8 Photo-Perfect In-Plane Switching (IPS) Computer Monitors

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In-Plane Switching (IPS) is one of three types of LCD monitors. They deliver the features and capabilities that most photographers require: excellent viewing angles, deep blacks and precise colors.

Read the PhotographyTalk.com article, 15 Terrific Tips to Help Any Photographer Choose a Computer Monitor, for more information about monitor technology.

1. The Dell UltraSharp U2711 monitor has been placed at the top of many “Best of” lists and for a number of very good reasons. The best of all of them is its 16:9 aspect ratio that gives you 2,560 x 1,440 resolution. Photographers will also be smiling when they see the brilliant colors in high-resolution photos without losing any of the naturalness of the subject or object. The only negative comment from some reviewers is the lack of a pivot option that is included on the Dell UltraSharp U2410 (See below). The Dell UltraSharp U2711 is for the serious photographer or professional, with its retail price tag of $949.

2. The NEC MultiSync PA271W monitor runs virtually neck-and-neck with the Dell UltraSharp U2711. The NEC also has a 16:9 aspect ratio and 2,560 x 1,440 resolution. It also equals the Dell monitor in many third-party performance tests, achieving excellent color precision and very close to true black. The NEC has a slight advantage over the Dell when it comes to viewing/comparing high-resolution photos. In the Adobe RGB preset, the NEC’s colors seem more complete and broader, which makes it the preferred preset for photo editing. The NEC monitor also rated very high for a wide viewing angle. The NEC MultiSync PA271W is even more for the photographer with deep pockets and/or a deep professional need for such quality, as it retails for $1,649.

3. The HP Dreamcolor LP2480 is also a professional-grade computer monitor and compares favorably to the Dell UltraSharp U2711 and NEC MultiSync PA271W. The display’s performance, in terms of color accuracy and black level, is every bit as good as the Dell and NEC; however, the HP monitor has a 24-inch screen to the others’ 27-inch and it’s a 16:10 aspect ratio with 1,920 x 1,200 resolution. What drags the HP Dreamcolor LP2480 to third place on this list is its lack of features, such as calibration options or adjustment of contrast or individual color. What will cause many photographers to stop considering the HP Dreamcolor monitor is when they see the price: $2,500 direct from HP and closer to $3,000 from independent sources.

4. The Dell UltraSharp U3011 monitor is rated as one of the best 30-inch displays in the marketplace. It just a notch behind the Dell UltraSharp U2711 and NEC MultiSync PA271W for overall performance in color accuracy and black level. It has a 16:10 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600. Essentially a bigger version of the Dell UltraSharp U2711, a major highlight of the U3011 is that it has even more On Screen Display (OSD) options than its smaller brother, which has a boatload. At $1,349, the market for the Dell UltraSharp U3011 monitor is limited to photographers and graphic artists who truly need a 30-inch display.

5. The Asus PA246Q monitor may provide photographers with the best combination of features and price of all displays presented here. First, it’s definitely aimed at the professional market since it is one of few 24-inch monitors with Professional In-Plane Switching (P-IPS) technology. This Asus monitor tilts and swivels for convenience and displays in a 16:10 ratio with 1,920 x 1,200 resolution. Of particular interest to photographers is the PA246Q’s Quickfit OSD option, which adds a choice of grid patterns or paper and photo sizes on the screen as a graphical overlay. The monitor’s color accuracy and black level were acceptable, but at less than $500, no one should expect it to equal the much higher-priced IPS monitors.

6. The Dell UltraSharp U2410 monitor is in 6^th position on this list for a number of very good reasons. First, it scores noticeably lower in performance tests compared to the monitors in positions 1 through 5. Second, although high-resolution photos did display brilliant, natural colors, the viewing angle is much narrower than the other monitors and there is definite static dithering in dark gray colors at the sRGB and Adobe RGB presets. The U2410 display does compare favorably with its 16:10 aspect ratio and 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, but it’s not all one might expect in an ISP monitor. At $499, it is still a good choice if you don’t require the best of professional features.

7. The HP LP3065 is a 30-inch monitor that displays high-resolution photos with superb color and black-level reproduction. Given its 2,560 x 1,600 resolution, this shouldn’t be surprising. It also has a highly rated viewing angle and swivels 70 degrees left and right and tilts back approximately 25 degrees. What will be lacking for many professional photographers and graphic artists is the number of adjustment options. You won’t find On Screen Display (OSD) on the HP L3065; and the only video adjustment is brightness control. This is not good for graphic artists, specifically. Then, you must justify the L3065’s price, which starts at $1,129. There are better monitors for photographers at competitive prices, especially if they don’t need a 30-inch display.

8. The Apple LED Cinema Display includes the word “Cinema” in its title because movie buffs and gamers will probably benefit the most from its capabilities. Although this Apple monitor scores very high for excellent color, its glossy screen coating may be too reflective for photographers. The glossy nature of the screen was a significant boost to the quality of displayed fonts, which would be important for graphic artists. The Apple LED Cinema Display has the specs for an excellent picture with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 2,560 x 1,440 resolution. Apple has maintained the exclusivity of its products, as the LED Cinema Display includes only a MiniDisplayPort connection, which means it is only compatible with Macs from late 2008 to the present. Add a starting price of $979, and the Apple LED Cinema Display’s usefulness is narrowed to consumers with a qualifying Mac computer. For the larger market of PC users (as well as Macheads), there are more preferable monitors, especially for photographers.

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