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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
ViewSonic claims 450 nits peak for the XG272-2K but doesn’t specify SDR or HDR or what the value is when measuring window patterns. In SDR mode, there is a slight variation in brightness as the average picture level changes. A full field measurement was around 200 nits while a 25% window measured 297 nits. This is plenty of light for any indoor environment. While you can buy brighter screens, there is little advantage to them unless you set up outside. The XG272-2K shuts off its pixel matrix when a zero percent signal is displayed so black levels and contrast cannot be determined.
After Calibration to 200 nits
To calibrate, I set the XG272-2K to Full Color Control and adjusted the RGB sliders for more accurate grayscale tracking. There is no change in black levels or contrast; they are still unmeasurable, as is intra-image (ANSI) contrast.
Test Takeaway: A few years ago, infinite contrast and true black levels were a wonder behold, and they still are today even though all you need to achieve them is any OLED monitor. The XG272-2K delivers SDR contrast and brightness typical of any 27 or 32-inch OLED monitor.
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