I recently decided to try canvas gallery wraps. I wanted a couple of photographs of my old sailboat to hang on the brick wall of my family room.
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
Based on favorable comments in this thread (and elsewhere on the web), I decided to try
MPix.com. I ordered the
"Under Sail" (left-hand) image from them as a 16" x 16" canvas gallery wrap with 1.5" thickness. Two days later I came across
Canvas4Life.com and decided to try them with the
"At Anchor" for comparison. The results are enlightening.
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
To my eye, the Canvas4Life print reproduced better color and detail - it exhibits more "snap".
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
Both prints seem to be made on similar thickness material and both are neatly folded, stretched and stapled.
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
The MPix print has a paper covered back, while the Canvas4Life print has adjustable wedges to tighten the canvas.
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
Both prints were ordered 16" x 16" x 1.5". The images were both sized for 18" x 18" images to allow for the folding. I actually "faked" some additional sky above the masts in both cases. Each JPG sent had 933 by 933 pixel resolution. I took the photo of Sabbatical at anchor using an Olympus OM-2 and (probably) a 50 mm f/1.8 Zuiko lens with a polarizer. The shot of her underway was taken by a sailing buddy from his boat using a more modern Minolta (that he subsequently drowned when we went sailing together in the Virgin Islands).
But here are some important differences:
MPix charged me $80 plus $7.95 for USPO priority mail shipment. I ordered the print on May 30 and received it on June 6. They could not take my American Express card - only bank cards were acceptable.
Canvas4Life charged me $59.99 including free Federal Express ground shipment. I ordered their print on June 1 and received it on June 5! They do take American Express.
It's always nice to find something of quality that is not the most expensive thing in the shop! Buying that second gallery wrap was a little like buying my first VW New Beetle!
*** 11/11/12 UPDATE ***
Here's the definative comparison. I reprinted the
Under Sail photo as a gift. This time I had it printed by Canvas4Life, using the same file MPix had previously printed. I photographed the two canvases side-by-side under difuse daylight. The new print is on the left and it clearly shows more contrast and better color saturation and gradation.
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)