If you value accurate colors and a high-quality computer display, Eizo is one of the better choices. The company released two professional 27-inch screens towards the end of 2022. One of them has 4K resolution and the other WQHD resolution. Let’s take a close look at the latter.
When it comes down to a great workable computer screen, the 27-inch size is probably the most convenient one. I’ve been using one for many years and found it not too small and not too big. This year, it was time to upgrade my old Eizo screen. My choice fell on the new ColorEdge CG 2700S, which is a huge upgrade from the old Eizo Flexscan EV 2731W I was using.
In this review, I want to take a look at my first impressions and how it feels after I’ve been using a lower-end Eizo screen for so many years. Does it have enough to offer to justify the price?
First of all, I want to explain what the screen is used for. As you may guess, it’s mainly for photo-editing work. But I also use it for writing articles and recently, a growing amount of video editing work. My viewing distance is somewhere between 70 to 80 centimeters. Occasionally, I watch a couple of YouTube videos, but never a full-length movie. I have a TV for that. I don’t play any video games either.
My desk with the ColorEdge CG 2700S.
Resolution Choice
There are two versions of this 27-inch screen. The ColorEdge CG 2700X has a 4K resolution (4,196 x 2,160 pixels) and the ColorEdge CG 2700S has a slightly lower resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. This is called a WQHD screen.
Although buying a 27-inch 4K monitor sounds very tempting, I find a WQHD screen a much better choice for the photographer. The pixel density of a 4K resolution on a 27-inch screen is 194 pixels per inch, which leads to small on-screen text that may be difficult to read. The WQHD offers a pixel density of 109 pixels per inch, offering a much better reading experience.
The WQHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,40 pixels keeps the on-screen text readable. It won't be too small like it would be on a 27-inch 4K monitor.
The lower resolution of the ColorEdge CG 2700S makes it impossible to have a 1:1 display of 4K video footage. If you’re working with video and video editing, a 4K screen may be the better choice. If the on-screen text becomes too small for you, perhaps a larger size 4K display is the answer to that.
Some Specifications
- 27 inch WQHD IPS display with 2,560 x 1,440 pixels
- Viewing angle up to 178 degrees
- Wide color gamut covering 99% AdobeRGB and 98% DCI-P3 color space
- Integrated sensor that allows fully automated calibration
- Maximum brightness of 400 cd/m2 and a 1600:1 contrast ratio with True Black technology
- 10-bit display with 16-bit 3D Look-Up-Table
- Perfect distribution of brightness and color with the Digital Uniformity Equalizer
- HDR-HLG and HDR-PQ-EOTF display
- USB-C that offers DisplayPort signal and 92-Watt Power Delivery
- Dedicated DisplayPort and HDMI
- Includes RJ-45 LAN port
- USB-hub with two USB 3.1 and two USB 2.0 downstream ports
- Magnetic Light shield hood included
- VESA mount
- Complies with the soft proofing requirements (ISO 12646 norm)
The Looks of the ColorEdge CG 2700S
The case of the monitor is a new design that slightly differs from the ColorEdge CS 2731 that was released in the beginning of 2022. The front bezel looks the same, offering a touch button array at the right bottom. These buttons are illuminated, and you only have to touch them lightly to trigger the response.
The touch buttons are lit. The brightness can be adjusted or turned off. Also, the beep signal when you use the buttons can be turned off.
It has a round foot with a relatively small footprint. It rotates 344 degrees, which is more than sufficient. The monitor stand can be adjusted 15.5 centimeters in height and can tilt 35 degrees backwards and 5 degrees forward. The tilting is necessary for rotating the monitor into a vertical position. At the back, you find a nice incorporated carry handle that makes it easy to lift the monitor.
The screen needs to be raised to be able to turn. These images are of the CS 2731 I reviewed a while ago. The CG 2700S works in a similar way.
The light shield hood has a simple design and attaches to the monitor by magnets. The inside of the hood is covered with felt to prevent any reflection of light. With a screen brightness of 400 cd/m^2, this is very welcome.
The light hood is easily placed or removed. It attaches by magnet. It's sturdy enough to hold my webcam, even when placed at the front edge.
The ColorEdge CG 2700S allows a viewing angle of 178 degrees. This makes it easy to look at the monitor with a small group of people. Just make sure to remove the light hood; otherwise, it will block the screen when viewed from the side.
Connections
The main connections can be found at the back of the monitor. It offers DisplayPort, HDMI, and a USB-C port. You can use the USB-C to connect and charge your laptop. It offers 92-watt power, and it can also be used for a DisplayPort signal and other data transfer. The RJ-45 LAN port on the monitor makes it possible to connect the laptop to the internet through the monitor.
The connections at the back of the CG 2700S.
The USB hub, with two USB 3.1 connectors and two USB 2.
The CG 2700S also has a USB Hub. There are two USB 3.1 and two USB 2 ports on the left side of the monitor. In theory, this allows a clean desk environment, without any other cables to your laptop, save for the USB-C cable. Everything can be connected to the monitor.
Menu and Calibration
The ColorEdge CG 2700S has an extensive menu that offers access to a lot of functions and settings. There are two custom buttons for your most used functions. There is also a quick menu to switch between the different possible color spaces that the monitor is capable of. The color spaces can be adjusted to your personal preferences if needed.
