colorimeter/calibrator What is the best one?

Alright, I already own a Dell U2410m (I think thats the model) (also got that for 270 on 1saleaday woot) and I am eventually going to buy two HP ZR2740w because they are a fraction of the cost of the zr30w, which I would rather have but it is nearly twice as much :/ Anyways, with these monitors they have decent colors out of the box but I want to calibrate them so they are at their true potential. I am wondering what you guy's think the different colorimeters/calibrators. Personally, I am more than willing to spent the 400 bucks for a high-end model with all the features if need be. I rather not get one that sticks me with half complete settings. Since I will have 3 monitors and multiple other devices with me to calibrate. Its worth the extra money.


On a side note....can you use those on your HD TV too? Because I would love to go calibrate my Dad's TV while I am at it.

Again thanks for all your guy's...and gal's help

 

I've used the Sypder3Pro before but for the tv i believe you'll need to buy the sypder3tv software as well which kinda sucks.
Edit: I just checked and they already have a spyder 4 already as well.

 

or i1 display 2 which is more accurate than spider's and costs now only about 100$ because new generation was released.

And as a bonus, works with most calibration softwares around.

 

How much do you know about color management?

Datacolor's products (Spyder series) are easier to use, but also less accurate than X-Rite's (i1 series). If you know (or are willing to learn) all about white points, color temperature, color spaces, etc. then go with the i1D2 ivan_cro mentioned. If you just want simple one-click calibration, go with the Spyder3/4 Geekz mentioned.

Also, keep in mind that the calibraton software also plays a big part in how good the end result is. For example, the entire Spyder3 series shares the same hardware - the only difference between the Express/Pro/Elite is the edition of the calibration software they come with.

 

How do these normally work? Do you adjust the monitor's settings such as brightness/contrast/color balance and use the calibrator as a guide to when it is most correct?

 

its a bit of both. Also I know a little bit about all the settings from reading all the reviews on TFTcentral or whatever and reading some of the help guides on color bs.

EDIT: I will say just hooked up my dell U2410m and boy is it weird looking...either my eyes are off or the colors are off...looked good at first but had to lower brightness and contract which is difficult to maintain a decent color lol. Need to calibrate so badly so i can tell what brightness and contrast should be so i don't mess it up playing by looks lol

 

Since you're willing to invest the time, get an i1D2 (best bang for the buck, but it's EoL - it probably won't support Windows 8) or its replacement, the i1 Display Pro (if you want something that's much faster and slightly better, or just more future-proof).

Aside from that, the U2410m is a 10-bit color monitor. Did you try switching it to sRGB mode first?

Finally, since calibration is meant to produce a neutral look whereas most people are used to oversaturated displays, you might find the post-calibration results rather bland/dull/cold, at least at first.

 

U2410m is a 16mil color display so 8 bit? it isn't extended gamut

EDIT sorry its a U2412m its 6 bit with a-frc? or whatever

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/dell_u2412m.htm