Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 1, 2017. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The last time we had an Eizo screen to test was at the beginning of 2016 – apart from the resolution (the test was about 4K monitors), the CG318 was relatively similar to the device tested here – except for the almost threefold price.
The conclusion of the test at the time was “it can hardly get any better” – and testers and probes marveled at the performance. Details, measurement methods and comparison devices can be downloaded free of charge at www.digitalproduction.com. And now another Eizo device is ready.
What Do You Get?
The CG2730 is a 27-inch IPS (wide-gamut display) with a resolution of 2,560 by 1,440 pixels, which, according to the manufacturer, achieves a contrast ratio of 1,500:1 and a brightness of 350 cd/m2. A 2.5K display may no longer seem contemporary today, but this is not the case – especially in the area of color-accurate and color-binding work. Here, color gamut, proofing suitability, color accuracy and 16-bit color processing play a much more important role. So 16-bit LUTs are built in, while the display operates at 10 bit. An integrated color sensor, a magnetically attached hood and the relevant connections are of course also on board.
The monitor arrived in a sturdy box equipped with plenty of dehumidifier sachets, multiple layers of packaging and a comprehensive cable set. Our test unit was brand new – as usual with Eizo, everything therefore worked on the first try and all screws and cables were included.
One special feature: Eizo is so far the only manufacturer that already includes cleaning agents for the dirt marks that inevitably occur during setup. Not a decision criterion, but still a nice touch. The setup itself is extremely simple: The screen is mounted on the hefty stand, and this can be removed with a single click by even only moderately talented users – without consulting the manual. Here comes the first surprise: The screen itself is extremely light – just under 5 kilograms. Nevertheless, the housing feels stable.
The rest of the setup is almost foolproof: Screw on the VESA mount, plug in the cables, operate the physical on/off switch (important!) and remove the seal from the integrated color sensor. Done. When first switched on, the sensor tests whether everything is working, and it is advisable to perform a calibration with warm-up – the CG2730 should not be denied a detailed self-test.
Image Quality
An initial calibration shows the factory measurement, which was spot on – then it was on to everyday work. We measured after 4 weeks of daily use. First, image uniformity: with an average luminance deviation of 0.4 percent, the maximum value in five measurement series was 2 percent on one occasion. You cannot ask for more. Eizo’s built-in “Digital Uniformity Equalizer” (uniformity control) does its job well. The gamma curve in all measurements (without internal calibration) was always exactly on the ideal 2.2 line – which is why we have included the gamma 1.8 curve in the image for comparison so that it does not look so empty.
Of course, one could now wax lyrical about what else could be measured, but there is simply nothing to complain about in the image quality – throughout the entire test period, we measured again and again, the screen ran for a long time and there were no real deviations or corrections between the first and second measurement months later.
In practice, this means: For a color-accurate to color-binding workstation, it is enough to check once a quarter; for everyday work, even just once a year.
Internal Calibration
A feature that we had not yet seen in any of the monitors tested in the series – and that we liked very much – is the integrated sensor. An arm about the size of a piece of chewing gum in the upper edge of the housing that folds out and performs a quick calibration.
Calibration is controlled either by schedule or with two button presses in the menu. In practical use, we quickly got into the habit of recalibrating during the lunch break. Apart from the first button press, calibration is completely automatic and can be interrupted again at any time.
In addition to the screen, you can get software – ColorNavigator NX (for download) and Network (on request) work together with the measuring device. For example, color can be managed centrally on a network – a time saver especially for studios with larger color-management
workflows.
Pros
In summary, what did we like about the CG2730? Almost everything, honestly. The light yet solid screen has everything it needs, and a little more: excellent image, uniform illumination, reference-grade anti-glare, clever features for everyday use (switching color spaces with just one click), the magnetically attached light-protection hood and a solid set of accessories, as well as the integrated sensor that blends seamlessly into everyday use and delivers a surprisingly good result.
We also liked the display’s viewing-angle stability and the rich black levels provided by the panel’s True Black technology. When you ask yourself what is still missing, it is really difficult within the tasks set to find something you miss.
Cons
Of course, not everything is perfect – there is always something. What we did not particularly like about the CG2730 was the menu, whose “vertical scrolling” is not as nice as on the NEC monitor tested in issue 02:17. But even in full “nitpicking mode”, this is a ridiculous complaint. We did not notice a real reason not to use the Eizo.
Conclusion
In practice, the image generator is suitable for all work for which 2.5K resolution is sufficient: image editing, video editing, I/O and all VFX and animation work, and it should also cut a fine figure in grading.
