Eizo FlexScan L885 review

Colour performance is still the major concern graphics professionals have about TFTs, but companies like Eizo are making a concerted effort to win over the non-believers. Its latest attempt, the FlexScan L885, distinguishes itself by offering comprehensive control over the panel's colour response.

Unlike Eizo's higher-end ColorEdge series, the L885 doesn't use a hardware calibration unit, but instead relies on user intervention. This can come courtesy of the reasonably intuitive OSD, but it's much easier to manage via the included ScreenManager Pro software controlled over a USB connection.

Colour temperature is adjustable between 4,000K and 10,000K, with the 'OFF' setting being around 7,500K. Hue and saturation levels are configurable across RGB and CMY components, and gamma may also be adjusted between 1.4 and in increments of 0.2 - powerful stuff.

Even with the well laid-out graphic interface, it's tricky to be completely accurate, but the results can be saved into a number of profiles. It's also possible to associate certain programs with either custom profiles or presets, including modes optimised for text, graphics and sRGB.

There was no major cause for complaint on the default settings, with our tough set of DisplayMate tests finding few faults. Banded colour ramps showed a smooth and even response at both extremities, and greyscale graduations exhibited pure tones. Graduations were also impressively lacking in banding.

Real-world use showed excellent definition on both inputs, with natural flesh tones and a pleasing colour balance. Given the 20ms response time, we were hoping for better performance in gaming and DVD movie tests, but there was noticeable lag in both. However, it does have excellent viewing angles.

Build quality is as good as we'd expect from Eizo, with a solid, easily adjustable stand. Height adjustment is a practical 85mm, and the panel rotates into portrait mode, but relies on your graphics card driver to pivot the image.

This is an excellent-quality, highly configurable panel. It's a good deal cheaper than NEC's MultiSync LCD2080UX and, save for the NEC's extra input, compares favourably in all areas. As such, it takes a well-deserved place on the A List.

Author: Ross Burridge