A couple of examples of the menu.
Clipping can be made visible on screen.
Other functions are a luminance warning to view clipping, image cropping, and picture expansion. And there is the built-in calibration unit, of course. This is a small sensor that is located in the top bezel. It rotated into view when activated.
The calibration unit is activated by timer. The calibration interval is set for every 200 hours of use, but it can be adjusted to your own needs. It can even be programmed to perform the calibration when the monitor is not in use. If you’re working, the calibration isn’t taking up much of the screen. It will adjust the brightness of the screen a few times, but otherwise, you won’t notice much of the process itself. The calibration will also take ambient light levels into account.
The calibration function in use.
The calibration covers only a small part of the screen.
The Display Itself
After you turn on a computer monitor, it takes time before the display is stable and showing the correct color and brightness. This only takes about three minutes with the ColorEdge CG 2700S. The monitor is able to show an 8-bit or 10-bit color spectrum. The last one offers 99% of the AdobeRGB and 98% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum.
For most photographers, the AdobeRGB will be the most logical choice. But if you’re also using the monitor for video editing, it is possible to switch the color space to one of other available ones that matches your footage. There is BT.2020, BT.709, DCI-P3, HLG_BT.2100, PQ_DCI-P3, and more.
Choose the color space you're using when working with video.
Switch to the color space you prefer when working with photos. Often, AdobeRGB will be the best choice.
The CG 2700S ships with a factory report that shows the results of the quality tests that were performed. After a longer period of use, the performance of every monitor will change slightly. Eizo offers the possibility to calibrate the screen with the online ColorNavigator software. This way, correct display of your work is guaranteed for many years to come.
The monitor ships with a factory report.
Conclusion
The Eizo ColorEdge CG 2700S is a great 27-inch WQHD monitor that works according to the highest standards. It does result in a price tag of $2,519 dollar. This is twice as much as the also excellent Eizo ColorEdge CS 2731 monitor.
With the ColorEdge CG 2700S, you get a built-in calibration unit, a light hood, a 92-watt USB-C connection, and the USB hub. But more importantly, the overall display of the monitor, its color accuracy, and the different color spaces are the most important thing about this monitor.
I do like the Eizo ColorEdge CG 2700S a lot. It's a significant upgrade from the Flexscan EV 2736W I used before.
What I Like
Almost everything about the monitor. It’s a great display with lots of possibilities, like choosing a dedicated color profile for different kind of purposes and the built-in calibration unit. The 92-watt power delivery is a big plus.
What I Don’t Like
I do have my doubts about the extra connections of this monitor. Although you have a USB hub, it does feel a bit limited. You can connect a few USB 3.1 devices, but it doesn’t have the possibility to connect USB-C or Thunderbolt devices. If you have a lot of peripheral devices, you still need a docking station of some sort. Especially for professional photography and video work, fast external hard disks or SSD disks may be needed, and for that, you need the fastest possible connection speed. A simple USB 3.1 won’t do.
I have a DAS system with Thunderbolt connection, a speaker, CF Express Type B cardreader, and some other things I like to connect to my computer. The CG 2700S doesn't have enough possibilities to act like a true docking station, unfortunately.
Should You Buy It?
I think the ColorEdge CG 2700S is worth the money if you’re working professionally and color accuracy is important for your work. It might be too expensive for those who don’t need this level of control. In that case, the ColorEdge CS 2731 might be the better choice.
You use the term "accurate colors". Isn't AdobeRGB a standard - so the picture looks the same on all monitors that support AdobeRGB. So, not color accuracy, but rather color standardization. Simply asking, so correct me if I am wrong.
No it's not like that. All screens show difrent colours. Adobe RGB is just a definition of what and how many colours can be shown on the screen. Typically the green spectrum is wider on Adobe. You need to calibrate to get same colours on print. If you don’t print but shows pictures on screens, you don’t need to care that much. It will be different on all other screens.
Again, just asking. What does Nando mean by "accurate colors"? Example, I take a photo of a blue wall. The camera records a specific set of RGB values as to what it thinks is the color blue. I open the RAW photo on a EIZO monitor that is calibrated and in AdobeRGB color space. So, how "accurate" will the blue wall color be on the monitor? Also, what if I took a photo of something that is out of AdobeRGB gamut? How will the EIZO monitor show me "accurate color" then?
I understand your point.
Although a monitor may be able to show 99% of the AdobeRGB spectrum, it doesn't mean the colors are displayed accurate. The colors can still have some kind of shift in hue.
In case of your example, the color blue appearance will be determined by the camera settings. You'll have to calibrate the image with something like a color checker to get it accurate. That has nothing to do with a monitor. But the monitor will allow you to 'see' the color as recorded by the camera.
Ok, cool, you have answered my question.
Pedantic nitpick: "The pixel density of a 4K resolution on a 27-inch screen is 194 pixels per inch" - it´s 163 ppi. For 194 ppi the screen diagonal would have to be 22.7 inches.
Yes, you're right. It says 164 ppi for the 4K screen and 109 ppi for the 1440p screen. I think it's a typo. Thanks for mentioning.
I realise this review was a while ago - but I'm curious about black levels. I realise it can't be up to OLED standard, but how black are the blacks?