On most monitors, settings of up to 300 candelas/m² are possible, but most users prefer a setting of 200 candelas/m² when they must spend hours performing color-critical editing. This setting allows users to view images with good contrast and sensitivity without suffering eyestrain and headaches.

As long as the illumination for viewing a hard copy is similar in brightness to the monitor (and vice versa), the eye can compare the color well between the monitor display and the hard copy. The eye adapts its sensitivity to the current illumination.

Factors that limit the level of brightness in monitor proofing include:

• Significant variations in monitor brightness between manufacturers, and from lot to lot for the same model
• Reduced maximum brightness of a monitor in order to achieve effective color calibration
• Monitor age—monitors typically drop in maximum brightness by 50% over two years of daily use

Kodak evaluates new monitors that come onto the market and recommends requirements to you when you are purchasing a monitor for color-critical viewing. For more information, see the Matchprint Virtual Monitor Selection Guide.