11 best monitors for photographers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In the current diversity of the computer monitor market, you can 'get lost', but when it comes to choosing a monitor for specific tasks, the choice is significantly narrowed. All this also applies to the profession of a photographer. Indeed, in the current digital age, it is not enough for a photographer to master the art of setting a frame, composition, shooting itself, and so on. He still needs to do quite serious work on image processing: color correction, removal of unwanted artifacts, retouching, collage, etc. In order to do this work efficiently, you need a monitor with specific characteristics. And we bring you a special rating of the best monitors for photographers based on the results of market research by specialists.

How to choose a monitor for a photographer

To begin with, we will outline the basic principles of choosing a monitor for working with photos, so that you not only clearly understand why our experts included this or that model in the review, but also, perhaps, were guided by these principles in the future if you suddenly decide to update your equipment fleet.

Matrix type

One of the most important parameters, and there can be practically no compromises regarding monitors for photographers.

There are three main 'market' LCD types: TN, VA and IPS.

1. The first one is not right away, since it is characterized by the worst color rendering and terrible viewing angles. The slightest tilt or turn of the monitor – color distortions begin, quickly becoming simply inverse, as in the negative. The main plus of this matrix is ​​quick response – good for games, but this is not our case.
2. VA (MVA, PVA is the same) is already better and, in principle, suitable for not too demanding photo processing. The color rendition here is still not perfect, although the contrast is high.
3. IPS is what we need. Technological synonyms – SFT, PLS, IGZO and AHVA – are all variants of the same technology with different, not too fundamental changes and improvements. It is the best color rendering technology available on the commercial market. In terms of contrast, it loses slightly to the previous two, but in terms of a combination of factors, there is no available alternative to IPS.
4. Yes, there is still OLED, which first appeared in smartphones, and is now gradually seeping into the monitor market. However, for photographers, this option is still damp, and we will not dwell on it in the rating.

Color gamut

There are several generally accepted standards for representing the color range – sRGB, Adobe RGB, ProPhoto RGB, and others.

1. To work well with graphics, the monitor must be able to display at least 95% of the sRGB color space. This is quite enough for working with ordinary portrait photography and other, not too demanding graphics. A lower value will give a faded image with low saturation.
2. The Adobe RGB color space is much wider, and monitors with this coverage are already needed for those whose tasks are more serious. This can be work with modern high-quality printing, various post-production in serious cinema, etc.

But one must understand that for an 'ordinary' photographer, such coverage will probably be excessive. The opposite effect can even occur, when what looks bright and colorful on such a super-monitor becomes 'pale' on a regular user monitor. This, of course, is not a verdict, and the monitor can be calibrated accordingly, but you need to clearly understand for what tasks the device is being purchased.

Color depth

Another important parameter is the gradation of the range of displayed colors. So, the IPS-matrices we are interested in most often provide 8-bit depth for each color component. Thus, the monitor is capable of displaying 16 million colors. More 'advanced' and, accordingly, expensive models have a 10-bit depth (most often it is physically still 8 bits, but there is further emulation using FRC technology), and this is already more than a billion shades.

And here it is immediately worth pointing out an important point – all the advantages of 10-bit depth will be visible only if the monitor is connected via DisplayPort. Other “popular” interfaces – DVI and HDMI purely physically cannot provide more than 8 bits per component.

Backlight type

The pixels in the liquid crystal matrix do not light up by themselves. To see the image, they need to be backlit with something. Modern monitors most often use light-emitting diode (LED) backlighting. As expected, this technology has different implementation methods.

