ColorTRUE, X-Rite Photo & Video and My Adventure in Technology

by Skip Cohen

Most of you who know me are aware I'm all about easy technology. In fact, I'm a poster child for "Low Tech".  So, 2 1/2 years ago when X-Rite Photo & Video asked me to test what was then the beta version of ColorTRUE for myself, it just seemed to make sense to give it a shot.

Well, that was then and today it's even easier. In fact, here's the link to the FREE download in the Apple APP Store.
And, if you want to calibrate your Android, here's the link in Google Play!

But, let's talk about why color-calibration is so important:

Back in my Hasselblad days photographers would show me their portfolios, but today, so often it's all on an iPad or a phone. What amazes me is how few photographers have thought about color calibration of the device itself. It's the old equivalent of fools who spent a fortune on great speakers in the 70's, but played an album on a cheap turntable with a ten dollar stylus - I'm counting on at least one of you to know what a turntable is! LOL

Well, if you're showing images, especially to a potential client or sponsor, you've got to show them with the quality they deserve! Why would you consider any compromise?

I decided to start completely from scratch, using my MacBook Air which had absolutely no calibration software. I got a cup of coffee and just sat down and read the instructions, which I never do. The process of getting started couldn't have been easier as the software for my ColorMunki Display seemed to know the system was talking to a technically-challenged moron!

Once loaded and calibrated, I hit the button to calibrate my iPad and everything started talking to each other. I had a minor challenge when the iPad couldn't find my MacBook, but even that was easily resolved by hitting X-Rite Photo & Video's trouble-shooting guide and simply fixing the specs on my firewall.

Here's what I love most about the process - THE RESULTS!  I now have the ability to see what the image will look like calibrated and uncalibrated. I've got the ability to adjust my iPad for the lighting conditions around me that I'm viewing in with "Ambient Compensation".  I can see what my image will look like using "Print Simulation", which allows me to preview how an image will look printed on various output devices. Anything I show now is being shown with the very best quality of light and color.

If you still have doubts on how amazing this is, don't take my word for it - just watch the video!