Picture It First

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Paul N

Paul N

SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Joined
Jun 10, 2005
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17,354
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CT, not far from the LI Sound
Greetings all:

I am seriously considering buying Picture It First (PIF) from LifeSaver. I looked at the demo and it seems to be really good.

Can anyone shed some light on how useful it is, ease of use, user friendliness, etc.

Also, what camera is best suited for this system?

PS: I am new to this forum and couldn't find a way to search earlier posts regarding this subject, so please excuse me if this subject is repetitive.

Thanks in advance.
 
Paul, go to the IM chat at the top of the opening page............use your same ID........and ask us all about it......3 people have it and love it.
 
I am not able to use the chat, I am getting error messages (Warning Applet Window, and connection to freejavachat.com closed). Any advice?

Thanks
 
PaulN
The PIF works great. Easy to use. We have been using it for the last few months. We have taken hundreds of shots. It has saved many sales.
We are using the Canon Powershot S1 Is but you can use most any digital camera that has remote shooting. Lifesaver will advise you about this.
 
We're also using the Canon S1 IS with ours, but any camera will do. Ideally you'll want one, such as a Canon, that has the remote operation feature. (the PC can control the zoom, shutter, flash, settings, etc).

If on a budget, the Canon A80 is also excellent (I own one and have used it with PIF) and on sale today at this web site. ($199, msrp is $349) https://www.onecall.com/PID_20969.htm The picture quality is comparable to the S1 IS, for about $100 less.

We have ours mounted to the ceiling, above the design counter.

As far as PIF itself, it paid for itself the first few days in a couple large sales it saved. You just can't beat being able to show them what it will look like framed. We featured it in our newsletter and ads, and people are coming to see the system - including competitors. I think it's only a matter of time before the big boxes adapt such a system, and it becomes a standard like the CMC or POS.

There are at least 4 PIF shops that frequent the chat system most days and you're welcome to stop by if you have any questions. I'm always there and fairly familiar with the product.

We don't use it for EVERY client, but most are intrigued and impressed that we can line up their various choices and present a slideshow or side by side comparison. It's also good if you wish to prepare a design proposal and EMAIL it to a client or out of state relative of a client.

[ 06-10-2005, 03:53 PM: Message edited by: Mike-L@GTP ]
 
PaulN,
I am just about to install PIF. I have done a fair amount of study as to what cameras will work. most canon cameras have remote shooting software. Canon calls it ez-browser. I will be using a Canon A70 bought on ebay for under a $100.
PIF recomends the Canon S1is this camera is going for $250 on ebay and over $300 a internet retailers. There is a deal at slickdeals.netfor a Canon S2is for 354.15 from Dell with the coupon code listed here. ( I haven't checked today to see if the offer has expired, it was limeted to the first 3000 users)
 
Hi Judy:

Thanks for your reply. I just bought a Canon A95 (which I was going to use privately) which I heard somewhere that is also suitable for PIF.

Does the picture size in pixels matter at all for PIF? In other words would a 3 Megapixel camera be as suitable as 5 Megapixel??

Also, how does the camera/mount connect to the PC? Are there any unsightly cables hanging around or can those be hidden?

Thanks again
 
A 3 Megapixel camera is more than sufficient. The a95 will be perfect for the job.

Our ceiling mounted camera has 2 connections. One for the optional power supply, to eliminate the need for batteries. The second is a USB cable that runs from the PC to the camera. The camera only comes with a 3-4' cable, so you'll want a USB extension cable. (from Staples, Officemax, CompUSA, etc) The USB spec allows a maximum distance of about 16 feet. If you need more than 16', there are USB repeaters available that will extend this 16' at a tme. Todd from Special Effects in Canada recently bought some of these, and can comment on their functionality with PIF.

Mike
 
Thank you all for your reply, I really appreciate the kind help.

I will be back in a few days after I get the PIF system and post some feedback.

PS: I have an older Nikon Coolpix 3100 which works great. Does anybody use a Nikon at all with this system??
 
Hi Paul,

The Coolpix 3100 will work fine to take pictures, but the reason most people go with the Canons is because they have the ability to be remotely controlled. (shutter, zoom, settings, picture xfer, viewfinder displays on PC monitor, etc)

It's likely the Nikons have this feature too, but I'm not positive. I see a program referenced on their website called "Nikon Capture". If you get a chance, check the cd's (or operating manual) that came with your camera to see if that's what it does. If so, please share your findings.

Someone else reading this may chime in with the answer.

Have a great weekend
Mike
 
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