Printing Pano's and other Misc

[Alpha_7]

Howdy,

I've nearly reached 8000 shots taken on my D70 but as yet haven't printed a single one. I've been slowly sorting through them and making a directory of the ones I'd like to print out.

With our previous digital camera we have gone to a a local store in Mortdale (Just Photo's) and also used Big W / Kmart for our prints.

Basically I have two questions :

1. A fair few of my shots I'd like to print are Pano shots, ranging from 3-6 photo's stiched together. What is the best way to have them printed ? Is it to chose a standard print size and just fill in the gaps with black, so the printer just prints them like a normal aspect ratio shot ? Also do I have to fiddle with the dpi, or keep it constant and just resize the shot to fit nicely ?

2. The second is how fussy should I be about where I get my shots printed ? I'd say in the end it will be a fairly large amount (want to use some for Xmas present etc) so I am a little cost senstive but I also realise you get want to pay for. I've heard at mini-meets a few member mentioning Harvey Norman's, I was a little suprised by this as I haven't even seen them offer photo printing, let alone see what sort of quality or price they provide. I think I might steer away from Kmart/Big W, while they are cheap I think they churn them out way to fast. At the moment we are leaning toward the local photo store, she seems to know her stuff and also offers to colour correction (not that I'm sure I'd want it).

Anyways Katie is keen to print them out soon, but I thought I should check with the local brains trust before outlaying some serious $$$ to print my shots.

Any other various tips about printing that you think are revelant feel free to let me know... other then buying my own printer.. that idea isn't going to fly right now..

Thanks,
Craig

[Glen]

Craig, not sure on best spot to get the basic shots printed, but panos get printed on a printer with pano paper on a big roll like toilet paper. Talk to your local lady, she probably offers it

[big pix]

Epson 7600 would be my printer of choice..........

[ABG]

Hi Craig,

I've had a few photos printed recently for work. We had some printed at Hardly Normal and some at Just Photos in Mortdale. I was happier with the results from Just Photos, but there's not a huge difference in quality. The big difference is the service they provide - MUCH better than HN. Much friendlier and more personal.

I didn't get any pano's printed, but I'd say you could get them done at either place.

I've also heard good reports about Vision Graphics in St Leonards and The Lab at Waterloo, but haven't had any first hand dealings with them (perhaps somebody else here can let us know). Just Photos is too convenient....

Andrew

[Alpha_7]

Thank ABG. We used Mortdale Just Photos to convert our Wedding Negatives to digital, and where impressed by the results. Living 5 minutes away I think it will problably end up being with them, I'll ask them if they how they want to handle pano's.

What size do post people print their pano's ?

[PicObsessed]

My best mate has recently bought a Epson 9800 and its HUGE!!! It prints gorgeous panos tho.. and doesnt cost for the prints much either. He does photo prints and canvas. THAT would be my printer of choice but if you wanna get in contact with him, he may know more than me.. his email is catack@optusnet.com.au