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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: stockman11 on December 21, 2018, 11:30

Title: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: stockman11 on December 21, 2018, 11:30
This is about using mobile phones for microstock instead of DSLRs, and submitting pics and videos taken by phone to all the main stock sites, not just to the sites specialized for mobile photography. So I wasn't sure where to post this - if GSD isn't considered good, somebody put this topic where it belongs the most.

Of course, DSLR is always going to provide higher quality and more possibilities than the best mobile phone camera because of more glass and larger sensor. But are the mobile phones of today good enough for microstock? If yes, then why don't invest in Google Pixel 2 or 3 (or whatever phone is the best or good enough for microstock) instead of investing in more expensive equipment, especially if you take into account that higher res and quality maybe doesn't sell more? It's also easier and more practical to take the phone with you wherever you go, plus it has a nice big screen.

Did anyone used Google Pixel or other phone successfully for producing images and videos which are accepted everywhere and which sell? And how are the sales comparing to the content produced with DSLRs?
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: davidbautista on December 21, 2018, 11:34
I use mobile phones. I'm not a professional and they sell. At least the photos... I use Huawei Mate 10 which has a Leica camera. Mobile phones have lots of limitations. For example, they don't create bokeh effect in objects or persons that are some meters away because they have a fixed number f. Only the very new ones have telephoto or wide angle, but mine doesn't. It shoots in nice 4K but the tripod accesory is small. They have professional or manual settings but mine for example tend to oversature food and plants. It also has issues with white balance without natural light (for example supermarket lights). But I do like to take photos even if they are not professional. I would like to have a DLSR camera for the things I said and also a better macro but for example the last Huawei (Mate 20 Pro) has an incredible good camera: wide angle, telephoto, 40 mpx, like 3 types of focusing system, AI, and supermacro (1cm close to the subject). Rumors say the Huawei for the next year is going to have 10X optical zoom with 8K at 60fps video.

Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: davidbautista on December 21, 2018, 11:47
Delete
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: sharpshot on December 30, 2018, 16:42
My mobile is better than some of the cameras I've used for microstock.  I prefer using a camera most of the time though, I'll only use my mobile if its the only camera I have on me.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: HappyBunny on December 31, 2018, 10:40
I have only uploaded a great and very rare photo from a mobile phone three times. They were never bought.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Zero Talent on December 31, 2018, 10:59
The new generation of high-end mobile phones, launched during 2017-2018, have decent cameras, maybe even better than those entry level DSLRs from 10 years ago. That's especially true for smartphones offering RAW/DNG, alongside JPEG

Given the very relaxed acceptance standards most agencies have theses days, smartphones are just right. As far as I'm concerned, only Alamy still has restrictions on smartphone made photos.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: john_woodcock on January 02, 2019, 02:05
I uploaded 3 photos from my Motorola G3 ( just to add I'm mainly a vector contributor but I do have some photos) really more as an experiment to see if they were accepted, and I have sold one of them so far. I have to say the G3 is certainly not a high end phone, and to improve my prospects I've now bought a OnePlus 6T, ( which can shoot RAW) and I will hopefully add more photos this year.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: MilanStojanovic on January 02, 2019, 22:31
When an iPhone XS Has More Dynamic Range Than a DSLR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3m81493kTM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3m81493kTM)
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Zero Talent on January 03, 2019, 12:36
When an iPhone XS Has More Dynamic Range Than a DSLR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3m81493kTM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3m81493kTM)

Misleading.
He is taking about built-in HDR JPEGs, not about native dynamic range.

True, the lag between DSLR shots can lead to gosting, but besides that, he is comparing "apple" with oranges.

Not professional.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: stockman11 on January 03, 2019, 20:15
Phone companies are developing computational photography, which means taking multiple photos with different exposures and baking them into the final image, plus reducing noise. Computational photography is advancing faster than sensors, which is why phone cameras are advancing faster than DLSRs these days. Computational photography as an option on DLSRs would be definitely cool.

