The brightness tends to be high, something that is practically a standard nowadays. The maximum brightness stated in the specifications is 350 cd/m2, although in my tests I have measured 382 Cd/m2. The black is so deep that the maximum contrast has proven to be of 1090:1, frankly an excellent value, nearly triple compared with the most competitive monitors, even with the PG2401PT monitor. It is probably the highest value that I've ever seen on a monitor with IPS panel, the active screen brightness standardization system (sustracts too much contrast) and after being calibrated once. Fortunately, the brightness can be lowered a lot for those who prefer to work with softer lighting much more in line with the retouching rooms, down to about 90 or 100 Cd/m2.