MPix Quality ...

[Digital Prophet]

Has anyone here had experience ordering large mounted prints (20"x30") from MPix? I am doing a job and my client wants the prints mounted for display on easles. I am thinking about using MPix but am hesitant since this is my first order with them and I am against the line for time.

Any input is appreciated.

- Digital Prophet -

[ilya]

excellent, the best i've tried

[toddb]

I haven't done anything that big, but I've been real impressed with the professionality of the group. I had some printed on that new "real" black and white paper and notice the images where a bit softer then the same print on either of the other two papers. I inquired about it and got a very professional response. Here is what they said about the BW paper.

The reason true black and white is softer than the "color" black and white has to do with the response curve of the photographic paper, spot size of the lasers and calibration of the printer. We are working with Kodak and Durst to lessen the differences. Durst has modified their calibration routine and optimized the printer hardware, now Kodak is formulating a new paper emulsion that we are beginning to test. None of these changes will fix the "problem" on their own. I would like to point out that this "problem" is technically a difference and not a problem. This printer and processes involved in printing true black and white digitally have been created by both Kodak and Durst at our request. Neither company originally designed their product to support traditional black and white printing. They both responded by modifying existing product lines to meet our needs. After creating the first system we then identified some shortcomings one of which is the sharpness comparison between color and black and white paper. We are working with the vendors to improve the situation. Even with the apparent "softness" of an image, the overall print quality is superior to a neutral image printed on color paper. Only true black and white allows you to overcome the non-neutral characteristics that arise when printing to color paper from a black and white image. We will announce improvements as they become available.

I'd still get this BW type prints, but not if sharpness was most critical. The only reason I mention this at all is incase you do this type of BW, expect a little softer images.

[sobegirl46]

I just recently ordred a 20X30 print from mpix. My file size was rather huge. It was 9600x6600 pixles and about 300+mb. so when I uploaded, it took a good half hour or so. It was well worth it to me. The pictures on the matte paper came out exactly the way I wanted, it was excellent, hopefully this helps, and good luck.

[Headcase650]

I have also had great luck with Mpix, well untill my last order. Its not a major problem but I was a little bothered. I had one particular shot that the client wanted wallets, a 5x7's about eight 8x10's and one 11x14 all from the same file. After I finished editing the file I named it master pose number 1, then sized it with photoshop to the sizes requested by the client, all the histograms were exactly the same and I checked the box for do not color correct. The 8x10's, wallets and 5x7 all matched pretty nicely but were a little dark with a slight blue cast. The 11x14 was way lighter and matched my monitor exactly as have all my previous orders. Everything I have is set to SRGB as is mpix default color profile. Im asuming that something was off with their smaller printer that day or one of the techs wasnt up to par. My client didnt even notice and was thrilled with the pics but I am more anal about this type of stuff.

[Digital Prophet]

Let me tell you guys. I went ahead and decided to use MPix to order some 20"x30" prints for a one of my municipal clients. And even though I normally use Printroom.com I needed to have these prints mounted for display. So having seen an ad in Popular Photography I asked for your input.

Well I went ahead and sent the order in at around 6:00am Tuesday morning. I ordered 4 20"x30" color prints mounted on double weight matboard and "luster" coated along with 5 4"x6" prints for a friend. I opted for the over night delivery (very reasonable at $10) and crossed my fingers.

Today (wednesday) the FedEx guy walked in at exactly 9:15am. That's a 27.25 hour turnaround! For oversized prints! Mounted! And man they look GOOD! And I have to admit the "luster" coat really does lessen fingerprints. And at $4 it was definately worth it for displays that my client will be using and moving around alot.

I feel confident in recommending MPix to all of you. I can't see myself use anyone else unless I need a print larger than 20"x30 (sometimes I do). For those large prints I use Printroom.com still. They are good but thier shipping department is a little haphazard. Whereas MPix really seems to have it together.

- Digital Prophet -