Printing Advice please.

WHIP IT!

Hi

I'm looking for some advice about getting pictures printed professionally. Just jpegs, no bigger than A4 (8x12).

I have used fujipix.ie lately and find them just okay. A little disappointed with the quality of the text - actually more than a little disappointed - I had added to the pics but I figured they'd just have to do.

That was until I saw a copy of one of my pics that a friend had simply printed out on their work computer/printer. The text was perfect - on glossy paper, just like the shop I got them done - as sharp as you could wish for.

Can anyone recommened somewhere that does top-quality printing at a decent price, or a relatively affordable printer I could buy that might save me a few quid in the long run?

Paulw

I tend to get mine printed in photobox.ie. I received a batch of 18 images today which look brilliant. Good quality prints, very clear ... but of course, due to the quality of the original image.

Worth checking, all the same.

Calina

WHIP IT!

Anything up to A4 I print myself. I use a Hewlett Packard printer (D5160 but there are probably newer ones available) and the papers I use are generally Ilford and Canon papers. Not a big fan of Gloss but HP's own high gloss is really nice. The printer cost about 90E, the cartridges are generally around 70 when I need to replace them. It would be more cost effective to get them printed in a store on all fronts I think. However, I have to say I can't fault the prints that I have gotten from my printer.

Depending on time issues Photobox.ie are my choice for larger prints, but HN in Airside did a reasonable job for me last week as did Reads. They do however, as far as I am aware, print on Fuji paper so it'd be interesting to know why you were disappointed in the Fujiprint experience.

CabanSail

I am awaiting some prints to come from Photobox myself.

I saw some prints from Bonusprint on Tuesday night & they seemed quite good too.

WHIP IT!

Thanks so much for the replies folks. I had assumed that the average quality I was getting was as a result of the images themselves - the text bits moreso, as I said.

That is until I saw the one my friend had printed - it was crystal clear and sharp as you like. I must ask him what printer it was as there'd be be no point in me going out and buying a similiar one if it's gonna set me back €250 or something!

Calina:
How often do you need to replace your cartridges? And any chance you'd hazard at guess at how many full colour A4 pics you'd get before you need to replace the ink?

Thanks again everyone

Calina

I don't know exactly what I get out of the printer. I think the cartridge doc claims 100 or so 6x4s so the A4s are going to be a good bit less than that. I imagine somewhere around the 30 mark I think. I am trying to be organised to buy the ink outside Ireland though because it is more expensive here than it is in France, for example. I will have some prints at the People's Photog if you want to have a look at the quality though.

Your friend may have had them printed on a colour laser printer though...so that's obviously going to be a lot more expensive.

Borderfox

I use an Epson r360 and it costs approx €100 cartridge cost is €60 and I usually get around 50 A4 prints with a 3mm border for one set of cartridges. I use Epson Premium Glossy paper and genuine ink, super results and they go for sale.

kcphoto

I'd recommend photobox also www.photobox.ie.
I've had everything from 6x4 to 20x30 prints done with them , including text over images, which came out perfectly.
Prices are reasonable for prints (especially if you get a good few of the same size done at a time) although their delivery charges have gone up recently.
I ordered about 9 12x8's , and a poster last weds 13th and they all arrived on the following Monday 18th.
Delivery times can vary though.
I found printing my own was too expensive when you factor in cost of a good printer , paper and ink, although it may be necessary for occasional urgent printing.

WHIP IT!

Thanks - I've ordered one from photobox.ie just for comparative purposes. Handy thing about fujipix is, I could just run around the corner to one of their affiliates and pick the pics up later that day. Still, no good if the quality isn't up to scratch.

bradnailer

Look no further pm stcstc http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/member.php?u=89636
I just got him to do some prints for me and they worked out great mounted and framed as well if you like.

WHIP IT!

bradnailer wrote: »

Look no further pm stcstc http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/member.php?u=89636
I just got him to do some prints for me and they worked out great mounted and framed as well if you like.

Thanks Brad

Price list for the various sizes, by any chance?

bradnailer

Yea he has, send him a pm, nice guy home set up I'm sure you'll get a good deal