BenQ SW (photographer) vs PD (designer) monitors

[tizeye]

Noticed BenQ monitors are well received and my 10y/o Dell P2715Q died. While it was a 4K monitors, disliked the calibration being dumbed down auto modeas couldn't adjust individual channels like on the prior LG it replaced. I use DataColor's Spyder for calibration. Typing this on my MB Pro. This also gives me an opportunity to get a monitor that will support an upgrade to a mini or Studio and the W10 desktop is getting towards end of life and would need hardware updates (or a total rebuild) to support W11.

The good news is I have a couple weeks to decide as wouldn't want a package sitting on my steps while I am on vacation. Will just use my MBpro and the other W10 machine that is dedicated to security cameras (Blue Iris software is Windows only, plus special hard drives designed for 24/7 security cameras.) Apple 27" monitor ruled out as usb-c/thunderbolt only does not support the W10 machines during the transition, and of course price.

While sold on BenQ with LG as an outside chance - no Dell! - is there an advantage to the SW models that outweigh the price difference with PD models? SW272q @ $799 is only 2k where the SW272u @ $1499 is 4K - and the same price as the Apple, OCH! By contrast, both the PD2705u $499 and PD2725u $799 are 4k. Kind of leaning towards the less expensive PD2705u, at worse have it replace the security camera computer with a later upgrade of the primary

USEAGE - Other than the normal web surfing, letters, spreadsheets etc, the primary usage is Photoshop, Lightroom and Corel Painter for photos I convert to artwork. Obviously, whichever monitor, it will be calibrated with the Spyder. Any prints I sell are printed at a local lab, but may later purchase pigment based printer such as the Epson P900...holding out for Canon to update their competing model.

 

[mollyc]

@Apple fanboy knows a lot about monitors in general and benq in particular.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Noticed BenQ monitors are well received and my 10y/o Dell P2715Q died. While it was a 4K monitors, disliked the calibration being dumbed down auto modeas couldn't adjust individual channels like on the prior LG it replaced. I use DataColor's Spyder for calibration. Typing this on my MB Pro. This also gives me an opportunity to get a monitor that will support an upgrade to a mini or Studio and the W10 desktop is getting towards end of life and would need hardware updates (or a total rebuild) to support W11.

The good news is I have a couple weeks to decide as wouldn't want a package sitting on my steps while I am on vacation. Will just use my MBpro and the other W10 machine that is dedicated to security cameras (Blue Iris software is Windows only, plus special hard drives designed for 24/7 security cameras.) Apple 27" monitor ruled out as usb-c/thunderbolt only does not support the W10 machines during the transition, and of course price.

While sold on BenQ with LG as an outside chance - no Dell! - is there an advantage to the SW models that outweigh the price difference with PD models? SW272q @ $799 is only 2k where the SW272u @ $1499 is 4K - and the same price as the Apple, OCH! By contrast, both the PD2705u $499 and PD2725u $799 are 4k. Kind of leaning towards the less expensive PD2705u, at worse have it replace the security camera computer with a later upgrade of the primary

USEAGE - Other than the normal web surfing, letters, spreadsheets etc, the primary usage is Photoshop, Lightroom and Corel Painter for photos I convert to artwork. Obviously, whichever monitor, it will be calibrated with the Spyder. Any prints I sell are printed at a local lab, but may later purchase pigment based printer such as the Epson P900...holding out for Canon to update their competing model.

So the SW monitors are designed specifically for photographers/videographers. The PD range are for Designers.

So what’s the difference? The SW have different presets for photo and video users.

Where as the design models have different colour presets that are for different users.

I’m not 100% familiar with all the PD’s but check if the one you are looking at offers USB c charging (if that’s useful to you), uniformity and hardware calibration.

Basically some models have the ability to access the monitors LUT (look up table) through software (PalletMaster) and your calibration device (assuming it’s not too old).
The SW have uniformity and Monitor shading hoods which I’d also highly recommend.

The truth is none of these are a bad choice. They are all good quality. Depending on where you are located, the warranty was longer on the SW’s as I recall.

 

[tizeye]

I am in the US and both SW and PD lines have a 3 yr warranty.

Really can't go wrong with either - and keep going back and forth. It is really a compromise as each have their plusses and minuses. My Spider 5 calibrator will work on the PD models as it is totally independent using Datacolor's software, but not on the SW models as it is one generation too old. Would be good to update anyway and both Datacolor's and X-Rite/Calibrite current models are supported. Initially, wrote off the 2k monitor in favor of the 4k, but a couple of videos suggested it over the 4K. The rationale is that letters, icons and menus are very small if using the full 4K and that is so true. As I recall on the blown Dell 4K monitor, while the video card supported 4K, I couldn't set it as default as print way too small. Likewise on my 16" MBP (2023, M2 Pro) has a 4K display but default setting is 1728x1117 and what apple labels as "more space" is 2056x1329 with no option for the full 4k 3456-2234. Granted, it is a 16" monitor, not 27". While not fully decided, now leaning toward the BenQ 2K 2560-1440 over the 4K 3840-2160 for almost half the price. Paying for 4K then ratcheting it down in actual usage seem like a waste.

