How they
did the test....
"We selected three images to be printed out at A2 (or 24x16in,
depending on the lab). These were scaled up and saved as JPEG
files at the maximum quality. Where needed, the software from
the labs was downloaded and installed and we then began uploading
our files.
Once the prints were returned, they were assessed for colour reproduction
and image quality."
Peak
Imaging
24x16 in from £11.24
Sheffield-based
Peak Imaging is popular with both professionals and amateurs alike.
As well as accepting orders via post, there is also an online
order system. Unlike the Loxley Colour and One Vision Imaging,
it doesn't use the ROES upload system, but a Windows-only interface,
so MAC users will need to use the postage ordering system or a
PC emulator such as Bootcamp.
As with the other labs, you'll need to register your details first,
but once the software has been downloaded and installed, you're
ready to go. Compared to the ROES system, the interface looks
fairly uncluttered, but that's because there aren't as many choices
on offer. Once the desired image has been selected, print size,
paper type, quantity and optimisation are your options. Once payment
has been carried out, the images are then converted to JPEG2000
for a fast upload time and we couldn't see any fall off in quality.
Like the other labs, we got a quick turnaround time and the order
was well packaged.