1. The most common type of this technology is W-LED. The 'W' here stands for White, that is, white, but there is some slyness here. In fact, the backlight LEDs emit blue light, while the yellow phosphorus through which it passes makes it white. This implementation brings the color space coverage closer to 100% sRGB – good, provides an affordable price for monitors – good, gives a pronounced bluish tint – bad. And this is bad not only for the naturalness of color reproduction, but also for health – the blue spectrum significantly tires the eyes. Manufacturers are getting out of the situation by forced suppression of a part of the blue spectrum.
2. An alternative to this option is RGB-LED backlighting. This uses all three LED colors to form pure white. In addition to solving the problem of blue tint, it also significantly expands the color space coverage, approaching Adobe RGB. But due to the fact that LEDs of different colors have different degradation periods, such monitors have a short lifespan before colors begin to lose their naturalness.
3. Finally, GB-LED is the best option for photographers. There are green and blue LEDs in the backlight, but the light from them passes through the red phosphor. Thus, the widest RGB-LED color gamut is preserved, but the problem of durability and energy efficiency is solved. It is not necessary to look for just such models, but if you know for sure that you have to work with the Adobe RGB space, it is better to look for just such a matrix in the rating or yourself.

Flicker and backlight uniformity

A little more about highlighting, since these parameters also matter. With the advent of the era of LCD monitors, there is a misconception that now we will forget about the debilitating flickering of CRT monitors. Oddly enough, LCD screens can flicker too.

The fact is that the brightness of the screen in most LCD monitors is regulated by on / off pulses of backlight LEDs (PWM). This effect is not noticeable at maximum brightness, but it still affects eye fatigue. And with a decrease in brightness, this effect can even become visible.

If you intend to spend a lot of time at the monitor, it is better to look after the model with the implemented Flicker-Free technology. Relatively recently, manufacturers began to make such monitors for photographers on the principle of combining PWM and voltage variation, or even just voltage. This reduces flicker to negligible values ​​or removes it altogether.

As for the uniformity of illumination – this is a sore subject for many models and even entire series. Moreover, this uniformity can vary between monitors of the same brand and batch. There are reasons for which we will not go deep, let's just say that you can only focus on reviews on the Internet here in general terms, but when buying, it is still mandatory to turn on the monitor personally and run tests, making sure that the uniformity of the backlight suits you.

Screen surface

And the last is the type of surface. Distinguish between glossy, matte and semi-matt surfaces. Let's go through these types.

1. Glossy gives more brightness, saturation and excellent blacks, as well as contrasts in general. But they glare terribly and against a dark background the operator will definitely see his reflection in details. A hood can save you from glare, but nothing will help you from reflection. But the colors are juicy, no doubt about it.
2. The matte surface is almost a complete solution to the problem of glare and reflection, but it does not provide such expressive contrast and mutes colors. The matte surface also has such a phenomenon as the 'crystalline effect', but it is not noticeable to everyone. For not too outrageous requirements for color accuracy, this option is suitable.
3. Semi-matt – a compromise between the first and second options both in terms of the nature of the surface and the price. Just something in between and without the 'crystal effect'.

Rating of the best monitors for photographers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best monitors for entry-level photographers	1	IIYAMA PROLITE XUB2792QSU-1 27 ”	19 544 RUB
	2	VIEWSONIC VX3211-2K-MHD 31.5 ”	17 160 rub.
	3	AOC U2777PQU 27 ”	RUB 21,890
Best monitors for mid-range photographers	1	ASUS MG279Q 27 ”	RUB 33 988
	2	NEC MULTISYNC EA275WMI 27 ”	RUB 33,290
	3	DELL P2415Q 23.8 ”	RUB 30,659
	4	LG 27UK850 27 ”	RUB 39,411
	5	BenQ SW2700PT	RUB 37,563
	6	ASUS PA328Q 32 ”	RUB 70 385
The best monitors for professional photographers	1	DELL UP2718Q 27 ”	RUB 105,000
	2	ASUS PROART PA32UC-K 32 ”	RUB 179,400

Based on data from https://rankquality.com/monitors/.

The best monitors for entry-level photographers

In the first nomination of the rating, we will consider four monitors with minimum sufficient characteristics for a full-fledged work of a photographer. Their positioning as a 'basic level' is rather arbitrary, since any of them is many times better and more expensive than any ordinary office or home monitor.