While the PD monitor line looks great and would serve most usages, there was a minor detail that would give the SW the edge. BOth offer 100% sRGB, but the PD line then offers two video LUTS. The SW line offers another photo LUT - Adobe RGB and one of the video LUTS. sRGB is basically universal for internet, web (this forum) and general use. Adobe RGB has better dynamic range for critical material that is ultimately printed photographs so would choose/duplicate by intended outcome. Basically, those that would be printed, re-worked in RGB, then that version sent to the printer. That is a nice option to have.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I am in the US and both SW and PD lines have a 3 yr warranty.

Really can't go wrong with either - and keep going back and forth. It is really a compromise as each have their plusses and minuses. My Spider 5 calibrator will work on the PD models as it is totally independent using Datacolor's software, but not on the SW models as it is one generation too old. Would be good to update anyway and both Datacolor's and X-Rite/Calibrite current models are supported. Initially, wrote off the 2k monitor in favor of the 4k, but a couple of videos suggested it over the 4K. The rationale is that letters, icons and menus are very small if using the full 4K and that is so true. As I recall on the blown Dell 4K monitor, while the video card supported 4K, I couldn't set it as default as print way too small. Likewise on my 16" MBP (2023, M2 Pro) has a 4K display but default setting is 1728x1117 and what apple labels as "more space" is 2056x1329 with no option for the full 4k 3456-2234. Granted, it is a 16" monitor, not 27". While not fully decided, now leaning toward the BenQ 2K 2560-1440 over the 4K 3840-2160 for almost half the price. Paying for 4K then ratcheting it down in actual usage seem like a waste.

While the PD monitor line looks great and would serve most usages, there was a minor detail that would give the SW the edge. BOth offer 100% sRGB, but the PD line then offers two video LUTS. The SW line offers another photo LUT - Adobe RGB and one of the video LUTS. sRGB is basically universal for internet, web (this forum) and general use. Adobe RGB has better dynamic range for critical material that is ultimately printed photographs so would choose/duplicate by intended outcome. Basically, those that would be printed, re-worked in RGB, then that version sent to the printer. That is a nice option to have.

2560 x 1440 is sharper than a scaled 4K monitor. Monitors should always be run at their native resolution to get the maximum sharpness.

Enjoy your new monitor when it arrives.

 

[mattspace]

Noticed BenQ monitors are well received and my 10y/o Dell P2715Q died. While it was a 4K monitors, disliked the calibration being dumbed down auto modeas couldn't adjust individual channels like on the prior LG it replaced. I use DataColor's Spyder for calibration. Typing this on my MB Pro. This also gives me an opportunity to get a monitor that will support an upgrade to a mini or Studio and the W10 desktop is getting towards end of life and would need hardware updates (or a total rebuild) to support W11.

The good news is I have a couple weeks to decide as wouldn't want a package sitting on my steps while I am on vacation. Will just use my MBpro and the other W10 machine that is dedicated to security cameras (Blue Iris software is Windows only, plus special hard drives designed for 24/7 security cameras.) Apple 27" monitor ruled out as usb-c/thunderbolt only does not support the W10 machines during the transition, and of course price.

While sold on BenQ with LG as an outside chance - no Dell! - is there an advantage to the SW models that outweigh the price difference with PD models? SW272q @ $799 is only 2k where the SW272u @ $1499 is 4K - and the same price as the Apple, OCH! By contrast, both the PD2705u $499 and PD2725u $799 are 4k. Kind of leaning towards the less expensive PD2705u, at worse have it replace the security camera computer with a later upgrade of the primary

USEAGE - Other than the normal web surfing, letters, spreadsheets etc, the primary usage is Photoshop, Lightroom and Corel Painter for photos I convert to artwork. Obviously, whichever monitor, it will be calibrated with the Spyder. Any prints I sell are printed at a local lab, but may later purchase pigment based printer such as the Epson P900...holding out for Canon to update their competing model.

I have two SW240s, and a SW270c. The image quality is good - 10 bit (8 + FRC), they're all set to AdobeRGB, BUT the software that controls the displays is problematic. They're very slow to respond to control inputs, and if you use them with multiple devices they can be frustrating as they'll enthusiastically send a hardware disconnect signal to all inputs if they lose signal to one (and the OSD only accounts for rotation 90 degrees clockwise, so it you do one 90 deg counter-clockwise on a VESA arm, or in my case by modifying the rotator plate in the stand, all the menus are upside down).

