New Spyder3Elite & Spyder3Pro Downloads Available
We've had lots of great feedback from users of Spyder3Pro and Elite, and have now completed a number of improvements for various issues reported to us. We have also implemented a new feature for Mac users: the ability to calibrate your displays from a User Account that does not have Administrative Privileges. You can download the new v3.0.4 software versions for Mac and Windows here. If you put a checkmark in the "Check for software updates" box on your application's Preferences page, you will be informed of such updates automatically as they become available.
Expert Advice
Care of the Spyder3Print Calibration Tile
The white tile embedded in the base of the Spyder3Print or PrintFIX PRO spectro needs to be clean in order to function properly. It can be cleaned with lens cloth or a paper towel. Avoid using rags or other non-lens cloth, as it may contain optical brighteners, which could effect white tile measurements. Mild cleaning solvents such as Windex or Isopropyl Alcohol can be used as needed.
Remember your mother telling you to wipe your feet before you came into the house? Its the same with your spectro’s white tile: as you move it across printed targets, it can pick up ink and other residues. If you clean the tip of the spectro before calibration, that will keep these materials from getting on the white tile, and make keeping the white tile clean a much simpler process.
How do you know your white tile is dirty? A visual inspection can tell you a lot. Another indication is if your measured values for paper white on optically brightened papers show as a bright Cyan, instead of white. If this occurs, clean both your spectro tip, and your white tile thoroughly, recalibrate the spectro, and reread paper white. If that fails to solve the issue, contact our technical support, for further information.
Video Tutorials
Photoshop Tip of the Month
Selection Preview while you Move it
Have you noticed that when you make a selection and move it (by holding down the Command-key on a Mac, or Control key on a PC) that only an outline of the edge of your selection actually moves and when you release the mouse, the image inside the selection then draws in? Well, there's an easy way to see the selected part of your image as you move it. After you've made your selection, you have to click and hold to drag right? Right, but just pause for about a second before you move the selection and Photoshop will draw the selection preview for you while you move.
Featured Photographer
Michael E. Stern
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Michael E. Stern has been a professional photographer since graduating from Art Center College of Design in 1979. Working in the entertainment industry with The Walt Disney Co., Warner Brothers Studios, Universal Studios, and Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures among others, he has photographed executives and celebrities, products, architecture and created special visual effects. His reputation is one of quality, creativity and making the deadline.
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Photo by Michael E. Stern
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Beginning in 1995, he added digital imaging solutions to his repertoire. In 2000 he emerged as a sought after digital restoration expert, working on Disney's California Adventure and a variety of other exhibitions.
By offering digital capture, scanning, compositing, retouching, printing, archiving, guaranteed results and an unsurpassed level of professional service, Michael successfully make the transition to the digital arena.
When not making images for clients or himself Michael can usually be found teaching at Brooks Institute in Ventura, CA or Studio Arts in Los Angeles. He is also known as "Mr. Pixel" on www.phototalkradio.com.
To see more of Michael's work, please go to www.cyberstern.com.
Featured Review
AAUG Reviews: Spyder3Studio by Bruce Herman
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Product Rating: 5 (Excellent)
Spyder3Studio is Datacolor's recently released, complete solution to color management for photographers and artists working in the digital realm. Like its predecessor, PrintFIX Pro Suite 2, Spyder3Studio is actually two products bundled together. They are Spyder3Elite which is for display calibration and profiling; and Spyder3Print which is for profiling printer paper. Spyder3Studio differs from it predecessor in several important respects. The Spyder3 itself, which is used for monitor calibration and profiling, is smaller, more sensitive, more accurate, and faster. The ambient light sensor is built into the Spyder3 unit. The software component of Spyder3Elite contains a number of new features, including a real-time ambient light sensor and new alternatives for checking the calibration that do not require running a full-blown re-calibration. Spyder3Print includes a new guide that helps to position the spectrophotometer and thereby speed the process, and extended gray profiling.
Read the entire review here.
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Recent Coverage
We are constantly working to make color management more effective, affordable and easy to use. Here are some of our most recent sightings:
Spyder3Elite
Spyder3Elite Review (PhotographyBLOG)
The Importance of Monitor Calibration... (Weekly Photo Tips)
Read more reviews at: http://spyder.datacolor.com/reviews.php.
