Conclusions on Dell UP2414Q

2014-05-25 • SEND FEEDBACK •
Related: 4K and 5K display, computer display, display, display pixel density

Get Dell UP2414Q at B&H Photo.

At about $950, the Dell UP2414Q offers an image quality that is really quite incredible. That stems from its 3840 X 2160 resolution, but also from a high quality panel with a wide color gamut.

Be sure to read the Glitches and Bugs page. There seem to be some “loose screws” as of late May 2014. Settling on a 4K display for production use should at least include some caution.

As of mid 2014 the 4K display market was in its infancy. Physically larger screens offering the same pixel count will allow a choice of pixel density while there will also be lower-end (likely inferior) offerings as well as higher-end color managed solutions analagous to the NEC PA series displays. By the end of 2014 the choices should have grown substantially, but the Dell UP2414Q is not likely to disappoint given its terrific image quality and favorable price point.

Considerations with 4K in general—

• A large screen that is small, in a way—in scaled mode Best for display, the screen presents itself as a 1920 X 1080 display to applications. While images can draw at full resolution into a 3840 X 2160 area, text and similar visual elements are sized as if the display were only 1920 X 1080. Hence the working room is rather limited for palettes windows, etc.
• Pixel density—as a 24-inch display, the pixel density is quite high, which makes images look as close to a 'chrome' (color reversal film) as any display your author has yet seen. But it does mean that evaluating images and working with fine details is difficult, since the pixels are so small, so one will have to work at 200% actual size (or so), which has its own difficulties (it looks slightly blurred). One can presumably adapt, but a larger display(say 32 inches) is likely to sidestep this pixel density issue in that regard.

A dual display system can help sidestep some of the issues (e.g., space for palettes): one display of conventional resolution along with a 4K display for viewing images, playing 4K video, etc.

Interface elements drawn at “Best for display” scaled mode of 1920 X 1080