These screens do not always have a good press in the photographer community or with color management specialists. However, they are really very beautiful aesthetically, not to mention that their quality has improved significantly since 2012 ! For example, I noted an average Delta e of only 0.25 (2000 standard) with my i1Display Pro on the last iMac Pro Retina from 2017 ! It is therefore time to learn how to calibrate them.. in order to use them without a second thought..
Because of their reflections, which are indeed very annoying in many lighting environments, Mac displays and especially their beautiful iMacs have very bad press. Moreover, they are very limited in their settings : just the brightness.
However, since July 2011 and the release of a new generation of calibration tools, particularly at X-Rite (Colormunki Display and i1Display Pro), it is quite possible to calibrate these screens, and, in my opinion, in a very nice way.
Personally, I would say that their main defect because it will bother everyone remains their reflections (which have been considerably reduced on the 2013 versions) because their second defect - a not very extensive gamut - will not necessarily bother everyone. Indeed, who needs an extended gamut every day ? Not everyone, I assure you. Look at the magnificent images of Vincent Munier to convince yourself !
The specificities of calibrating an iMac or Mac screen
But what makes Mac or iMac displays so difficult to calibrate a priori ? Is it because of their panel ? Of their settings? Of their graphics cards ?
What about the quality of iMac and Apple Display panels ?
There are now three main categories of computer display panel quality : TN, PVA and IPS for short. The better the quality, the easier it is to calibrate it but above all to edit your photos on it and obviously some photo retouching. Why ? Mainly because bad panels are distinguished by their poor viewing angle. With these panels it is indeed impossible to keep the same brightness as soon as you turn or lower your head. However, Apple, for the past two years, has been using the best technology, IPS. Before 2011/2012, iMac screens were complicated to calibrate but things have improved considerably since then.
- iMacs have been using IPS white LED panels since 2012,
- Apple Displays use IPS panels but with fluorescent tubes (CCFL).
Almost no settings on iMacs and Mac displays
On the other hand, it is now possible (since July 2011) to correct or even cancel their second major defect : the absence of screen settings except for brightness. However, we had seen on the page dedicated to screen calibration that the brightness was used to adjust the white point and the contrast the black point. This small miracle is still possible thanks to a new function implemented in particular in the X-Rite Colormunki Display and i1Display Pro colorimeters : the ADC function (Automatic Display Control).
My advice !All you have to do is choose the brightness you want (with X-Rite or Datacolor colorimeters) and make sure, on X-Rite models, that the 'Enable ADC function' button is checked. (Fig. below).
Cinestyle Profile
- Create a unique Hollywood feel to your productions that matches the look and color capabilities of much more expensive equipment and processes.
- Capture clips that can easily be color graded to match different cinematic styles from various sources and genres, including 35mm film.
- Exploit a far greater dynamic color range when shooting in difficult lighting conditions.
- Seamlessly intercut DSLR-based footage with content from other cinema-quality cameras such as RED, ARRI ALEXA, SONY and 35mm film.
Canon Standard Profile
Technicolor Cinestyle Profile
Technicolor Cinestyle Profile with Cinestyle S-Curve
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed CineStyle Profile?
Why was CineStyle Profile developed?
How does CineStyle Profile help the cinematographer?
What does CineStyle Profile do to the image?
Can it be used for all Canon EOS cameras?
What are the recommended Canon EOS-5D Mark II camera settings to obtain optimal image quality?
- Sharpness: 0
- Contrast: -4
- Saturation: -2
- Color Tone: 0
- ISO: a multiple of 160
What are requirements to use the CineStyle Profile?
- Canon EOS DSLR camera
- Canon EOS utility
- USB Cable
- PC – Windows 7/Vista/XP; or Mac – Mac OS X 10.5/10.6+
Colour Profile For Macbook
How do I load CineStyle Profile to my Canon camera?
Colour Profile For Macbook Pro
- Ensure that EOS Utility v2.6 or later is installed on your computer
- Download the Technicolor CineStyle™ Profile on this page
- Connect your camera to your computer using the appropriate USB cable
- Note: for the EOS 5D Mark II you may need to set 'Communication' to 'PC connect' in the camera's menu
- Start the Canon EOS Utility
- Select 'Camera settings/Remote shooting' on the main window
- Once the capture window opens, click the camera icon
- Click 'Register User Defined style' under 'Shooting menu'
- Once the new page 'Register Picture Style File' opens, select one of User Def. 1, 2 or 3 at the top of the new page
- Click the open file icon
- Select the CineStyle.pf2 file you've just downloaded
- Click on OK