NS800 is a portable, light-weight and compact color difference spectrophotometer for quick and precise color control. It is easily operable and ergonomic for repeated use over long periods of time. The NS800 is developed with 3NH's proprietary core technology, features separates the light according to a certain wavelength interval, and adopts groups of sensor array to perform sensitive analysis. This design ensures high - speed, accurate, stable, and consistent measurements. NS800 has a compact design, is easy to handle and quick to get to the right colour, even on uneven surfaces of objects.
Key Highlights
45/0 method (45 ring-shaped illumination, vertical viewing)
Excellent Repeatability (ΔE * AB≤0.2)
Inter - instrument Error Control (ΔE * AB≤0.04)
Spectral Value/Graph, Colorimetric Value, Color Difference Value/Graph, PASS/FAIL Result and etc
Large 3.5 Inch Touch Screen Operation, Fully Automatic Calibration
Largest 58mm integrating sphere
NS800 hand held spectrophotometer uses the principle of combination LED precision spectroscopy, separates the light according to a certain wavelength interval, and adopts groups of sensor array to perform sensitive analysis. NS800 spectrophotometer with higher accuracy is very sensitive to any colors. It not only can measure L*ab value and delta E value accurately, but also can display spectral reflectance curve which can realize color matching function and calculate the real parameters of various color formulas.

In the R&D process, 3nh scientists and engineers measured various color samples from dark to light, white to black, and other standard color boards provided by ISO (International Standardization Organization). The parameters of test results are integrating with international standards.
3nh also analyzed the parameters from Japan, American and Germany spectrophotometers. The differences of L*ab absolute value between them are within ±1.5. Compared the L*ab value between NS800 and Japan spectrophotometer, when measuring any color objects, the biggest L*ab difference is within ±1.0. This is a breakthrough of 3nh high technology which realizes to be fully compatible with international market.

This durable, hand-held 3nh Spectrophotometer is designed specifically for the rigors of on-site testing, with rugged components and waterproof, dustproof, chemical-resistant housings. NS800 spectrophotometer is widely used in plastic, electronic, paint, ink, textile, garment, printing and dyeing, food, medical, cosmetic, industries, scientific research institutes, schools and laboratories. It can measure reflectance spectrum and other color index precisely. NS800 spectrophotometer not only can help to perform color matching and color management studies, but also can control product quality management accurately. The instrument is equipped with high-end color management software which can connect PC to achieve more extension functions.




