Narrowing down a list of the best photo editing monitors is a little different from selecting equipment for playing video games, streaming movies, or surfing the web. Editing photos demands a very specific set of features, technical specifications, and software supports.
That’s why it is critical that you do your research and explore your options. You should do this before investing in such an important—and often expensive—piece of equipment.
Think of your photo editing monitor as the third major element in your photography workflow, along with your DSLR camera and lens kit. Many photographers invest in exquisite lenses and costly cameras. However, they edit their images on a monitor designed for surfing the web and streaming Netflix.
Don’t let yourself down in the last stage of the process! We’ve put together this comprehensive list of the best photo editing monitors. These are specifically for photographers who want to take their work to the next level and give their images the treatment they deserve.
Top 10 Monitors for Photo Editing
Ranking | Monitor | Screen Size | Resolution | Color Support | Input Types | Review | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | BenQ SW271 | 27" | 3840 x 2160 | 100% sRGB, 99% Adobe RGB | USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#2 | Asus ProArt PA328Q | 24" | 1920 x 1200 | 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, 99% Adobe RGB | D-Sub, DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D, and USB 3.0 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#3 | Eizo ColorEdge CG2420 | 24.1" | 1920 x 1200 | 99% Adobe RGB | DVI-D, DisplayPort, and HDMI | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#4 | BenQ SW2700PT 2K Monitor | 27" | 2560 x 1440 | 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709 | USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and mini DisplayPort | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#5 | NEC MultiSync PA 272W-BK-SV | 27" | 2560 x 1440 | 99.3% Adobe RGB, 146% sRGB, 94.8% NTSC | VGA, DVI-I, and DVI-D | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#6 | ViewSonic VP2468 | 24" | 1920 x 1080 | sRGB, EBU, EMPTE-C, Rec. 709, and DICON-SIM | HDMI 1.4, USB, DisplayPort, and mini DisplayPort | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#7 | Dell UltraSharp UP3216Q | 31.5" | 3840 x 2160 | Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, 87% DCI-P | DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, and HDMI/MHL 2.0 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#8 | Dell UltraSharp U2412H | 24" | 1920 x 1200 | 96% sRGB | MHL and USB 3.0 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#9 | Eizo ColorEdge CS2730 | 27" | 2560 x 1440 | 99% Adobe RGB | DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI-D | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#10 | ViewSonic VP3268-4K | 31.5" | 4K | Adobe RGB, sRGB, EBU, SMPTE-C, Rec. 709 | DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, dual HDMI, and USB 3. | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
Finding A Photo Editing Monitor That Fits Your Needs
Resolution Rules
When scanning the web for a good photo editing monitor, your first consideration should always be its technical specs. The most important indicators of a monitor’s quality are its screen resolution, the amount of colors it supports, and the percentage of each color space (sRGB, Adobe RGB, etc.) it covers.
When shopping for photo editing monitors, be sure to keep these benchmarks in mind:
- Start at 1920 x 1080 resolution for a standard 24-inch screen
- Start at 2560 x 1440 for a 27-inch display
- Start at 3840 x 2160—or a 4K resolution—for any display size over 30 inches
Color gamut support is also a critical element of a monitor’s output quality. An extended gamut will ensure that your photo editing monitor can “see” the same range of colors that your camera’s sensor picked up while shooting the image.
Every monitor supports a unique set of color gamuts. So evaluate each one on its own merits.
Adobe RGB is critically important for print integrity, while sRGB is the standard for images hosted on the web. Some monitors also support other color spaces. These include Rec. 709, that videographers and graphic designers commonly use.
Opting for a monitor that not only includes presets for each color gamut, but also offers custom calibration options, will give you the most flexibility.
Panel Perks
Your next consideration should be the type of graphics panel that the monitor incorporates. This might seem like an unnecessarily technical distinction.
However, it’s often the only thing that differentiates a monitor that simply does the job from a monitor that takes your breath away every time you turn it on.
Because of the popularity of video games and digital streaming, the most popular monitors on the market have TN (twisted nematic field effect) panels. But the snappy response time that makes these panels a favorite among gamers also hampers their photo editing abilities.