According to what can be found on google and youtube, Google Pixel 2 and 3 and maybe iPhone XS are probably the best for point and shoot photography. LG V30 and V40 are also up there if you prefer manual controls and if you don't mind lack of image stabilization.

I guess we can conclude that the new high-end phones definitely provide good enough quality for microstock. But what about sales? Is there a significant demand for higher resolution and quality or mobile photography is good enough for most of the buyers?
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Stu49 on January 04, 2019, 17:03
can I just add :  it's a DSLR   (Digital Single Lens Reflex)   NOT a a DLSR !!

If ur having a problem with that,  then I suggest U stick with ur phone cam ;) 
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: stockman11 on January 04, 2019, 17:15
can I just add :  it's a DSLR   (Digital Single Lens Reflex)   NOT a a DLSR !!

If ur having a problem with that,  then I suggest U stick with ur phone cam ;)
Sure, it's DSLR. But was your "witty" remark necessary? If you came to any conclusion about me based on typos on the forum that says more about you than about me.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: davidbautista on January 04, 2019, 17:18
can I just add :  it's a DSLR   (Digital Single Lens Reflex)   NOT a a DLSR !!

If ur having a problem with that,  then I suggest U stick with ur phone cam ;)
Sure, it's DSLR. But was your "witty" remark necessary? If you came to any conclusion about me based on typos on the forum that says more about you than about me.
And I don't know why the "stick with your phone camera"
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Zero Talent on January 04, 2019, 21:10
Phone companies are developing computational photography, which means taking multiple photos with different exposures and baking them into the final image, plus reducing noise. Computational photography is advancing faster than sensors, which is why phone cameras are advancing faster than DLSRs these days. Computational photography as an option on DLSRs would be definitely cool.

According to what can be found on google and youtube, Google Pixel 2 and 3 and maybe iPhone XS are probably the best for point and shoot photography. LG V30 and V40 are also up there if you prefer manual controls and if you don't mind lack of image stabilization.

I guess we can conclude that the new high-end phones definitely provide good enough quality for microstock. But what about sales? Is there a significant demand for higher resolution and quality or mobile photography is good enough for most of the buyers?

That "computational photography" is a fancy name for what we can already do in Photoshop, since quite a while, actually: stacking photos as smart objects, followed by a lossless noise reduction, using the median function.
True, smartphones do it internally with minimal lag between burst shots, but when using the same technique with a big sensor camera, the results are far superior!
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: stockman11 on January 04, 2019, 22:07
Phone companies are developing computational photography, which means taking multiple photos with different exposures and baking them into the final image, plus reducing noise. Computational photography is advancing faster than sensors, which is why phone cameras are advancing faster than DLSRs these days. Computational photography as an option on DLSRs would be definitely cool.

According to what can be found on google and youtube, Google Pixel 2 and 3 and maybe iPhone XS are probably the best for point and shoot photography. LG V30 and V40 are also up there if you prefer manual controls and if you don't mind lack of image stabilization.

I guess we can conclude that the new high-end phones definitely provide good enough quality for microstock. But what about sales? Is there a significant demand for higher resolution and quality or mobile photography is good enough for most of the buyers?

That "computational photography" is a fancy name for what we can already do in Photoshop, since quite a while, actually: stacking photos as smart objects, followed by a lossless noise reduction, using the median function.
True, smartphones do it internally with minimal lag between burst shots, but when using the same technique with a big sensor camera, the results are far superior!
Of course, there is no mystique in computational photography, it's all about processing data. I would say however that baking multiple photos with various exposures can have it's advantages over taking only one photo with one exposure which you process latter, maybe not right now, maybe not soon, but there is no doubt that the progress of computational photography will continue over the years. There are already mentions of AI which is supposed to further reduce noise and estimate what should be in each pixel, and maybe even enable increasing resolution. Only downside of this is that more computing means more CGI and less "real" photo. I guess some people will debate on this subject.

