What monitor advice?

Tulipone

Tulipone

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Chris
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Decided it is time to replace my 2019 iMac with a more modern MacBook Air/Pro leaving me without a decent sized screen when at home. I went into Curry’s in Stevenage intending to come away with a monitor or at least find someone who probably has more knowledge about monitors than I do and after waiting for 40 minutes got quietly annoyed with someone when I decided I had been ignored long enough, who asked me by the exit if I got everything I wanted. No help there and on reflection it now seems a stupid thing to have expected Curry’s would have improved since the last time I went.

So thought that I'd look on Amazon just to end up more baffled than ever. Wondering if anyone here could offer an old fella a bit of guidance. What do I need to be looking for ideally? Bearing in mind that the laptop is going to set me back £2k or so money is going to be a bit of a struggle so looking for a sweet spot between what I really should buy and something very capable that won't have too many compromises and be a little more budget friendly.

Any thoughts? What is available online / Amazon model suggestions much appreciated.
 
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How big do you want, and 4K or QHD?

Dell, Benq, MSI, there's a decent ASUS for creative work. Samsung can be good, but don't beliieve them that their VA panels are close to IPS (nowhere near - I sent one back).
 
ancient_mariner said:
How big do you want, and 4K or QHD?
Click to expand...
My iMac is 27” but thinking at least that, possibly 32”. No idea what editing would be like on a curved screen but that may appeal, certainly for 32”. No idea what is better/worthwhile re 4K or QHD. To be honest I had not heard of QHD before this evening.
 
Perhaps if you said what budget ceiling you have?
 
I have a DELL U2720Q 4k 27" monitor amazon £975 which suits me fine. Being a 4K monitor obviously the computer graphic card needs to be able to handle 4k as well
 
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The 27" iMac is a good screen, unfortunately that quality of panel doesn't seem to be available in external monitors. Because it is a 5K display, whereas most other display panels seem to be 4K. So you will end up with a worse screen than you have now.

Personally I went for a Phillips 27"4K monitor, which has USB-C, so you can power the Mac and connect any peripherals with one cable.
 
You can get 5k screens - the Apple studio display is one, but a fair bit over your budget. Or indeed 6k with HDR in the Pro Display XDR (even more over budget).

In terms of display quality, if you’re getting a MBP 14 or 16 the built in display will exceed the quality of anything under about 1.5k for most uses, certainly anything colour critical or HDR.

Not an option for most, but faced with the same conundrum I rebuilt the panel from my 5k iMac into an external monitor with a new controller board (this was before the studio display release and I also wanted to reuse the display rather than get rid, also cheaper)

For a rough rule of thumb if on a budget, for use with a Mac, something 4k@32” or 27” gives comfortable viewing resolutions and reasonable pixel pitch. Dell’s more professional monitors have decent colour out the box. One of them new in that size will be over £400 though.

If it’s not for photo work or image quality isn’t primary concern look for nice things like USB-C connection with power as above. QHD (1440p) on 27” is a “1x” resolution on a Mac, so everything the the right scale. Half the resolution of a “retina” display though. Your current iMac has 4x the pixels.

You’ll need to spend £1.5k on a studio display just to equal your iMac quality at that size I’m afraid.
 
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Oh, if you’l don’t know you’ll need the power of a MBP and don’t intend to use the screen, get a MBA and put the money into a decent monitor instead.

Even the base M-series chips are very capable compared to an intel imac you’re coming from. My wife has an m1 MacBook, I have both M1 Pro and Max MBPs for my own and work so I’ve used those all extensively, anything newer is faster still. For home and photo use I don’t often miss my work Max. It’s nicer but my personal machine doesn’t earn me money so can’t justify better.
 
Why are you spending money when you already own a perfectly decent 27" monitor?

Use the iMac as an external screen. Any equivalent replacement will cost in excess of £500.

astropad.com

Use Your iMac as a Monitor: A Step-by-Step Guide [2024]

Looking for a way to use your iMac as a monitor? This guide walks through how to use your gorgeous 5k iMac display for your Mac or PC.
astropad.com astropad.com
 
Thank you for all your thoughts. Much to digest.

My iMac is currently fine. It has a Fusion Drive that can drive me nuts and I believe support will be moved to legacy later this year - the main driver to change was a desire for a laptop to travel with and it seemed pointless to maintain two PCs and to release the trade in value of the iMac to a monitor. I was thinking either a quite decent MBP else pretty reasonable MBA.

