DKS 1510 Minilab from KIS Photo-Me Group Wins DIMA Shoot-Out 2006

A jury of photographic imaging experts has determined that output from the DKS 1510 Digital Minilab manufactured by Photo-Me International is superior to any of its competitors, and has awarded the company first prize in this year’s DIMA Shoot-Out image quality competition.

The DKS 1510 was selected for best image quality in the 8-inch-wide category. This award marks the fourth year in a row that DKS digital minilabs from Photo-Me have received the top award in the DIMA Shoot-Out, the professional photo industry’s most recognized head-to-head contest for image quality. The DKS 1510 also won last year’s 8-inch-wide image category.

This was the 11th annual DIMA Printer Shoot-Out; and in response to requests from participants and other Digital Imaging Marketing Association members, DIMA made significant changes to the competition. For the first time in event history, judging of the prints took place prior to the DIMA Annual Conference, which was held at PMA 2006. One of the most significant changes was that the file used for printing was created by Graphic Intelligence Agency, using a GretagMacbeth Colour Checker.

In addition, there were qualitative criteria (e.g. neutral grey balance) to make the competition even stricter, as judges were asked to look at very specific areas and criteria. Judging was carried out by industry experts in advance of the DIMA Annual Conference at the headquarters of GTI Graphic Technology Inc., Newburgh, N.Y., in an optimal D50-lighting environment, rather than on the trade show floor.