Monitor Settings

[sloaner]

I didn't know where to put this question so I'll ask it here. I have been doing a lot more work with my digital images on my computer and I realized yesterday when I turned it on that I might have it set too dark. I like a darker monitor but I want to see my images as they really are and not end up compensating too much in my camera to adjust the look. I want a bench mark to test and work on my images.
So should I set my monitor at "default"? Is there a method for callibrating the monitor? All help is appreciated. Thanks.

[dang]

Here's an online chart that might help get you started: http://www.displaycalibration.com/

To do the job properly you can purchase a monitor spyder, and software. Here's a review site that gives information on various ones: http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/moni ... _tools.htm

[sloaner]

Thanks Dang for the help. I took a look at your web page. I love macro too. As a matter of fact I just bought a new macro zoom lens (Sigma 17-70 2.8-4.5) so I have all angles covered, wide angle, portrait and macro. I want to do a lot more outdoor shooting this summer, that is why I'm getting every thing together now. I really like what I've seen from my new lens so far.