event printing printers and software

[Emma]

Have you had experience using dye sub printers for event photography? I need to purchase one, but I've thus far not been pleased with the offerings!

Last year I used the Sony SnapLab provided by a partner, and while very easy to use and had graphics/borders capabilities, the print quality wasn't outstanding.
What other comparable models to the SnapLab have great lab-like quality? Shinko, Mitsubishi, Fuji?

Are the consumer-level printers even worth considering (Sony Picture Station, Canon Selphy, Fuji Finepix, etc)? There is a huge gap between price ranges on those small stay-at-home-mommy models and the 1k+ pro printers, with little to no mid-range choice for a mom-and-pop operation.

My husband and I share a laptop, so I prefer a printer that does not need an interface device, but can go straight from the camera (Nikon D300) to the printer, via tether, Bluetooth, or CF card. A kiosk-like machine like the SnapLab or Hiti would be nice, but if it doesn't have that, I still need to be able to put on borders and graphics.

Up to 5x7 or 6x8 is a must in the future, but a 4x6 model is fine to start with.

So please review the models you've used including pros and cons of quality, speed, size, photo size, options, price, noise, reliability, cost of paper, etc.

Thanks!

[nuke789]

Did you find a printer that works for you?

[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.

[TimmyTheTag]

What about Nikon ViewNX? You can do quick adjustments in it and print from it.

[Emma]

I have never tried it: does it support tethered shooting if through Control?

Is this it?
http://download.cnet.com/Nikon-View/...8_4-21903.html

[TimmyTheTag]

Don't think so.

Nikon's info page on it...
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Ni...NX/ViewNX.html

Download page...
http://support.nikontech.com/app/ans...ail/a_id/16603

[BWangPhoto]

Express Digital Darkroom. Most all photographers I know that do this type of on site printing, use this software. Problem is, the price isn't cheap. However, if you want ease of capture, click to add graphics / borders, and print, this is the software.

We don't do events and print on site, but I do work for a friend that does this almost exclusively and he can have a print waiting on a client before he is finished running their credit card and completeing the sale. From what I have seen, that means happy, paying clients.

[Emma]

Yep, but it's a grand: I'd have to book a LOT of gigs to pay for that! I bought my printer at eventphotomarket, and he recommended it to me and even offered a bit of a deal as enticement, but I'm looking for a scaled-down version.

I know eventually I'll pop for it, but not this year. I bought the 1k printer this year! So I need to get back in the black. There's always something more to buy...

So, what about a rinky-dink version that'll load the photo from a tether, give a selection of graphics/borders, and print w/o a dialog wizard mess?

[StevenGWebb]

Hey Emma,

I do on-site events as well but don't use dye sub printers. What sort of events do you work?

Steve

[Emma]

I have the printer hooked up to my laptop, so dye sub or ink jet, they both use the same software. What software are you using?

Right now I am concentrating on holiday/Santa parties after finishing some rinky-dink jobs just to get familiar with my equipment. I also do children's party venues, and will start bringing the print setup to weddings as an add-on service once I get my workflow down.

This is a new area of business for me, so my business plan of attack isn't firmly set. I have to shoot some more venues and book some more events so I can find what I'm best at, what pays well, and go after those bookings.

[TimmyTheTag]

According to your link for the printer you bought, it was supposed to come with free Instant Print Software. Did it not or is that software to cut down? Free stuff usually has its limits.

[Emma]

it was a free trial. I have a call in, as that seems kind of misleading, and he's sorting it out for me. He has a Core version of Xpress for around $470, but I need the free or very low cost option this year: I'm doing low enough volume that Capture has been working, but I have 1 big party that I need something better for.

[TimmyTheTag]

How is a free trail a $499 Retail Value . Talk about misleading the consumer. It sounds like this software would hold you over till you get what you want. I'd push for them to get you a serial number to activate it for use.

[Emma]

They took care of it. Maybe I was the only one trying to actually install the software, but he put in a ticket and got me registered. HOWEVER, it basically prints whatever photo is in the designated folder, w/ or w/o a border, overlay, etc. No choices, no editing. I want a kiosk-type software.

Is there an Express Digital Darkroom competitor like PSP is to PS? I want a more beginner-friendly price tag. ExDD is called the industry leader, but I can't find any other program in the class.

[PhotoPunk]

For an event photo company I used Kodak's PC Pro and PC Event from 2001 to 2006 before they moved onto custom software.

Very simple and easy to use. Normally would only accept Kodak or Kodak-modified cameras, but can easily be used with any tether-able camera.

However the software requires a dongle to work...a nice way of preventing illegal software copies...lol