Are you looking for reliable and affordable photo printing services? Many consumers turn to well-known stores like Walmart and Staples, or online giants like Shutterfly, for their photo printing needs. But have you ever wondered if the prints you get from these different “Photo Printing Staples” are actually the same? In a quest to find the best value for photo prints, I decided to put these popular services to the test and compare them directly with a professional photo lab. The results might surprise you!
Print Options and Paper Quality: Are They Using the Same Fujifilm Paper?
When it comes to print options, both Walmart and Staples offer a range of choices, from budget-friendly value prints to more premium paper selections. Interestingly, all three services – Walmart, Staples, and Shutterfly – explicitly state on their websites that they utilize Fujifilm Crystal Archive Photo Paper. This commonality raises an intriguing question: could they be using similar or even the same printing equipment behind the scenes? This review focuses on prints made on this widely used paper to assess the baseline quality offered by these services.
Photo Lab Prices: A Cost Comparison
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing a photo printing service. Here’s a quick price comparison for standard 4×6 prints from these “photo printing staples”:
- Walmart: $0.22 per 4×6 print (minimum order of 30 prints)
- Staples: $0.24 per 4×6 print
- Shutterfly: $0.20 per 4×6 print
While Shutterfly appears slightly cheaper at first glance, Walmart’s pricing is competitive, especially for larger orders, and Staples sits marginally higher. However, price is only one part of the equation. The real question is, how does the photo quality stack up?
Side-by-Side Photo Quality Comparison: Unveiling the Best Print
It’s important to acknowledge that photo print quality can be influenced by various factors, including printer calibration and maintenance. For this comparison, prints were ordered online from all three services and shipped to Surrey, B.C. This online ordering process suggests that these “photo printing staples” likely outsource their printing to centralized photo labs, potentially even the same lab. Could this explain the pricing and paper similarities?
To assess the quality, I printed the same set of photos from each lab and compared them side-by-side. The images included a variety of tones and colors: one with warm hues, one black and white, and one with neutral colors. This allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of how each service handled different photographic challenges, particularly in terms of color accuracy and contrast.
Comparison of photo prints from Walmart, Staples, and Shutterfly showing color and contrast differences, testing photo printing staples quality
Close-up comparison of photo prints from Staples, Shutterfly, and Walmart highlighting subtle variations in tone and detail, examining photo printing staples consistency
Detailed view of photo prints focusing on color accuracy and shadow detail across Walmart, Staples, and Shutterfly prints, assessing photo printing staples for professional use
In my assessment, Walmart prints emerged as the most consistent and color-accurate when compared to the professional lab prints. They exhibited the least amount of noticeable issues, and both contrast and colors were remarkably close to the professional benchmark. This suggests that while all three might be “photo printing staples”, Walmart might offer a slight edge in print quality in this particular test.
Best Photo Lab Overview: Practical Advice for Print Orders
Overview of photo prints from various labs including Walmart, Staples, and Shutterfly, recommending the best photo printing staples for everyday use
Before placing a large order with any online photo lab, especially these “photo printing staples”, it’s always wise to print a test set of 1-2 images. Print quality can sometimes vary, and this small investment can save you from disappointment. For online print labs, the quality offered by Walmart, Staples, and Shutterfly is generally quite good for the price. If speed is a priority, local options like London Drugs Photos can provide convenient 24-hour service. However, if you are not in a rush, these online “photo printing staples” are definitely worth considering.
Ultimately, the “best” photo lab is the one that you are happy with and will actually use to print your precious memories! In our digital world, it’s easy to forget the joy of holding a physical photograph. Find a photo printing service that meets your needs and start bringing your digital memories to life today.
