Professional graphic designers should look for monitors that can give them the best combination of the highest performance, the highest resolution possible and the latest features when it comes to connecting to other equipment used.
With such a specialized set of needs, many of the best designer devices on the market are not always available. Monitors for working with graphics of this level are professional, and the combination of functions and price category distinguishes them from standard devices that can be bought anywhere. Models come out infrequently and are many times more expensive.
While advances in technology have made these devices better than ever, a 4K resolution change has come to the fore, making them the most commonly used monitors for creative use. Updated resolution helps designers better understand the workflow, while large screens are much easier to use.
How to choose the right device?
Before buying a monitor for working with graphics, you should consider the resolution, screen size, color accuracy, connection types, ergonomics and price. Each parameter will let you know how the device is suitable for its future user.
Resolution
It seems that every few years a new resolution for computer monitors for working with graphics appears on the market, further erasing the line between what is on the screen and reality. The bigger, the better. This is especially true if the category of work performed contains a lot of details and details that you need to pay attention to.
At the moment, the best resolution is ultra-high (UHD), also known as 4K. These monitors have a matrix size with a ratio of 3840 by 2160 pixels, which is twice as much as that of a 1080P monitor. There is also a second category with affordable resolution - Wide Quad HD (WQHD) with a 2560 by 1440 pixel ratio, otherwise called 1440p. It should be borne in mind that with the improvement of this parameter in technology, its cost will also be relatively high.
Screen size
The question of how to connect the monitor to the computer correctly and which connection to use is relevant. With the release of a new type of matrix, users can choose the type of cable and port format for synchronization. The big screen is much better. Especially when the user is working with images with high detail and ultra-high resolution. Unfortunately, owners are limited by the size of the workspace when it comes to the size of the monitor they end up buying.
The goal is to maximize the available area for the screen, to view multiple projects on one screen. If the user decides to use a device with a resolution of UHD or WQHD, he can try to find a monitor in the range from 27 to 32 inches, but if work is done in the office, you can consider buying a 29-inch WQHD widescreen monitor, which has a 21: 9 aspect ratio screen .
Grayscale and Color Accuracy
Today, there are many professional-grade monitors on the market that allow you to maintain color consistency using the hardware and software of the device or using third-party calibration, which can be purchased separately.
Any settings panel should not have any problems with displaying shades of dark gray and light, which helps to determine the level of shadow and highlight details that can be seen on the screen. PS technology also helps ensure wide viewing angles on the monitor. Setup panels can guarantee color clarity as well as brightness when viewed from above, below, or on the sides, unlike older vertical alignment panels.
I / O Connections
How to connect a monitor to a computer and which port to choose is a question that causes a lot of controversy. For those who may not know, I / O connections are the ports on the monitor that allow you to connect various digital and electronic devices. To provide the best connectivity, the selected monitor should have HDMI, dual-channel DVI ports and DisplayPort 1.2. Nevertheless, if the work that the graphic designer does requires several devices and their connection, to get a common screen, you should consider the model that comes with Thunderbolt-in- and -out or DisplayPort 1.2 ports.
If you need a monitor with UHD (4K) resolution to achieve the best resolution that the screen can display, you should make sure that the video card supports multi-stream transmission via DisplayPort 1.2 or has two HDMI ports.
Ergonomics
Desktops come in many shapes and sizes, and having a monitor stand that doesn't allow you to adjust the height of the screen or rotate it to move it to the most convenient viewing position can be a major problem, especially if the user spends many hours at work. For some designers, the mobility of the monitor, allowing you to rotate the screen 90 degrees in portrait mode, can be very convenient and greatly simplify the work with long documents or even websites.
A monitor with multiple USB ports can be great for connecting your phone or installing flash drives. They are usually located on the side of the device to be easily accessible. For graphic designers who can use the photographs taken, a memory card slot can be a good option when choosing a model. This is by no means a necessity, but can greatly facilitate the downloading of images, especially if the PC is under the table.
Top 10 best models
Next, one of the best monitor models to date will be described in descending order. The top was compiled by the reviews of employees and users, who often encounter image processing.