IIYAMA PROLITE XUB2792QSU-1 27 ”

Rating: 4.9

In the first issue, we present you the most modest version of those that can be considered full-fledged monitors for a photographer. Everything here is kept to a minimum, including the price (relatively, of course), but enough for a wide range of works in the photography and design industry. The manufacturer is the Japanese company IIYAMA, known for its hi-end TVs and monitors.

The diagonal of this model is 27 “, the overall dimensions are 611x397x230mm, the weight is 6.10 kg. It consumes up to 33W of electricity. The power supply is built into the case. A pair of elementary stereo speakers of 2W each is also built in. The stand design provides the ability to adjust the position of the screen in height and turn on 90 degrees.

The type of matrix here is a standard IPS with LED-backlighting with redundant blue suppression and Flicker-Free anti-flicker technology. Even the FreeSync variable refresh rate technology is implemented to synchronize with the video card. The maximum frequency is 75 Hertz. The response time of the matrix is ​​5 ms.

The screen resolution of this model is 2560×1440 with a dot step of 0.233mm. Brightness – 350cd / m2, contrast – 1000: 1. The dynamic contrast ratio in this model is 5 million to 1. Here we indicate the dynamic contrast ratio only for example, and in further descriptions we will omit this indicator with its mind-boggling values, since its informational content in the subject of monitors for photographers tends to zero.

The coverage of the sRGB color space in this model is almost 100% – this 'almost' does not fundamentally affect the suitability of the monitor for high-quality work of the photographer. The color depth is formed according to the widespread principle of '8 bits plus 2 bits FRC-method) – we get just over a billion shades.

The set of interfaces includes DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D (HDCP), audio for headphones, two USB Type A ports, one USB Type B, USB hub for 2 ports version 3.0.

In general, this is a very good 'budget employee' for mid-range photographers. True, it is not devoid of some inevitable consequences of this very budget – 'artifacts' in the form of flares, glau- and crystalline effects, copies with broken pixels can rarely come across. In general, according to the photographers themselves, for ordinary tasks 'artifacts' are not a critical problem.

Advantages

• height adjustment;
• turn to portrait position;
• semi-matt screen plus additional anti-reflective coating;
• relatively affordable price.

disadvantages

• the described costs of the budget class.

VIEWSONIC VX3211-2K-MHD 31.5 ”

Rating: 4.8

The second number in this nomination of the rating is the widescreen (16: 9) monitor of the VIEWSONIC trademark, which, in terms of its characteristics and price, is suitable for a photographer and a designer with professional, but not very specific tasks.

This monitor already impresses with a diagonal of 31.5 inches, dimensions 730x496x230mm and weighs 7.03 kg. Consumes up to 50W of electricity (Energy Star 7.0). The power supply is in the case. Also in the case there is a pair of stereo speakers with a power of 2.5W each.

The resolution, as for such a large diagonal, is not very impressive – up to 2560×1440, but it is acceptable for a monitor with such characteristics and an affordable price. Matrix – IPS-SuperClear with WLED-backlight. The excess part of the blue spectrum is suppressed by the built-in means to an acceptable level. Backlight flickering is mitigated by Flicker-Free technology. The frame rate is up to 75Hz. Lowercase – 24-83kHz.

The viewing angles in this case are typical for any IPS matrix – 178 degrees in both dimensions. This parameter will be exactly the same for all other monitors for photographers in the review, so we will not repeat it. The claimed response time of the matrix is ​​3ms, which is even too suspiciously good, but not essential. The maximum brightness is 250 cd. per sq. meter, contrast (physical) – 1200: 1. The dot density seems to be low – 93PPI, but here you should not forget about the ratio of maximum resolution and huge diagonal. Dot pitch in all directions – 0.2727mm.

One of the most important parameters is the color space coverage here corresponds to 100% sRGB. Color depth is built using pseudo-10-bit technology, that is, over a billion shades are displayed using real 8 bits, plus FRC modeling technology.

The set of interfaces is minimalistic, but quite sufficient in the context of this model: D-Sub video inputs (max resolution Full HD), DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4; audio input and output, standard 3.5 mm.