The trade-off you make for those lightning-fast controls? You’ll usually only receive 6-bit color reproduction and a severely limited viewing range. These specs obviously aren’t ideal for photo editing. That almost always demands a broad range of colors and viewing angles.
Thankfully, every monitor on this list features an IPS (in-plane switching) panel with 8-bit or 10-bit support. That solves the issues with TN panels and delivers the perfect photo editing experience. If you’re tempted to spring for an expensive gaming display, just remember how stunning your images will look with a billion colors at your disposal!
Usability Is Key
First, find a few monitors with the specs to match your editing process. Then, turn your attention to their features and enhancements.
Resolution and features should be your primary considerations. However, comfort and usability are more important than you might initially assume. Ergonomic joysticks, tactile twist dials, adjustable displays, and other user-friendly features will help you establish an efficient and enjoyable workflow.
Some photo editing monitors allow you to edit multiple photos simultaneously or hook up multiple computers at once. That can be a boon during long, complex photo editing sessions.
Some have sturdy, durable stands. Others can be tilted and swiveled into any shape you desire.
Some have old-school, tactile buttons and switches, while others rely on sleek touchscreens to get the work done. If you think long and hard about your preferences and needs, you’ll be better prepared to choose the monitor that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I determine which photo editing monitor is best for me?
The best way to do this is simply to take a long, hard look at your own unique photo editing process. A photo editing monitor is usually a hefty investment. After all, you could purchase a pretty great lens with this kind of cash. So it’s best to make sure that you invest in the product that will perfectly suit your needs and preferences.
Here are some questions to consider: How many hours per day do I normally spend editing photos? How much space do I have to install a monitor? What do I typically do with my finished photos? And don’t forget the all-important question: What’s my budget? Spend long hours editing every day? Then opt for a monitor with intuitive, ergonomic controls and filters that reduce eye strain.
If you have limited space on your desk, then look for a 24- or 27-inch model that rotates easily. If you post lots of photos on the web, then you’ll need a monitor with impeccable sRGB specs. If you’re mainly producing for print, then Adobe RGB might be a more important consideration. Have a newer computer with a powerful graphics card? You can splurge on a 4K monitor. However, older machines might do better with a lower resolution.
What should I plan to spend on a photo editing monitor? What are some of the benefits of a pricier option, and the drawbacks of a cheaper one?
As with most photography gear, the amount you spend entirely depends on a couple things. That includes the level of professionalism and polish that you want your finished images to present. A budget in excess of $1,000 will allow you to purchase a professional-grade photo editing monitor that delivers exquisite results. Expect to spend between $700 and $1,000 for an intermediate level photo editing monitor.
That is perfectly suitable for professional camera users and serious hobbyists. In today’s market, however, as little as $500 can purchase an excellent photo editing monitor. It will keep up with the big guys without all the fancy bells and whistles. Is your budget is on the small end?
Just remember that today’s average specs would have been revolutionary for all the 20th century’s great photographers. The standards are high, the technologies are astonishing, and the results ultimately depend more on your dedication and skill then the price of your equipment.
How often should I plan to replace my photo editing monitor?
A decent photo editing monitor can last for as long as a standard computer monitor. Sometimes even longer. Professionals will probably want to replace their photo editing monitor and software often. Even as often as they purchase new cameras and lenses—think every year or two. That is because technology moves at a brisk pace.
Manufacturers are constantly implementing exciting new features. If you’re a casual hobbyist, however, you may not need to replace your photo editing monitor for five to seven years.
Can photo editing monitors be used for other activities (such as gaming, surfing the web, or editing video and animation)?
Technically, yes. Any computer monitor is capable of running your games or creative software. However, it’s best to think of photo editing monitors as highly specialized tools rather than all-in-one machines. You can certainly enjoy your favorite games and websites on your new editing monitor.
However, its response time and technical specs are usually customized for a specific purpose. Hardcore gamers should purchase another, similarly specialized monitor to keep up with their games of choice. In fact, for the reasons detailed in the section above, a high-performance gaming monitor is usually a bad choice for photographers and videographers.
Rankings & Reviews
Now that you know exactly what you’re looking for—and exactly what to avoid—it’s finally time to delve into our top picks for photo editing monitors.
