Where to have digital pixs made into prints?
Jan 25th, 2002, 07:51 AM
#1
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Where to have digital pixs made into prints?
I received a digital camera for Christmas . . . I took it on a trial run this past weekend to Georgia. I took pictures of everything and everybody (wanted to test it out).
Now for the hard (and expensive) part . . . does anyone know an inexpensive place to have these printed.
I can't do it myself, don't have a printer.
Thank you all for your help,
Sandy
Now for the hard (and expensive) part . . . does anyone know an inexpensive place to have these printed.
I can't do it myself, don't have a printer.
Thank you all for your help,
Sandy
Jan 25th, 2002, 08:52 AM
#2
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I just used www.ofoto.com for my online photo album and ordering my prints. They use Kodak paper and are very fast.
Another one to check out is www.photoaccess.com
Another one to check out is www.photoaccess.com
Jan 25th, 2002, 01:04 PM
#5
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I guess you all missed the part about inexpensive. The cheapest I've found is 45 cents ea plus $2 shipping, that makes 48 prints (equal to 2 rolls of film) over $21. That is not inexpensive to me.
I normally shoot about 15 rolls with my point-shoot 35mm camera, get double prints (to share with my travel companion) and pay about $75 total. Using the digital and Photoworks.com, it would cost me $162 for single prints! And Photoworks is the cheapest place I've found.
Guess I'll go back to my regular 35mm camera, can't afford to take digital!
Thanks for the replies.
I normally shoot about 15 rolls with my point-shoot 35mm camera, get double prints (to share with my travel companion) and pay about $75 total. Using the digital and Photoworks.com, it would cost me $162 for single prints! And Photoworks is the cheapest place I've found.
Guess I'll go back to my regular 35mm camera, can't afford to take digital!
Thanks for the replies.
Jan 25th, 2002, 01:18 PM
#6
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Then I would take a look at buying a photo printer. I think they run about $150 and then you can just do it yourself after the initial investment. I can't imagine that the paper is that expensive.
With my new camera I figured that by the time I bought a roll of 36 film and then had it developed it cost me more that uploading to one of these sights and having them print and ship. I just had 139 pictures printed and shipped for $65. I would have spent at least that much for film and processing at Costco.
With my new camera I figured that by the time I bought a roll of 36 film and then had it developed it cost me more that uploading to one of these sights and having them print and ship. I just had 139 pictures printed and shipped for $65. I would have spent at least that much for film and processing at Costco.
Jan 25th, 2002, 01:27 PM
#7
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The printer and the photo paper aren't that expensive, but the color ink will set you back if you have a lot of photos to print. The photos just use up so much ink and you'll constantly be low on ink. The ink cartridges for my new HP scanner/printer are around $40 a piece and that's at Costco.
Jan 25th, 2002, 01:44 PM
#8
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Sandy, I write a magazine column about photo retailing, and you've caught on to the dirty secret of digital photography. It's expensive compared to regular snapshot photography.
the trick is to edit your photos, and only get the good ones printed. Whilethe cost per print is more than regular snapshots, if you just get the good ones done, you'll save money.
Of course, for this to work, you have to shoot lots of duds. If all your shots are good, you are facing a price problem.
Now, about printing them yourself.
A regular ink jet printer, using regular ink jet ink, on photo quality paper will probably cost more in paper and ink than it will cost you to get your prints done at a medium-priced mini-lab. But it will cost less than at an expensive lab.
There are lots of different kinds of photo quality paper, and you can expect to pay about 10 cents for the paper needed to make a 4x6 print, but paper prices are all over the place, and picking the right paper is confusing.
But, to make things worse, the prints will probably fade within a couple of years. To beat this problem, you need extra-expensive inks, and extra-expensive paper. Pick the right combo, and your pictures will last much longer than real photos.
Remember, too, that you'll need to shoot your pictures at resolution settings that permit the print sizes you want, and you'll have to figure out how to get the digital file from your camera to the company that is doing the printing for you. One lab I work wqith (it's in Toronto, probably too far for you) tells me most people don't use high enough resolution settings. Anyway, if your computer is good enough, you can send the files to labs via e-mail.
BAK
the trick is to edit your photos, and only get the good ones printed. Whilethe cost per print is more than regular snapshots, if you just get the good ones done, you'll save money.
Of course, for this to work, you have to shoot lots of duds. If all your shots are good, you are facing a price problem.
Now, about printing them yourself.
