res display?
Marylynne, there is ALWAYS loss in dynamic range in going from a backlit computer screen (or a projected image back in the days of slides) to a print. That's true even with a conventional desktop or laptop. There are also lots of recipes for how to deal with the difference. I'll some of the folks who do a lot of printing talk about those adjustments, since I at best a novice when it comes to printing. There's no reason to be nervous about a hi-res screen, it should just make your on screen editing life easier.
There are no advantages to buying a hi res monitor vs. a conventional one (1920x1200, 1920x1080, etc) for photo processing.
There are two disadvantages to hi res monitors: 1-The text in menus and the icons in toolbars will be smaller and harder to read. This is still true to my eyes although some companies say it has been fixed. 2-Cost.
Also, processing an image for print, rather than for digital viewing, is no different on a high res monitor than on a conventional one.
The specs for this laptop look very good for photo work, and that is a good thing. If you can, upgrade the OS to Windows 10 Pro since it has advanced features that you may find useful in the future.
If you plan to use an external monitor, be sure it supports HDMI with HDCP Support.
As far as printing goes, Mark's comment about the difference between screen and print dynamic range, as well as contrast and color is a given. However, there are two things that will help.
1. Obtain the hardware and software needed for screen calibration. The software should allow you to choose screen luminance and contrast range so that you can target for printing.
2. Soft Proofing. While not a perfect solution for screen/print matching, it will get you close for making test prints.
In my own experience, even with a tightly calibrated monitor and regular use of soft proofing, I still have to make adjustments to the image for printing.
Edit: Lance posted while I was typing my reply. I agree with his observations.
Thanks for the input, everyone. Now I'm rethinking the matte screen v. gossy, as well as whether to go UHD or just FHD.
I've seen some discussion that matte screens (like anti-glare acrylic on framed pictures), can reduce the perception of sharpness. Drive size is more important, it seems, than a 4k display. Besides, a 4k display might make me wish for a higher res camera, and then where would that end? Bankruptcy, of course! I think I need to head to the stores with a flash drive and do some actual hands on thinking about this.
While a glossy screen does appear sharper, the reflection of ambient light affects apparent contrast of the displayed image. The reduction in apparent contrast may lead you to increase the 'real' contrast of your image, which would not be a good thing. In my opinion, the loss of apparent sharpness due to a matte screen is acceptable.
When I ordered my Puget Systems laptop, they offered only a glossy screen which looked real nice, but the reflections off the glossy surface drove me nuts. Sometime later, Puget began offering matte screens, so I sent my laptop to them for an upgrade--it was well worth the time and expense.
The drives that are in the specs you linked to are good sizes. If you stay with a non-4K screen, you can use the savings to purchase a calibration tool (as I suggested above) or an external hard drive for backup.
--P
I'm having second thoughts on the Acer, so my interest has shifted a bit to the Lenovo x1 Yoga in 14" ( which is my preferred size because number pads me me feel off-center). I'm cogitating for a few weeks, but I will let all y'all know.
ML
Discussion
6 repliesI've been slogging along with a dud of a Toshiba with a fairly low resolution screen for about 4 years now. I'm fixing to pull the trigger on an Acer V15 Nitro with an ultra high def screen that, according to reviews covers all the sRGB range and most of the Adobe 1998 range.
Here is a link to it on Amazon (through Adorama).
Here is a link to one review, which I suspect overstates Adobe98 coverage
So, this is a really stupid question, but I'm wondering whether there is any reason to fear Ultra Hi Def screens for photo editing? I know the deal on laptop v. desktop, etc., but that just doesn't work for my life (which is thankfully pretty portable). This laptop seems to have about the best display out there (and a big hard drive and 512 GB SSD to boot).
The reason I'm wondering is whether using an ultra high def display for processing would provide a false sense of dynamic range, detail, etc. when going to print. There is always a bit of tweaking for print, but have other folks wished for a lower res display?
Nervous Nelly (aka Marylynne)
There are two disadvantages to hi res monitors: 1-The text in menus and the icons in toolbars will be smaller and harder to read. This is still true to my eyes although some companies say it has been fixed. 2-Cost.
Also, processing an image for print, rather than for digital viewing, is no different on a high res monitor than on a conventional one.
The specs for this laptop look very good for photo work, and that is a good thing. If you can, upgrade the OS to Windows 10 Pro since it has advanced features that you may find useful in the future.
If you plan to use an external monitor, be sure it supports HDMI with HDCP Support.
As far as printing goes, Mark's comment about the difference between screen and print dynamic range, as well as contrast and color is a given. However, there are two things that will help.
1. Obtain the hardware and software needed for screen calibration. The software should allow you to choose screen luminance and contrast range so that you can target for printing.
2. Soft Proofing. While not a perfect solution for screen/print matching, it will get you close for making test prints.
In my own experience, even with a tightly calibrated monitor and regular use of soft proofing, I still have to make adjustments to the image for printing.
Edit: Lance posted while I was typing my reply. I agree with his observations.
--P
I've seen some discussion that matte screens (like anti-glare acrylic on framed pictures), can reduce the perception of sharpness. Drive size is more important, it seems, than a 4k display. Besides, a 4k display might make me wish for a higher res camera, and then where would that end? Bankruptcy, of course! I think I need to head to the stores with a flash drive and do some actual hands on thinking about this.
While a glossy screen does appear sharper, the reflection of ambient light affects apparent contrast of the displayed image. The reduction in apparent contrast may lead you to increase the 'real' contrast of your image, which would not be a good thing. In my opinion, the loss of apparent sharpness due to a matte screen is acceptable.
When I ordered my Puget Systems laptop, they offered only a glossy screen which looked real nice, but the reflections off the glossy surface drove me nuts. Sometime later, Puget began offering matte screens, so I sent my laptop to them for an upgrade--it was well worth the time and expense.
The drives that are in the specs you linked to are good sizes. If you stay with a non-4K screen, you can use the savings to purchase a calibration tool (as I suggested above) or an external hard drive for backup.
--P
ML