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Conclusion

Since the dawn of the digital video age, users have wished for one thing above all: greater pixel density. Film images consist of microscopic particles that are not only much smaller than pixels, but are also distributed randomly rather than in a grid. This creates a far more believable picture when one puts three-dimensional reality onto a two-dimensional video screen.

4K is generally recognized as the point where you can’t see the pixel structure on a 27 or 32-inch monitor. 27 inches means 163ppi. But more dots are certainly better. Someday, we’ll all be looking at 8K screens but until then, 5K looks pretty good.

The Asus ProArt PA27JCV is an extremely relevant and useful display. Its 218ppi density outstrips anything short of an 8K screen. And for content creators, it delivers unflappable color accuracy in all specs from sRGB to DCI-P3. It comes up a tad short for those in need of Adobe RGB and BT.2020 but that’s because it doesn’t have a Quantum Dot layer. And that choice is one of the reasons it’s such a good value.

It also keeps the cost down by using an edge backlight rather than the FALD Mini LEDs seen in more expensive models like the PA32UCXR. Contrast is nonetheless impressive at over 1,500:1 native and around 6,000:1 with Dynamic Dimming engaged. You won’t find a better image in any other pro monitor selling for under $1,000. And with perfect color accuracy, no calibration required, it’s easy to dial up the standard you need for the job at hand.

Users shopping for value in the pro display category would do well to consider the Asus ProArt PA27JCV. It delivers reference level accuracy and a stellar image with incredibly high pixel density for photographers and content creators for just $800. If you need a precision color reference tool that won’t break the bank, definitely check it out.

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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.