10. Eizo ColorEdge G2420-BK
This is one of the best monitor for designers. The device projects work with a resolution of 2560 × 1440 (16 × 9), while its improved pixel density improves image clarity. The built-in self-calibration sensor allows you to automate the setting of colors displayed on the screen, and also works well with the ColorNavigator 5 and ColorNavigator programs. With a contrast ratio of 1000: 1, a response time of six milliseconds and a brightness of 300 cd / m2 it is easy to understand why this is a favorite of professionals.
The Eizo monitor is equipped with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, making it easy to connect to various computer configurations during recording. The 709, EBU, and SMPTE-C standards are 100% complete and cover 99% of the Adobe RGB color space.
9. Dell UltraSharp UP3216Q
Although many people remember Dell's 90s ads, the company continued to deliver high-quality products to consumers and professionals. This good graphics monitor is considered one of the best 4K devices on the market.
The model has one HDMI, one DisplayPort and one Mini DisplayPort and offers a 31.5-inch screen that will provide comfortable viewing no matter where the user decided to place it. Dell guarantees that high-quality displayed images with 99% Adobe RGB coverage plus 100% RGB, REC and 87% DCI-PS color spaces highlight any image.
The monitor is equipped with standard rear-panel inputs, including HDMI, DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, an audio jack, and USB 3.0 ports. A hidden bonus is a 6-card reader located on the left side of the monitor. On the right is another USB port for charging the phone or other uses.
8. Philips Brilliance BDM4065UC
The model has the best type of matrix for monitors. This device is a close competitor of Dell, has an sRGB color gamut of up to 99% and is equipped with a 40-inch LED panel with a resolution of 4K UHD (3840 × 2160), which highlights every pixel in the image.
Phillips' proprietary VA LED display technology makes images brighter thanks to advanced vertical alignment technology, which not only improves the contrast quality of images, but also the viewing angle, making it visible from wider angles.
Philips offers its customers a bonus with the addition of a DisplayPort mini-input and MHL HDMI port, which allows you to connect a tablet or smartphone and mirror the screen without delay. The only drawback is that with active MHL, the monitor only supports 1080 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate.
7. Acer S277HK
For some designers, the aesthetics of a device’s appearance are just as important as the performance it provides. For those looking for a first, curved monitor for working with graphics, the Acer S277HK can satisfy all requirements. With a resolution of up to 4K UHD, the model has a brightness level of up to 300 cd / m2 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 100 million: 1.
The 27-inch monitor uses IPS-panel technology, which provides excellent shades of gray and accurate color reproduction, as well as a clear image with high detail. The position of the screen is a problem, as the user can tilt the model back and forth, but cannot adjust the height of the device or rotate it.
6. Asus ProArt PA329Q
The Asus monitor is a high-quality 32-inch screen that has a 4K matrix and provides coverage of up to 95% of the color space for Adobe RGB, as well as coverage of 100% of the color space of Rec.709, providing brighter colors.
Designed to meet the special needs of photographers and designers, the Asus ProArt monitor is equipped with a 10-bit IPS panel that also supports a 16-bit color matching table. Setting the model to a position that provides optimal visibility is easy with the available tilt, swivel and pivot functions. Four HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, five USB slots, as well as a direct-stream USB port and memory card reader will provide the buyer with almost all the I / O connections that may be needed at work.
5. BenQ PD3200U
Thanks to the PD3200U, BenQ widescreen display, the budget monitor for working with graphics greatly simplifies working with 4K and 3D images than on other models. The 32-inch display has a PS screen with a 1000: 1 contrast ratio and full 100% sRGB color space support.
With a resolution of 3840 × 2160, the PD3200U is a 4K monitor that 100% supports Rec 709, and also includes blackout, highlighted animation, and CAD / CAM modes. When using the KVM switch (Keyboard Video Mous), you can connect a second computer to the monitor and switch between them using one screen, keyboard and mouse. This can be a great option and saves space, especially if you need to use two PCs at the same time.
Fully adjustable, allowing you to tilt and rotate the display to the desired position, the monitor also rotates 90 degrees in portrait mode, providing greater flexibility for creating projects. On the right side, BenQ provides two HDMI ports, DisplayPort 1.2, as well as a DisplayPort mini-port, an SD card slot and two USB 3.0 ports, so you can connect any peripheral device to the model you need.