The nature of the screen surface, according to our experts, is even a cross between matte and semi-matte. At the same time, the crystal effect is noticeable to very few, and the anti-glare protection is definitely at a height.

Package includes monitor, power cable, DisplayPort cable, audio cable, headphone holder (metal), manual.

Advantages

• large diagonal;
• a billion shades (pseudo 10 bits of depth);
• increased contrast;
• glare-free surface;
• sturdy, quality materials and workmanship;
• perfect adhesion of the rack to the working surface and stability;
• relatively affordable price.

disadvantages

• unstable work at the maximum frame rate of 75Hz.

AOC U2777PQU 27 ”

Rating: 4.7

The rating of the best monitors for photographers in 2019 according to the version continues the model of the AOC trademark. The Taiwanese manufacturer AOC International has a deep and glorious history and is now part of the renowned technology holding TPV Technology.

The presented monitor has a smaller diagonal than the previous one – 27 inches, but it has noticeably higher performance. And the smaller diagonal is by no means a disadvantage here, since such dimensions are still a lot, and the gigantic dimensions of the monitor for the photographer may even be excessive and not bring any practical benefit.

The dimensions of the device are 615x531x194mm, the smaller monitor weighs almost the same as the previous one – 7.30 kg. The monitor consumes up to 45W of energy (Energy Star 6), the power supply is built-in. A pair of 3W stereo speakers is also built in. The rack mount design allows the screen to be rotated 90 degrees. The height position of the screen on the stand can be adjusted.

The type of matrix in this case is IPS, as in the above model, and the backlight is of the same type – WLED. But the resolution is definitely pleasing – 4K, namely 3840×2160 with a ratio of 16 to 9. Flickering backlight technology is available. The maximum frame rate is 60Hz. Arrangement of pixels with a step of 0.1554mm. Matrix response – 4ms.

As for the directly reproduced 'picture', the situation is as follows. The color gamut of this model is the same as that of the above-described monitor for photographers from VIEWSONIC – it completely covers 100% sRGB space. Depth is built on the same principle – 8-bits per component with modeling of an additional two bits using FRC technology. This gives a display of over a billion shades.

Image brightness – up to 350 cd / m2, static contrast – 1000: 1. As you can see, the contrast is 20% less than that of the above-described monitor, but this is not a drawback. It is this contrast that is the norm for IPS matrices, and the high value of VIEWSONIC is objectively not indisputable and looks more like a marketing ploy.

Set of interfaces: DVI-D (HDCP), VGA (D-Sub), DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, audio, 4 USB Type A ports, one USB Type B, 4-port USB hub version 3.0.

Advantages

• 4K resolution;
• 100% sRGB;
• a billion shades;
• glare-free surface;
• many interfaces, including a USB hub;
• turn by 90 degrees;
• height adjustment.

disadvantages

• there are cases of sudden occurrence of a black vertical strip within the warranty period.

Best monitors for mid-range photographers

The second nomination in the rating of the best monitors for photographers in 2019 from includes a large selection of interesting models, which in a number of characteristics can overlap with budget ones, but in others they are significantly superior. And even all other things being equal, these monitors are still better, more reliable, more stable, and to a greater extent correspond to the declared characteristics.

ASUS MG279Q 27 ”

Rating: 4.9

And we will start with a monitor, which at first glance does not impress with its characteristics against the background of the budget three, but at the same time it is significantly more expensive. All this is not without reason, because this is still ASUS, and this is already a technique with signs of a professional class.

The screen diagonal of this model is 27 inches, dimensions and weight are 625x559x238mm and 7.30kg, respectively. Consumes up to 39W, built-in power supply. On the stand, the screen can be rotated into a portrait position with a simple movement, and the screen position can be adjusted in height. The body has a pair of simple stereo speakers of 2W power each.

The screen resolution of this model is 2560×1440 pixels. Matrix – IPS with LED-backlight without flicker. The dot pitch is 0.233 mm. Brightness – 350cd / m2. Contrast – 1000: 1.

