Do You Need a Photographer’s Monitor? - BenQ SW270C Review
In this tutorial we’re going to review the BenQ SW270C monitor which has been specifically made for photographers. The SW270C is a 27-inch, 2k monitor and here I’m going to talk to you about what makes this a specific photographer monitor and test out all it’s features.
We at TSOP have been lucky enough to have a good play with this monitor and below are the full specs, further details and my conclusion.
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BenQ SW270C Monitor Key Features
· 27 inches, 16:9, 2560 x 1440 resolution
· 99% Adobe RGB, 97% P3, 100% sRGB
· 16 bit 3D LUT, ΔE ≤ 2
· Uniformity Technology
· Palette Master Element Calibration Software with Hardware Calibration
· HDR10 content support
· Video Format Support
· USB Type-C input with 60W power delivery
· GamutDuo to support dual colour space on one screen
· Advanced Black & White mode
· Hotkey Puck G2
· Pantone Validated* and Verified by CalMAN*
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Product Features
Wide Colour Gamut
99% Adobe RGB, 97% P3 and 100% sRGB colour space offers an impressive range of vibrant colours, particularly in reproducing shades of blue and green that are true to the original colour.
High Resolution
2K QHD resolution provides extraordinary clarity of fine details and textures for an optimal viewing and visual intensive work experience.
Panel Type
IPS technology enables wide viewing angles (178°/ 178°).
Colour Accuracy
The 16-bit 3D Look Up Table (LUT) attains a colour difference of Delta E≤2 in Adobe RGB and sRGB colour spaces and improves RGB colour blending and accuracy, resulting in impeccable colour and gray tone reproduction.
Uniformity
2nd generation uniformity technology adjusts more detail, such as colour and brightness, with hundreds of sub region cross the screen and applies for all colour modes, including the calibration modes.
Video format
Support 24P/25P with 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4:2:0 video formats to present the real content.
Hardware (HW) Calibration
To calibrate the monitor with a colorimeter allows you access to the internal image processing chip through BenQ’s Palette Master Element. Calibration is done on the internal image processing chip without affecting the graphics card setting.
HDR Mode
High Dynamic Range (HDR) increases the overall dynamic range between black and white so the resulting image appears closer to what your eyes see in the natural world. SW270C can support the HDR signal from both HDMI and Display Port input. (*We recommend Samsung Blu-ray player UBD K8500 & TV box Zidoo X9s to view the HDR content. )
One Cable Calibration
With USB Type-C cable, you will be able to conduct hardware calibration with ease. When doing colour calibration, SW270C’s built-in USB-C input delivers video, audio and data contents as well as power with just one cable to bring ultimate convenience and simplicity to your workstation.
Hotkey Puck G2
The Hotkey Puck is a remote control that allows user to do the quick switch and control the OSD menu. 3 single function keys and rotation key and the dial allow user to do the customised settings.
GamutDuo
Switch to PIP/PBP mode for multitasking in GamutDuo viewing. This mode enables you to simultaneously display content side-by side in two different colour spaces, such as Adobe RGB and sRGB.
Shading Hood
The SW270C includes a detachable shading hood that effectively reduces the screen glare resulting from ambient lighting, ensuring superb colour accuracy required for professional work. The shading hood can use landscape orientations.
Advanced Black & White Mode
This mode enables you to view your photos in a black and white film effect. Choose from three different black and white presets to preview your photos before you perform actual adjustments in your photo editing program.
Mac Thunderbolt Compatibility
SW270C’s USB-C port is compatible with the Thunderbolt 3* to transmit video, audio, data and power. Mac users can connect the SW270C display to the Mac laptop without concerns of compatibility.
*MacBook Pro 2017/2018 series are all embedded with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
*Please purchase the USB-C cable certified by USB-IF. It’s full-featured with power delivery and video/audio/data transfer functions.
GamutDuo Demonstration
GamutDuo is one of the proudest features equipped in the SW270C. Users are able to view content simultaneously on one screen in different color gamut. The side-byside comparison offers photographer a quick and easy comparison to spot the differences. And here is the step-by-step guide for you to set up GamutDuo.
Connectors and Cable
I/O
HDMI 2.0 *2/ DP 1.2(1.4) * 1 /USB Type C ( PD60W
Side/ Back
USB 3.1 (Gen 1)x 2 , SD card reader (Side) USB upstream x 1(Back)
Accessory
Power cord (1.8M)
Mini DP to DP cable (1.8M)
(*Mini DP is compatible with Mac system’s Thunderbolt port to transmit video signal USB 3.1 cable (Gen 1)(1.8m)
Shading Hood in (Landscape orientation)
Hotkey Puck G2
Shading Hood in (Landscape orientation)
Hotkey Puck G2
Ergonomic
Height adj.
150 mm
Swivel
90 ( 45 left and right)
Pivot
90
Tilt
-5~ +20
Our Conclusion
Cons
The BenQ SW270C is a big and heavy monitor. If you’re looking for something light and thin, this ain’t it!
The monitor is not very energy efficient and I believe in today’s world, we all have to consider our impact on the environment.
It might seem expensive, at the time of this review retailing at £699. If it’s just a normal 2k monitor you’re after, you may find cheaper elsewhere.
Pros
The BenQ SW270C is a good quality piece of kit. It’s solid and sturdy and will stand the test of time.
If you are thinking of printing or already do print your pictures, then this monitor will give you more colour accuracy and colours will be more vivid than a standard SRGB monitor.
If you’re editing your photography this will help as it’s a higher resolution than a normal Full HD monitor. In short you can zoom into images and see more detail. To learn Photoshop and Lightroom with ease, click here.
You can easily see your imagery in different colour spaces.
The screen hood is great!
Overall the BenQ SW270C is a good piece of kit, yes, it’s a pricey and let’s face it, the monitor is not going to make you photography any better only your knowledge will improve your photography. You can easily pick up a good HD monitor for around £150-£200. This is a photographer’s monitor and is £699 so you need to think about what you’re getting for that extra money.
You’re getting extra colour and extra detail when viewing your photography. You’re also getting an easy way to view your pictures in different colour spaces and these are things that don’t come with many monitors.
Is it worth the extra money? You are going to have to decide that. You’re going to have to think about what you do with your photography and if these extra features would help you out.
I hope this review has helped you out. I will end by saying this, the SW270C will certainly help out any professional or budding photographer looking to print or edit your own work. If you’re on a low budget or not looking at taking photography that seriously, you may want to opt for a cheaper HD monitor.
Amazon USA:
BenQ SW270C Monitor - https://amzn.to/2DHYQn2
Datacolor Spyder5PRO - https://amzn.to/2YaSoyx
X-Rite i1Display Pro - https://amzn.to/35XHWgj
Links to products featured in this review:
Amazon UK
BenQ SW270C Monitor - https://amzn.to/2Rg3YHd
Datacolor Spyder5PRO - https://amzn.to/2Ul7PAQ
X-Rite i1Display Pro - https://amzn.to/2Un8WQt
NB: These are paid links and TSoP will receive a small percentage of any purchases made.
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