We’ve featured monitors at every price point. Some for the professionals, some for the serious amateurs, and some for the hobbyists who are just getting started.
Read on for detailed descriptions of our favorite products on the market today. In addition, you will find short summaries of reviewer feedback, each product’s standout features, and some special considerations to know before you buy. We hope you’ll find the photo editing monitor that’s perfect for you!
#1. BenQ SW271
- Diagonal Screen Width: 27 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Color Support: 100% sRGB, 99% Adobe RGB
- Input Types: USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI
- Included Accessories: Shading hood
The BenQ SW271 is the last in a long line of stellar imaging monitors. It is the market’s best blend of value, design, and performance.
It delivers almost everything you could desire from a premium photo editing monitor. Brilliant HDR, crystalline 4K resolution, and superb color space support.
According to the manufacturer, the SW271 can support nearly a billion colors. Its knockout 27-inch screen boasts 3840 x 2160 resolution, along with advanced AQCOLOR support that spans 100% of the sRGB range and 99% of Adobe RGB. Since most of the web uses sRGB by default, you can rest easy knowing that your photos will look exactly the same wherever you upload them.
A 14-bit 3D Look Up Table blends colors seamlessly, while BenQ’s Palette Master Element software works alongside a calibrator to keep colors clean, bright, and accurate. Its innovative hardware calibration allows you to make minute adjustments to the image processor. You can do that without changing the output of your graphics card, preserving accurate replicas of your original images.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers often compare the SW271 favorably to EIZO machines. That is the highest compliment you can give to a photo editing monitor. They praise its smooth and balanced lighting, exquisite detail, and sophisticated design profile.
One of the SW271’s most popular attributes is its cleverly-named “Hotkey Puck.” That is an ergonomic dial that lets you switch from Adobe RGB mode to sRGB mode to Black & White mode in less than a second. They said that it helped streamline their process and improve their final results.
The SW271 also features a range of upload options, including an USB-C port, an HDMI 2.0, and a DisplayPort 1.4 port. Several reviewers also made note of the SW271’s innovative GamutDuo display. That allows you to edit multiple photos at once and switch seamlessly between programs.
Features & Considerations
Plan to use your monitor for activities other than photo editing? Bear in mind that the SW271 does not have free-sync frame rate.
That means that it might struggle to keep up with fast-paced video games, high-definition videos, or any other programs that demand serious imaging chops.
Although the SW271’s broad, sturdy stand protects against wiggles and wobbles, it limits your range of motion. There’s no swiveling action, which will limit your desk arrangement options significantly.
There are a few smaller quirks that will affect your experience as well. You’ll need to frequently reset the monitor to prevent weird aberrations, such as lines across the screen.
And its instruction manual is a little sparse. So expect to spend some time reading up on its controls and settings.
#2. Asus ProArt PA328Q
- Diagonal Screen Width: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200
- Color Support: 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, 99% Adobe RGB
- Input Types: D-Sub, DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D, and USB 3.0
- Included Accessories: None
In the market for a more affordable option that still delivers the same professional quality results? Then this sophisticated ProArt model from Asus might be just the ticket.
Its glorious 32-inch 4K UHD display works wonders on any image. That makes all your subjects look crisp, clear, and colorful. With a factory calibration that guarantees 100% sRGB and Rec. 709 color space support, along with 99% Adobe RGB true color reproduction, this model shines in any circumstance.
Unlike many premium monitors—including even some of the pricier ones on this list—the PA328Q is easy to adjust. With just one hand, you can tilt, swivel, pivot, and rotate to your heart’s content.
There’s even an ergonomic joystick that allows you to effortlessly swap between each of its customized picture modes, which include sRGB, Standard, Scenery, and Darkroom. To top it all off, this monitor just looks like it belongs in a fantastic space-age movie set, with its ultra-thin bezel and sleek, piano-black finish.
What Reviewers Say
Above all else, reviewers raved about the PA328Q’s thoughtful, user-friendly design. If your eyes get exhausted after long hours in front of the computer, then you’ll appreciate that the PA328Q includes five relaxing blue light filters to protect against eye strain.
