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Contrast issues aside, the M27QP delivers top-notch performance in every other area of image fidelity. In Standard mode, there is no need for calibration and the color gamut is large and richly saturated.
Grayscale and Gamma Tracking
Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.
The default grayscale chart could easily fool one into thinking the M27QP was already calibrated. These are the measurements I captured out of the box. Aside from a tiny error at 100%, there are no visible issues here. Gamma tracks well with slightly dark mid-tones. This actually masks some of the contrast weakness I noted earlier.
There is no visible improvement with calibration, but the numbers are more impressive. Delta E values are all under two except for the 100% step. There is nothing to complain about here.
If you choose the sRGB picture mode, you get that gamut with a slightly purple grayscale. The errors are just visible in the brightest steps, but you won’t see them in most content. Gamma runs dark from 30-90% and too light at the 10 and 20% points, where you’ll see blacks closer to dark gray. However, the errors aren’t significant enough to mask shadow detail, making it perfectly usable in sRGB mode.
Comparisons
The M27QP is near the top of the heap for out-of-box grayscale accuracy. Only the BenQ scores slightly better, and Gigabyte is comfortably ahead of the rest. You can enjoy any of the top four screens without adjustment.
After calibration, only the Viotek still has visible errors. The other screens are much improved. Of course, the M27QP started with invisible errors, so it doesn’t look much different, but that’s a good thing.
The M27QP’s gamma values stay within a tight range of 0.14. The average is 2.73% off the 2.2 reference equating to an actual value of 2.26. This is a minor error and given the relatively low contrast, the darker curve helps improve the image by slightly increasing mid-tone color saturation. You’ll see that in the next group of charts.
Color Gamut Accuracy
Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.
Color saturation in the M27QP’s Standard mode is pretty much on-point. There is a little over-saturation which is a good thing because it adds some richness to the image. One should use the sRGB color gamut in SDR mode for ultimate accuracy. However, in reality, most users will prefer the expanded color space. Since tracking here is so linear, there won’t be any loss of detail.
Calibration makes almost no difference in the chart and no visible improvement. The picture is excellent in every case. The sRGB mode yields a perfect rendering of that gamut. The only minor issue is the grayscale which has a slight magenta hue. Overall, though, the M27QP’s color performance is excellent.
Comparisons
The M27QP remains near the top tier in the color gamut tests. Even without calibration, it would still finish second which is impressive.
With a bit of bonus red and near full coverage of green, the M27QP has best-in-class color volume. Anything over 90% is above average so Gigabyte has done well here. sRGB coverage is also close to ideal at 95.84%. Though a gaming monitor like this won’t be a photographer’s first choice, it is perfectly capable of handling color-critical tasks.
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