Accepting the SpyderX Elite evaluation unit would obligate me to commit the time required to complete a review, but in this case, that time spent may prove to be offset in the long run as a headlining feature of the new color calibration system is significantly reduced calibration time. How easy is it to calibrate your monitor? The answer is very simple. It is VERY easy and with each update of the Spyder software and the Sypder device(s). Each calibration time is reduced, making each calibration just that little bit shorter. The profiling options should meet the needs of a wide range of users, although if you need all the really advanced hardware calibration options found in the custom software that comes with some higher quality monitors, you’d use that software with a Spyder X colorimeter (when supported). Under the device is the serial number you’ll need to activate the software. A simple online activation process is available.

The gamut is claimed to be 100% Adobe 98, although I believe the monitor specifications put it fractionally under. The software continues Datacolor’s tradition of having clear, well written help guides that take time to explain why you do things, not just how. I’ve long held them up as a positive example of how software ‘help’ should be approached.

Calibrating your monitor to achieve colour precision now takes just a minute or two - several times faster than previous models Open the Datacolor SpyderX Elite up and you’ll find this sensor/lens. The lens is new to the design–and in my opinion helps with accuracy and the speed. Build Quality But, if you're looking for the upmost raw performance, the X-Rite devices still have an edge mainly in terms of low light performance. This is when I'll pass the mic to the people that specialize not on using their monitor calibrators like myself, but on building the actual tools that make it all work.

As with previous Spyder products, Spyder X2 is also capable of advanced display analysis, allowing you to measure the performance of your monitor, including aspects such as color gamut coverage, brightness, contrast, screen uniformity, and the Delta-E deviance from ideal color accuracy. Build & handling The Datacolor SpyderX Elite is mostly the same product as its predecessor with a few major improvements. I planned to get a colorimeter to calibrate my 27" iMac 5K and 30" Apple Cinema HD Display for both still and video. Datacolor’s approach is all well and great in a consistent, lab-like environment. If you’re a professional colorist, retoucher, editor, etc then you should find the Datacolor SpyderX Elite to be invaluable to a certain degree. Basically, it’s very much designed for a workflow where the creative is tethered down to one spot pretty much permanently. So if you’re in an office, a studio, etc where you’re working on a desktop, then you’re pretty much in what Datacolor seems to deem as an ideal environment. But the truth about the modern creative is seemingly a tougher pill for the company to swallow.

Spyder Cube

I calibrate to a much brighter setting than what would be used in a viewing booth, or gallery, as most of my output will be seen on screen in relatively bright environments. And then a profile will need to be made for galleries or shows. In truth, you don’t know where the problem might be. My key reason for using colour management is that it lets me be ‘right first time’ more often. Note I make no mention of ‘correct’ colours here, that’s a notion that has many issues in of itself – I just want to do better. What could’ve solved this? Bluetooth connectivity. With so many devices able to transmit a lot of information via Bluetooth, a lot could have been done to make the Datacolor SpyderX Elite even more future proof for at least a few years more. That would be totally in line with their release model anyway.