A regular ink jet printer, using regular ink jet ink, on photo quality paper will probably cost more in paper and ink than it will cost you to get your prints done at a medium-priced mini-lab. But it will cost less than at an expensive lab.
There are lots of different kinds of photo quality paper, and you can expect to pay about 10 cents for the paper needed to make a 4x6 print, but paper prices are all over the place, and picking the right paper is confusing.
But, to make things worse, the prints will probably fade within a couple of years. To beat this problem, you need extra-expensive inks, and extra-expensive paper. Pick the right combo, and your pictures will last much longer than real photos.
Remember, too, that you'll need to shoot your pictures at resolution settings that permit the print sizes you want, and you'll have to figure out how to get the digital file from your camera to the company that is doing the printing for you. One lab I work wqith (it's in Toronto, probably too far for you) tells me most people don't use high enough resolution settings. Anyway, if your computer is good enough, you can send the files to labs via e-mail.
BAK
Jan 25th, 2002, 02:13 PM
#9
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I don't know about you, but I have boxfuls and drawerfuls of pix I never look at. I only cull a FEW for the photo album, for a frame, or to share.
The beauty of digital photos is you can save them as electronic files and look at them on the screen, e-mail them to someone, and, as said earlier, only print the ones you want to print -- the ones you want/need to have "hard copy." With regular roll film, you have to print 'em all to see what you've got. Then what do you do with them? Digital photos need an "attitude adjustment" about what we do with them and when it's necessary to actually print. For this reason in the long haul I think it's more economical, ink, printer, and all.
The beauty of digital photos is you can save them as electronic files and look at them on the screen, e-mail them to someone, and, as said earlier, only print the ones you want to print -- the ones you want/need to have "hard copy." With regular roll film, you have to print 'em all to see what you've got. Then what do you do with them? Digital photos need an "attitude adjustment" about what we do with them and when it's necessary to actually print. For this reason in the long haul I think it's more economical, ink, printer, and all.
Jan 25th, 2002, 06:34 PM
#10
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Thank you all and especially Brian, I'm discovering that I've been sold a bag of (fake) goods.
I take a lot of pictures (and I have to admit that I'm lucky and I take a lot of good ones). I was just basing my projections on printing half of what I actually shoot. Printing "real" prints (as opposed to digital ones), costs almost nothing and I get double prints that I can share.
It's very time consuming to upload, view, select pictures to print, too much time for me. I'm going back to regular.
Thanks again, you all are the best!
I take a lot of pictures (and I have to admit that I'm lucky and I take a lot of good ones). I was just basing my projections on printing half of what I actually shoot. Printing "real" prints (as opposed to digital ones), costs almost nothing and I get double prints that I can share.
It's very time consuming to upload, view, select pictures to print, too much time for me. I'm going back to regular.
Thanks again, you all are the best!
Jan 26th, 2002, 05:54 AM
#11
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My wife and I use Ofoto.com. It is a Kodak owned business. You can post the pictures on their site, and then pick the ones you want prints of. They come within a few days.
The cost of development is reasonable and the quality is good. There are also ways to get free prints. Somehow my wife managed to get us 100 free prints (I think it was based on the number of friends who viewed our photo album.)
As we have a newborn, and my wife's mother lives on the opposite coast from us, this is the best method for her to see photos.
Also, you can warehouse photos on Yahoo. Those photos can be viewed by whomever you want. You send them and email which links them to your photo album.
I know also that you can get photos developed through Wal-Mart.com. I don't know if you can pick up the photos at the nearest store.
The cost of development is reasonable and the quality is good. There are also ways to get free prints. Somehow my wife managed to get us 100 free prints (I think it was based on the number of friends who viewed our photo album.)
As we have a newborn, and my wife's mother lives on the opposite coast from us, this is the best method for her to see photos.
Also, you can warehouse photos on Yahoo. Those photos can be viewed by whomever you want. You send them and email which links them to your photo album.
I know also that you can get photos developed through Wal-Mart.com. I don't know if you can pick up the photos at the nearest store.
Jan 26th, 2002, 06:05 AM
#12
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Sandy,
You sound a bit ungrateful. You weren't "sold a bag of goods", you were given a gift, according to your original post.
I have both a digital camera and a Nikon 35mm. I use the digital for some things and the regular camera for others.
When we take pictures at friends weddings or at parties, the digitalk is the best, and fastest, way to share photos.