I kind of like the idea of Luna and just buying a lower spec MBA and replacing the iMac in the future if or when I need to.
 
DemiLion said:
Why are you spending money when you already own a perfectly decent 27" monitor?

Use the iMac as an external screen. Any equivalent replacement will cost in excess of £500.

astropad.com

Use Your iMac as a Monitor: A Step-by-Step Guide [2024]

Looking for a way to use your iMac as a monitor? This guide walks through how to use your gorgeous 5k iMac display for your Mac or PC.
astropad.com astropad.com
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Just to butt in, have you used this setup? I am very interested as I have a 2017 iMac which has been made redundant by the purchase of a Mac Studio.
 
Have a Benq 270c bought 3 years ago and never misses a beat, calibrate it on a regular basis with the Benq software that is free to use.
IMO great value for money.
Russ.
 
I'm looking at 32" 4K OLEDs. I may not have much choice soon but to go and spend. No point getting crappy old tech unless you are getting it for bargain basement prices; My ACER IPS just barely lasted 5 years and is more headache and problems that I could have ever imagined.

If that imac is perfect I would just try to use it somehow, but suspect it might have brighter patches, colour shifts and what not after these years.
 
> If that imac is perfect I would just try to use it somehow, but suspect it might have brighter patches, colour shifts and what not after these years.

My iMac screen I'm re-using as a monitor is still excellent, and it's a late 2015. They're very high quality screens. Good colour accuracy, excellent pixel density. Refresh rate is the main downside vs more modern screens, but you can't get good density and refresh except on the built in screens on MBPs unfortunately (I need high refresh rate for my work, which involves higher frame rate cameras, and this trade-off is a frustration).

The methods that use it as a computer/virtual monitor over USB can be decent, but they'll never be as good as driving the screen directly - they just have no-where near the bandwidth needed and will require quite some compression which will introduce loss of quality (though if it's noticeable or a problem for you is another matter). USB3 on them will top out at 5Gbps, the panel needs ~ 22Gbps (depends a bit on lossless compression used, pixel formats etc).

Digressing a bit from the OP, but this is somewhat of a specialist subject of mine as it's adjacent to the day job.
 
Everyone here is talking about 4k/5k etc, but there are other areas not mentioned. For example, make sure to get a 10 bit panel, not 8 bit or even 8 +2 bit FRC really. 8bit panels cannot handle the colour range and so you can get banding, such as this:

banding.jpg


Also, graphics cards won't matter, most modern in-processor graphics chips (Apu) can handle 4k these days. Graphics cards may help accelerate Photoshop or premiere pro for video (but really only Nvidia with cuida cores).

My rule with monitors is spend once and spend well. It is the part of the computer you always use and focus on. Cheap monitors also have poor stands so can shake when using them, which is annoying as hell.

VA panels usually have better contrast but can show ghosting is using with moving images, IPS/fast IPS has poorer but still ok contrast and I wouldn't touch TN for photo work. And not all IPS or VA are the same, despite the technology.

A good IPS can and likely will have better contrast than a poor VA, along with better panel uniformity.

IPS can also have that infamous 'IPS flow's, where there can be light in the corners, although this is usually only noticeable on back screens, of it is noticeable on more light screens then it is a defective panel and should be returned.

I personally like Dell monitors as the panel quality tends to be reliable, the structure of the monitor is solid and they have a second to non warranty.

Let me know if you have any questions. I know far more about computers than cameras.
 
Benihana said:
Everyone here is talking about 4k/5k etc, but there are other areas not mentioned. For example, make sure to get a 10 bit panel, not 8 bit or even 8 +2 bit FRC really. 8bit panels cannot handle the colour range and so you can get banding, such as this:

banding.jpg
Click to expand...

That’s not entirely true.

The BenQ SW271C is a highly regarded monitor for image editing and is 8 bit + FRC.

I have one and I can assure that banding is not an issue. It is a superb monitor.
 
I was speaking more generally than on a monitor by monitor basis, but as I mentioned, in an apples to apples comparison, a better made panel with worse on paper specs beats a better on paper spec panel cheaply made.

That said, you are right, 8+2 bit FRC tends to be OK, cheaper, and more widely available, with little to no dip on quality for most people's use case.