The color space coverage here corresponds to 100% sRGB. The shade display depth is 16 million. This figure may look weak against the background of previous models, but here you need to understand that in this model the manufacturer is acting extremely honestly – pure 8 bits are used without pseudo-10-bit 'manipulations'.

The peculiarity of this model is that, in addition to being a photographer, the monitor can be used with complete comfort as a gaming monitor in your free time. This is facilitated by a good response time of the matrix – 4ms, an extremely high frame rate – up to 144Hz and a built-in function to synchronize the frequency with the video card's operating mode – FreeSync.

The monitor is connected to Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort and two HDMI sockets. There is a headphone output. In addition to the above, there are two more USB Type A ports, one USB Type B and a USB hub for 2 ports of the 3.0 standard.

Advantages

• high image quality;
• honest color rendering;
• 144Hz frame rate;
• anti-reflective coating;
• height adjustment and turn to portrait position;
• general ergonomics;
• can be used as a game.

disadvantages

• rarely come across specimens with a strange yellowish-golden glow effect.

NEC MULTISYNC EA275WMI 27 ”

Rating: 4.9

Further in this nomination of the rating follows a special monitor model manufactured by NEC. And the peculiarity of this monitor is that it is positioned by the manufacturer as being optimally adapted for use in multi-monitor systems. This is a good option for those photographers and designers who work in highly complex post-production.

Device dimensions – 639x418x230mm, weight – 8.70kg. Assumes desktop placement on a stand with adjustable height, tilt angle and orientation (90 degree rotation). There is also the possibility of wall mounting as a panel. All previous monitors for photographers have this opportunity, but here it is especially important in the framework of use in multi-monitor systems. Consumes up to 57W of electricity (Energy Star 6.0). Built-in power supply. There is also a pair of built-in stereo speakers, but they are purely symbolic – 1W each.

In the diagonal of 27 “we have a high-quality AH-IPS matrix with WLED backlighting. The resolution is 2560×1440, the maximum frame refresh rate is 75Hz. The dot pitch is 0.233 mm. The matrix response time is 6ms.

The brightness of the 'picture' reaches increased values ​​of 350 cd / m2. The standard contrast for IPS is 1000: 1. As with the previous model, it uses 'honest' 8 bits for color depth, which gives 16.7 million shades. The color space coverage is impressive here: 100% sRGB and 97% AdobeRGB.

For connection, the inputs are DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-I. There is a headphone output, and, which is extremely important in this particular example, there is a DisplayPort video output. Other interfaces: two USB Type A ports, one USB Type B, USB hub for 2 ports of the 3.0 standard.

Useful additional functions implemented in this model are the presence sensor and the light sensor.

The manufacturing warranty for this model is 36 months.

Advantages

• especially high quality matrix;
• 97% coverage of AdobeRGB;
• suitable for use in multi-monitor systems;
• DisplayPort video output;
• additional sensors;
• Kensington lock connector;
• regulation of angle, height and orientation on the rack;
• hidden cabling;
• 3 years warranty.

disadvantages

• minor user remarks regarding careless factory calibration.

DELL P2415Q 23.8 ”

Rating: 4.8

The third number in this nomination of the rating is another monitor with special characteristics, but here there will be much more of them than in the previous example. Monitor manufacturer – the American corporation DELL – does not need any special introduction.

This is a monitor with a significantly smaller diagonal than any of the previous ones – 23.8 “. But this is 'not a bug, but a feature', since in combination with a resolution of 4K 3840×2160 this gives a pixel density that will satisfy the most fastidious photographer or designer with the sharpest vision.

It uses the same high-quality AH-IPS matrix as the previous model with flicker-free WLED backlighting and an unevenness compensation system. Frame rate – up to 76Hz. Dot pitch – 0.13725mm. The matrix response time is 6ms. Brightness and contrast are 'standard' – 300cd / m2 and 1000: 1, respectively.

