Datacolor Spyder5 Elite Monitor Calibrator Review

Installation and Usage

As we move onwards to a more digital life, we tend to not have an optical device installed on our computers to read discs. Datacolor has combated that by including a small leaflet with a web address to download the software from. If an installation disc was included, the box would have to be much larger also.

Head on over to the website on the small leaflet and click on what model Spyder you have between the Spyder5 Express, Spyder5 Pro and Spyder5 Elite.

The software isn’t restricted to 32 or 64-bit Windows installations, so you simply choose your operating system.

Once you have downloaded the software, it is as simple as following the on-screen instructions to the end.

Once everything is installed, open up the software and follow the instructions. The first screen gives you a checklist to follow to ensure the correct conditions have been met before you calibrate the display. Much like energy saving bulbs, the monitor needs time to warm up to be at optimal operating temperature. Once you open the software, DO NOT move the window as it locates the position of the Spyder in the middle of the screen.

Through my testing, I found calibrating the screen at night is the most reliable as the ambient room brightness will not change like throughout the day. If a darkened room or night operation isn’t available, try to ensure no direct light is on your monitor or Spyder5 calibrator.

Unless you have any specific values to enter here, I would leave everything at the recommended settings. These settings are a “general” value and your display may require a much higher or lower figure to operate normally.

This step requires the Spyder to be on a flat surface on your desk. Ideally located between yourself and the monitor. Here it will record the ambient light and brightness levels to determine the best settings. Here you can go back to the previous screen to increase or decrease to match the values provided here.

The software progresses and requests you to place the Spyder within the outline on the screen. Most monitors have a tilt feature to enable a flush seating, but others might need to be propped up to enable the best seating.

Follow the process and then save your new calibration setting. At certain points in the process you have to manually change certain settings of the monitor through the monitor settings menu. All of the calibration carried out by the Spyder itself is Operating system based so can be removed in the Monitor settings of your computer.

Once the calibration has been completed you will notice a huge difference in the display. There is a tiled image at the end of the process which allows you to compare the before and after settings.