Re: Monaco EZ Color

["Jon Cone" <inkjet@cone-editions.com>]

> After having struggled with the unrewarding task of testing different
> settings in Photoshop and the Epson 1200 driver, I think I have to
> seriously consider looking at alternatives to the supplied profiles.
> However, the cost of most calibration systems (eg. ColorBlind) is
> prohibitive.
>
> The only exception to this is EZ Color. Is there anything else in this
> price range? Other important points that need to be resolved are:
> 1. How does EZ Color compare to "proper" calibration systems in terms of
> accuracy?



EZ Color as a product works in a way that you can say is much better than
not using color management. But it does not compare to, nor was it intended
to compare to professional quality profiling tools such as the professional
ColorBlind or Monaco Systems products.



> 2. How important is the quality of the flatbed scanner? I only use film
> scanners so any recommendations for flatbed scanners bought specifically
> for this would be welcome.



We definitely see quality differences in the profiles generated using a
$-200 UMAX 1200 and a $30,000 Scitex Eversmart for example. The scanner
system of measuring profiles is the greatest limitation of this product.



> 3. Will calibration be good enough to remove colour casts when printing
> greyscale images using CMYK inks? I work mainly in black-and-white so it
> is important to get good tonality and neutral colours, especially in the
> shadows.


NO. It will eliminate the green cast associated with printing RGB images on
Lysonic inks for example. It will not get you neutral, nor will a linearized
RGB profile made with professional gear.  You will see colo on an Epson
because of the nature of the Epson technology.

However, I have recently produced a series of neutral printing RGB profiles
and we are in the process of testing them on alternate printers to see if
the uniformity holds up in a general manner. But these involved tremendous
data samplings and editing over 256 individual RGB gray levels to pull off.
We might release them.


Monaco EZ Color is a great product, for where they have positioned it. It is
easy to use, works on very inexpensive and readily available measuring
devices (scanners) and is priced exceedingly inexpensive compared to
professional tools. But do not think that you are getting professional
quality tools. You're getting a fantastic opportunity to own a complete
color management system for under $500. I have more than 20 times that
invested in mine. Actually twice times 20 times!    :-(     ouch!***


-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Jon Cone
http://www.inkjetmall.com
http://www.cone-editions.com/workshops

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Please: Stay on topic. Trim quoted messages.
http://www.leben.com/lists for list instructions.