As for the color space coverage, everything is very good here, and even very good, given that DELL has managed to achieve the optimal combination of matrix quality, high resolution and color gamut coverage, while leaving the monitor in more or less affordable price ranges, as for models with clearly professional characteristics. Specifically in numbers, this is expressed as follows. The coverage of sRGB – up to 98%, AdobeRGB – up to 73% – this is the data of professional research. In terms of color depth, it uses the widespread pseudo-10-bit scheme with a result of over 1 billion shades.

The physical parameters of this model are as follows. Dimensions – 567x370x205mm, weight – 5.68kg. Power consumption – up to 50W or up to 90W in special modes. Power supply in the case. The stand provides height adjustment and 90 degree rotation.

Among the interfaces there are Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4 inputs; audio and DisplayPort outputs; 4 USB Type A ports, one USB Type B, USB hub for 4 ports version 3.0.

Experts also point out that this is one of the few monitors that provides the ability to manually adjust the matrix overclocking through the usual menu. This is a highly specialized topic, but, according to our experts, such a step from Dell engineers has long been awaited.

In conclusion, it should be said that in order to reveal all the capabilities of the monitor, it needs careful calibration.

Advantages

• 4K resolution;
• backlight uneven compensation;
• wide coverage of the color space;
• manual overclocking of the matrix via OSD Menu;
• DisplayPort output
• general high performance in general at a reasonable price.

disadvantages

• requires careful professional calibration to unleash all the possibilities.

LG 27UK850 27 ”

Rating: 4.8

Further, in the ranking of the best monitors for photographers according to the version, we move as the characteristics of the models selected by our experts increase. LG 27UK850 is a very striking example of an advanced monitor.

Let's start traditionally with the 'physics' of the device. Dimensions of this model – 613x560x234mm, weight – 6.10kg. The stand has all the mechanical devices for adjusting the screen in height and turning it to a portrait position. The monitor draws up to 50W (Energy Star 7.0) and is the first model in our review with an external power supply. There are a couple of built-in speakers, surprisingly powerful – 5W each.

The screen diagonal of this model is 27 “, and here we see not only a high resolution 4K 3840×2160, as in the previous version, but also support for an extended dynamic range HDR10. For super-expressive photos, without regard to realism, you cannot do without such a function, and this is a real gift for photographers and photo artists.

The matrix here is the same as in the two models above – a high-quality non-flickering AH-IPS with LED backlighting and a 5 ms response. Dot pitch – 0.155mm. There is even a FreeSync function, which implies synchronization of the frame rate with the video card. However, the operating frequency range of 48-60Hz suggests that the inclusion of this function is nothing more than a marketing ploy, since the practical meaning is questionable.

Opportunities for image brightness in this model, as expected, are also increased – up to 450cd / m2. The contrast is standard for this type of matrix – 1000: 1. As for the color space coverage, here is the manufacturer's data – 100% sRGB and data from independent research. The latter (factory calibration, hardware and manual) have indeed confirmed that 'color gamut' varies around 100% sRGB and even around slightly higher than 70% AdobeRGB. That is, in this regard, the monitor is as good as the previous one. Color depth – pseudo-10bit – over a billion shades.

To connect the monitor, HDMI 2.0 interfaces are used – 2 pcs, USB (video) and DisplayPort 1.2. Peripherals can be connected via USB Type A – 2 pcs, one USB Type-C or via a USB hub with two 3.0 ports.

Advantages

• high-quality matrix;
• 4K resolution;
• wide coverage of the color space;
• a billion shades of depth;
• HDR10 support (pseudo);
• stylish design;
• height adjustment and turning;
• unexpectedly good acoustics.

disadvantages

• some claims of specialists to the super-fine moments of calibration.

BenQ SW2700PT

Rating: 4.7

The rating continues to be the professional monitor for photographers of the Taiwanese trademark BenQ, which at the time of its release was clearly expensive even for those who desperately needed its characteristics. But now, after a few years we have the opportunity to purchase this tool of a photographer and designer at a reasonable price. In addition, it has passed the test of time, which is also important.

