Which Monitor Is Best For Editing Digital Photographs?

I have been looking for a new computer monitor and researching if any particular LCD monitor is best for editing digital photographs. The recommendation is for monitors built with IPS panels, which of course are more expensive then the standard monitors for sale that are made with TN panels. The one exception seems to be the 2209WA model by Dell which, as of this writing, sells for $279.

I find that these monitors are difficult to track down as the panel type is normally not listed in the specifications, but I found this list of recommended monitors - http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/s-ips-lcd-list.php .

There is a note regarding the Dell 2007WFP monitor that states 2 different type panels were used and what you may get is not guaranteed. They also state that the 2209WA that I listed above uses an e-IPS panel, a cheaper version of the S-IPS panel found in the more expensive models. The fact that it is even on this list and in my price range makes the 2209WA very attractive.

IPS monitors generally have wider viewing angles, reproduce color more accurately and give a sharper image. The trade off is a relatively slower response time. This is a consideration if you play fast moving video games resulting in blurring or ghosting.

If you use a Macintosh computer with the 20” or larger Cinema Display, lucky you. According to this list you have an IPS monitor!

Want to read more about the difference in LCD monitor technology, try this page - http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lcd-panel-types.php -

Who knew? I love the internet. If and when I buy one, or discover more information, I'll write about it.

Hubble Space Telescope Photo Gallery

Maybe the most unique and inspiring photo gallery on the internet is the collection of pictures taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. View the phenomenal number of pictures of our universe taken through this high flying camera at:
http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/

Classic Car Photo Op in Santa Cruz - Saturday June 25

I found this article in the San Francisco Chronicle (original story is here) and it sounds like a good photo opportunity. Remember to get shots from all angles, inside and out. I am sure the people (car owners and spectators alike) may be just as interesting. And while you are there, stop by Steamer Lane for great shots of actual surfers, next to the Surfer Museum at Lighthouse Field State Beach!

Here is a gallery of photos from last year.
http://www.santacruzwoodies.com/wow08/index.htm

Surf wagons to haul in at Santa Cruz Wharf




No toy story - these woodies are the real thing


Never mind that Santa Cruz lost the official "Surf City" moniker to a Southern California city (which shall go unnamed here) ... its municipal pier is the place to channel your inner Jan and Dean next weekend. The 15th Annual Woodies on the Wharf, Northern California's largest show of classic surf wagons, brings in 200 gnarly, pre-1952 wood-paneled cars, some from as far away as the East Coast and Canada, that cry out for a load of surfboards. The day also offers clowns, free balloons and face painting for kids, while music, collectible T-shirts and prize drawings - and the wharf itself, with local surfers showing their chops in surrounding waves - will appeal to all.


Vitals: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Free. Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz. (831) 420-5273, http://www.santacruzwharf.com/ or http://www.santacruzwoodies.com/.

Travel Photography tips in the Chronicle

There is an excellent article in this past Sunday’s San Francisco Chronicle about taking photographs while traveling on vacation. There are lots of very clear tips on learning to use your camera, lighting and composition. There are tips on how to edit and organize your pictures and tips on video too. They supply sample good and bad photo examples along with some statistics and comments from readers. Read it in Sunday's paper Travel section or check it out online at:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/19/TRPL186G1V.DTL