Datacolor SpyderX Pro: Monitor Calibration designed for serious Photographers and Designers

Product Information

The build of the SpyderX is one up on the Spyder5. It just feels like the quality of plastic has increased as has the finish, and the new glassy white gives the new device a great look. Open the protective cap, however, and you get to see the real change. Whereas before there was a grill covering the sensor, now there’s a lens. Overall the SpyderX Pro is an excellent monitor calibrator. It’s easy to use and ensures that your monitor is always displaying the correct colours. After calibration, it then sits neatly by the side of the monitor to read the ambient light and if selected adjust the monitor automatically. One important feature is the ambient reader on the top of the device; this enables the monitor to adjust dependent on light changes within the room. This is especially important as daylight fades and room lights take over to ensure the colour temperature, and brightness of the monitor adjust.

Once the software is installed and registered on your computer, you’re ready to calibrate. The device plugs into a spare USB port and after following the on-screen instructions; the SpyderX is hung over the monitor ready to read the quality of the display.As with previous versions, I’ve always felt some type of case to keep the Spyder in would have been a good idea. I use the Spyder most of the time with my MacPro, and I’ve bought a case to keep the Spyder safe in my bag. Datacolor points out that the lens based colour engine significantly increases the precision, colour accuracy and low light capabilities of the device. We’ll have to wait and see through the test and look at the result.

Ergonomically the edges have been smoothed, and the device looks a little more stylish and up to date. Open it up, and there’s a small welcome slip inside, remove this, and there’s a small plastic tray and the white SpyderX sits beneath.

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The difference you’ll see in your work, whether photographic or video is striking, with shadows and detail on screen being drawn out. I also keep the Spyder5 on a stand to read the ambient light and always thought that a stand in the box would be a good idea, or at least an option.