I'm not sure if they have Spyder support, but with an i1Display Pro you can hardware calibrate the internal LUTs of the display itself, rather than using a software profile.

In short, good image quality and panel, I wish I could get it in a Dell control package.

 

[tizeye]

Thanks everyone.
Just ordered the Benq SW272q. Also took to opportunity to upgrade the Datacolor Spider 5 which the Benq doesn't accept. It was a difficult decision between the Spyder X2, but ultimately decided on the Calibrite Display Pro HL...mainly because of the rebate that started 3 days ago.

Delivery estimated as Monday (awaiting shipping notice) which works out good as I fly home tomorrow, arriving late, and have a photoshoot Monday. Hopefully FedEx "surprises" with weekend delivery.

EDIT - shipping tracking indicates Sunday delivery.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Thanks everyone.
Just ordered the Benq SW272q. Also took to opportunity to upgrade the Datacolor Spider 5 which the Benq doesn't accept. It was a difficult decision between the Spyder X2, but ultimately decided on the Calibrite Display Pro HL...mainly because of the rebate that started 3 days ago.

Delivery estimated as Monday (awaiting shipping notice) which works out good as I fly home tomorrow, arriving late, and have a photoshoot Monday. Hopefully FedEx "surprises" with weekend delivery.

EDIT - shipping tracking indicates Sunday delivery.

Good choice on both counts. The BenQ works better with the Calibrite device than the Spyder one. Enjoy your purchase.

 

[tizeye]

Now the problem. They have a $70 rebate after 30 days , presumably to cover the return period. Don’t have to physically return old device, just a photo of both with the old one destroyed - cut cord. Was going to give the Spyder “to a good home” of a photo club member. Hopefully can find ancient x rite in a junk box that predates the Spyder. Otherwise 1) skip either the give away or the rebate, or 2) do both, Photoshop a cut cord - which is ironic that most people who purchase a calibrator would have that basic skill.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Now the problem. They have a $70 rebate after 30 days , presumably to cover the return period. Don’t have to physically return old device, just a photo of both with the old one destroyed - cut cord. Was going to give the Spyder “to a good home” of a photo club member. Hopefully can find ancient x rite in a junk box that predates the Spyder. Otherwise 1) skip either the give away or the rebate, or 2) do both, Photoshop a cut cord - which is ironic that most people who purchase a calibrator would have that basic skill.

I have it on good authority you might not need to do any of that and you were sent out of date information.

 

[tizeye]

I have it on good authority you might not need to do any of that and you were sent out of date information.

While the general discussion was to show the new, old and receipt on one photo, there was no discussion in the FAQ to destroy the old one. However, this is the bottom line of the on-line submission form just below photo upload button.

"Cut the cord off close to the device or show device with housing substantially broken (so as to render the trade-in device unusable) and take a picture on your smart phone or camera to upload." That is the only place it is mentioned.

Hopefully during the next 30 days I can find the original X-Rite that was replaced by the Spider 5 and it won't be an issue. Would really like to give the calibrator to a newbie in the photo club that could use it, like I did when I upgraded scanners.

 

[Apple fanboy]

While the general discussion was to show the new, old and receipt on one photo, there was no discussion in the FAQ to destroy the old one. However, this is the bottom line of the on-line submission form just below photo upload button.

"Cut the cord off close to the device or show device with housing substantially broken (so as to render the trade-in device unusable) and take a picture on your smart phone or camera to upload." That is the only place it is mentioned.

Hopefully during the next 30 days I can find the original X-Rite that was replaced by the Spider 5 and it won't be an issue. Would really like to give the calibrator to a newbie in the photo club that could use it, like I did when I upgraded scanners.

That’s because the company forgot to update that part of their submission form. I’ll ask them to clarify and update.

 

[tizeye]

That’s because the company forgot to update that part of their submission form. I’ll ask them to clarify and update.

Thanks, but may be dealing with the difference between USA and UK distributors. That was a major frustration I had with my Mini Countryman. USA, no towing, UK and DE, approved and even sold hitch as accessory. Worse, BMW DE rubbed salt in it with video of the corporate twin, BMW X1, pulling a large ski boat at a press event in a mountainous forest field. More an issue of USA corporate lawyers avoiding potential warranty risk by “not approved.”

Back to Benq, it is really dumb. Virtually everyone purchasing a calibrator is advanced enough to have Photoshop skills, of which cloning is the most basic. Very easy to remove most of the cord making it appear “cut” With the cut facing away from internal review. Even more advanced, but more convincing, cut an old USB-A cord to a small section, digitally remove the entire wire from the calibrator then layer in blending one end to the calibrator, but the other end positioned around to show the internal wires of the USB cable.