Its patented “flicker-free” technology almost totally eliminates those annoying on-screen flickers that often bring on late-night headaches. There’s even an effortless wall mounting option if you’d like to get a broader view.
Professional buyers also had great things to say about this model’s comfortable controls, easy software setup, and elegant design.
Features & Considerations
Out of the box, this monitor performs as well as any product on this list. However, some reviewers have commented that the PA328Q sometimes displays stuck and dark pixels after a few months of regular use. This seems to only occur with defective models, but it’s still a valid concern, especially since Asus customer service isn’t particularly renowned for its thoroughness or precision.
This monitor also shows a bit of lag in the cursor, which can become annoying if you mainly use your mouse to navigate the screen. However, this issue probably won’t be noticeable unless you’re using the monitor for activities other than simple photo editing.
#3. Eizo ColorEdge CG2420
- Diagonal Screen Width: 24.1 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200
- Color Support: 99% Adobe RGB
- Input Types: DVI-D, DisplayPort, and HDMI
- Included Accessories: None
If you’re lusting after a beautiful Eizo monitor but can’t stomach the high price tag, then this affordable model might be right for you. The exceptionally well-reviewed CG2420 boasts many of the same sophisticated features as its more expensive relatives for just a fraction of the cost.
One feature that sets the CG2420 apart from its competitors is its incorporation of an advanced internal calibration tool. There’s no need to invest in a third-party calibrator to keep this monitor in tip-top shape.
Just open its native ColorNavigator 6 software, select the correct preset, and get to work. The ColorEdge even recalibrates automatically if you hook it up to a new computer—talk about convenient!
Have you ever sat down with a client to review a huge batch of images, only to constantly turn your monitor back and forth so each of you can view the screen? Thanks to the ColorEdge’s advanced IPS technology, the screen is completely visible from almost any angle.
What Reviewers Say
The CG2420 is a favorite among landscape and event photographers, especially those who like editing on location or setting up a workstation wherever they go. That’s because a light-shielding hood and carrying handle are both included in the price of the monitor. If you’re already planning to invest in these accessories, then the CG2420 might actually cost you less than a monitor that’s cheaper upfront.
They also praised the CG2420’s innovative Digital Uniformity Equalizer, an Eizo technology that evens out brightness and chromaticity across the display. By neutralizing temperature shifts throughout your editing sessions, this feature helps you maintain the perfect color gamut without constantly tweaking your settings. It’s especially handy if you’re planning to print your photos or transfer them to another monitor.
Features & Considerations
Despite its many advantages, the ColorEdge still has one large flaw: its low resolution. At 24 inches wide, it’s large enough to accommodate an ultra-high definition display. Why Eizo chose not to do so on this monitor is a mystery. While its blisteringly crisp 1500:1 contrast ratio keeps images clear and bright, it’s baffling that the manufacturers didn’t upgrade the display to 4K.
#4. BenQ SW2700PT 2K Monitor
- Diagonal Screen Width: 27 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Color Support: 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709
- Input Types: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and mini DisplayPort
- Included Accessories: Shading hood
Another fantastic entry from BenQ, the SW2700PT has a breathtaking display resolution of 2560 x 1440 and a crisp contrast ratio of 1000:1. That’s 109 pixels per inch, which is perfect for bringing out the small details in every image. It supports an astonishing 1.07 billion colors, covering 99% of the AdobeRGB color space and 100% of the Rec. 709 and sRGB gamuts.
The built-in Palette Master Element software allows you to enhance and maintain peak color performance, while the hardware calibration tool (exactly the same as the one you get in the BenQ SW271) makes it easy to fine-tune the image processor without altering output data. In fact, the SW2700PT boasts many of the same features as its more expensive relative: the same expansive screen size, the same nimble Hotkey Puck, and the same shading hood.
What Reviewers Say
Landscape and nature photographers love the SW2700PT for its extremely even color balancing, its exceptionally clear definition, and its ergonomic styling. The brilliant 10-bit display can produce more than one billion colors, making it perfect for images with rich palettes and intricate details.
Its shading hood is lightweight yet also hardy, designed for long hours in the field, and earned excellent feedback from photographers who take their monitors everywhere they go.
