Digital cameras have really taken off in popularity in recent years. It's not uncommon anymore to see several people at an event with a digital camera. Here are some things to keep in mind when getting your digital camera prints converted into keepsakes.

Digital Camera Print - Where should you go?

Owning your own photo quality printer is definitely the fastest option. There are even people who take a small portable inkjet printer with them and make prints on the road.

Is it cheaper to print you own Digital Camera Print?

The large chains have jumped into this fray in a BIG way. Wal-Mart, Blacks, Business Depot, and many others. With all this competition comes low pricing. A typical 4x6 print from a big chain is cheaper than the retail cost of the do-it-yourself paper that the same chain sells in their photography center. And at home you still have to pay for the ink!

Keep the following in mind...

Low digital print price. All the major players have priced their 4x6 size very competitively. The larger sizes though, like 5x7 or 8x10, are usually higher in cost than what you can do at home.

Digital Photo Drop Off. Can you upload your digital pictures to the photo print company via the internet which is very convenient or do you have to deliver them on a CD?

Photo Print Delivery. Does your photo lab let you pick them up in the store, or do you have to wait for the post office or a courier? Picking them up at the store should be a no-cost option. If you can pick them up, make sure the location easy to get in and out of.

How fast can you get your digital photos? One photo lab has a reputation of having most orders ready in one business day. Another is a bit cheaper, but takes a week.

Digital Photo Quality. You may have to talk to relatives, friends, and co-workers about this one. Find others who have already tried various printers. One photo lab's web site states that they will not print a picture with too low a resolution (nothing under 150 DPI allowed). This can be inconvenient, but assures you of a quality print.

Doing your homework ahead of time can ensure that you will get the best digital prints and the best prices so that you get maximum enjoyment out of your digital camera.

Joe Duchesne is the webmaster for Gotocompare.com a computer hardware site that includes good information about Digital Cameras and lots of other hardware.

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