Samsung has announced a new high-resolution monitor, the 27-inch ViewFinity S9. It has a 5K screen resolution and you can even calibrate it with your smartphone.
5K resolution
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 has a 27-inch screen with a 5K resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels. This means that the screen has around 50% more workspace than a regular 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) monitor. The ViewFinity S9 screen also has 218 PPI (pixels per inch). Samsung says that the resolution of the screen means that you can work on ultra-high resolution content without the need to zoom in. In addition, you can have a 4K image on screen and still have space for editing tools to be visible as well.
Color accuracy
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 can display 99% of the DCI-P3 color space. DCI-P3 is an RGB color space defined for digital theatrical motion picture distribution. This means that the new monitor should be ideal for video editors. The ViewFinity S9 also has a screen brightness of 600 cd/m2, which should make it easy to work in nearly any lighting environment. In addition, the monitor is factory calibrated for Delta E <21 accuracy immediately out of the box. The static contrast ratio is 1000:1.
Smart Calibration
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 has a Smart Calibration feature which you can control with your smartphone. With the SmartThings app, you have the option of a Basic or Professional calibration mode. Basic allows easy adjustment of the white balance and gamma settings, while Professional adds control of color temperature, luminance, and color space as well. After calibration, the app also gives you a report detailing the adjustments made and the Delta E color accuracy. The app is compatible with Galaxy S10 or later, Galaxy Note10 or later, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Flip, iPhone 11 or later, and the second-generation iPhone SE 2 or later.
Built-in camera
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 has a built-in 4K SlimFit camera. This connects via pogo pin without additional cables or equipment. The camera also tilts to fit the angle of the monitor. In addition, when you use the monitor’s built-in apps, you can use Auto Framing which keeps you in shot even if you move around. Samsung says that the built-in camera gives you crystal clear quality for video calls on apps such as Google Meet.
Other features
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 has a Thunderbolt 4 port, a mini DisplayPort, and a USB-C connection. The monitor also has TUV-certified Intelligent Eye Care features to reduce eye strain. In addition, the height-adjustable stand has a Pivot mode so you can rotate the display 90 degrees to a portrait aspect ratio. The ViewFinity S9 even has embedded Smart TV apps so you can use the monitor for entertainment when you have finished work.
What we think
The variations between display devices mean that getting accurate colors in your videos is more difficult than it might initially seem. Color-calibrated monitors are usually expensive and require the use of additional calibration equipment, which is also not cheap. Samsung’s Smart Calibration feature means that you can be more confident about the colors you see when you are editing and color grading your video. This feature, together with the high resolution of the ViewFinity S9, means that it should be great for video editing. If you are in the market for a high-resolution, color-accurate monitor, the Samsung ViewFinity S9 should be on your short list.
Pricing and availability
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 will be available in August and will retail at $1,599.
