Recommendations for print shop?

[Kaitlyn]

Just wondering who you guys use for your photo prints.

I print very rarely and inconsistently, but when I do I use Black's. Is there a cheaper/better quality photo printer?

I'm talking about print sizes 8x10 and larger...

Also - I wouldn't even think about doing it myself. Totally not economical given my volume of printing!

[gotak]

Costco is ok. It doesn't make much sense with your own printer if your only concern is cost. With calibrated screens etc and my own epson 1400 (was cheap refurbished from their website) I can print out a photo when I want to and I know it'll come out pretty good. So for me the somewhat higher costs per print is true but the plus out weights the negatives. There are also "continuous ink" systems you can consider for ink jet printers which makes the cost much lower. I don't do that myself because in most case it appears those systems are unreliable, can clog up your print head, and produce variable quality.

[Astin]

I've been pretty happy with ElPro on Elm & Yonge (near Ryerson). Really hands-on, great service.

Or there's places like Elevator or Colourgenics

[Fraser River Rat]

Hi,

Doesn't making enlargement larger that 8 X 10 exclude those jiffy photo printing places like Walmart & SuperStore? And you're left with actual photography stores for your printing needs. I would find out what each store used for printing equipment & printing paper. Of the stores that used different equipment or paper, I would have them make an enlargement & compare the pictures side by side. From there decide which store gave me the best print quality for the price charged. It's great that we're able to recommend printing shops for you to try but you've still got to see for yourself. I don't know if you like your pictures warmer, cooler, contrasty or softer than me.

[pete_rfd]

I have yet to come across an issue at Costco. I've printed a photo poster, canvas and countless 4x6's and 8x12's - and they came out perfect every time :) I've tried printing on my own, the paper alone wasn't much cheaper than Costco, then the ink disappeared almost instantly - so I gave up on that.

[Kaitlyn]

I have yet to come across an issue at Costco. I've printed a photo poster, canvas and countless 4x6's and 8x12's - and they came out perfect every time :) I've tried printing on my own, the paper alone wasn't much cheaper than Costco, then the ink disappeared almost instantly - so I gave up on that.

Ya I cruelly have heard a bunch of good stuff about Costco. Not a member, though!

[pete_rfd]

Ya I cruelly have heard a bunch of good stuff about Costco. Not a member, though!
Ya me either, I go with a family member :P If you don't print often, not worth getting a membership. But If I was selling a lot, I'd probably get one myself.