I have been trying to learn the basics of color grading with a copy of the color correction handbook by Alexis Van Hurkman and Da Vinci Resolve Lite. However, my 15 inch laptop cannot display all the Resolve panel so now I am looking for a better monitor. Most of my work is for the web so I was wondering if it is essential that I use a production monitor?

Yes, if you are serious. If you don't have much money, take a look at the Dell Ultrasharp series, which is an okay tool for learning. I would recommend an Eizo or NEC minimum for serious learning. You should also intern at a studio that has professional suites and Setups.

I also recommend you look at Photoshop. It's easier and a lot faster to learn when working with stills. It has an unbelievable range of tools. It will also teach you well on how color is handled in photography, and this I believe is solid grounding (but many might not consider it essential).

Hope this helps.

thank you for your reply. This is my first year in college. I think I will go with your recommendation and go with a dell ultrasharp just for learning purposes. Maybe something like this would be fine?

Dell U2412M UltraSharp 24" LED Monitor 469-1137 B&H Photo

or this? Amazon.com: Asus PA238Q 23-Inch Professional Super-IPS Full-HD LED Monitor: Computers & Accessories

I'm just hoping it would fit all of Da Vinci Resolve Lite.

I should have been more clear. Ultrasharp has many options, but this is the 'minimum' acceptable:

Amazon.com: Dell UltraSharp U2410 24-inch Widescreen LCD High Performance Monitor with HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort and HDCP: Computers & Accessories


If you have the money, I highly recommend the Amazon.com: Dell UltraSharp U2711 27-inch Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor - Max Resolution 2560 x 1440 (WQHD): Computers & Accessories


These are factory calibrated, but you'll still need a calibration system to learn, like a Spyder4 Pro or X-Rite ColorMunki.

If all this is expensive, then don't buy anything at all until you save up. It won't help, and will only add to your frustration later when you realize they aren't good enough.

The last thing you'll need is a room where you can control the lighting. Try to get a monitor hood as well.

To answer your question about resolution, Resolve is optimized for 1920 x 1200, but will work well on 1920x1080. Check http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/media/2384470/DaVinci_Resolve_Mac_Config_Guide.pdf for reference.

All the best.

thank you... I'll take your second recommendation with the 27 inch. I'm always an advocate of getting something good the first time around.

Sareesh, do you know how that Asus PA238Q compares to the Dell u2410 that you mentioned? Thanks

If all this is expensive, then don't buy anything at all until you save up. It won't help, and will only add to your frustration later when you realize they aren't good enough. .

That advice should be knitted into a sampler, croched onto pillows, tattooed on forearms...