- Joined
- May 9, 2002
- Messages
- 13,058
- Real Name
- Cameron Yee
A photo forum might be a good idea, but sometimes the ego tripping is insane in those places. That's why I like it here - nice and quiet .
1- Is the quality consistent between stores of the same name? Is a Walgreens a Walgreens a Walgreens?
IME consistency is usually the main issue in any chain (i.e. the person operating the machine). I think it's all rather automated, but when there's a problematic image it's handy to have a technician who knows what's what. But the best thing is to just try a place.
2- Has anyone compared the quality of prints between stores? I guess I could do a test run otherwise myself, take a sample of pictures to Walmart, Walgreens and a couple of others to see which comes out best. But is whatever difference might exist between their processes worth the time and expense of a trial run?
I've used several different places - Costco, an online service catering to professionals, Kodak/Ofoto, etc. I finally gave up on Costco because of poor consistency. I took some to a regional "one stop shop" chain out of convenience and was very pleased. More expensive than Costco but saves me a drive. So yes, there can be great differences between places, so it's worth it to test them out. This was true even in the film days.
4- I am guessing it is best to send the full resolution files?
You'll have differing opinions here. Most of the chains will only take JPEGs, so if you do any post processing (which you should always do in lossless) you won't be giving the place "full res" anyway. Personally I follow the export requirements of the online service I've used (WHCC) - 300 ppi, Level 10 JPG. I know some people have balked at this, but I've been pleased with the results.
3- Are the internet services better? Which ones?
I can't say I've found an internet service I've been entirely happy with. WHCC is the closest, but there's more of a process with them to get set up. Not really a place for the casual shooter. So currently I'm just going with the local chain for the everyday kind of stuff.
1- Is the quality consistent between stores of the same name? Is a Walgreens a Walgreens a Walgreens?
IME consistency is usually the main issue in any chain (i.e. the person operating the machine). I think it's all rather automated, but when there's a problematic image it's handy to have a technician who knows what's what. But the best thing is to just try a place.
2- Has anyone compared the quality of prints between stores? I guess I could do a test run otherwise myself, take a sample of pictures to Walmart, Walgreens and a couple of others to see which comes out best. But is whatever difference might exist between their processes worth the time and expense of a trial run?
I've used several different places - Costco, an online service catering to professionals, Kodak/Ofoto, etc. I finally gave up on Costco because of poor consistency. I took some to a regional "one stop shop" chain out of convenience and was very pleased. More expensive than Costco but saves me a drive. So yes, there can be great differences between places, so it's worth it to test them out. This was true even in the film days.
4- I am guessing it is best to send the full resolution files?
You'll have differing opinions here. Most of the chains will only take JPEGs, so if you do any post processing (which you should always do in lossless) you won't be giving the place "full res" anyway. Personally I follow the export requirements of the online service I've used (WHCC) - 300 ppi, Level 10 JPG. I know some people have balked at this, but I've been pleased with the results.
3- Are the internet services better? Which ones?
I can't say I've found an internet service I've been entirely happy with. WHCC is the closest, but there's more of a process with them to get set up. Not really a place for the casual shooter. So currently I'm just going with the local chain for the everyday kind of stuff.