Choosing a good game monitor is not the same as choosing one for video and photo editing tasks. In both the maximum image quality is sought, but there are characteristics that do not have the same weight depending on the use. Therefore, after having seen some options for gaming, we will focus on monitors for creative tasks.
The keys to a good monitor for photo and video
When it comes to choosing a good monitor for video and photo editing tasks, you have to take into account some features above others. So, do not stay with the first option that they recommend in bread “this is the best monitor in the market”. Something that may indeed be so, but for what kind of use.
As we have seen, choosing a good gaming monitor is easy if you know what to look for. For creative uses it is the same. So let’s go parts.
The importance of the panel
You should already know, and if we don’t tell you, there are several types of panel. Each of these technologies (TN, VA or IPS) has its pros and cons, but if you are looking for the best image quality it is clear that IPS panels are the most suitable. We could put some OLED screens, but their cost makes them not so attractive, even less in the face of continued use over the years.
Why an IPS panel with respect to other display technologies? Well, there are two basic aspects:
- They offer the best viewing angles , that avoids darkening when you look at the image from the sides.
- They allow high color fidelity.
So, is any IPS monitor a good option for photography and video? The answer is no, there are other technical aspects that in addition to quality also mark their price. So if you are looking for a new monitor, it is not enough just to read its specifications, see that it has a screen of this type and buy the cheapest one.
Aspect ratio and resolution
Screens with panoramic or ultra panoramic format, these are the two options that you will find in the market and those that will partly mark the next parameter of the maximum resolution.
Given that the resolution in creative tasks is an important factor , you must decide if you prefer a screen with a ratio of 21: 9 or 16: 9. Because according to that, the density of pixels per inch will vary.
The 21: 9 screens usually reach a maximum resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels, which offers a dpi value of 109 with 34-inch diagonals that is usual. However, 16: 9 screens reach 4K resolution in different diagonals and pixel density is usually higher.
If what you need is to work comfortably with very wide timelines, ultra-panoramic screens are a very good option. But for most uses, the traditional panoramic and with 4K resolution are now the most interesting because of price and performance. And if you have to go to a panel with lower resolution, do not download QHD.
Color depth
Knowing what diagonal and aspect ratio you want, the section that will most mark the quality of the screen is the type of IPS panel used and its maximum color depth.
The color depth is nothing other than the number of colors it is able to represent on the screen. The richer the number the image will be and problems such as banding will be avoided (those appreciable jumps when we see a color gradient).
Currently, most monitors offer 8 bits of color depth. And wide color compatible ranges go up to 10 bits. Although here we have to clarify, since 10 native bits are not the same as 8 bits + FRC .
The 8-bit + FRC panels offer through the use of advanced algorithms and calculations the possibility of displaying results similar to a native 10-bit panel. It is not the same, but economic savings can make you compensate for the price difference. Especially if what you do on that screen is a first approach to what will be the final edition.
When you use the monitor for photography, the ideal is to have the highest possible quality, so if you can bet on panels that offer wide color gamut . Although, if you are going to edit video you can also consider betting on an OLED TV, although we will talk in more detail about this type of case.
HDR brightness and support
When you perform color correction tasks, brightness is important but not decisive. If you want to edit HDR material, you must have a maximum brightness level suitable for working with that material in addition to having support for wider color spaces. But in the rest of the tasks, it is normal to touch color or make corrections in environments where the lighting is always the same.
So ensuring a brightness of 150 or 160 bits is enough to have a good image quality. Of course, again we refer to the above, if you are going to edit material with high dynamic range, it is likely that it compensates you more to add an OLED TV to your equipment.
LUT support, visors and other extras
Finally, the highest-end monitors offer support for loading LUTs . These files allow you to modify how the colors will look. This helps to get an idea of the final result or improve certain workflows. Although it is an extra that greatly increases the final price of the screen.
Then there are other extras such as having visors to avoid reflections or bases that allow greater control of the position of the monitor to improve work ergonomics. But that is something that, while the screen has VESA support, it is easy to solve with some of the multiple arms that exist in the market.
Choose a good monitor for photo and video without making mistakes
With all this, choosing a good monitor for photography and video (in addition to other creative tasks) should not be complicated. The first step is to be clear how much you are willing to pay to get the best option in relation to quality / price. From that moment, choose size, resolution and look for the panel that offers the best features. Screens of 27 ″ 4K with 8-bit panels + FRC can already be found at a very good price and offer great results. Just don’t forget that you have the connections that best suit your needs.