BenQ are an often wrongly overlooked brand too, they have made some cracking monitors over the years and it is not uncommon to see them towards the top of the list on both gaming and image work 'best of' lists
 
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This is what Benq have to say…

www.benq.eu

10-Bit vs. 8-Bit + FRC: Monitor Panel Difference

Monitor panel bit color depth may seem confusing, but this article will help simplify the pro's and con's of 10-bit vs 8-bit + Frame Rate Control (FRC).
www.benq.eu www.benq.eu

This was also an interesting read

BenQ PD2700Q Monitor. 10 bit Color or Not?: PC Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums.
www.dpreview.com www.dpreview.com
 
Box Brownie said:
FWIW

I have been happy with my BenQ SW270C and its 10 bit display.
Click to expand...

Just like the SW271C, the SW270 is 8 bit + FRC but is again a superb monitor.
www.displayspecifications.com

27" BenQ SW270C - Specifications

Specifications of BenQ SW270C. Display: 27 in, IPS, W-LED, 2560 x 1440 pixels, Viewing angles (H/V): 178 ° / 178 °, Brightness: 300 cd/m², Static contrast: 1000 : 1, Dynamic contrast: 20000000 : 1, Refresh rate: 24 Hz - 76 Hz, sRGB: 100 %, Adobe RGB: 99 %, Dimensions: 613.8 x 368.9 x 62.65 mm...
www.displayspecifications.com

BenQ only stepped up to true 10 bit with the new SW272U displays.
 
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ecoleman said:
Just like the SW271C, the SW270 is 8 bit + FRC but is again a superb monitor.
www.displayspecifications.com

27" BenQ SW270C - Specifications

Specifications of BenQ SW270C. Display: 27 in, IPS, W-LED, 2560 x 1440 pixels, Viewing angles (H/V): 178 ° / 178 °, Brightness: 300 cd/m², Static contrast: 1000 : 1, Dynamic contrast: 20000000 : 1, Refresh rate: 24 Hz - 76 Hz, sRGB: 100 %, Adobe RGB: 99 %, Dimensions: 613.8 x 368.9 x 62.65 mm...
www.displayspecifications.com

BenQ only stepped up to true 10 bit with the new SW272U displays.
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Ah! I was relying on what the nVidia Control Panel told me it offers 8pbc or 10bpc and IIRC when I used to use my old DELL 2202WA there was in the same setting a + FRC figure so my surmise was that the BenQ was 'actual' 10 bit :thinking:

As they say, "every day is school day" :)
 
Box Brownie said:
Ah! I was relying on what the nVidia Control Panel told me it offers 8pbc or 10bpc and IIRC when I used to use my old DELL 2202WA there was in the same setting a + FRC figure so my surmise was that the BenQ was 'actual' 10 bit :thinking:

As they say, "every day is school day" :)
Click to expand...

At the end of the day you were obviously happy with the colours and never experienced banding and thats what counts, hence my original comment above about not discounting 8 + FRC.

Granted cheaper monitors may not implement it very well but the BenQ SW series can hardly be called cheap.
 
ecoleman said:
At the end of the day you were obviously happy with the colours and never experienced banding and thats what counts, hence my original comment above about not discounting 8 + FRC.

Granted cheaper monitors may not implement it very well but the BenQ SW series can hardly be called cheap.
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:) (y)

I looked and it still listed by BenQ and it costs significantly more than when I bought it.....gone up by approx 30% :thinking: :oops: :$
 
I have no idea why manufacturers, such as Dell, choose to have so many different monitors around the same price point. It just creates confusion. I understand that each will be slightly different but if they need that many different models, why not just put a sticker on it saying this one is optimised for gaming/photo editing/playing games etc.
 
Tulipone said:
IPS I understand is about accurate colour rendering, but QHD offers sharp images. I guess personal preference but which is better? Why don't monitors offer both?
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Many do - like the Gigabyte I'm viewing this on.

IPS is about viewing angles, and the image remaining consistent as you view from side to side. This is a reason why very large flat panel screens need IPS tech to appear reasonably consistent edge to edge. 32" is plenty big enough to show a big difference edge to centre with a technology like VA or TN.

QHD is resolution - it's higher res than 1080P, but not a single fixed resolution. It might be 2560 X 1440, or it might be higher like my old Dell XPS15 at 3456 x 2160.
 