So, this is a frame widescreen monitor with a working area diagonal of 27 “. Its dimensions are 653x445x323mm, weight – 8.30kg. It is adjustable on the stand in height and rotates 90 degrees. It consumes up to 37W (Energy Star 6.0), the power supply is built-in.

The resolution with such dimensions is 2560×1440, the dot pitch is 0.2331mm. It uses a unique in its kind AHVA-matrix (one of the varieties of IPS), designed specifically to complete professional monitors. The type of backlighting here is 'advanced' – GB-LED without the use of SHI modulation, that is, the problem of flickering and excessive blue is solved. The maximum declared brightness is 350cd / m2. sq., contrast ratio – 1000: 1. The matrix response time is 5ms.

As for color depth, the matrix is ​​capable of a billion shades, and there is even reason to believe that 'honest' 10 bits work. However, the manufacturer does not provide such detailed information, and this is not so important in the general context. Color space coverage is extremely wide: 100% sRGB and 99% AdobeRGB.

DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4, DVI-D (HDCP) are used to connect the monitor. There is also a headphone output, two USB Type A ports, one USB Type B. USB hub for 2 USB 3.0 ports. A nice bonus is the card reader.

Advantages

• high-quality professional matrix;
• GB-LED backlight;
• 99% coverage of AdobeRGB;
• a billion shades (probably 'real' 10 bits of depth);
• height adjustment and rotation;
• protective visor (hood) included;

disadvantages

• there are specimens with uneven illumination, but the defects are insignificant.

ASUS PA328Q 32 ”

Rating: 4.7

The most expensive solution in this part from ASUS completes the nomination of the rating of professional monitors for mid-level photographers according to the version.

This is a professional widescreen monitor with a large 32 “diagonal and very remarkable characteristics. Dimensions are 735x615x240mm, weight – 11.68kg. Like all the others, the monitor stand allows you to adjust the position of the screen in height and rotate it to a portrait position. It consumes a whopping 138W , and there are good reasons for that, which are described below: The power supply is built in. There are also stereo speakers of 3W each.

One of the important reasons for this power consumption is the high quality professional AHVA sensor with 4K 3840×2160 resolution. Dot pitch – 0.1845 mm (final density – 138ppi). Backlight – Flicker-free WLED. Frame rate – 76Hz. The matrix response time is 6ms. The declared brightness is 350cd / m2. Contrast – 1000: 1.

It uses pseudo-10-bit depth per color component, resulting in the billions of shades we already know. The manufacturer also claims 100% sRGB coverage, as well as support for Rec.709 space and accurate factory calibration. There's even an official 'burning' pixel warranty.

This model contains a full set of ASUS proprietary technologies, which the company implements in its monitors: image processing systems VividPixel, Smart Contrast, Splendid, GamePlus, as well as manual overclocking of the matrix using TraceFree technology.

There may be some doubts about the use of W-LED backlighting in this model, but the creators managed to do everything flawlessly and compensate for the disadvantages of technology, providing the user with even a secondary benefit – a reduced thickness of the case and, indirectly, a decrease in the total cost. Also, numerous tests have shown the complete absence of parasitic noise.

Three interfaces HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort are used to connect the monitor. There is a headphone output. There is also a large set of USB ports: four USB Type A, one USB Type B, a hub for 4 ports version 3.0.

Built-in support for the technology of the mobile standard for image transmission MHL and additional functions: Skin-Tone Selection, PbP, PiP.

Advantages

• the largest diagonal in the nomination;
• high resolution 4K;
• high-quality professional matrix;
• a set of additional functions and improvement technologies;
• general high professional level.

disadvantages

• some users consider the price too high.

The best monitors for professional photographers

The third and final nomination for the 2019 Best Monitors for Photographers Awards represents outstanding engineering. These are two of the most expensive and most advanced monitors in our roundup. Experts have selected exactly these solutions for reasons of price-performance ratio. Since there are more expensive options on the market, the overpayment for them definitely does not justify itself within the framework of those tasks that a photographer of even the highest professional level may face.