| Model | NS800 |
| Illumination/observation system | 45/0 method (45 ring-shaped illumination, vertical viewing), Comply with CIE No.15,GB/T 3978 |
| Integrating sphere Size | Φ58mm |
| Light Source | combined LED sources |
| Sensor | Silicon photodiode array |
| Wavelength range | 400~700nm |
| Wavelength interval | 10nm |
| Reflectance range | 0~200% |
| Measuring Aperture | Φ8mm |
| Color Space | CIE LAB,XYZ,Yxy,LCh,CIE LUV |
| Color difference Formula | ΔE*ab,ΔE*uv,ΔE*94,ΔE*cmc(2:1),ΔE*cmc(1:1),ΔE*00,ΔE(h) |
| Other Chromaticity Data | WI(ASTM E313,CIE/ISO, AATCC, Hunter), YI(ASTM D1925,ASTM 313), Metamerism Index (Mt), Color Stain, Color Fastness, Color Strength |
| Observer | 2°/10° |
| Illuminant | D65,A,C,D50,D55,D75,F2,F6,F7,F8,F10,F11,F12 |
| Display Data | Spectral Value/Graph, Colorimetric Value, Color Difference Value/Graph, PASS/FAIL Result, Color Offset, Color Simulation |
| Measurement Time | 1.5s |
| Repeatability | Spectral Reflectance: standard deviation within 0.1%(400~700nm: within 0.2%) |
| Colorimetric Value | Standard deviation within Delta E*ab 0.04 (Measurement conditions: white calibration plate measured 30 times at 5 seconds intervals after white calibration was performed.) |
| Inter Instrument Agreement | Within Delta E*ab 0.2 (Average for 12 BCRA Series II color tiles) |
| Dimension | L*W*H=90*77*230mm |
| Weight | 600g |
| Battery | Li-ion battery. 5000 times within 8 hours |
| Lamp Life | 5 years, more than 1.6 million measurements |
| Display Screen | TFT 3.5inch, Capacitive Touch Screen |
| Interface | USB |
| Data Memory | 1000 Standards, 15000 Samples |
| Operating Temperature | 0~40℃(32~104°F) |
| Storage temperature | -20~50℃(-4~122°F) |
| Standard Accessory | Power Adapter, Built-In Li-ion Battery, User Guide, PC Software, White and Black Calibration Cavity, Dust Cover |
| Optional Accessory | Multifunctional test kit, Micro Printer, Universal Test Compon |
| Others | Provide complete spectrum reflectance curve, Input L, a, b value manually |
| Notes | The specifications are subject to change without notice |
FAQs About NS800 Portable Spectrophotometers
To answer this question, you first need to clarify your specific needs:
Is it for simple color quality control (QC)?
To coordinate with supply chain color management?
To monitor on-line color stability?
Do you require computer color matching or production color correction?
What is your budget?
Systematic supervision and evaluation of color performance in dyed products?
If you aren’t fully clear about your requirements at the initial stage, our color management engineers are ready to communicate with you. We will recommend solutions tailored to your needs. When conditions permit, we can provide prototype demonstrations and trial testing to ensure the instrument meets your practical application requirements.
A colorimeter is sufficient for basic, routine color checks, while a spectrophotometer is needed for precise, comprehensive color analysis—here’s the clear breakdown:
Simple color matching needs: Ideal for checking if a sample matches a predefined standard (e.g., basic paint batches, plastic parts with solid colors).
Consistent lighting conditions: Works well when measurements are done under fixed, standard light sources (no need to account for varied light effects).
Cost-sensitive, high-volume tasks: Perfect for production lines requiring fast, low-cost color checks without advanced data analysis.
Precise color quantification: Necessary for measuring Lab values (lightness, red-green, yellow-blue axes) or detecting subtle color deviations (critical for automotive coatings, high-end textiles).
Complex color analysis: Required for metallic/pearlescent finishes, transparent materials, or samples with gloss/texture variations.
Compliance and documentation: Essential when precise color data (spectral curves) is needed for quality audits, regulatory compliance, or brand color standardization.
Many people might answer "with the human eye", but this is actually not comprehensive. The human eye cannot accurately distinguish the colors of similar objects. Furthermore, everyone's perception of color varies. Therefore, people have developed color measurement tools based on the CIE color system.
Currently, there are two main types of commonly used colorimeters, as follows:
Colorimeter - It is an ideal choice for quality control (QC) on production lines, used to detect color differences.
Spectrophotometer - It is suitable for the development of color characteristics and color analysis in laboratories.
When detecting color differences, the first factors to consider when selecting a light source include its stability, directionality, lifespan, and the effectiveness of the ultimately obtained spectral curve. The illuminant of a colorimeter is a fixed bulb, such as a tungsten lamp,LED light or a long-life xenon lamp. However, for the same color sample, the results displayed by the instrument vary under different light sources. This is because different light sources cause different absorption and reflection of light on the sample, leading to differences in how both the human eye and the instrument perceive the color.
In general, the D65 light source is used in the application of coil steel inks for construction. The D65 light source is equivalent to average daylight. Most coil steel inks for construction are used outdoors, and sunlight is regarded as the standard light source in outdoor environments. For household appliance coil steel inks, due to their usage characteristics, they are mostly used indoors. Therefore, the A standard light source is adopted for color measurement of samples based on indoor lighting conditions. The A light source is a carefully specified tungsten light source. Other light sources, such as fluorescent light sources, can be used in many types of applications. For example, some textile factories use fluorescent light sources. Therefore, a reasonable light source should be selected as the mutually recognized measurement method based on actual usage conditions and user requirements. Once agreed upon by both parties, color measurement must be conducted under the same conditions. This helps reduce unnecessary systematic errors and human errors, achieving the optimal consistency in color measurement.
The 3nh high-precision spectrophotometric colorimeter adopts a combined LED light source with long lifespan and low power consumption, which includes UV (ultraviolet) and UV-excluded options. This design can meet the color difference detection needs of different users and supports the selection of multiple light source modes.
For wallpaper color consistency & quality control (including solid-color, printed, textured, and embossed wallpapers), these 3nh spectrophotometers deliver optimal performance:
d/8° integrating sphere, SCI/SCE dual mode
ΔE*ab ≤ 0.01 (repeatability), IIA ≤ 0.1
Multi-apertures (Φ3/8/15/25mm) — ideal for large patterned wallpapers
UV control (for optical brighteners in paper)
Best for: Lab formulation, color standardization, batch-to-batch consistency

d/8° (SCI/SCE), ΔE*ab ≤ 0.02
Handheld, fast, non-destructive
Large aperture (Φ20mm) averages out texture/pattern unevenness
Best for: Production line checks, warehouse incoming inspection, on-site matching

d/8°, interchangeable apertures (Φ4/8mm + 1×3mm)
High stability for rough/embossed surfaces
UV included for fluorescent inks/papers
Best for: Complex printed, textured, or metallic-effect wallpapers

45/0 geometry, ΔE*ab ≤ 0.04
Touchscreen, easy operation
Best for: Uniform solid-color wallpapers, basic production QC

Top lab precision: TS8560
Best portable production: TS7700
Best for textured/patterned: PS2080
Economical routine QC: NS800
Discuss your project with one of our product specialists:
0086 755 26508999We respond to quote requests within 1 business day.
service@3nh.comSubmit a demo request for the product you're interested in.
Get a Demo