Hi itsikw,

I second Fred's comments. I use the Canon Pro9500 and an HPZ3200 - 44" working in a Microsoft Vista environment. The printing using Qimage is a very nice experience. Have fun!!

Regards,

Keith

Hi Mike,

Thank you for putting the time in on this one. Your input is invaluable. I'm in the process of ordering a GH1 for a test drive. This is also because of the video capabilities. I look forward to being able to take decent HD video clips, and like the idea of the hybrid. My "big" camera is a Canon IDsMark111, I was thinking about waiting to see what the IDsMarkIV would bring, most seem to expect the video capability, but I think it might be a lot easier having the smaller GH1 with me a bit more often. A wise man once told me the best camera in the world is the one you have with you!

Regards,

Keith

Hi Fred, Your comments are well taken. It is just a case of me realizing over the last several months that my existing 22" Asus monitors, calibrated with Spyder3Pro are lacking in some of the areas you touch on. These guys are a few years old, never had the best gamut, are starting to drift etc....... It was just interesting that I was able to score 0 quickly the first time. My thinking is that the time I spend recalibrating is worth it to some degree. Bye they way, your comments are always looked for, you have a great sense of humor as well as some very good and welcomed technical input! Regards, Keith

Well, this is interesting, I scored a perfect 0. Fred, I still have not purchased a new monitor. I'm stewing over LED or LCD. Recently the HP dream colour LP2480zx looks like it might be the best. Trouble is I have not seen one in person yet. Any opinions out there? If I can score a perfect score on an inexpensive monitor, calibrated and profiled with Syder3Pro, tested on an Xright test of colour hue, wouldn't you say this takes some of the pressure off spending money on a new monitor?

Regards,

Keith

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!  I thought these problems were ones I should be doing much better on and blaming myself.

I have already come to the conclusion that some of my problems in soft-proofing are with my monitor set up and have been looking at options here. I've had some help from Fred on the monitor options and still have not made up my mind. The LED offerings are looking very interesting. But, back to the subject, Thank you, Thank you and Thank you again for these comments! I'll keep trying and use the small print tests to confirm things before the big prints without feeling to bad about it!

Keith

I have to say you guys put up some interesting comments!

At my end, the only way to go is PC, even with all its challenges. I'm not a programmer, a hacker or even especially good with some of the software I use. But Windows and the PC environment has been fundamentally very easy to work with. Really, over the long haul for the most part I've just turned on the computer and went to work. When ever a problem comes up, it is most often not that big a deal. There is terrific support out there, like this forum for PC programs. One very big point is I always have an easy time communicating with others. It is invaluable to be able to send and receive files with such little difficulty that each party can open, read and work with. For business applications and all the "fun" stuff, I'm going to stick with Windows.

Keith

PS: Thanks again Mike for all your great work!!

Wow, thanks again for all the effort Mike. I can understand you having to keep on top of all the newest upgrades, but can you suggest any reasons the average user might want to go through all this trouble?

I use several different high end printers including an HPZ3200-44", 3 monitors on my desk top, many different kinds of software besides Qimage: architecture, Microsoft Office, accounting, Photoshop.......... I can just imagine the time I would have to spend trying to deal with what you describe as a big move. At my end, I'm not a programmer or hacker. I'm happy just to be able to figure out enough of how to use the software to get my work done, and deal with the regular flush of updates!

Come to think of it, I am quite happy in my home too.

Why do this move???

All my respect goes out to you Mike! Thanks for all your efforts.

Regards,

Keith

Hello Mike and contributing members,

Holy Crap! I'll be going as far as I can with Vista Ultimate. It is treating me pretty good right now, and I've got a lot of software and peripherals hooked up.

Thanks for all the information. It sure helps curb any interest in upgrading  to 7 if you don't need to.

Regards,

Keith

I'm seriously looking at the Eizo options, they look great. Anyone have comments on the LaCie line, 526 compared to 724? The 724 is LED tech. Also any input on if calibration can be done with the Spyder3Pro or do I have to buy the Blue Eye Colorimeter?

Regards,

Keith

Terry,

That's a beautiful gallery!


Keith

Hello again Terry,

Thank you. I'm in Canada so I'll be looking for who to do my purchasing from as well.

It's going to be really nice to make this move. I'm on a pair of 22" Asus that look great for the basic stuff, but once I get into the detailed calibration and following Photoshop work the short comings become clear. I keep finding weak links in the chain! It's all fun anyway. My thinking now is to take your advise and move in the Eizo direction and then if the video is not very good, I'll change the second monitor for that emphasis.

All the best,

Keith

Hi Terry,

Thanks for the note, I've been looking hard at all the web info I can find on monitors and feel your direction may be the one for me too. What size did you settle on? I'm thinking of around 26". Have you tried any video? My main concern is for photography, but I do a little work in video too. If the Eizo is the best way to go for the photo, may be I'll use a different monitor for the video work depending on your comments.

Regards,

Keith

Hi Guys,

Mike's article seems right on. Just to let you know, I've been using the HPZ3200 for a few months now. The pigment based ink in this printer which includes a new special red has been a very nice experience. No regrets here at all. There is a gloss enhancer cartridge that can be used to help with the gloss differential as required.

Regards,

Keith

Hi Mike,
Your software is just great, and I have enjoyed all the articles read to date. In this case I would like to offer some of my own input that somewhat seems to run against the grain of this piece. For me the constant improvements with cameras, computer software and printers has really helped  noticeably. My reality check has been that even with my limited expertise the photos are now of a much higher quality, the software precesses things much better and easier and the printers do a great job on making up for my short comings. I look forward to improving my knowledge and skills, especially with Qimage, but my argument is that the upgrades across the board are helping very noticeably and I find myself befitting by purchasing the newest technology I can afford. That is my reality check.
Regards,
Keith

Very interesting!

One of my concerns would be who to complain to if problems come up. Would anyone be interested in helping? Back to the automobile comparison. I have always gone with the dealer service on my vehicles and been treated like a king. Of course I am paying more, but the dependability and quality of service has been increasingly better over the years as the dealer realized the extent of my loyalty. I think this is also true with the photography equipment and printers I have bought over the years. I don't print huge volumes, quality and help when I need it is most important to me. I think sticking with the manufactures recommended consumables is the way to go. At least for me.

Regards,

Keith