Prints at Costco

[debeers]

I printed a test batch at Costco (King of Prussia, PA) yesterday. Results are quite confusing. I prepared 3 sets of pictures:

Set A: original pictures right from camera (10D, adobe RGB)
Set B: converted to SRGB
Set C: converted to costco profile downloaded from creek photo

Set C pictures have more saturated color and more details in washed out and dark area, but Set A are MUCH sharper than Set B and Set C. When I did converstion, I saved to JPEG quality 10 because wasn't sure if costco takes TIFF images. On the computer monitor, they look identical.

I would print in C method again, but why are they losing sharpness?

Another problem I had with Costco digital prints order machine: it won't recognize my files. It says 'file too big' and won't accept order. I had to fill out an 1-hour process form and hand the CF card to the tech guy to print. Files are only 2MB in size.

[design crusader]

Set A: original pictures right from camera (10D, adobe RGB)


You need to ASSIGN the image the Adobe RGB profile in Photoshop before it can be an Adobe RGB image. After ASSIGN, then save image and choose EMBED Adobe RGB profile.

[rickm]

Our Costco got the Fuji Frontier printer which was never known to produce the best results. If you find a store who bought an Agfa D-Lab, you'll see stunning output.

As for profiles, if they have a Frontier can't we just find a profile somewhere for the Fuji or is this too simple?

[design crusader]

As for profiles, if they have a Frontier can't we just find a profile somewhere for the Fuji or is this too simple?


You are confusing profiles. Adobe RGB is a SOURCE profile. It is the profile that comes from your image to inform the printing device the color space of your image. The Fuji profile is a printer profile, your printer (vendor) would use your source profile and their printing device (Fuji) profile to correctly move your image from its source color space (Adobe RGB) to the printing device color space (Fuji).

Color workflow: INPUT (i.e. scanner, camera, or other input device); to SOURCE (i.e. computer); to OUTPUT (i.e. printing device such as EPSON 2200, CANON i9100, or Fuji).

[justme_dc]

I get flawless output from the frontier at my local walmart and from the noritsu at my local costco. With both I use drycreek photo profiles. Both machines will accept PC formatted .tifs, I bring 8X10 300dpi tifs in all the time and they are about 22Mb each so I don't understand your image too big problem. I would however suggest that you burn the images to CDs as opposed to just handing over CF cards. CD-Rs are about .25¢ CF cards are at the least $75. the last thing to need is for some lab monkey to ruin one of your cards.

Check all your settings, re-read the instructions on how to use the drycreek profiles and give it another try with .tifs.The profiles are good but they can take a bit tinkering to get things right on your end.


Good luck to you.

[Conor]

where can i find the profiles for costco??

i assume it adjusts the photos so they print better at costco?

[justme_dc]

Conor wrote:
where can i find the profiles for costco?? i assume it adjusts the photos so they print better at costco?

http://www.drycreekphoto.com/

If they don't have the costco near you it's simple enough to do the steps for them to create a custom profile for you free of charge.


Enjoy!