As a photographer, you want a monitor that can show your images in the best possible light. While there are many factors to consider when choosing a monitor, one important question is whether to choose a curved or flat model.
Having jumped between a bunch of different monitors, I’ll tell you that I’ve come to the conclusion that the most important feature that a good editing monitor should have is high resolution. It truly changes the way you’ll see the details in your images and videos.
But what about curved monitors, are they good for editing photos?
Curved monitors can be good for photo editing but it’s not the best option for complex perspective adjustments because the curvature can cause distortion in images. Other than that, most 4k curved monitors will offer an impressive experience for editing photographs and put less strain on your eyes and neck.
In order to understand when a curved monitor is beneficial and when it isn’t, I recommend you continue reading to see what you’ve got to gain and lose from purchasing one.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Curved Monitor For Photo Editing?
But, as with everything else, there are both pros and cons to having a curved monitor. If one outweighs the other depends entirely on what you intend to do and what type of resources you need.
When it comes to curved monitors and editing photos there are some things that should be taken into consideration.
The same thing goes for using a curved monitor for general use as well. Therefore, let us talk about both the pros and cons of a curved monitor for overall use, and then from there see where and when photo and video editing will be affected.
Pros of Using a Curved Monitor
Workspace: Curved monitors will provide an additional workspace that’s more available to the user by wrapping the screen around the user.
This will put less strain on your neck during long sessions than angling your neck to work on your second monitor would, depending on how your dual monitor setup is installed.
Immersion: Curved monitors can provide a more immersive experience, according to reports from users. They also provide a greater field of view.
When looking at the center of a curved monitor, the curvature will provide an angle that allows the user’s peripheral vision to not be distracted by objects on the side, but rather see them as part of the image.
Eye Strain: Curved monitors can also reduce eye strain. The reasoning for this is the one we’ve mentioned above. The eyes can register things all over the screen more effortlessly. Our eyes perceive images displayed on curved monitors with ease.
Cons of Using a Curved Monitor
Viewing Angle: When collaborating or wanting to show something on your monitor to others, their view of the side of the monitor that’s closest to them is degraded.
Regardless if you’re turning your screen to show someone or if you’re guiding someone sitting next to you, there’s a bit of degradation for anyone not sitting in the center.
Perspective: Can be hard to make certain perspective adjustments because of the monitor’s curve. This could become a problem for people who do architectural photography, for example.
Costs: Curved monitors are available at the same prices but generally, they’re a bit more expensive. It should be mentioned that the price of curved monitors has seen a slight decline since their introduction. Curved monitors will (like most other products that hit the market with a boom) most likely continue to decrease in price.
Space: Most curved monitors are large and difficult to mount to walls. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that your workstation can harbor a curved monitor with a bit of space left for you. Being crammed up into a tight space when working is not worth the curved monitor if you ask me.
Then there’s the question about distorting images.
Do Curved Monitors Really Distort Images?
Curved monitors are designed to reduce eye fatigue and provide a more immersive viewing experience. The theory is that by wrapping around your field of vision, they reduce the amount of time your eyes have to adjust to different parts of the screen.
This can be especially beneficial when working with large amounts of text or data. However, some experts contend that curved monitors actually distort images, making them appear stretched or bent
So, do curved monitors distort images?
The short answer is yes, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Curved monitors have a higher pixel density near the center of the screen, which can make images appear sharper and more detailed. However, the same effect can also cause text to appear blurry or distorted.
In addition, the curved shape of the monitor can introduce optical distortions that can make straight lines appear curved. These effects are most noticeable when viewing images from a close distance.
Which Monitor Is Best For Photo Editing?
As anyone who has ever edited a photo knows, having a good monitor is essential for getting the best results. The question is, which monitor is best for photo editing?
When it comes to choosing a monitor, size, and resolution are important factors to consider.
For instance, if you plan on doing a lot of retouching work, you’ll need a monitor with a high resolution so that you can see the smallest details. On the other hand, if you’re just looking to make basic adjustments to your photos, a smaller monitor will suffice.
Another important consideration is the type of panel. IPS panels are known for their accurate colors, while TN panels have faster refresh rates. Then there’s the price of the monitor, which of course plays a major role. We’re always looking for the best bang for the buck.
Lastly, one thing to consider is if the monitor is able to rotate or not. When photo and video editing, I know some users like to turn their monitors vertically or rotate them. This is especially true for people who cooperate on projects and showcase their work for one another regularly.
So, what monitors would we recommend?
1. Best Budget Option: LG 27UL500-W
The LG 27UL500-W is a 27-inch monitor which will provide everything you need to edit your photos, videos, and any other media you’re working with. It’s an affordable monitor that’s suited for both hobbyists, professionals, and those who are keen on learning.
With a price tag in the medium-bracket for these types of monitors, the monitor delivers a package similar to that of more expensive monitors. It also covers 98% of the sRGB spectrum, which is usually more than enough for most editors.
Technical Specifications
- Size: 27-inch
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Refresh Rate: 60hz
- Panel: IPS
- Color Coverage: Covering 98% of sRGB
2. Best Monitor: BenQ SW321C
This monitor from BenQ is impressive, to say the least. The SW321C has flawless color calibration across the board and a 99% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB coverage. The monitor comes with color calibration options for the user, which can come in handy even though the monitor is calibrated to near-perfection.
The rich colors and details of your pictures will look amazing in 4K resolution, and provide a perfect surface for you to view and edit your work on. The price is a reflection of the monitor’s capabilities, making it a more expensive alternative.
Technical Specifications
- Size: 32-inch
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Refresh Rate: 60hz
- Panel: IPS
- Color Coverage: Covering 99% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB spectrums
3. Best Curved Monitor: BenQ PD3420Q
The BenQ PD3420Q is an ultrawide monitor with fantastic color coverage and overall performance. It qualifies as a great monitor for editing and content creation and comes at a good price. BenQ tends to deliver quality monitors at a cheaper price, and this monitor is no exception.
It comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) which allows the monitor to display a larger range of different colors and contrasts. This aids the monitor in portraying more realistic nuances, while also displaying more detailed differences between the dark and the light parts of images.
Technical Specifications
- Size: 34-inch
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Refresh Rate: 60hz
- Panel: IPS
- Color Coverage: 98% of DCI-P3, Display P3; 100% sRGB and Rec. 709
Ultimately, the best monitor for photo editing is the one that meets your specific needs and budget, but there are certain traits that are more beneficial than others when it comes to photo editing.
Can You Use a Curved Monitor For Photoshop?
While Photoshop is far from the only software used to edit photos, it’s definitely a common choice for people of all skill levels. Will a curved monitor and photoshop work well together though? Well, this brings us back to some of the things we established earlier in the article.
An ultrawide curved monitor will provide a great workspace for you when editing in Photoshop. The aspect ratio and resolution of the curved monitor will make Photoshop an endless canvas.
You’ll have a great overview of your project and you can easily open up other images or tutorials on part of the monitor while editing on the other. There’s software that separates your curved monitor into two spaces, which is nice for that purpose.
The downside is that Photoshopping fine lines can be a problem because of distortion. For some, the distortion isn’t even present or noticeable. Others have had more problems with it.