When you’re looking to print photos, convenience and quality are often top priorities. Staples is well-known for its office supplies and printing services, but Does Staples Do Photo Printing and how does it stack up against other popular options like Walmart and Shutterfly? We delve into a comparison to see how Staples photo prints fare in terms of quality and price, helping you decide where to print your precious memories.
Staples Photo Printing Options and Paper
Like Walmart and Shutterfly, Staples offers a range of photo printing services. According to the original review, all three services utilize Fujifilm Crystal Archive Photo Paper. This suggests a baseline level of quality across these providers, as they are using the same professional-grade paper known for its longevity and vibrant colors. The availability of Fujifilm Crystal Archive paper is a positive indicator for anyone seeking decent quality prints from Staples.
Price Comparison: Staples vs. Walmart vs. Shutterfly
Price is always a factor, and here’s how Staples compares to Walmart and Shutterfly based on the 4×6 print size, as highlighted in the review:
- Walmart: $0.22 per 4×6 (with a 30 print minimum)
- Staples: $0.24 per 4×6
- Shutterfly: $0.20 per 4×6
While Staples is slightly more expensive than both Walmart and Shutterfly per print, the difference is minimal. The convenience of Staples locations and potential for in-store pickup might outweigh the slight price increase for some users.
Photo Quality Showdown: Are They the Same Prints?
The most intriguing discovery from the original review is the suspicion that Walmart, Staples, and Shutterfly might be using the same printers or even the same central photo lab. This conclusion was drawn from batch numbers and reference codes found on the back of the photos printed from each service.
Comparing photo prints from different labs
If they are indeed using the same equipment, the photo quality should be very similar. The review found that Walmart prints were surprisingly good, even slightly preferred for color accuracy and consistency compared to the others tested.
Side-by-side photo print comparison
Photo print quality examples
Walmart’s Surprisingly Good Quality
The reviewer noted that Walmart prints exhibited the “least amount of issues” and that contrast and colors were closest to a professional lab’s output. This suggests that for standard online photo printing, Walmart, and potentially Staples and Shutterfly, offer a decent level of quality, especially considering the price point.
Overview of photo print lab comparison
Best Photo Lab? It Depends on Your Needs
Ultimately, the “best” photo lab depends on your specific needs and priorities. Staples does offer photo printing, and if convenience and in-store pickup are important, it’s a viable option. The price is slightly higher than Walmart and Shutterfly, but the quality is likely comparable, especially for standard prints on Fujifilm Crystal Archive paper.
For large print orders or critical projects, it’s always wise to test a few prints first, regardless of the lab you choose. However, for everyday photo printing needs, services like Staples, Walmart, and Shutterfly provide accessible and reasonably good quality options. Embrace printing your photos and preserving your memories in tangible form!