Reviewers also had great things to say about the SW2700PT’s robust 14-bit 3D Look Up Table, which enhances RGB blending precision for silky, seamless gradients.
Features & Considerations
While the SW2700PT shares plenty of desirable attributes with the SW271, it doesn’t have a USB-C port or a built-in calibrator. If you rely heavily on a USB-C connection, then you’ll need to invest in an adaptor or opt for a different monitor.
Like the SW271, this monitor requires frequent resets to maintain proper calibration and eliminate small software snags. This can make maintaining a consistent workflow difficult.
Several buyers have also reported issues with dead and stuck pixels, intense light bleed, and bleached or faded colors along the edges. These severe issues don’t appear in many cases, but they can render monitors totally unusable if they show up.
#5. NEC MultiSync PA 272W-BK-SV
- Diagonal Screen Width: 27 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Color Support: 99.3% Adobe RGB, 146% sRGB, 94.8% NTSC
- Input Types: VGA, DVI-I, and DVI-D
- Included Accessories: None
With a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, the MultiSync PA delivers deep blacks, sharp whites, and vivid colors across the spectrum. It even offers a pixel concentration of 109 ppi, which is just a bit better than full high definition.
This svelte, sophisticated monitor has all your bases covered: a powerful 14-bit 3D Look Up Table, superior color consistency support, and advanced IPS technology for comfort at any viewing angle.
Its premium NEC SpectraView II color calibration tool supports 1.07 billion colors, covering 99.3% of the AdobeRGB color space, 146.4% of the sRGB color space, and 94.8% of the NTSC color space. With all those options at your fingertips, you’ll be posting to your photography blog and sending photos off to print in no time at all.
What Reviewers Say
One of the MultiSync’s most enviable features is its five distinct, fully customizable picture profiles. Reviewers loved that they could use the included MultiProfiler software to fine-tune their picture profiles and upload their preset ICC color profiles directly onto the monitor.
They also appreciated its unique “Picture in Picture” and “Picture by Picture” modes, which allow you to display and edit two image sources simultaneously.
Several purchasers also noted the MultiSync’s DisplaySync Pro controls, which enable you to connect two computers to your system and use them with a single keyboard and mouse without any issues.
Features & Considerations
Several buyers have noted issues with striping, dead pixels, and bright spots on their MultiSync, which might indicate a persistent hardware problem.
It’s also not a fantastic choice for Apple users, since it doesn’t work natively with a MacBook’s graphics processor. You don’t want to be stuck with a gorgeous, expensive screen that still makes your display look stretched.
#6. ViewSonic VP2468
- Diagonal Screen Width: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color Support: sRGB, EBU, EMPTE-C, Rec. 709, and DICON-SIM
- Input Types: HDMI 1.4, USB, DisplayPort, and mini DisplayPort
- Included Accessories: None
Despite its decidedly unsexy name, the VP2468 is a surprisingly competent and elegant photo editing monitor that’s perfect for photographers, videographers, and animators. With a lush full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a luxurious SuperClear IPS panel, the VP2468 delivers uniformly vibrant colors and subtle grayscales.
ViewSonic’s 6-Axis Color Enhancement feature gives you the power to individually control each primary color and minutely adjust hue, saturation, and luminance. An integrated color uniformity function guarantees even edge-to-edge chromacity, while an astonishing 14-bit 3D Look Up Table generates up to 4.39 trillion colors for silky, soft gradients.
Out of the box, the VP 2468’s resolution is insanely crisp and colorful. Enjoy dozens of viewing angles and swivel, pivot, tilt, and adjust to your heart’s content. The VP2468 looks great in any light and stays
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers loved that the VP2468’s ultra-thin bezel design is ideal for complex workflows, allowing you to seamlessly swap and compare between multiple monitors. A DisplayPort, Mini Display Port, two HDMI inputs, and four USB 3.0 ports allow you to connect to a variety of devices.
Since the VP2468 is calibrated for sRGB, EBU, SMPTE-C, and DICOM-SIM color spaces, editors of every stripe found every necessary tool at their fingertips. This monitor is flexible and versatile, making it the perfect tool for the jack-of-all-trades designer who needs to switch from graphic design to photo editing to video trimming in the space of an hour.
