Sharp LC-32D62U: Settings for photo work

I don't have the 62U, but the similar GP1U, and let me tell you, this is NOT the monitor you want for photo editing. It has a very poor gamut that is particularly deficient in the skin tones, split pixels (Multi Pixel Technology) that can blur details, and its green as well as all three of its secondaries are way off where they should be.


By tweaking the CMS , I was able to correct the secondaries, fix green somewhat, and even out red versus blue, but the poor gamut and split pixel issue can never be fixed. Accurate calibration is essential for photo editing, especially with a monitor like this that is so far off.


If you do any significant amount of photo editing, I strongly suggest you invest in a decent quality colorimeter such as the Gretag-Macbeth i1 (only $200, I use it). It will not only help you calibrate your monitor using its own controls, but you can use the software to create ICC profiles which Photoshop can then use to help correct the remaining inaccuracies.

Thank you so much for the reply nm88!


I knew I wasn't crazy...it was the skin tones that are driving me nuts. I just cannot get it to look 'right'.


I didn't know about the multi-pixel thing, but I understand your point...photos just do not seem as crisp as when i was editing on my previous PC monitor.


I'll take a stab at tweaking per that link you provided. Also, I'll look into possibly taking the plunge into a colorimeter.


Do you think that if I can get this thing calibrated with the equipment you suggested the screen will be salvageable for photo editing purposes?


Thanks again for the help.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Cproflow /forum/post/12880588


I didn't know about the multi-pixel thing, but I understand your point...photos just do not seem as crisp as when i was editing on my previous PC monitor.

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It's because the pixels aren't simple RGB squares, but split in an attempt to increase viewing angle. So, for example, horizontal lines look squiggly and red text looks fuzzy. That also means fine details aren't resolved as clearly as with a regular LCD.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cproflow /forum/post/12880588


I'll take a stab at tweaking per that link you provided. Also, I'll look into possibly taking the plunge into a colorimeter.

Click to expand...

Don't just plug in my CMS settings, because they'll be different for you. You need a colorimeter to set those. I was just pointing out one example.


If you really can't afford the hardware and want to do something, stick to the saturation settings which you can at least roughly calibrate using normal color bars and RGB filters. Hue is nearly impossible to guesstimate this way, though.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cproflow /forum/post/12880588


Do you think that if I can get this thing calibrated with the equipment you suggested the screen will be salvageable for photo editing purposes?

Click to expand...

You can probably get it to the point where the colors are roughly accurate, but the gamut and pixel issue make photo editing very frustrating -- or it would for me, at least. Give it a shot and just keep in mind that 100% views won't look quite as you expect. Also remember to turn off dynamic color, as that will really mess things up.