The Best PC Monitors for Photo Editing: A Photographer's Guide to Crisp and Accurate Displays
If you're a photographer, graphic designer, or anyone whose work involves visual creativity, you know how critical it is to have the right tools at hand. And while a high-end camera, proper lighting, and editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom are crucial, nothing can make or break your editing experience quite like a good monitor.
Editing photos on a standard monitor might seem sufficient at first glance, but professional photo editors know there's a world of difference when working on a display tailored specifically for editing. Choosing the right PC monitor for photo editing is about more than just a crisp image; it’s about colour accuracy, resolution, and even ergonomics.
In this article, we’ll explore why your choice of monitor matters so much for photo editing and take you through some of the best PC monitors available in the UK market today that are perfect for those fine-tuned adjustments. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or someone who simply enjoys creating art in your spare time, a high-quality monitor can make your work truly stand out.
Why You Need a Specialised Monitor for Photo Editing
One of the main reasons why professional photo editors invest in specialised monitors is colour accuracy. Standard monitors may be great for browsing the web or watching videos, but they often lack the capacity to reproduce colours accurately. Most consumer monitors display colours that are oversaturated or imbalanced, which can lead to photos that look great on your screen but fall flat when printed or viewed elsewhere.
Monitors designed for photo editing, on the other hand, are built to cover a broader range of colours, often supporting over 99% of the Adobe RGB or sRGB colour gamuts. This means that the colours you see on your screen are a true representation of the image you’re working with, and this is essential when colour grading or making precise edits.
When you're editing high-resolution photos, especially from modern cameras that produce large image files, having a monitor with a high resolution is key. Whether it’s 4K (3840 x 2160) or 5K resolution, the extra pixels allow you to zoom into your photos and edit with incredible detail. It’s like going from seeing a broad landscape to picking out individual blades of grass. This kind of clarity is invaluable for retouching and fine-tuning your images.
Screen size also plays an important role. A larger monitor can make editing far more comfortable and allow you to view more of your work without excessive zooming or scrolling. Many photo editors prefer monitors that are 27 inches or larger, as these provide ample screen real estate to work with multiple toolbars and windows open simultaneously.
Top Features to Consider When Choosing a Monitor
Before we dive into specific monitor recommendations, let’s look at the features you should prioritise when choosing a monitor for photo editing:
Colour Gamut: Ensure the monitor supports a wide colour gamut, such as Adobe RGB or sRGB, for accurate colour representation.
Panel Type: IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are generally considered the best for photo editing because they offer superior colour accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN (Twisted Nematic) or VA (Vertical Alignment) panels.
Calibration: Look for a monitor that can be easily calibrated. Built-in hardware calibration tools are a bonus.
Resolution: Aim for at least a 4K resolution for detailed photo work, though 5K and beyond are available for those wanting ultimate clarity.
Brightness and Contrast: High brightness levels (over 300 nits) and a strong contrast ratio will help you work more comfortably, especially in well-lit environments.
Now lets see the best options currently available for photo editors. These monitors have been handpicked based on colour accuracy, resolution, size, and overall value for money.
The Dell UltraSharp series has long been favoured by professionals, and the U2723QE is no exception. This 27-inch 4K monitor offers stunning colour accuracy with 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, ensuring your photos look their best. The 4K resolution delivers crisp details, which is especially useful when zooming in on intricate areas of your images for retouching.
The IPS panel provides excellent viewing angles, so even if you’re editing from the side or sharing your screen with a client, colours remain accurate and consistent. Additionally, the monitor comes factory-calibrated for precise colour out of the box, but it also supports further hardware calibration for those who require pinpoint accuracy.
One of the standout features of the U2723QE is its ergonomic design. It offers plenty of adjustability, allowing you to tilt, swivel, and adjust the height for a more comfortable editing experience. This is particularly useful for long editing sessions where maintaining good posture is crucial to avoid strain.
When it comes to professional photo editing monitors, BenQ has built quite a reputation, and the SW271C is a perfect example of why. This 27-inch 4K display is a favourite among photographers and designers for its 99% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB coverage. These wide colour spaces ensure that your photos will appear vivid and true to life.
One of the most impressive features of this monitor is its hardware calibration support, which allows you to calibrate the monitor without altering your graphics card output. This gives you even greater accuracy, ensuring the colours you see on-screen are exactly what will appear in print or on other calibrated displays.
Another thoughtful feature of the BenQ SW271C is the Hotkey Puck G2, which lets you switch between different colour modes, such as Adobe RGB, sRGB, and Black & White, with just a click. This can save you a lot of time when toggling between modes, depending on the project you’re working on.
Eizo is a name that’s synonymous with high-end displays, and the ColorEdge CG319X is aimed squarely at professionals who demand the very best. This 31.1-inch monitor offers a 4K+ resolution (4096 x 2160) and covers 99% of the Adobe RGB colour space, making it one of the most accurate displays on the market today.
What sets this monitor apart is its built-in calibration sensor. While most monitors require you to purchase a separate calibration tool, the CG319X includes one within the monitor itself. This not only ensures that your display stays accurate over time but also makes the process of calibration incredibly simple.
The Eizo ColorEdge CG319X is perfect for professionals who need absolute precision and are willing to invest in the best tools for their craft. While it’s a more expensive option, it’s one that will serve you well for years to come.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of quality, the LG 27UL850 is a great alternative. This 27-inch 4K monitor offers excellent value for money with its 99% sRGB coverage and impressive HDR10 support.
The LG 27UL850 is particularly well-suited for photographers who work with digital platforms, as its sRGB colour space ensures that what you see on-screen will closely match what appears on most web browsers and digital devices. The IPS panel delivers sharp images and consistent colours, making it a solid choice for entry-level or mid-range photo editors.
Additionally, this monitor comes with USB-C connectivity, which can be particularly handy for MacBook users or anyone who wants to reduce cable clutter. It also offers decent adjustability, so you can position the monitor for comfortable viewing during long editing sessions.
Choosing the Right Monitor for Your Editing Needs
At the end of the day, the best monitor for photo editing is the one that suits both your needs and your budget. There’s no doubt that investing in a high-quality monitor will vastly improve your editing process, allowing you to see your photos as they truly are and make precise adjustments with confidence.
For beginners or hobbyists, a more affordable option like the LG 27UL850 is a great starting point, offering excellent performance without breaking the bank. However, if you’re a professional working on client projects or fine art, investing in a premium option like the BenQ SW271C or Eizo ColorEdge CG319X will pay dividends in terms of colour accuracy and long-term reliability.
Whichever monitor you choose, always remember that colour calibration is key. Even the best monitor won’t perform at its peak if it’s not properly calibrated, so be sure to factor that into your workflow.
With the right monitor, your photo editing will reach new levels of precision, and your work will truly shine.
Happy editing!
This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue providing valuable content. we only recommend products and brands that we trust and believe will benefit my readers. Thank you for your support!