Features & Considerations
There’s no color calibrator built into the monitor, so you’ll need to invest in your own. This can be a significant expense, so be sure to take it into account when you are calculating your budget. The VP2568 also doesn’t have a USB-C port, so it will be a little less accessible for Mac users.
#7. Dell UltraSharp UP3216Q
- Diagonal Screen Width: 31.5 inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Color Support: 99% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709, 87% DCI-P
- Input Types: DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, and HDMI/MHL 2.0
- Included Accessories: None
This astonishing 31.5-inch, 4K monitor boasts a 3840 x 2160 resolution. At four times the native resolution of full high definition, the UltraSharp reveals striking color and detail in every single pixel of your image.
Its PremierColor software ensures stunning colors across four color spaces: 99% of Adobe RGB, 100% of sRGB, 100% of Rec. 709, and 87% of DCI-P3 coverage. It’s rare to find a one-size-fits-all monitor that genuinely delivers the consistent quality you get with the UP3216Q. If you’re a professional who deals with color content—whether a photographer, a graphic designer, a video editor, or an animator—can switch their workflow seamlessly onto this monitor.
The built-in UltraSharp Color Calibration Solution software allows you to bring out the vibrancy hidden in every shade and tone.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers raved about the UltraSharp’s endlessly adjustable design. You can swivel, tilt, and raise or lower the monitor to suit your custom workflow, all without compromising its integrity. The stand isn’t quite as sturdy as you might prefer, but most reviewers were impressed with how much support it provides.
Although several reviewers noted a bit of glow around the edges, particularly when viewing darker images, they appreciated the UP3216Q’s uniform coloration and even backlighting.
The KVM functionality, which allows you to switch quickly and easily between inputs, was a lifesaver for photographers who also own a gaming rig or other specialized device. They also praised its solid build quality, its elegant bezel design, and the handy slot in the stand to hide the mess of cables that often accumulate behind a computer.
Features & Considerations
Although the monitor itself is exceptional, it’s no secret that Dell’s customer service is not the most reputable in the world. Before you buy this monitor, be sure that you are equipped to deal with hardware issues, should they arise.
And for some buyers, the UltraSharp does present critical issues. Some have reported dead pixels, some have noted an inexplicable lack of color uniformity across sections of the monitor, and some have even found large blue or black spots marring their monitor.
The UltraSharp’s OSD buttons are capacitive sensors rather than physical buttons. Using them feels essentially like pressing “buttons” on the touchscreen of your smartphone. They’re excellent fixtures, both intuitive and elegant, but you’ll definitely need time to adjust to them.
#8. Dell UltraSharp U2412H
- Diagonal Screen Width: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200
- Color Support: 96% sRGB
- Input Types: MHL and USB 3.0
- Included Accessories: None
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to treat yourself to an exceptional piece of equipment, then our second pick from Dell’s fantastic UltraSharp line might do the trick.
The U2412M costs just a little more than a standard monitor, yet delivers impressive results. With 16.78 million colors up its sleeve, this monitor gives your photos the state-of-the-art treatment without the VIP price.
Images spring into vibrant, colorful life on the 24-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution screen. The U2412M also features an expansive 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio to accommodate a wide range of native resolutions. No matter what subjects you shoot, this monitor is sure to make them look glorious.
What Reviewers Say
Most reviewers complimented the U2412M for delivering exactly what they expected: a solid, affordable photo editing monitor that ensures color uniformity and vibrancy across a wide spectrum.
They also appreciated that all the normal customization features come as standard, including height and angle adjustment, tilt and swivel functions, and a fast, user-friendly menu to customize your color settings.
Environmentally conscious purchasers also noted that this product doesn’t skimp on build quality like some other budget monitors either. Every element of the U2412M is made from sustainably sourced materials designed to minimize heat loss and reduce energy usage.
Features & Considerations
Of course, the U2412M’s budget price tag does require a few compromises in quality. Dell doesn’t guarantee—or even provide—color space coverage, so there may be whole swaths of the sRGB or Adobe gamut that it simply can’t support.
