Three years ago, Google Photos’ free unlimited uploads ended, marking a significant shift for many users. For me, the transition was less dramatic than it should have been, as I anticipated Google’s change of direction. While other “free” alternatives like Amazon Photos were available for Prime members, I made the switch and started using the service heavily.
Switching from Google Photos to Amazon Photos: A Comprehensive Review
I moved my locally stored photos to Amazon Photos and enabled automatic uploads in original quality between my devices. This change was beneficial because I found Amazon Photos to meet my needs almost completely. The only area I felt lacking was video storage. For heavy video users, the options in the cloud are quite limited.
Amazon Photos: A Valuable Backup
Amazon Photos has replaced Google Photos for me and has already improved it in many ways. One of the main advantages of Amazon Photos is that it keeps photos in their original quality. Unlike Google Photos, which compresses images unless otherwise stated, Amazon Photos preserves the integrity of your files. Whether they are PNG, HEIC, JPG, or DNG, your photos will remain as if they were stored locally.
I was initially a supporter of Google Photos’ compression feature, believing it to be a clever way to save space. Despite the differences in image quality when comparing the original and compressed photos, the compression didn’t bother me until I started shooting RAW photos. The way Google Photos handled RAW images was problematic; the service’s compression algorithms significantly reduced quality.
A turning point came when I was using the iPhone 13 Pro on vacation. I realized that the device’s image post-processing was excessive; it was overdoing the noise reduction, artificial sharpening, and increased contrast. This led me to choose to shoot in RAW to preserve the original quality of my photos. I found that Amazon Photos handled these RAW files exceptionally well. Despite running out of space on my phone, I found that my RAW images were preserved at full quality in Amazon Photos thanks to its lossless storage.
When I transferred these images to my desktop and processed about 500 of them with Lightroom, I was impressed with the results. The photos displayed a level of detail similar to those taken with a semi-professional camera. Plus, uploading these high-resolution images from my desktop rather than my phone ensured they weren't compressed during transfer.
Amazon Photos vs Google Photos: Features and Limitations
Amazon Photos also offers robust facial recognition technology, making it easy to find friends and family in photos. But its search function isn't as advanced as Google Photos'. Google's search engine helped me find images based on specific colors or objects, like an orange sunset. In contrast, Amazon Photos often returned more general results, like photos of oranges and fruit.
The sharing features in Amazon Photos are another area that caught my attention. While you can share albums and let others download full-size images, the experience isn’t as seamless as it is in Google Photos. Some users prefer Google Photos for the collaborative albums they can add their own photos to. This reflects the difficulty of moving away from a widely used ecosystem like Google’s, where services like Maps and Gmail set the standard.
The Difficulty of Video Storage
The biggest problem with Google Photos was the processing of videos. The free unlimited storage allowed for videos, but at a significant cost in quality. Videos recorded in 4K were compressed to 1080p, resulting in a significant reduction in file size. For example, a video that was originally 80MB could be compressed to just 1.7MB. Despite this, Google Photos provided a sense of security because videos were stored indefinitely, even if their quality was compromised.
In comparison, Amazon Photos only offers 5GB of free video storage. At that limit, users have to pay for additional space. Given the volume of video content produced (100GB from my iPhone this summer alone), the cost of cloud storage can add up quickly. I initially considered paying for a 2TB plan from services like Apple or Google, but the rapidly increasing amount of content made even that large capacity insufficient.
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Exploring the Alternatives: A NAS Solution
The limitations of cloud storage led me to explore other options. A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device became a viable solution for storing videos at maximum quality without the recurring costs. To facilitate this, I purchased a first-generation Google Pixel. This device allowed me to upload and store videos and photos without the space constraints encountered on other platforms. The only limitation was a maximum file size of 10GB per video, which was manageable for 4K recordings.
While Amazon Photos remains my go-to service for photo storage, I've returned to Google for video storage. Its ability to manage and store extensive video content justifies investing in the Google Pixel. As we continue to travel and create content, having a reliable and affordable storage solution is essential.
In summary, while Amazon Photos significantly improved my photo storage experience, the limitations of video storage necessitated a hybrid approach that combined the strengths of different services to effectively meet my needs.
Migrating from Google Photos to Amazon Photos: A Guide
Switching from Google Photos to Amazon Photos can be a smooth process with a little planning. Here's a guide to help you get the most out of your new photo storage solution:
1. Understand Storage Limits:
- Photos: Prime members enjoy unlimited photo storage.
- Videos: The free tier offers 5GB for videos. Consider upgrading for more space or exploring other options.
2. Enable Automatic Downloads:
- Set up automatic uploads to ensure your photos are always backed up.
3. Take Advantage of RAW Photo Support:
- Amazon Photos preserves the original quality of your RAW images.
4. Edit Your Photos:
- Use albums and tags to keep your photos organized and easily searchable.
5. Use Face Recognition:
- Amazon Photos' facial recognition feature helps you quickly find photos of specific people.
6. Be Aware of Search Limitations:
- Amazon Photos' search feature may not be as advanced as Google Photos'. Consider manual tagging for better searchability.
7. Explore NAS for Video Storage:
- For storing large video collections, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device can be a practical solution.
8. Evaluate Subscription Plans:
- If you need more storage, compare subscription plans from Amazon and other providers.
9. Backup Important Videos Locally:
- Given video storage limitations, consider backing up your important videos to a local device.
10. Manage Cloud Storage Efficiently:
- Regularly review and delete unnecessary files to optimize storage.
11. Stay Updated:
- Keep up with updates and new features in Amazon Photos.
By following these tips, you can seamlessly switch to Amazon Photos and enjoy its benefits.