Online Lab Printers vs Own Inkjet Prints

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Submitted By: SBPhotofan

Joined: Jan 4 2008

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Online Lab Printers vs Own Inkjet Prints

Posted: January 4, 2008 - 10:01am

I have tried printing my own images using an Epson R380. When the colors match up, the results are good, but the printer drinks ink, I've had clogging problems due to my low volumes, and I don't have flexibility with size (max is 8X10), and more exotic non-glossy papers.

I was thinking of using an online service instead for flexibility. I am a low volume user requiring high quality with accurate colors From a quick scan of Adorama and MPIX, prices are not bad, and since I'd probably only be printing a couple of 8X10 and 16X20s and maybe a bit larger prints per month, it seems like a more economical solution. I mainly print for my camera club competitions and to hang on my walls.
For those of you who have experience with online printers:
1. How would you rate their quality?
2. How does their quality compare to inkjet prints, both dye based and pigment?
3. Which online lab printers would you recommend and do they offer high quality fine art type papers?
4. Do they provide accurate and consistent ICC profiles?
5. Is it practical to use an online lab printer vs making your own prints on an inkjet?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Submitted By: Larry Berman

Location: Pittsburgh

Joined: Mar 7 2005

Posts:

Re: Online Lab Printers vs Own Inkjet Prints

Posted: January 4, 2008 - 5:00pm

I only outsource my printing, and I sell thousands of prints a year from my web site and various art shows.

I prefer to use Costco (Noritsu) for anything up to 12x18. If you do your own prep, you can get accurate color. I use a local custom lab for larger sizes and offer up to 30x40 from my web sites.

Costco, Sam's and Wal-Mart use Fuji Crystal Archive paper and Fuji chemistry. 8x10s range from $99 to $1.99 depending on where you get your prints made. 12x18s at Costco cost $2.99 and some even have Noritsu printers capable of 12x36 for $4.99.

Submitted By: Monte

Location: Iowa

Joined: Jun 10 2005

Posts:

Re: Online Lab Printers vs Own Inkjet Prints

Posted: January 5, 2008 - 8:07am

I use Mpix. I have found their service and print quaity are good. Turn around time is usally two days sometimes the next day. Easy to use. I used to print my own but decided because of a lower volume needed I could not justify the cost of an larger printer. They have several papers to choose from.