Image Hosting - Pick Your Favorite!
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1) ImageShack:
ImageShack is probably the most popular image hosting web site, and as such it is perhaps the most evolved. You can upload from just about anywhere: a file, a URL, email, and directly from a mobile phone. The supported file list is quite long, so you shouldn't have any problems (JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .GIF, BMP, TIF, TIFF and SWF). Its 1.5 MB image size should be enough for average users; anyone else is invited to upgrade the service, and for some money have their limit expanded to 3MB.
The 100MB/hour bandwidth limit is decent, although in some rare cases it could become unpleasant. The option to multi-upload is fantastic; it can save you hours instantly. Since ImageShack is so popular, as you would expect, the extras list is quite long. You can get a special IE or FireFox browser tool bar, track your images, and much more. Image resizing is also possible. Ultimately you can find a full list of ImageShack's options and other third-party "add-ons" here. Stable, working most of the time, ImageShack is an image hosting option worth considering.
2) imgPlace
This site may not be as popular as the previous one, but it was clearly thought out; it features an intuitive, simple interface for its users. Yes, you can only upload from files, but at least that capability is implemented well; users enjoy robust multiple file upload support (up to 20). Image formats supported by imgPlace include .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .GIF, BMP, TIF and TIFF.
Image resizing can be used on single files. Registration is not required, but doing so enables you upload flash and zip files. Bandwidth and storage limits aren't present. You can select what thumbnail size you want, what content type you are using (family friendly or adult), the BBC code alignment, and you may also create a gallery from the upload list. All in all, it's a solid image hosting option.
3) Picamatic
Now here you may remark that I haven't included the logo of this web site. Guess what? There isn't one. You read that right; there isn't any. There isn't a single ad or commercial on the site! It's simplicity in itself. Uploading is fast; you just click in a little window with upload text and select whichever files you want to upload (they will appear in the window). Yes, multiple files can be selected.
There can be 16 images to a page; if you select multiple files, each file will be granted a separate little window within the browser. This way you will get something similar to what you see in the image above. If you have more than 16 images, the uploader creates more pages, so you will never run out of upload slots. The links are displayed on demand after you hover over the Links text with the mouse. Four links are provided: chats, forums, blogs, URL.
I definitely like that connecting to the direct image is also provided (unless the picture is larger than 300KB -- so you don't overload the forums server with very large pictures I think). For other hosts you have to cut out the address from the forum links -- and what if I'm in rush and don't have a single moment to waste but want to show the image to my friend over chat?
The site is pure Russian power: simple, efficient, robust, working, and free. Essentially from the point when you arrive at the site, you are already signed into your profile. Images are saved forever. The list of supported image types is short (JPEG, GIF, PNG) but covers the ones used most. The image size limit is 3 MB and on demand you can also save your current gallery (by getting a persistent link aka permalink to your mailbox that will hold everything you have uploaded). The image list can also be reached form a different computer. For forum users and blog writers I think this is the best option to choose. It's surely number one with me.
Also see the following sites; you may be surprised:
3) Flickr
4) AllYouCanUpload
5) TinyPic
6) Photobucket
7) ImageVenue
8) FreeImageHosting
Next: Conclusion >>
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