No doubt that big sensor cameras are far superior, and they will always be when it comes to the "real" photo with more details, but if point and shoot mobile phones are more than good enough, carrying big camera and lens(es) plus using manual mode plus processing latter on the computer makes sense only when you have a good artistic or other reason.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: pancaketom on January 04, 2019, 22:25
Phone companies are developing computational photography, which means taking multiple photos with different exposures and baking them into the final image, plus reducing noise. Computational photography is advancing faster than sensors, which is why phone cameras are advancing faster than DLSRs these days. Computational photography as an option on DLSRs would be definitely cool.

According to what can be found on google and youtube, Google Pixel 2 and 3 and maybe iPhone XS are probably the best for point and shoot photography. LG V30 and V40 are also up there if you prefer manual controls and if you don't mind lack of image stabilization.

I guess we can conclude that the new high-end phones definitely provide good enough quality for microstock. But what about sales? Is there a significant demand for higher resolution and quality or mobile photography is good enough for most of the buyers?

That "computational photography" is a fancy name for what we can already do in Photoshop, since quite a while, actually: stacking photos as smart objects, followed by a lossless noise reduction, using the median function.
True, smartphones do it internally with minimal lag between burst shots, but when using the same technique with a big sensor camera, the results are far superior!
Of course, there is no mystique in computational photography, it's all about processing data. I would say however that baking multiple photos with various exposures can have it's advantages over taking only one photo with one exposure which you process latter, maybe not right now, maybe not soon, but there is no doubt that the progress of computational photography will continue over the years. There are already mentions of AI which is supposed to further reduce noise and estimate what should be in each pixel, and maybe even enable increasing resolution. Only downside of this is that more computing means more CGI and less "real" photo. I guess some people will debate on this subject.

No doubt that big sensor cameras are far superior, and they will always be when it comes to the "real" photo with more details, but if point and shoot mobile phones are more than good enough, carrying big camera and lens(es) plus using manual mode plus processing latter on the computer makes sense only when you have a good artistic or other reason.

Or in our case - actually get paid decently for the work. I haven't looked at the output of the latest generation of phones, but all the ones before that that people said were digital camera killers and so wonderful were seriously lacking. If they aren't there yet, then in a few generations they might be. If all you need is something that looks nice on a 5 inch screen then sure, no reason to have a "real" camera.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: sshoults on January 05, 2019, 13:00
I have taken shots on my Pixel 2 which have sold on stock sites. It's no substitute for a DSLR or MFT, but something else, an extra tool perhaps. Particularly for covert shots and those moments when you don't have a 'proper' camera handy. What's that quote about the best camera being the one you have in your hand?

Overall I'd prefer to be shooting for stock with a camera, but a saleable shot is do-able in a pinch with a good smartphone, IMO.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Zero Talent on January 05, 2019, 14:34
What's that quote about the best camera being the one you have in your hand?

"The best camera is the one you left at home"

 :P
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: davidbautista on January 05, 2019, 18:10
"Computational photography" is still very young. For example, Huawei started to implement AI in its Leica cameras but I don't like it at all. I just like the supermacro but for example "vegetation" and "food" is just oversaturation of the photo. Phones over 600 USD can take manual photos very good. Just the last Huawei has 3 cameras with different capabilities. It's not going to replace any professional camera but they are very good. I don't understand why sites such as Alamy restrict them. In the US you only have like Apple and other companies, and while they are good, they are not the best (Huawei, Xiaomi, etc)
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Zero Talent on January 05, 2019, 19:05
"Computational photography" is still very young. For example, Huawei started to implement AI in its Leica cameras but I don't like it at all. I just like the supermacro but for example "vegetation" and "food" is just oversaturation of the photo.

That usually happens when you don't shoot Raw. Shoot raw and you will be able to saturate your photos as much as you like.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: davidbautista on January 05, 2019, 19:10
"Computational photography" is still very young. For example, Huawei started to implement AI in its Leica cameras but I don't like it at all. I just like the supermacro but for example "vegetation" and "food" is just oversaturation of the photo.

That usually happens when you don't shoot Raw. Shoot raw and you will be able to saturate your photos as much as you like.
Yes. Or just disabling the AI thing.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: scribble on January 05, 2019, 20:33
I use my iphone and DSLR for stock photos.  My DSLR takes better photos, but I like my iphone if I need to be a little more discrete, like in a store or market.  I can make a decent photo of fruit or other products quickly and easily.

