P3D Re: Photo printing w/ Computer

[Ronald Beck <ronald-beck@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> How much does a foto lab cost?  Or how close are we to playing
> foto lab with a computer?  I don't see any other way to get
> myself into print making!
> 
> George
> 

I have a package from ArcSoft called PhotoPrinter 2.0.  This package has
a number of templates that you can choose which will allow you to print
multiple copies of a single print or single prints of multiple pictures
or a combination of all those.

I like this package mainly because of the multi-print feature. 
Selecting the first photo fills the chosen template with that picture. 
Thus, I can select a template containing a 5x7, six wallet size and a
few minis and print the same picture on all with one selection.

For stereo use though, it also has templates for various Kodak photojet
paper (glossy photo for ink jet printers).  Again, you just select the
template for the paper you bought and place the photos.  

The wallet size prints I did of my kids came out virtually identical to
the professional photos we purchased.  I have noticed that not all
glossy photo paper is the same though.  The Kodak paper produced a much
better rendition of the photos than the HP glossy paper.  I could see
the print lines on the HP paper.

Only thing I really haven't reviewed is the actual cost of producing my
own computer "prints" versus photo lab prints.  Still, I like having the
ability to "roll my own" at home and get the quality I'm looking for.

My next step is to procure an Acerscan 620ST (S=scsi and T=transparency
adapter) with built in transparency adapter allowing me to scan
negatives and slides.  Then maybe I'll put my own 3D-CD together :-)
:-)  Well... at least for the family :-)

Regards,
Ron