BenQ SW240 PhotoVue 24 inch WUXGA Color Accuracy IPS Monitor for Photography

BenQ SW240 PhotoVue 24 inch WUXGA Color Accuracy IPS Monitor for Photography

BenQ SW240 PhotoVue 24 inch Color Accuracy Photographer IPS Monitor is devoted to meet the latest professional color standard. It is built in 24.1 inch 1920 x 1200 Resolution, 99% Adobe RGB Color Space with IPS technology and Hardware Calibration with Color Accuracy. BenQ has developed AQCOLOR technology to uphold the concept: “Accurate Reproduction". BenQ has invited a color expert to lead the team, and also actively participated in ICC (International Color Consortium) and ISO (International Standard Organization) to establish color-related standards and implementation. In this monitor, Adobe RGB color space offers a greater range of color reproduction for shades of blue and green, resulting in a more realistic color representation for outdoor and nature photography.This monitor has 5 ms (GtG) Response Time, 60Hz Refresh Rate, 16:10 Aspect Ratio with 1.07 billion Display Colors. In this monitor, the 14-bit 3D Look Up Table (LUT) improves RGB color blending accuracy, resulting in impeccable color reproduction. Having Delta E≤2 in both Adobe RGB and sRGB color spaces gives you the truest and most representative view of the original image. It is built with the use of Palette Master Element and a calibrator, you can tune and maintain the color performance of the monitor at its most optimal state.

BenQ SW240 PhotoVue Monitor Review

BenQ’s  SW240 PhotoVue IPS monitor is a smaller sibling to the SW2700PT monitor we reviewed in October 2017. The first model in the company’s ‘Accurate Colour On the Go‘ concept, it features a slim bezel design and ‘one push’ release system that enables the screen to be packed into an optional carry case so it can be used outside the studio environment. When the monitor was announced in July 2018, the ‘Accurate Colour On the Go‘ accessories were still in the ‘testing’ phase, which meant they weren’t available for us to review in August. The Accurate Colour On the Go accessories include the Powerbank, which can provide enough power for up to 15 hours of usage. Other options include a Hard Carry Case, Soft Case, Soft Shading Hood and Tripod Mounting Kit. The regular SH240 shading hood, which is bundled with the screen for Australian buyers, was supplied for this review.

The monitor comes with USB, DP to mini DP, HDMI and DVI-DL cables (but no USB-C cable, which owners of recent MacBook Pros might need).  Also in the package are a programmable OSD controller that helps you switch modes quickly plus a software CD-ROM. This disk contains a PDF copy of the detailed instruction manual and the setup guide plus BenQ’s direct hardware calibration software (Palette Master Elements) for calibrating the screen.  If you mislay the CD-ROM, visiting the product’s support page allows you to download them.

The only thing missing is a calibrator, which you’ll need to keep the screen within specifications.  Compatible calibrators include the i1 Pro, i1 Display Pro, Spyder 4 and  Spyder 5 but not older Spyder models or the popular ColorMunki. We used the Spyder 5 Elite for our tests. Like the SW2700PT, the SW240 leaves the factory fully calibrated and comes with a unit-specific calibration report (printed in a tiny font that requires magnification to be read). While this indicates the screen should meet key parameters when you buy it, regular re-calibration will be needed to keep it within specs.