Mac Creative > All Reviews > Hardware > Accessories > SpyderCheckr review

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 SpyderCheckr review

Weave a thread of consistent colour when processing Raw photos

Gavin Stoker

Manufacturer: Datacolor
Pros: Robust colour target that should withstand repeated use; replaceable swatches promised early 2011; affordable; quick and efficient
Cons: Requires existing editing/processing program that offers Raw support; seven-step installation process
Price: £115
We rate this 4 out of 5.Star rating:

In the realm of the photo enthusiast/semi pro Datacolor’s SpyderCheckr arguably sets an industry standard. It’s the Photoshop of colour calibration devices, if you like, the means by which photographers can aim to achieve consistency throughout their workflow.

Primarily aimed at those shooting and self-processing Raw files – so owners of high-performance compacts or digital SLRs – SpyderCheckr aims to provide rock-solid consistency from the outset. It helps create a specific colour profile or preset for whichever camera the photographer is using at the time. Once the initial calibration process is completed – carried out with the supplied 48-patch colour chart and SpyderCheckr software, compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 onwards – a preset for that camera can be subsequently selected when using Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw, via Photoshop or Elements.

SpyderCheckr aims to provide precision in colour every time you edit/process Raw files from a particular camera

This can then be applied to one image or a batch, as required. SpyderCheckr’s most obvious application would be for, say, a fashion photographer, for whom it’s crucial that the colours of a dress don’t vary from shot to shot, or a portrait photographer wanting to maintain consistent skin tones through all images from the same shoot.

The fold-out colour chart – roughly the size of a hardback novel but as slim as an iPad – is constructed from hardwearing plastic and has a screw thread for tripod mounting. Initial target shooting and installation is a seven-step process. While that may sound wearisome, once you’re underway setup is quick and efficient, the camera calibration data eventually popping up as a preset in the settings dialog box of, in our case, Camera Raw, ready for future selection. Online help is provided if you’re new to this, though we managed to muddle through with just the Quick Start pamphlet.

MACWORLD BUYING ADVICE >
1 | 2 | NEXT >

Reevoo Price Comparison For SpyderCheckr

Reevoo Reviews For SpyderCheckr

Submit your own review for this product

Click here for the latest reader comments

<<prev article | back to index | next article>>

Search reviews

Search Google

Newsletter signup

It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.

Latest issue: Macworld

Find out what's in this month's Macworld here.

Macworld reader poll

What version of Adobe Creative Suite do you use?:

View poll results

Have your say in the
Macworld Forums!

Register now

Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.

RSS

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.

Subscribe to our feeds here

Latest PC industry news

Latest news from MacVideo

MACWORLD MARKETPLACE

	LogMeIn Free - Remote Computer Access LogMeIn is a secure remote desktop software that lets you access your computers, files, and apps from anywhere on any device. Simply connect with LogMeIn Free and be free to work the way you want.
	TemplateCloud TemplateCloud.com is the design marketplace for graphic designers. You create designs, and use our software to build them into online editable templates. We sell your designs in different countries via different websites. Each time a customer uses your design, we pay you a royalty; the price is set by you.
	Amsys Amsys is recognised as the technical leader in Apple and has developed bespoke technical products and solutions to deliver class leading support to its business clients. Amsys clients can select from consultancy, integration, break-fix, recruitment, training and app development. Amsys make Apple products work for business.
	About NAD NAD Electronics has always stood out by doing things differently. Our relentless pursuit of great sound has earned us a ‘giant killer’ reputation. Every product is designed with heart and soul you can hear, emphasizing quality over quantity. We focus on the inside where it counts—and where you can hear the results.
	Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system. It's the world's first robotic ball that you control from your smartphone or tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, use Sphero as a handheld controller for on-screen gameplay, and even explore augmented reality. Now with 20+ apps!
	MeteoGroup WeatherPro - the award winning weather app! Developed by professional meteorologists and providing weather forecasts for over 2 million locations with real-time, high resolution radar and satellite images, ski weather, water temperatures and more, WeatherPro is the most accurate and comprehensive weather app on the market.
	Beat the Credit Crunch - Lease your Mac from Hardsoft Hardsoft are the only 'one stop' solution for the supply and finance of I.T. to businesses throughout the UK via our regional branch offices. We are uniquely both equipment Apple Approved Reseller and licensed Credit Brokers and have tailored a solution which includes a full 3 year warranty and an equipment upgrade every 18 months.