DELL UP2718Q 27 ”

Rating: 5.0

Let us first consider the striking solution from DELL – a 27-inch widescreen professional monitor for photographers, artists, designers and video editors with characteristics that leave far behind any of the above models.

With this diagonal, the dimensions of the monitor are 626x403x200mm. All the functionality of the rack – adjustment and rotation – is available. The monitor consumes up to 90W of energy (up to 120W in exceptional modes), the power supply is built-in.

Screen resolution – 4K 3840×2160. Dot pitch – 0.1554mm. It uses a super-quality professional AH-IPS matrix with progressive FALD backlight technology. Matrix response – 6ms. And it is certainly 10-bit, so the color depth gives a total of over a billion shades without any emulations or simulations.

At the time of its release in 2017, this model was the first in the world (!), In which full-fledged, true support for high dynamic range HDR10 was implemented, without any reservations and the prefix 'pseudo'. The developers have managed to realize this outstanding achievement with the introduction of 384-zone backlighting.

Based on the foregoing, further characteristics will be fully understood. Even the nominal maximum brightness of this monitor itself is high – 400 cd / m2. In HDR mode, it grows to 1000 cd / m2. Contrast – 1000: 1.

In terms of color space coverage, the indicators here speak for themselves. The native color gamut is 100% sRGB, AdobeRGB, REC.709 and even 97.7% of the newfangled DCI-P3.

To connect the monitor, there are two HDMI 2.0a ports, Mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort 1.4. There is a headphone output and a set of USB interfaces: four USB Type A, one USB Type B, a hub for 4 USB 3.0 ports.

Advantages

• 4K resolution;
• exceptionally high quality 10-bit matrix;
• wide coverage of all popular color space standards;
• powerful and high-tech backlight;
• real (not pseudo) HDR;
• overall high quality of components and technological implementation.

disadvantages

• Backlight uneven compensation does not work in emulation modes for color spaces.

ASUS PROART PA32UC-K 32 ”

Rating: 4.9

And completing our entire rating is a real masterpiece from ASUS, which came out recently – only last year, and immediately set a whole series of records. During this time, everyone who could have experienced it, and it can already be safely recommended to those photographers who, for some reason, need such outrageous characteristics.

Before listing the dry numbers of characteristics, it is worth making a general description in the complex. This model is a professional-grade monitor featuring innovative quantum dot technology. This guarantees coverage of color spaces: 100% sRGB, 99.5% Adobe RGB, 85% Rec. 2020, and 95% DCI-P3. Brightness (at maximum) reaches an unprecedented and unprecedented value of 1000cd / m². To make it as clear as possible, with such brightness, a subjective desire arises to put on sunglasses. It is one of the best monitor solutions in the world today for professionals doing professional work in the field of image and video processing.

Now let's go through the rest of the characteristics. The 32-inch diagonal directly determines the dimensions of the monitor – 727x470x229mm and to a large extent its weight – 11.40 kg. All ergonomics in terms of adjusting the position of the screen are implemented at the highest level.

The matrix resolution here is 4K 3840×2160, the dot pitch is 0.1845 mm. The response time is 5ms. Frame rate – up to 65Hz. More than a billion shades are displayed. Also in this model, as in the previous one, the real, 'true' high dynamic range technology HDR10 is implemented.

To connect a monitor, you can use four standard ports HDMI 2.0b, USB (video), DisplayPort 1.2. There is a headphone output. Peripherals can be connected via USB Type A (2 pcs), USB Type B, USB Type-C, a hub for 2 USB 3.0 ports. There is also a Thunderbolt3 port with transfer rates up to 40Gbps, supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 and DisplayPort 1.2. Up to two additional 4K monitors can be connected to the monitor.

Advantages

• exceptional image quality;
• innovative technology of quantum dots;
• brightness unprecedented before the appearance of this model (among devices of the same level);
• true HDR10 implementation;
• large diagonal;
• 4K resolution;
• the widest coverage of color spaces;
• a whole list of innovations and improvements.

disadvantages

• pale in comparison to the benefits.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.