The ColorReader Spectro is not a colorimeter. It's a 45/0 spectrophotometer in compact format — with spectral measurement, metamerism index, and professional QC mode.
Why a spectrophotometer?
A colorimeter translates light into color values via filters — fast and practical, but limited to the light source used for measurement. A spectrophotometer measures spectral reflectance per wavelength. This means:
- Color values calculable under any light source, not just the measurement LED
- Metamerism detectable: do two samples look the same under all conditions?
- Spectral data exchangeable with laboratory software and quality systems
- Connection to professional workflows where spectral information is required
Colorimeter vs. spectrophotometer
| Colorimeter (EZ/CR/Pro) | Spectrophotometer (Spectro) | |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement principle | RGB filters + LED | Spectral reflectance per wavelength |
| Spectral range | Not applicable | 400–700 nm |
| Metamerism index | ❌ | ✅ |
| Color data under other light sources | ❌ (measurement LED only) | ✅ (calculable) |
| QC mode with tolerance | Pro only | ✅ |
| Spectral data export | ❌ | ✅ |
| Price | €79–€299 | On request |
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Spectrophotometer |
| Measurement geometry | 45/0 |
| Spectral range | 400–700 nm |
| Spectral interval | 10 nm |
| Aperture | 6 mm |
| Repeatability | ΔE00 ≤ 0.08 |
| Accuracy | ΔE00 ≤ 0.3 (average) |
| Illumination | LED |
| Power | Rechargeable battery |
| Battery life | >1000 measurements per charge |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Display | LED screen on device |
| Weight | ~115 g |
| Dimensions | 152 × 44 × 54 mm |
Output & data
| Output | Available |
|---|---|
| CIE L*a*b* | ✅ |
| CIE L*C*h° | ✅ |
| XYZ | ✅ |
| RGB, Hex, CMYK | ✅ |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | ✅ |
| Spectral reflectance | ✅ |
| Metamerism index | ✅ |
| ΔE* (CIE76, CIE94, CIEDE2000) | ✅ |
| Pass/fail QC | ✅ |
Applications
| Application | Use |
|---|---|
| Field measurement at suppliers | Spectral data without lab |
| Production quality control | Pass/fail with tolerances |
| Metamerism screening | Detection of conditional color match |
| Print & packaging | Spectral control on location |
| Coatings & plastics | Mobile QC in the factory |
| Interior & design | Accurate color communication |
Positioning in the Datacolor ColorReader line
| Model | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ColorReader EZ | Colorimeter | Color inspiration |
| ColorReader | Colorimeter | Point-of-sale matching |
| ColorReader Pro | Colorimeter | On-device QC |
| ColorReader Spectro | Spectrophotometer | Spectral measurement & professional QC |
The Spectro is the choice when spectral data, metamerism detection, or professional traceability are required.
Included
- ColorReader Spectro device
- Protective case
- Calibration plate
- USB-C cable
- Manual
SNKI as Supplier
SNKI supplies the Datacolor ColorReader Spectro for the Benelux:
- Advice — is the Spectro the right instrument for your application?
- Delivery — fast with local support
- Training — learn to work with spectral data and QC workflows
- Service — calibration, maintenance, and support
