MPIX vs WHCC

[jcpoulin]

I just received my WHCC trial packet back from them. I have been using MPIX and like their product but wanted to try WHCC. I must say, I am less then impressed. I find MPIX prints that I received to be better color. Has any one else had experiences with each? I am waiting for MPIX to come up with a book offering, but is taking forever.

[davidgr]

Well, no, but I just tried Bay Photo and got back some pretty nice looking 11x14's. The packaging was more than I was expecting, but the prints arrived undamaged and that's what counts. :)

[R_Metzel]

Nope! I used mpix a few times, really like the results, and now just use them. Why change if everything is great to begin with?

[Darvon]

I, too, got my "sample" pix back from WHCC and was disappointed. I have actually been using a Walgreens near my house for a lot of prints and was sorry to see the WHCC samples had less true color and the photos were not as sharp. I would think that a co. that does nothing but prints would be able to beat Walgreens.

[Maui Kim]

On the Mpix forums last night I read that the books will be released next week..they are finalizing their software. Hurray!
As far as WHCC..I liked my test prints. Color was spot on. I think it has alot to do with your monitor being calibrated.

[Tmosley]

I have used whcc for the last year and find their stuff is great, and your monitor MUST be calibrated,
their shipping is great as well,
my brother uses mpix and loves them,
i really enjoy the ROES from whcc, its really simple,

[sblais]

MPIX for me. Love it. Haven't tried WHCC yet, but if MPIX isn't broken for me, why try to fix it? ;)

[*Mike*]

We've tried MPIX/ Millers and WHCC. WHCC has more paper choices. At least at the time we were looking for linen paper. MPIX had been arriving here within 3 days of order placement - which was the main reason we were using them. When they added ROES, it slowed to about a week. WHCC is about the same arrival time to TX.

[jcpoulin]

I understand about monitor calibration and post processing, but when I send the same file to MPIX and WHCC, the MPIX was more favorable. I specifically printed the same pictures so I could compare. Calibration does not effect that!

[jessiper]

I've never used either. I use myphotopipe.com right now, and the prints have been comparable to the local professional lab I used to use but is 3x's more expensive. They almost always have some good deals going on, too. I didn't like (w/MPIX) that you couldn't order them w/the 1/4" border, you have to put it on yourself, and all my proofs and prints have the border on them, otherwise I would try them.

[*Mike*]

Calibration does affect that! You have to use the lab's ICC profile in order to "soft proof" so that you can see what you'll get. Every printer will have a different profile. Calibration simply provides a common ground in order to allow ICC profiles to make the necessary adjustments for each printer.

MPIX, Millers, and WHCC all provide incredible quality prints if you know what you're doing. WHCC actually provides free 8x10's in order to help you make the necessary adjustments. That's lot more than most places. Miller's wouldn't even release their ICC profiles for a long time...

[jessiper]

i really enjoy the ROES from whcc, its really simple,

myphotopipe.com also uses ROES, which is great. The only complaint I have is how long it takes UPS to get the prints to me. They'll ship them out w/in a couple of days, depending on how many prints I order, but it takes almost a week for UPS to deliver them. I'm going to ask that they use Fedex or USPS instead, because both of those are faster.

[*Mike*]

jessiper, WHCC will do the borders for you too. Great quality and good prices. Shipping is included in all orders, with a $12 minimum.

[Darvon]

I understand about monitor calibration and post processing, but when I send the same file to MPIX and WHCC, the MPIX was more favorable. I specifically printed the same pictures so I could compare. Calibration does not effect that!

I agree. I use Spyder2Pro and had just calibrated my monitor. I printed the same set of photos at WHCC and Walmart or Walgreens (I don't know, my wife brings them in for me) and WHCC's were off. They sent me an email and apologized and sent some info. on how to work around the color shift, but I figured, "hey, if my neighborhood cheapo place gets the photos done that well, I'll stick with them." Trouble is, I often want large print/poster sizes made.

All the good rec's on here for MPix and WHCC, I'll research it again.

[*Mike*]

Again, read about ICC profiles...

We use Millers for books and press products, MPIX for most prints, and WHCC for stuff like textures and specialty stuff.

[jcpoulin]

Mike, please educate me on calibration. I sent these two companies the same digital blueprint yet one is better color and, to my liking, better quality. Tell me how monitor calibration can solve my problem. What you are saying is that I need to change my blueprint to accommodate the company?

[cincojoe]

it might have something to do with color correction. If I remember correctly, Mpix will color correct your files and WHCC will not? Or is that backwards? It's been a while.

[jessiper]

jessiper, WHCC will do the borders for you too. Great quality and good prices. Shipping is included in all orders, with a $12 minimum.

Thanks! I'll look into them.

[*Mike*]

it might have something to do with color correction. If I remember correctly, Mpix will color correct your files and WHCC will not? Or is that backwards? It's been a while.

MPIX color corrects unless you tell them not to. So, yep. WHCC does not automatically correct.

[jcpoulin]

Mike, can you help me with calibration question? By the way, I did not have MPIX color correct automatically, I did my corrections before I sent it to them, I don't want a correction ( or change in correction) of what I have done. I think I am going to sent each company a couple of pictures again and make sure all parameters are the same ( hopefully).

[*Mike*]

This is probably not a bad place to start: http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/profiles.htm

Color management is one of the more difficult things to grasp. Personally, I'd simply select a lab whose customer service and products meet your needs and stick with them. MPIX and WHCC are both top notch and you won't go wrong. Get your monitor and CS2 settings right for one and stick with it... unless you really want to get into learning about color management.

Happy Easter!

[jcpoulin]

Thanks for the link, Have a good Easter as well!