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Photo CD -- An Inexpensive Way to Scan and Store Promo Photos

Once you get into desktop publishing, it won't be long before you amass a large collection of photos to use in your publications. You have several options for importing them into your computer -- you can use your own high-quality scanner, such as HP's ScanJet; or you can use a digital camera to import digitized photos -- bypassing film altogether. A third way to digitize photos is with Kodak's Photo CD.

Kodak's developed a technology that scans photos from your film negatives or slides onto a compact disk. A Photo CD can hold up to 100 images, and because they're "multi-session" CDs, you can have photos added to your existing CD later. So, not only do you get good-quality scans for less than $1.00 per scan, but you also have a convenient way to store your library of photos -- on a CD-ROM.

What, Where, and How

Most film developers -- even your local discount department store -- can create Photo CDs for you. There's an initial charge of about $5 for the blank CD, and then a charge of $.40 - 1.00. If you're not happy with the price you find at your local developer, Kodak has a database of service providers, searchable by city, state, and country (see below for the web address).

Some will offer color correction of each scan, and this may cost a little extra. If you're paying for that service, be sure you're really getting a quality, color-corrected scan.

Photo CD works on either Windows or Mac. To view your photos, use one of the many freeware or shareware programs available (ask your developer). To view AND manipulate your photos, you'll need a compatible commercially sold software program, such as Adobe Photoshop.

Although a film developer will add all your photos from one roll of film to a CD very cheaply (as low as $.20 per scan!), this isn't very practical, because you won't know if all the pictures on the roll are usable. We suggest you have them developed as prints or slides first, then take in the desired negatives or slides to have them "burned" onto the Photo CD. You can add more to the CD later.

CD VS. Floppy Disk -- Scans Are Low Resolution, Not Print Quality

Many film developers these days will put your photos onto a floppy disk at the same time they develop your film into prints. But be aware that unlike the CD-ROM, these are low-resolution images, not suitable for really slick and glossy print materials. Photo CD gives you five different files for each photograph, each at a different resolution from 72 dpi e-mail to 1200 dpi print. One is designed for on-screen viewing only, such as on the web or computer presentations. Three other files are at higher resolutions -- ideal for magazine-quality publications. The fifth file is a thumbnail view, which is very tiny.

For more information, Kodak has a very good website with information on the Photo CD.

Once you've imported your photos, check the Fridge for cool biz ideas on what to do with them.

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