The most important part of a Kodak Gallery review is, of course, an overview of their site itself, which is brand new: Kodak Gallery has recently switched over from Kodak Gallery Classic and launched a new version of their photo book printing service website.

Photo Sharing at Kodak Gallery

The changes were made in response to comments from their customers and to promote their enhanced photo sharing options. They are competing with the major social networks on photo sharing.

Photo Sharing Improvements: Their best new feature is that you can download your photos in the same resolution that you uploaded them. Most places do not allow this unless you have an expensive membership to do so.

Not Such an Improvement? Kodak also recently changed its photo storage policy. The long time policy had been that you could store your pictures if you purchased as little as $.15 a year. There is a high cost associated with the storage of photos, so they now require a purchase of $4.99 year if you store 2 gigabytes or less of photos and $19.99 if you have more than 2 gigs stored.

This seems more or less fine if you're a customer, but if you only buy once, it's definitely a policy that you should watch out for. You don't want to lose your photos!

Kodak Gallery's Photo Book Software

An important part of any Kodak Gallery review is a good look at the software you'll use to make your own photo book-- something which varies hugely from printer to printer.

And while Kodak Gallery isn't one of the "fancier" photo book printing services out there, their software is one of the simplest. For most users, the Kodak Gallery photo book software will be very easy to use. It is very straightforward, and if you are able to upload your photo to their site in the first place you certainly will be able to complete a book.

My absolute favorite --and pretty unique-- feature of Kodak Gallery is that is very easy to incorporate pictures from people who have shared albums with you. This allows people to upload photos to their account and you don't have to get the photos from them in another way. This is a good way to create a group project.

Kodak's Software Limitations

There are some weaknesses with their software too. You can only choose one page background. A recent update lets you change the background once you start your book, but that one background applies to the whole book.

Another limitation is the inability to change the order of the pages you have created. If you discover a photo you would like to insert in the beginning of a book you have been working on it will require a lot of page recreation on your part.

Although the photo book software does not provide robust in-book picture editing, Kodak does offer free Easy Share Software. If you edit your pictures with this software before you upload them, then you will not miss the in-book editing as much.

Go to Kodak Gallery to test it out yourself.

Types of Photo Books at Kodak Gallery

A photo book review of Kodak Gallery shows that they expanded their photo book offerings. They offer a personalized cover along with the linen die cut and leather covers. There are also Hello Kitty and Eric Carle's World themed books for the younger set. This is a nice expansion on their previous photo book cover options.

Kodak Gallery Help and Customer Service

As part of my Kodak Gallery review, I also evaluate their service and help features. One thing I really like is the live chat. Live Chat is available during a large portion of the day (from 6am to 8pm Pacific) if you require any help that is not found in the FAQ's. They also have a 1-800 number to call during those hours, as well as an email help and customer service feature.

They also have a nice section of the website set aside for photo book sales and promotions. They usually have some sort of sale or discount going on. Click here to take a look.

Kodak Gallery Photo Book Specifications

Paper Weight	Archival Glossy
Max. # of Pages	80
Shipping for one book	$4.99 - max of $7.99/order regardless of size
Mac Compatible?	Yes

Updated: March 4, 2010

Kodak Gallery Photo Book Review

Comparative Photo Book Software Review

Background Themes	30
Layout Variety	Moderate variety
JPG as a Background	No
Digi-Scrapbooking Friendly	Yes
In-book Editing	Limited to zoom in and out, move and flip pictures.
Text - variety and Full Page	Full page and captions
Embellishments and Corners	No
Full-Page Bleed	Yes
Final Grade	B

For an explanation of the Feature Set Review

Photo Book Sizes

The hardcover prices given are based on a 20 page book with printing on both sides of the pages. Additional pages are available for an extra charge. The price given is the lowest price for that size category. The softcover prices given are based on a 14 page book.

Hardcover
9x10.25	29.99
12x14	69.99
Softcover
5x5.75	9.99

For a more detailed pricing, please visit Photo Book Covers and Sizes

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