For all digital photographers, a well-calibrated and accurate computer monitor is an indispensable tool for a solid practice. Regardless if you like to print your photos or share exclusively online, a monitor that you can trust will make a big difference in how anyone views your photographs, yourself included. Besides just helping to achieve accurate colors and contrast, a finely tuned monitor is also more enjoyable to work on and contributes to a seamless all-around workflow. Additionally, when looking for a monitor, also consider size and resolution as additional variables, with larger screens being easier to edit on, especially when dealing with multiple images or windows. Here are some of our top monitor picks for photographers.
BenQ SW2700PT 27" 16:9 Photographer IPS Monitor
One of the best values out there, BenQ’s SW2700PT is a 27" monitor with 99% coverage of the Adobe RGB color space and 10-bit support, making it well suited for printing and wider color gamut editing. The 27" size and 2560 x 1440 resolution also suit more detailed and multi-image editing. Additionally, a dedicated shading hood is included with the monitor, in case you tend to work in sunlit or bright environments, and a built-in Hotkey Puck lets you switch display settings easily, from Adobe RGB to sRGB to Black-and-White, depending on your editing needs.
HP DreamColor Z27x G2 16:9 IPS Studio Display
Purpose built for creatives, designers, photographers, and videographers, the DreamColor Z27x G2, from HP, fully covers the Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color spaces for accurate photo and video editing. This monitor also has a 27" screen with 2560 x 1440 resolution; DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB Type-C connectivity; and features a built-in KVM switch to enable working with one screen with multiple computers. Additionally, an integrated colorimeter helps keep the monitor calibrated on a regular basis for consistent results.
Dell UP2718Q 27" 16:9 UltraSharp 4K IPS Monitor
Another great option for those who rely on accurate color for photo and video editing, the Dell UP2718Q is a 27" monitor with UHD 4K resolution and 10-bit color, covering 100% of the Adobe RGB and Rec. 709 spaces and nearly 77% of the Rec. 2020 color space. DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB ports make setup easy, and this monitor also supports content from two computers simultaneously via the built-in KVM switch and dual upstream USB ports.
NEC MultiSync PA311D 31.1" 17:9 Color Critical HDR IPS Display
For extra-precise work, the MultiSync PA311D, from NEC, is a wide-gamut, 10-bit display covering 100% of the Adobe RGB color space and 98% of the DCI-P3 space. NEC’s SpectraView Engine also contributes to accurate color rendering and aids the calibration process. The screen is a bit wider and larger than the ones above, coming in at 31.1" with a 17:9 aspect ratio and 4096 x 2160 resolution for DCI 4K viewing. Additionally, a variety of ports makes it easy to connect this monitor to a variety of systems, with ports to spare for directly connecting a colorimeter or a storage device for backing up the monitor settings.
LG 34UM68-P 34" 21:9 UltraWide FreeSync IPS Monitor
For something a bit different, the LG 34UM68-P is a 34" ultra-wide monitor touting a panoramic 21:9 aspect ratio and 2560 x 1080 resolution. Compared to boxier 16:9 and 17:9 monitors, a 21:9 monitor can feel like working with two separate monitors without the gap or break between different screens. This wide, immersive format is great for breaking up your editing workflow and keeping some work on one end of the screen while keeping file navigation, toolboxes, or other applications uncluttered on the other end. Do note, though, that this monitor only has 8-bit color support, so it’s better suited to those working with web-based output in mind.
Wacom Cintiq Pro 32 Creative Pen & Touch Display
Another unique option is the Cintiq Pro 32 from Wacom, which effectively combines one of Wacom’s tablets with a large, 31.5" UHD 4K display. This monitor is perfect for those who do significant post-production editing or digital artwork because it gives you the experience of drawing directly onto your imagery. It’s no slouch as a monitor, either—with 98% coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, it can be used for accurate color editing, too. Physically, since you’ll be working on top of the monitor much of the time; it has its own stand for propping up at a 20° angle, and an ExpressKey Remote helps with intuitive application navigation from the side of the panel. Additionally, it also supports the Cintiq Pro Engine, which attaches to the back of the monitor to free the screen from cables for more convenient use.
What do you look for in a monitor? What are the essential features when looking for a screen for photo editing? Let us know about your dream setup in the Comments section, below.
