As photographers, we tend to dedicate more attention (and money) to our cameras and gear than our monitors.

We either overlook or under-value the type and quality of the monitors we use. Photo editing monitors are typically are customized for a photo, video, and graphic work. They are also highly calibrated to correctly display colors and come in 4K, 5K, and 8K resolutions. This is why carefully selecting a photo editing monitor is critical to your work as a photographer. 

Think of it like selecting a television. If the picture's quality, colors, and clarity matter to you, you're probably highly selective when choosing a television. The computer monitor is no different, whether you're an amateur or professional photographer. 

To simplify your search for a high-quality monitor suitable for photo editing, we've selected five models. We always suggest you also do a deeper dive into any model before purchasing it to ensure it's best for your needs.

1. BenQ SW271

Pros:

• Offers excellent performance with excellent image quality

• It has a solid stand

• Excellent image quality

Cons:

• There's a slight green cast before calibrating.

• Can't adjust images in HDR mode

The BenQ 271 is considered one of the top monitors available for photo editing. If you're a perfectionist, you probably won't be disappointed with it. Its 27-inch IPS display isn't the biggest on the market. Still, it features a 4k resolution that is excellent thanks to HDR support and Ultra-HD resolution. It supposedly handles 100% of the sRGB gamut and 99% for Adobe RGB. and excellent color support. It has a 180-degree viewing angle (horizontally and vertically); a contrast of 100:1 for whites and blacks. 

2. Dell UltraSharp U2415

Pros:

• Attractive body

• Reasonably priced for what it offers

• It allows for adjustments

Cons:

• Lacks speakers

• Needs calibration

The Dell Ultrasharp U2145 is a well-priced HD monitor that offers reliable performance and good value. The 24-inch monitor's 1200p doesn't disappoint the screen, and its 1000:1 contrast ratio keeps colors sharp. Photographers who use daisy-chaining (also known as multi-stream transport or MST) will appreciate its dedicated DisplayPort out. There are four downstream UB 3.0 ports to connect them to your PC or charge other peripheral USB devices. Lastly, its stand is fully adjustable, including height, swiveling, and tilting.

3. MSI Prestige PS341WU

Pros:

• Loaded with features

• Excellent resolution

• Includes a great Nano IPS panel

• Comprehensive connectivity

Cons:

• Expensive

• Poor HDR performance

If you want to upgrade from an average or standard 4k monitor, here's a good option for you. It has a whopping 34-inch IPS screen, which features a 5K2K resolution and a 21:9 ultra-wide aspect ratio. It comes with a Nano IPS panel from LG, able to deliver high fidelity image quality. Its comprehensive connectivity includes a DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB Type-C.  

4. Asus Pro Art Display PA278QV

Pros:

• Monitor reduces eye strain

• Support various refresh rate technologies

• Great ergonomics and wide viewing angle

• Well-priced for smaller budgets

Cons:

• Black uniformity is average

• Also has trouble displaying dark colors

At 27-inches, this versatile monitor has a 1440p resolution. Overall, it's well-built and has a sleek design. It's easy to adjust its position, and you'll appreciate its wide view angle. It's also well-calibrated with a dedicated sRGB mode with decent coverage of the Adobe RGB color space. A plus of this model is that it has integrated speakers that will pair with external devices. It also has four 3.0 USB ports.

5. Eizo ColorEdge CS2740-4k

Pros:

• Produces accurate 4k results with 3840 by 2160 pixels.

• Built-in automated calibration adjustment capabilities

• Impressive visual specs and CGI and VFX settings

• Loaded with features to ensure higher color accuracy

Cons:

• Pricey

• Lacks an HDMI 2.0 port

Photographers love this monitor because it is one of the most powerful 4K monitors on the market, including those with impactful specs with a feature-rich design. Its built-in automated calibration adjustment capabilities help deliver efficient results.

It supports self-adjustment color calibration.

We hope you enjoyed learning about these five options. We'd love to hear back from you on your experience with any of these or other monitors. What has worked well for you?