Photoshop_User_July_2017

> PHOTOSHOP USER

>^ JULY 2017

[ 86 ]

REVIEWS › ›

There’s only one affordable option that’s accurate enough to cali-

brate anything from cameras to displays to printers: the X-Rite i1Pro

2 spectrophotometer. I had the chance to test the Photo edition.

The i1Pro 2 is very accurate and fast, and it switches between

UV-brightened and non-brightened media, as you need. The

i1Photo Pro 2 has an expanded feature set that offers photogra-

phers the ability to measure input and output, while correcting

for optical brighteners often found in photo papers—all with the

same device.

The device includes i1Profiler software, for which it acts as a soft-

ware dongle. The software features basic and advanced modes for

monitors, video-production workflows, projectors, scanners, and

RGB printers. If you output to a true CMYK printer (there are only

a few affordable ones around) or if you need to create specialist

DeviceLink profiles, you’re better off with the Publish version as

that one comes with the most complete feature set (at $2,499).

The nicely designed and ergonomic i1Photo Pro 2 device comes

in its own semi-soft carrying case. It includes the ColorChecker

Classic target mini, ColorChecker Proof target, an Ambient Light

Measurement Head, Monitor Holder, Projector Holder, Scanning

Ruler, Backup Board, and a Spot Color Positioning Target. All the

accessories are robust, more so than those of its predecessor’s,

and with a much better design.

Software-wise, the i1Photo Pro 2 is very complete, profiling all

modern displays, such as LED, Plasma, RG Phosphor, OLED, and

Wide Gamut, and all input and output devices bar CMYK printers.

You can also adjust your monitor to any ambient light condition

for color-critical work. The device also supports calibrating iOS and

Android devices to ensure a client presentation is as accurate in the

client’s office as it is in your studio. And the i1Photo Pro does all of

that with panache. n

Company: X-Rite Pantone

Price: $1,659

Rating: 5

Hot: Speed; design; accuracy; usage scenarios;

software offering

Not:

Accurate, Affordable Spectrophotometer

for Calibration and Profiling

Review by Erik Vlietinck

X-Rite

i1Photo Pro 2