LG OLED C2 42 inch as a reference display for filmmakers

LG OLED C2 as a Reference Display for Filmmakers: A Surprisingly Solid Option Take Your Cinematography to the Next Level Learn industry secrets for creating stunning visuals, managing clients, and scaling your career. With Hugo Will’s expert advice, you’ll gain the confidence to elevate your projects. Book your consultation now! https://bit.ly/4h4cm5t Hey guys, Hugo here. I’ve been on a bit of a journey trying to find the perfect monitor for color grading and editing. I tried the Apple Studio Display and didn’t love it, so I returned it and kept looking. Since I do a lot of color grading on top of cinematography, I wanted something that could deliver top-notch color accuracy and deep blacks, but without breaking the bank. That search led me to try the LG OLED C2, specifically the 42-inch model, and let me tell you—it’s a game changer. Why the LG OLED? After trying the Apple Studio Display, I started looking at other options, and I came across people using OLED TVs for color grading. I thought I’d give it a shot, so I bought the LG C1 48-inch model. From the moment I set it up, I was blown away by the quality. The blacks, contrast, and color reproduction were way ahead of any computer monitor I’d used before. Even my old monitors, which I thought looked fine, just couldn’t compare next to that OLED display. OLED TVs have so much more to offer than typical computer monitors—Dolby Vision, HDR10, Rec. 2020, and DCI-P3 color spaces. You’re not going to find those features on many (or any) computer monitors in the same price range. Even Apple’s XDR monitor, which costs around $6,000, doesn’t offer Dolby Vision, and to me, that’s a pretty big omission. The Upgrade to the LG C2 42-Inch While the 48-inch C1 looked incredible, I did notice that it felt a bit large on my desk, and the pixel density wasn’t perfect for close-up work. So, when LG announced the 42-inch C2, I jumped on it. The difference between 48 inches and 42 inches might not sound huge, but it really is noticeable. The 42-inch fits perfectly on a desk, the pixel density is better, and I don’t see any fringing on text like I did with the 48-inch. For color grading and editing in software like DaVinci Resolve, the extra screen space on the 42-inch is ideal. You get plenty of real estate for your tools, and the actual preview screen is still large enough to work comfortably. It feels like LG fine-tuned the C2 for use as a desktop monitor, and it’s been awesome so far. Comparing to Reference Monitors and Apple XDR I’ve been able to compare the LG OLED to some top-of-the-line monitors, including a $10,000 Sony reference OLED. I was shocked at how close the LG OLED came in terms of color accuracy and black levels. It might not have the exact precision of the Sony, but for most people doing color grading, it’s close enough that you’d barely notice. And when you consider the LG C2 is around $1,400, that’s impressive value for a display that’s almost on par with something eight times its price. I also compared the C2 to Apple’s XDR display, and honestly, the XDR’s brightness was impressive, but the blooming issues were pretty distracting. Side by side, the OLED’s true blacks and smooth color gradients just looked better to me. Tips to Make the LG C2 Work as a Monitor Using an OLED TV as a monitor isn’t entirely plug-and-play, so here are a few things I recommend. First, set the TV’s input to “PC” mode—this eliminates lag and gives you a smoother experience. Also, consider getting a service remote to turn off the automatic dimming and other “safety” features that can be annoying in a professional setting. Once you’ve got these things set up, the LG C2 works just as smoothly as any computer monitor. Another big plus for me is the built-in speakers. They’re loud and clear, making them perfectly suitable for editing without having to add external speakers unless you’re working with more advanced audio. Downsides: Brightness and Wake-Up Time OLED TVs aren’t as bright as some monitors, so if you’re in a bright room, you might miss that extra punch. But for a controlled environment like a studio, it’s perfect. And as far as wake-up time goes, the C2 is actually pretty quick—it’s ready almost immediately when you turn it on, which was a pleasant surprise. It’s similar to Apple’s displays, where you don’t have to wait around for the screen to power up. Final Thoughts: A Reliable, Affordable Reference Option If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be using an OLED TV as a reference monitor, I’d have laughed. But technology’s come a long way, and today’s OLED TVs are leagues ahead of what we’re used to. For anyone considering an OLED TV as a color grading monitor, I’d recommend the 42-inch LG C2 without hesitation. It’s a joy to use, and every time I sit down to work, I’m reminded of how much of a difference a great display can make.