What is the best monitor for video editing?
After delving into the troubled water of choosing a right monitor for graphic designers (we just published an extensive guide to help you out), we’ll now discuss how to choose the perfect monitor for video editors. In this article, we will discuss the importance of having a specifically designed monitor that can handle the demands of video editing, as well as how to identify the necessary features. We will also provide some suggestions for the best monitors for video editing! By the end of this article, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of what to look for, and the shopping experience will feel way less overwhelming.
1. Which type of monitor is best for video editing?
The monitors ideal for video editors are overall similar to those specifically designed for architects and graphic design professionals, finance operators, and engineering firms: all these jobs require high-performance monitors for precise, accurate, color-critical work. There are several things to look out for, that can ensure the best and widest color reproduction, as well as large and comfortable visualization. To ease the work, it is also crucial to have a good array of connectivity options.
A first example is the Philips 329P1H, a 31.5” IPS panel which offers 4K UHD picture quality with high precision and clarity and delivers even the smallest details with its IPS panel, displaying 1.07 billion colors and covering 128% of the sRGB gamut. This model checks all the needs of video editors, mixing features for precise, accurate, color-critical work to fast and complete connectivity options with a USB-C docking station with power delivery, two HDMI and one DisplayPort. Check out the dedicated page for more information on the Philips 329P1H here.
Another option is the Philips 40B1U6903CH, a large, 39.7-inch screen (100cm diag.) with 5K2K (5120 x 2160) resolution and a speedy, multifunctional Thunderbolt™ 4 docking solution. With UltraWide 5K2K resolution, the color depth is delivered more vividly, and the fine details of the visuals can’t be missed. This model supports 1.07 billion colors, covering 134% of the sRGB gamut and 98% of DCI-P3 (min). Check out the dedicated page for more information on the Philips 40B1U6903CH and all its features, click here.
2. What are the most important specs for a video editing monitor?
There are several key features to check for, when choosing a monitor for video editing. Some of the main specs are:
- Size – The ideal monitor size can be between 27” and 45” inches. This wide range depends on the preference and available space: each video editor develops over time a preferred set-up that can welcome and boost their creativity and working needs.
- Resolution – Video editors would benefit from the highest resolutions available, such as UHD 4K to enjoy and see even the smallest detail.
- Color accuracy and gamut – Color accuracy is fundamental for video editors, since it directly impacts on the color correction of each item they have to build together. Having a precise and accurate monitor means being able to see and correct even the smallest differences in shade. Color gamut is the range of colors within the spectrum of colors that can be reproduced by a monitor. There are different levels of color coverage and different standards to evaluate. For video editors two are particularly important: sRGB (the closest thing to a standard for digital devices) and DCI-P3 (stands for Digital Cinema Initiatives – Protocol 3 and is a color space created to standardize the colors used in the film industry). The minimum levels to look for, are almost 100% of sRGB space, 95% of Adobe RGB and 90% of DCI-P3. Overall, the higher the percentage coverage of these color gamut, the more accurately the monitor can display a broader range of colors. Which of the color spaces to look for, it’s all based on the personal and professional needs of each video editor.
- Panel Type – there are two aspects to take into consideration, when discussing a panel type. These are color reproduction and viewing angles. Overall, for professionals that need precise color reproduction, IPS is to be preferred.
- Response time and refresh rate – these specs are not as critical as the ones mentioned before, but a generally speaking a fast refresh rate and low response time can help reducing motion blur in fast-paces video sequences.
- Inputs and outputs – opting for a monitor that offers various connectivity options, such as USB-C and HDMI, can ease the set-up and the tasks at hand.
3. Is OLED good for video editing?
OLED, acronym for Organic Light Emitting Diodes, are monitors whose pixels can turn on and off individually, providing deeper blacks, a full spectrum of rich colors, improved viewing angles and a faster response rate. OLED panels, at the moment, are not so common on the market – and they’re quite expensive. A 4K UHD IPS model can support the most demanding creatives.
3.1 Is IPS better than VA for video editing?
IPS are generally more suited for editing, both photos and videos. The main advantages of IPS Panels are the excellent viewing angles, the color accuracy and consistency. Therefore, they are perfect for those working in professions that demand accurate color. Not to mention, another important aspect of IPS panels is that they support the Adobe RGB color space. To read more about IPS panels, we have an extensive guide here. Similarly, if you want to learn more about VA panels and what they are good for, jump here.
4. What Hz is good for video editing?
Contrary to what is usually thought, there’s no need to look for the highest refresh rate available on the market to comfortably edit videos: a high refresh rate provides a smother overall editing experience, but 60hz are sufficient. Refresh rate, namely how many times per second the monitor in use can display a new image, is measured in hertz (Hz). It is not a critical factor for video editing, not at the same level as resolution, color accuracy, color gamut, and panel type.
5. Do I need a 4K monitor for video editing?
Video editors would surely benefit of the accurate reproduction and the richness of details of 4K monitors, so to see all tiny and slight minutiae without any pixelation. With increased resolution comes a more precise editing due to a higher color accuracy and high-quality preview. Also, it can enhance their workspaces, with an enhanced viewing experience and more comfort.
A monitor that can enhance your video editing experience is the Philips 27B1U7903 is a 4K UHD IPS Mini-LED Thunderbolt™ 4 monitor that combines outstanding picture performance with secure one-cable docking, sustainable materials, and stylish design. This monitor is also certified with the VESA DisplayHDR™ 1400 certification level, meaning it provides a peak brightness of up to 1400 nits, a 350% increase in contrast range, and a wider color gamut (1.07B colors) to bring out previously unseen details and nuances for ultra-realistic effects. Please jump to its dedicated product page here to learn more about all the visual-enhancing features that further extends the graphic performance of the Philips 27B1U7903 (Quantum Dot Technology, Zero Bright DotÔ, SmartUniformity and many more) – truly a video editor’s bestfriend.