That is a considerable sacrifice, especially if your professional reputation hinges on the quality of your prints. Anyone who shoots photos for money should steer clear of cheaper monitors and invest in gear that doesn’t hold your images back.
This monitor occasionally suffers from color uniformity flaws and bright or dead pixels, but no more than you would expect from a tech-heavy product.
#9. Eizo ColorEdge CS2730
- Diagonal Screen Width: 27 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Color Support: 99% Adobe RGB
- Input Types: DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI-D
- Included Accessories: None
This powerhouse from Eizo boasts a crystalline wide-gamut LED display, a smooth 2560 x 1440 resolution, and a respectable 1000:1 contrast ratio. Although that resolution doesn’t stack up against the newest 4K monitors, the CS2730’s superb 10-bit simultaneous display on a 16-bit Look Up Table more than makes up for the deficit by ensuring precise tones and silky gradients.
Another area where the CS2730 truly shines is usability. Every inch of this monitor is packed with helpful features, from an anti-glare panel that minimizes eye fatigue, to a convenient built-in carrying handle, to an HDMI port that supports interlace/progressive conversion for smooth, flicker-free transitions.
What Reviewers Say
Photographers who print their work in house loved this monitor for its Quick Color Match tool, which helps you transition seamlessly between editing and printing. They remarked that the CS2730 has impressive color uniformity, wonderful richness, and exceptional in-house presets for both Adobe RGB and sRGB color spaces.
This monitor also looks fantastic, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to add some flair to their desktop. Its slim bezels, slender design, and rich matte finish elegantly complement any setup. Plus, there are sleek electrostatic switches on the front bezel that make operating the CS2730 feel like sitting in a futuristic spaceship.
Features & Considerations
The CS2730’s pixel density is lower and its resolution is softer than other monitors in a similar price range. That doesn’t necessarily mean the quality is inferior, but it definitely impairs your ability to pinpoint tiny flaws and details.
Eizo also doesn’t guarantee color support for sRGB, so this monitor is ideal for photographers who mainly work within the Adobe color space.
You will also need to purchase a color calibration hardware solution to complete your setup and ensure the best color quality. Since the CS2730 is already a pretty expensive monitor, those additional costs are sure to add up. The USB 3.0 ports are located on the left-hand side of the monitor, making them a little awkward and difficult to reach.
#10. ViewSonic VP3268-4K
- Diagonal Screen Width: 31.5 inches
- Resolution: 4K
- Color Support: Adobe RGB, sRGB, EBU, SMPTE-C, Rec. 709
- Input Types: DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, dual HDMI, and USB 3.0
- Included Accessories: None
One of the largest monitors on this list, this mammoth 31.5-inch ViewSonic display is spacious enough to accommodate any workflow, but its full 4K ultra high definition resolution ensures smooth, tack-sharp detail. Those four extra inches make a world of a difference when you’re examining the intricacies of an image.
The VP3268 also boasts a 1300:1 contrast ratio and 14-bit and 3D Look Up Tables, a distinction that it shares with some of the best photo editing monitors on the market today. Much like its close cousin described above, this monitor makes colors look exquisitely bright, bold, and beautiful from the moment you boot it up.
What Reviewers Say
Reviewers appreciated the VP3268 for its superb color consistency, its silky smooth gradients, and its super-thin bezel that’s perfect for multi-monitor setups. A palette of roughly 4.39 trillion colors gave them plenty of room to play, while ViewSonic’s advanced 6-Axis Color Adjustability feature made it easy to fine-tune individual images.
Buyers also loved this monitor’s out-of-the-box functionality, saying that it requires very little initial calibration to achieve flawless colors.
Features & Considerations
Unfortunately, the VP3268-4K has one huge flaw: its subpar Adobe RGB support. It only guarantees 77% of the color space, and there’s no preset mode to specifically optimize the display for Adobe colors. This will obviously be an issue if you find yourself editing in Adobe RBG often, or if you want the flexibility to do so.
Even within the sRGB color space, where this monitor otherwise shines, there’s no option to customize brightness. That is a perplexing flaw in such a high-end display—and it’s a serious issue for any photographer, regardless of your specialization.
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