4. Samsung LU28E570DS / ZA 28 UHD 4K Led-Lit Monitor
How to choose a monitor for working with graphics, the issue is relevant and controversial. Many people prefer brands that are already popular all over the world. As one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world, Samsung has released a high-quality screen that, thanks to its sleek and stylish design, can appeal not only to developers, but also to photographers.
One of the lowest response times on the market is 1 millisecond, which provides the best image quality and virtually no glare on the screen. The 4K resolution monitor with 8.3 billion pixels has a static contrast ratio of 1000: 1.
While tilting the panel with both hands so that the monitor does not tip over, changing the height, rotation or rotation is not available for the Samsung display. Although it has two HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2 ports, the panel does not have USB 3.0 or DVI inputs.
3. Iiyama G-MASTER GB2888UHSU
Despite the fact that most consider this display to be a budget option for those who are looking for a monitor for professional work with 4K graphics with a response speed of 1 millisecond and high quality Samsung U28E590D, but at a lower price, this model can be considered.
However, some buyers should be concerned about the viewing angles that the matrix provides. IPS panels usually deliver consistently accurate color displayed regardless of the viewing angle; a device from liyama does not provide this and does not have the same power as the displays described above. But this does not mean that he does not have his privileges.
Thanks to the resolution of 4K, the monitor is equipped with all the standard ports that are needed. It is mainly used for everyday office work. However, as users themselves note, the screen is perfect for novice designers who need a budget device for image processing.
2. Acer B276HK
A monitor overview for working with graphics includes this popular model. Professional color support, the Acer B276HK is a great example of how 4K devices can be useful to anyone working in design, video or photo editing. The 27-inch display displays the work done in the editors in Ultra HD format with a resolution of 3840 × 2160.
The IPS screen can provide bright colors, while at the same time having a good range, a viewing angle that preserves contrast and clarity when viewing in different modes. Another advantage is the 10-bit display with 1.07 billion colors. At the same time, the price is much lower than that of competitors in this review.
Although the connection options are pretty standard, a four-port USB hub stands out because this feature is not very common on many 4K displays, as well as the MHL port. MHL stands for Mobile High-Definition Link and can offer support for a single cable, which makes it possible to broadcast a high-resolution screen from a smartphone or tablet. Although the Acer B276HK has its limitations, the combination of price and functionality makes this monitor comfortable for working in graphic editors.
1. LG 27UD68-W
The first place in the review is given to the LG 27UD68-W model. This 4K monitor can give a very detailed image of any type of graphic or video.
Using the IPS panel, along with AMD FreeSync technology to prevent tearing, the Ultra-High Definition monitor has many features that are contained in a 27-inch display. One of them is a USB-C cable, which can be used to transfer audio, 4K video and data over a single wire. The image on the screen has an aspect ratio of 16: 9, a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a 5-millisecond pixel response. When considering this monitor for working with graphics, the minimum requirements will correspond to the declared characteristics. This will allow you to perform most of the image processing operations.
Despite the fact that LG 27UD68-W can perfectly suit the gaming audience, it is able to broadcast any graphic elements in high quality. Owners of the device note its quick response and correct color reproduction.
Review Bonus: Apple iMac
Apple is a company that needs no introduction. Throughout their history, they have always been at the forefront of technological change and innovation, and the same can easily be said for the monitor that comes with the iMac Pro. The most powerful desktop computer offered by the company can perfectly cope with tasks and quickly process even complex graphic projects.
With a sleek, gorgeous 27-inch 5K Retina display, the iMac Pro uses Radeon Pro Vega graphics to help the designer or developer present an almost realistic project presentation. Despite all the power of this machine, many may be curious how many ports they can use to connect to this modern display. A total of four Thunderbolt 3 ports allow you to connect two screens simultaneously, which can give a maximum of 44 million.
Output
Choosing the right monitor can help make any project. When selecting a display, it is worth considering its technical characteristics and the type of matrix, since it is these parameters that allow you to display colors more realistic. All the described models are distinguished by high resolution and pixel density. In addition, when choosing a monitor, you should take into account the number of ports, since often developers and designers need to connect peripheral devices to work.