Our friends were married in October and we were able to send them photos the next day. They viewed them that evening while on their honeymoon. They also really appreciated it as one of her siblings was in labor and missed the wedding. She saw our pictures, through a free internet link, before anyone else's photos had been developed.
If you don't like the camera, don't use it. But at least be grateful for the gift or have the courtesy to return it as the person obviously tried to do something nice for you.
You sound a bit ungrateful. You weren't "sold a bag of goods", you were given a gift, according to your original post.
I have both a digital camera and a Nikon 35mm. I use the digital for some things and the regular camera for others.
When we take pictures at friends weddings or at parties, the digitalk is the best, and fastest, way to share photos.
Our friends were married in October and we were able to send them photos the next day. They viewed them that evening while on their honeymoon. They also really appreciated it as one of her siblings was in labor and missed the wedding. She saw our pictures, through a free internet link, before anyone else's photos had been developed.
If you don't like the camera, don't use it. But at least be grateful for the gift or have the courtesy to return it as the person obviously tried to do something nice for you.
Jan 26th, 2002, 08:16 AM
#13
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I have two digital cameras and a Canon 35mm. I gave my daughter one of the digitals when she went away to college. As a result she sends me photos several times a week, which is wonderful.
I don't use the Canon at all anymore, because once I look at all the photos from my digital on my computer, I delete whichever ones I don't like, save the bunch I like to my zip drive or to a CD, and then only print the ones I need at that time. My ink cartridges are $28 each and last a long time, as does a box of photo paper.
It took me awhile to get used to doing it this way, but it's worth it when I look at all the photos I have in shoeboxes or photo albums that may never be looked at again!
I don't use the Canon at all anymore, because once I look at all the photos from my digital on my computer, I delete whichever ones I don't like, save the bunch I like to my zip drive or to a CD, and then only print the ones I need at that time. My ink cartridges are $28 each and last a long time, as does a box of photo paper.
It took me awhile to get used to doing it this way, but it's worth it when I look at all the photos I have in shoeboxes or photo albums that may never be looked at again!
Jan 26th, 2002, 04:15 PM
#15
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To Ryan (and other helpful Fodorites),
I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound ungrateful and I thank you for reminding me how bad I sound.
It's a very nice camera and I will just have to use it for pictures that I'm going to email and not print.
In order to be competitive with my 35mm camera, I'll need to find a place to print them at 25 cents a print. I make albums with my pictures, that's why I need prints.
I'm going to try to be positive and think that processing will come down soon.
Thank you all for your suggestions and tips.
I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound ungrateful and I thank you for reminding me how bad I sound.
It's a very nice camera and I will just have to use it for pictures that I'm going to email and not print.
In order to be competitive with my 35mm camera, I'll need to find a place to print them at 25 cents a print. I make albums with my pictures, that's why I need prints.
I'm going to try to be positive and think that processing will come down soon.
Thank you all for your suggestions and tips.
Jan 26th, 2002, 04:22 PM
#16
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This thread has been very interesting. I take a LOT of 35 mm photos and fortunately (or unfortunately) the vast majority are very good. Some are prize winning. Friends (and strangers even) buy picture from my travels. i was considering trying digital but this info about the expense has convinced me otherwise. Maybe for snapshots that I don't want to print.
But my 35mm prints and my scanner seem to give me the best optios for hard copies and digital files.
But my 35mm prints and my scanner seem to give me the best optios for hard copies and digital files.
Jan 28th, 2002, 06:22 AM
#17
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Sandy,,,
When you are coputing the cost per print,,,,you need to consider that the cost of "film" is almost nothingfor a digital cam.
Janis,
I also use a 35 mmm and have enlarged prints and framed them.
There are limitations with a digital as to how much a pic can be enlarged...based on number of pixels and what setting you use to take pics.
Pics that I expect I might frame. I always take in TIFF setting...fewer prints per media card,but much sharper image when enlarged.
I still use both cameras, but am able to have some fun by modifying digital pics using Photo SHop. It's great for taking pics in crowded area,,,because you can easily elimate objects/people that you don't want in the final image.
When you are coputing the cost per print,,,,you need to consider that the cost of "film" is almost nothingfor a digital cam.
Janis,
I also use a 35 mmm and have enlarged prints and framed them.
There are limitations with a digital as to how much a pic can be enlarged...based on number of pixels and what setting you use to take pics.
Pics that I expect I might frame. I always take in TIFF setting...fewer prints per media card,but much sharper image when enlarged.
