Datacolor have released it’s version 2 calibration app now available on iTunes for iPhone and iPad that allows you to calibrate the display using your existing Spyder3 or higher colorimeter.

I plan to purchase an iPad to use as an easy interactive folio with potential clients, and happy to know that my Datacolor Spyder Elite will calibrate the display.  So as an existing owner of a Spyder Elite I thought I would give the app a test on the iPhone 4 before my purchase.

After Downloading the app  I was asked to download the desktop app for Mac or PC using the “Email me a link” button located in the app itself.  After installation the iPhone was connected to the computer, and Spyder device was placed on the iPhone screen location mark.  The placement marking was much smaller than the Datacolor device…this should  be fine on the iPad.

Above is side by side screen capture of the before and after calibration using an Adobe 1998 color chart. Below is another example with noticeable differences in color.
 

Calibration to any display will depend upon the environment in which it is placed, as most calibration units will take an ambient light reading.  The Spyder did not take this reading when adjusting the iPhone display.  You will need to turn off the auto brightness setting if you wish to retain the reading, as this will put the colors out in different lighting conditions.  Good in theory, but with auto brightness off and trying to view in the midday sun, I did feel like a bat.  However, my main reason for testing was for the iPad…you would never sit with a client in the midday sun to display any form of image.  Overall I saw a big improvement to the color intensity,  but it is still off from being accurate…but hey, it’s just a phone.  I have heard that the iPad will have better results and has been recommended for all iPad owners wanting their photos to display more accurately.

Pros

Free to download

Easy to use

Obvious changes to display

Cons

Auto brightness settings are off and hard to see display in sunny environments

App will not work with full functionality unless the location services are switched on.  Why Datacolor need this sort of information I do not know?

Calibration is only applied to gallery through Spyder app gallery.

Still in the process of cleaning up hard-drives etc and I found this taken in Brisbane down an alley beside a pub.  I had to lie down to take the photo but things went on hold as people passing by thought I was drunk and had fallen over.

I tend to care too much of what people think and this was one of those times where you start to learn it doesn’t matter what you look like if you want the shot.

Well kids, here is living proof that elves live amongst us during the year up until Christmas.  This one was spotted at a gig singing for Brisbane band For This Cause. Note the part exposed ear?

Maybe I am just trying to justify a new Mac with a bigger screen but my computer seems to be slowing down.  A quick cleanup had led myself to this image from a few years back…

Last Sunday I was in the Redland’s area to take a photo of a 57 Chev. The car was accompanied by many others that needed to be pushed out of the garage in order to utilize  the space for the shoot.  I had a quick walk around to checkout the space and lighting beforehand and laughed as I walked past a Mercedes-Benz, questioning why is this here?  This was a performance shop that caters in building performance engines and not just dealing in regular tune-ups.  The owner was quick to ask if I would like to photograph any of the other cars?  Thinking I would be fine with the Chev, he walks me around to the front of the black car.  I was quick to eat my words to say the least.  WALL-E had been mounted into the engine bay!  It just goes to show that it’s best to take note of all the surroundings before making a decision.

My brother-in-law works for Peppermint Magazine and recently asked me to take his mug shot for the contributors section.  Holding up a magazine other than the one he works for, just for a laugh.  Although this one wasn’t to be used, I thought it was too good to leave on the cutting room floor (the magazine’s been pixelated due to copyright).  Anyway, keep an eye out for issue 12 of Peppermint which is due to hit the shelves in the next couple of weeks.  Brent’s an amazing illustrator and I believe he has quite a bit of work in this edition.