event printing printers and software

[Emma]

Here are some I found: any opinioins on them?

Photolynx
Photo Parata
EPS
Action Image
5 Minute Photo
Express Digital Darkroom Core Edition

[mbjarvis]

mbjarvis added 3 Minutes and 47 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by Emma

Yes, I purchased a Shinko 2145 that I use with my laptop
http://www.eventphotomarket.com/epma...t_detail&p=287

The Shinko is fast and excellent quality, but I need some kiosk software to speed up my workflow. I used a SnapLab 10 last year, and it was fast, easy, but lacking quality.

I was actually coming back today to ask if anyone has any software recommendations for my laptop that is fast and easy workflow, like kiosk software. For my shoots I have been using Nikon Control and Capture. Control is great, Capture is terrible, slow, and buggy.

I need something that functions like a kiosk where the photo pops up at the top, I can choose graphics, click Print, and it comes out. I have some large shoots coming up, and the Capture option is far too slow! Even for smaller rinky-dink events I've been practicing with, it keeps people waiting around too long for their prints.

Emma could you tell me what you think about your new printer? I am thinking of buying an event printer and was looking at the Shinko because of the price, so if you do not mind please tell me your thoughts about this printer. Thank you.

[Emma]

I love it, does a lab-quality job, about 25 seconds to spool to the printer (my laptop is average), and 5 seconds to print once it gets there. It's a beast, good and bad, because it can handle being handled and transported and bumped, but it's 50 lbs! The Sony 20L SnapLab (big boy) is about 50 lbs as well, but twice the price. The smaller 10L SnapLab, I didn't like the print quality at all. The bigger has a nicer printer in it. The ASK-2000 almost 50lbs and twice the price, AND no kiosk like the SnapLab had. So for the quality, every printer I looked at was a beast. I got at this one for just under $1k, so it was a clear winner.

Once I test out all these software packages, I'll be in business, literally! If anyone has used those I listed above, please review for me. Thanks!

Emma added 7 Minutes and 2 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Adorama has Digital Darkroom Express Core on sale for $299. Is that a deal, or can I do better elsewhere?

Thanks!

[nuke789]

Thinking about getting the Shinko S1245.
Has anyone use this printer?

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by Emma

I love it, does a lab-quality job, about 25 seconds to spool to the printer (my laptop is average), and 5 seconds to print once it gets there. It's a beast, good and bad, because it can handle being handled and transported and bumped, but it's 50 lbs! The Sony 20L SnapLab (big boy) is about 50 lbs as well, but twice the price. The smaller 10L SnapLab, I didn't like the print quality at all. The bigger has a nicer printer in it. The ASK-2000 almost 50lbs and twice the price, AND no kiosk like the SnapLab had. So for the quality, every printer I looked at was a beast. I got at this one for just under $1k, so it was a clear winner.

Once I test out all these software packages, I'll be in business, literally! If anyone has used those I listed above, please review for me. Thanks!

Emma added 7 Minutes and 2 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Adorama has Digital Darkroom Express Core on sale for $299. Is that a deal, or can I do better elsewhere?

Thanks!

Whether it's a deal or not depends on which version they are selling you. If it's 8.9.1678.. it's not the latest version. The recently released version 9.0 offers almost all the power of Professional with a few exceptions that you probably won't notice.

[PhotoPunk]

Originally Posted by nuke789

Thinking about getting the Shinko S1245.
Has anyone use this printer?

Yes...have used it and have traveled with it. It's an excellent printer...and very fast for borderless 8x10s...but *very* heavy. I guess it's not an issue if you aren't taking it places...lol

[Emma]

Originally Posted by KdLaneJr

Whether it's a deal or not depends on which version they are selling you. If it's 8.9.1678.. it's not the latest version. The recently released version 9.0 offers almost all the power of Professional with a few exceptions that you probably won't notice.

Does the newer v9.0 have tethered shooting and green screen knock out? Those are the only 2 Pro features I would really like to have, and tethered is a must. The Core version doesn't have that, so I have been messing with NX Control and trying to import into XDD demo, which really slows things down.

[KdLaneJr]

Yes. It offers both tethering and green screen drop out and will function with a variety of files including raw and jpeg.

[Emma]

very cool: I thought I saw that at one point, and then when I couldn't find it again figured it was just wishful thinking. Where can I buy v9, becuase I cannot find the version at any store I've shopped at except e-bay, which are all 8.91

Adorama doesn't say, XDD site doesn't say, Event Photo Market doesn't say...thx

[SpeedRacerSlots]

For the few here and there that I do, I use a pair of Hiti S420's. (129@Cameta).
I shoot tethered with CS4 and created an action to punch, contrast, crop, frame and title the shots, then you just click print.

I have been contemplating picking up a 510s from ImagePro or Adorama or a 730PS from a TPF member her to handle more than 4x6 stuff. The jury (and finance committee...) are still out on those items though.

[Emma]

I used PS for a shoot last weekend, but it was slow due to the "bad" weather (we saw some snow about 12 hours before the party ) so about 1/3 of the RSVP's actually showed up. But it was good because using PS was pain-FUL!

What specific steps does your action involve? I am doing another shoot this weekend that will hopefully be much larger, and no time to get an XDD dongle here in time!

I am letting the client choose which border/frame to use, which might slow me down too much.

[KdLaneJr]

You have time Emma. PM sent

[Emma]

I bit the bullet and bought XDD Core v9 and had it overnighted. It now has green screen, tethered shooting, and is down $100 in cost! The shop gave me free overnight shipping.

I tried PS actions, one for each border, Windows Gallery, Picasa, shareware, scrapbooking software, and my husband just said, "If you're serious, just get real and get the stuff you need!'

I might even be looking forward the shoot this weekend, or least with less trepidation.

Thanks for cluing me in on the new version.

[SpeedRacerSlots]

You got Core?
According to their site... http://www.expressdigital.com/produc...ucts_Chart.htm

The Pro version is the one with direct capture (tethered) and green screen.

If v9 Core has that in there, by all means, let us know.

[Emma]

"New Version 9.0! Now with Greenscreen, Camera Tethering, On-site Printing, Comprehensive Photo-editing and more... "

I confirmed before I bought it. Seems Pro is just now the version needed to be able to create any viewing stations, as Core can only be run on one machine. I think, correct me if not, that the main machine runs Pro, and then each viewing station must have Core installed to network with Pro. If you put Core on each station with no Pro to coordinate, they'll just be self contained.