I still use both cameras, but am able to have some fun by modifying digital pics using Photo SHop. It's great for taking pics in crowded area,,,because you can easily elimate objects/people that you don't want in the final image.
Jan 28th, 2002, 06:56 AM
#18
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Thanks everybody and now especially to Philip . . . our Wal-mart in our town does not print from digital but I can get them done on their website and receive them by mail . . . and . . . they are in my price range . . . 26 cents/print . . . yea!
Since you all are experts and I'm just beginning, I don't quite understand resolution and size. I do want to print out my pictures and I would like to send some email, too. Should I choose the highest resolution and the biggest size or highest res and med size? I figure I should use the highest res but am unclear about the size thing (and I figure I should not use the small setting).
Thank you!
Since you all are experts and I'm just beginning, I don't quite understand resolution and size. I do want to print out my pictures and I would like to send some email, too. Should I choose the highest resolution and the biggest size or highest res and med size? I figure I should use the highest res but am unclear about the size thing (and I figure I should not use the small setting).
Thank you!
Jan 28th, 2002, 10:54 AM
#19
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Sandy - thanks for being so dilligent and finding a great low priced alternative for us digital camera owners.
I have found, however, that while I take WAY more digital photos then I ever would have with my 35mm - I rarely print as many as I would have paid for with the 35mm. When we went to France, I paid something like $225 to buy the film and develop the pictures. We got some great ones, but lots were junk. I had to return separately to make enlargements.
With my digital camera, I print only the ones that I want, and I can choose the exact size. Ofoto has been a blessing to share photos and allow others traveling with me to share and order the pictures.
My digital camera happens to be much smaller and more practical then the SLR, but I digress......
I have found, however, that while I take WAY more digital photos then I ever would have with my 35mm - I rarely print as many as I would have paid for with the 35mm. When we went to France, I paid something like $225 to buy the film and develop the pictures. We got some great ones, but lots were junk. I had to return separately to make enlargements.
With my digital camera, I print only the ones that I want, and I can choose the exact size. Ofoto has been a blessing to share photos and allow others traveling with me to share and order the pictures.
My digital camera happens to be much smaller and more practical then the SLR, but I digress......
Jan 28th, 2002, 11:27 AM
#20
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Not knowing the megapixels your camera has doesn't let us know a lot about resolution possibilities. It may be as good or greater than your P&S. I never thought I could give up my SLR but very gradually I just don't reach for it very much. And when I do have prints I scan them and manipulate them on my print programs. Printers have become so cheap--it is true that the ink cartridges are/can be expensive. NOw there are refills for some. The inks are becoming more permanent as is the paper. I have had a dark room and always loved cropping, etc. Now I can do it on my computer.
My print programs allow me to print as many as 16 pictures/page--also 1,2,4,and 9. I have made small spiral scrapbooks of grandchildren to carry in my purse--I can update it as often as I want by printing this week's pictures.
On our last trip to France I finally did not take anything but my digital--it was heaven not to have those several pounds of camera hanging around my neck.
Thanks for posting the Walmart site--son is using ofoto .
Storage is a factor but with CD burners, you can share an entire trip with your family for $0.50.
I am concerned about family pictures for "posterity" also. But the only ones of those that are really going to last are black and white and we know how much that is used today.
Another thing I am just beginning to work on is printing digital pictures on different paper--specifically watercolor paper. So, there is more than just the picture.
To Brian Kilgore, thanks for the post--it is most informative. Would you recommend some papers and inks? I haven't had time to really look at your website--is it on there? Thanks.
My print programs allow me to print as many as 16 pictures/page--also 1,2,4,and 9. I have made small spiral scrapbooks of grandchildren to carry in my purse--I can update it as often as I want by printing this week's pictures.
On our last trip to France I finally did not take anything but my digital--it was heaven not to have those several pounds of camera hanging around my neck.
Thanks for posting the Walmart site--son is using ofoto .
Storage is a factor but with CD burners, you can share an entire trip with your family for $0.50.
I am concerned about family pictures for "posterity" also. But the only ones of those that are really going to last are black and white and we know how much that is used today.
Another thing I am just beginning to work on is printing digital pictures on different paper--specifically watercolor paper. So, there is more than just the picture.
To Brian Kilgore, thanks for the post--it is most informative. Would you recommend some papers and inks? I haven't had time to really look at your website--is it on there? Thanks.
