The new BenQ SW321C monitor really does what the title says. Thanks to its new implemented PaperSync technology, you can now preview how your image will look like with a selected number of papers and printers directly from your BenQ screen. But let’s see all its features…
It’s not until last year that I’ve had the opportunity to test my first BenQ monitor (model SW320, you can read my review here). And I’ve loved it ever since. But BenQ has recently gifted me with their upgraded model, the BenQ SW321C and although I was pretty happy with the previous one, this is a big improvement.
The BenQ SW321C monitor (1.799€ / 1.999$ at the time of writing) is part of the PhotoVue Professional Series, just like the SW320, but with a few upgrades that make it an even better choice for anyone who’s interested in printing their photos.
Enough with the presentation, let’s get into the details and analyze all the features of the new BenQ SW321C monitor!
THE SPECIFICS
As shown on their website, these are just some of the monitor’s key features:
- 32 Inch, 3840 x 2160 UHD 4k Resolution
- 99% Adobe RGB, 95% P3, 100% sRGB (impressive range of vibrant color)
- Brightness & Color Uniformity
- IPS Panel for Wide Viewing Angle
- Palette Master Element Calibration Software with Hardware Calibration
- Paper Color Sync Technology
- Advanced Black & White Mode
- SD/MMC Card Reader at the Back
- Color Switching from AdobeRGB to several color spaces including sRGB and Black and White Mode
- GamutDuo Viewing (this mode enables you to simultaneously display content side by side in two different color spaces, such as Adobe RGB and sRGB)
- DisplayPort v1.4 Connector
What is all this? You may ask. Well, here’s the short version: we are talking about a professional, anti-glare, large photo-editing monitor for photographers which delivers extreme color accuracy and allows you to preview the printing results of your images. But there’s more, so if you are in for the long version, just keep reading….
WHAT YOU GET WITH THE SW321C MONITOR
In addition to the monitor, you do get several accessories. In the package you will find:
- 32 Inch Monitor + Monitor Support
- CD with Software
- Power cable
- Hotkey Puck G2
- Shading Hood
- HDMI/DP/USB-C cables
- Screen Cleaning Roller
- Instructions
The set up is extremely easy and well explained in the included quick start guide. Once assembled, the monitor surely steals the scene on your desk with its elegant design. They truly have designed each detail with performance in mind. From the color and shape of all materials used to improve perceived contrast to the velvety inner side of the shading hood to further dissipate light.
The Hotkey Puck is a remote control that lets you switch between different, customized by you, color spaces. While the detachable shading hoods protect from stray light in the room, preventing unwanted glare and reflections and removing any distraction. The package also comes with a special cleaning roller (highly appreciated!) to get rid of smudges and fingerprints. Also, the SW321C USB-C port is a plus to deliver data and power to my MacBook Pro!
AQCOLOR TECHNOLOGY
Color accuracy is an essential aspect. Not only if you wish to print your images but also if you simply intend to share them online. Thanks to Aqcolor technology, the BenQ SW321C monitor delivers exceptional accurate reproduction of colors and lets you experience the smoothest gradations, natural color transitions and subtle shading. All the colors are reproduced uniformly without variations in brightness and color on the entire screen.
IPS PANEL
IPS (“In Plane Switching”) monitors offer the best in terms of colors and viewing angles. Basically, the contrast and the saturation do not vary depending on the angle you look at the screen from. So clear views from any angle for a more accurate workflow.
PAPER COLOR SYNC TECHNOLOGY
And finally here’s the feature you were waiting for, the one that will simplify your whole editing process for images you want to print. Paper color sync is a BenQ proprietary technology to simulate the printing results and the real paper texture. In simple words, you can edit your image, then pick the color gamut of the photo, the printer model and paper type and get a preview in real time.
To take advantage of this technology, you just need to access the BenQ website, enter the product page and in the software section (right here) download the free software (in this case the Paper Color Sync Technology). Once you install it, you need to choose color space, printer and paper* from the drop down menus.
*Currently there are a limited number of printers and papers available, but BenQ plans to release more periodically.
Once the set up is done, you also want to make sure that whatever editing software you are using you select the matching color profile.
You can be sure that the BenQ SW321C monitor will give you a precise and accurate preview of how the colors will actually look when you’ll print your image. Also, the size of the monitor is a plus and makes it a real pleasure to work on your images for long time. In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this monitor to anyone who wishes to print their photos and have a clear idea of how they would look like, but also to anyone interested in achieving color accuracy for their online portfolios.
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