Tulipone said:
IPS I understand is about accurate colour rendering, but QHD offers sharp images. I guess personal preference but which is better? Why don't monitors offer both?

This one appears good value and spec. https://www.samsung.com/uk/multistore/uk_networks/pd.LS27B800TGUXXU/#specs
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The link you posted doesn't work for me...

Is it this?
www.greenboxshop.co.uk

Samsung 27'' UHD Monitor ViewFinity IPS Thunderbolt 4 Speakers LS27B800TGUXXU (New)

This item is new and unused. Comes with a one year warranty from GreenBox Shop. Product Description Wider workspace and lifelike detail with UHD resolution IPS panel preserves color vividness and clarity across every inch of the screen Two Thunderbolt 4 ports to power, send data and display...
www.greenboxshop.co.uk www.greenboxshop.co.uk

www.samsung.com

Buy 27" S80TB ViewFinity Monitor | LS27B800TGUXXU | Samsung Business UK

Buy the Black Samsung 27" ViewFinity S8 Business Monitor S80TB LS27B800TGUXXU. Find the best monitor for your business at Samsung Business UK.
www.samsung.com www.samsung.com

Looks pretty decent to me.
 
GeeJay57 said:
The link you posted doesn't work for me...

Is it this?
www.greenboxshop.co.uk

Samsung 27'' UHD Monitor ViewFinity IPS Thunderbolt 4 Speakers LS27B800TGUXXU (New)

This item is new and unused. Comes with a one year warranty from GreenBox Shop. Product Description Wider workspace and lifelike detail with UHD resolution IPS panel preserves color vividness and clarity across every inch of the screen Two Thunderbolt 4 ports to power, send data and display...
www.greenboxshop.co.uk www.greenboxshop.co.uk

www.samsung.com

Buy 27" S80TB ViewFinity Monitor | LS27B800TGUXXU | Samsung Business UK

Buy the Black Samsung 27" ViewFinity S8 Business Monitor S80TB LS27B800TGUXXU. Find the best monitor for your business at Samsung Business UK.
www.samsung.com www.samsung.com

Looks pretty decent to me.
Click to expand...
None too sure it is aimed at photo editing/graphic arts???

In the spec it says min brightness 280cd/m2, that is very bright and if it cannot not calibrate to levels as low as 80cd/m2 IMO anyone wanting you prep images for print might struggle.

Also, and I may be out of date, the poor connectivity for anything other than 'entertainment' and general usage i.e. no DP connection.
 
Box Brownie said:
None too sure it is aimed at photo editing/graphic arts???

In the spec it says min brightness 280cd/m2, that is very bright and if it cannot not calibrate to levels as low as 80cd/m2 IMO anyone wanting you prep images for print might struggle.

Also, and I may be out of date, the poor connectivity for anything other than 'entertainment' and general usage i.e. no DP connection.
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Personally, I would probably go for an offering from Benq (as per #2 of this thread) if I needed an external monitor. Currently I don't need one.
 
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GeeJay57 said:
The link you posted doesn't work for me...

Is it this?
www.greenboxshop.co.uk

Samsung 27'' UHD Monitor ViewFinity IPS Thunderbolt 4 Speakers LS27B800TGUXXU (New)

This item is new and unused. Comes with a one year warranty from GreenBox Shop. Product Description Wider workspace and lifelike detail with UHD resolution IPS panel preserves color vividness and clarity across every inch of the screen Two Thunderbolt 4 ports to power, send data and display...
www.greenboxshop.co.uk www.greenboxshop.co.uk

www.samsung.com

Buy 27" S80TB ViewFinity Monitor | LS27B800TGUXXU | Samsung Business UK

Buy the Black Samsung 27" ViewFinity S8 Business Monitor S80TB LS27B800TGUXXU. Find the best monitor for your business at Samsung Business UK.
www.samsung.com www.samsung.com

Looks pretty decent to me.
Click to expand...
On a mac it could work. Or on linux. Both can scale fonts and only fonts reasonably well. Windows bloody scales images as well and does it very badly so you have to run it at 100% or 200%. Not anything in between.
27" 4K 200% will give you huge graphics like 1080p just a lot crisper. 100% just forget it.
32" 4k 100% perfectly doable if your vision is great. Maybe not for everyone though.

edit: forgot to add 27" 5K or 32" 6K would scale perfectly at 200% (retina in apple's vocabulary), sadly almost nobody else bothers making them to this day
 
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