Ultimate Digital Camera Buyer’s Guide The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Digital Camera
When you consider the cost of the printer, ink jet cartridges, and paper, each picture you print could cost upwards of $1 each!
How Do I Print My Pictures?
Print Them Yourself
If you already have an inkjet printer, you are probably all set to print digital pictures from your digicam. Make sure you have the latest drivers from your printer manufacturer, and that you have the proper ink in the printer. While you can test print images on regular bond paper, you will get the best results if you use the pricer photo paper available at office supply stores and retail outlets. Make sure you specify the correct paper type in the printer setting window to get the best results.
If you are going to print photos yourself, you owe it to yourself to check out QImage. This is an application that is specifically designed to help you get the absolute best from your printer, as well as optimize your use of photo paper by suggesting the best way to lay out your pictures. Well worth a look!
Discount chains often charge about $.20 for a 4x6, and about $2.00 for a 8x10.
Print at One-Hour Digital Photo Kiosks
Many 'instant print' photo printing stations in stores like Target, KMart and WalMart allow you to bring a CD or memory card in and upload the images to be printed instantly. This can be more cost effective than buying a inkjet printer and paper, if you only want to print a few images. Using this type of service means that you get real photos printed like film cameras, at any size you want.
Sam’s Club in my area charges $.19 for a 4x6 (annual membership required). Some people swear by the 8x10 (or larger prints they offer) for only $2.50 each.
Many over-the-web photofinishers also offer a free on-line photo album to store and share your pictures with friends and family.
Print Over The Web
There are numerous over-the-web printing options available to the digital camera owner. Two I've used in the past are WAL-MART and OPHOTO. Regardless of the service, you will upload your images to their server, and choose the type of print you want. WALMART does not charge for shipping if you have it delivered in a few days to a store near you, while other Web services may charge shipping, so check carefully to se what is a better deal for you in your area.
Here are a few links to some of the more popular ones:
Poster printing is now more common, site it easy to upload a picture and have the over-the-web photofinishers print it as a huge 20x30 poster. Kids love ‘em!
When sending photos out to print, either electronically by uploading them to a website or by burning them to CD-R to use at the local store, if you edit your photos first, be sure to save them with minimum compression. Each application specifies the compression levels differently, so watch carefully and make sure you get the best picture possible!
Send comments, broken links, and suggestions to Dave. Ultimate Site for Digital SLR Cameras: UltimateSLR.com Last updated Friday, May 06, 2005 at 07:32 PM
Many 'instant print' photo printing stations in stores like Target, KMart and WalMart allow you to bring a CD or memory card in and upload the images to be printed instantly. This can be more cost effective than buying a inkjet printer and paper, if you only want to print a few images. Using this type of service means that you get real photos printed like film cameras, at any size you want. 