My iphone has limitations.  It is too noisy to make decent twilight photos.  And, if I have to zoom, I just forego the photo, as it will also be too noisy. 
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: zhitkov on January 06, 2019, 09:39
Just watched my stats of Gettyimages sales.
5 of my 'most valuable 10 pics' taken on my smartphone. From $76 to $15 each.
Gettyimages accepting all of my pics taken on iPhone 5s.
ps. Yes, iPhone 5s still exists.  8)
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: cascoly on January 06, 2019, 15:09
some DSLR already have computational mHDR, eg - my sony a77ii has 3 HDR modes - one takes 5 bracketed images for later processing; there's also a 3 and 5 pic in camera HDR .  each has its particular uses



Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Uncle Pete on January 07, 2019, 13:35
I use my iphone and DSLR for stock photos.  My DSLR takes better photos, but I like my iphone if I need to be a little more discrete, like in a store or market.  I can make a decent photo of fruit or other products quickly and easily.

My iphone has limitations.  It is too noisy to make decent twilight photos.  And, if I have to zoom, I just forego the photo, as it will also be too noisy.

Good point which I've found true. If you need any zoom, using a phone, it's probably not going to be any good. Also same for anything without "good" lighting. That may have changed but I've had a bunch of phones and the iPhone works about the best, still can't beat optical zoom, bigger sensor or settings like ISO.

I won't say phones are bad. They just aren't as good.  :)
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: davidbautista on January 07, 2019, 13:38
I use my iphone and DSLR for stock photos.  My DSLR takes better photos, but I like my iphone if I need to be a little more discrete, like in a store or market.  I can make a decent photo of fruit or other products quickly and easily.

My iphone has limitations.  It is too noisy to make decent twilight photos.  And, if I have to zoom, I just forego the photo, as it will also be too noisy.

Good point which I've found true. If you need any zoom, using a phone, it's probably not going to be any good. Also same for anything without "good" lighting. That may have changed but I've had a bunch of phones and the iPhone works about the best, still can't beat optical zoom, bigger sensor or settings like ISO.

I won't say phones are bad. They just aren't as good.  :)
Indeed. Low light and zoom is a main problem in phone cameras but they continue working with that. New Huawei p30 is probably going to have 10X zoom and a very low light sensor.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Uncle Pete on January 07, 2019, 13:47
I use my iphone and DSLR for stock photos.  My DSLR takes better photos, but I like my iphone if I need to be a little more discrete, like in a store or market.  I can make a decent photo of fruit or other products quickly and easily.

My iphone has limitations.  It is too noisy to make decent twilight photos.  And, if I have to zoom, I just forego the photo, as it will also be too noisy.

Good point which I've found true. If you need any zoom, using a phone, it's probably not going to be any good. Also same for anything without "good" lighting. That may have changed but I've had a bunch of phones and the iPhone works about the best, still can't beat optical zoom, bigger sensor or settings like ISO.

I won't say phones are bad. They just aren't as good.  :)
Indeed. Low light and zoom is a main problem in phone cameras but they continue working with that. New Huawei p30 is probably going to have 10X zoom and a very low light sensor.

Cool! $1,000 for a phone that makes photos? I still want a camera that makes phone calls!  ;D

Not as dumb as it sounds, (but it is mostly humor) lets say, a DSLR that I can upload directly to a news service or agency? Doesn't have to have all the fancy phone stuff, just the ability to log onto the web and send photos. Phone would be nice, just in case I was out shooting and wanted to order pizza?
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: davidbautista on January 07, 2019, 13:53
I use my iphone and DSLR for stock photos.  My DSLR takes better photos, but I like my iphone if I need to be a little more discrete, like in a store or market.  I can make a decent photo of fruit or other products quickly and easily.

My iphone has limitations.  It is too noisy to make decent twilight photos.  And, if I have to zoom, I just forego the photo, as it will also be too noisy.

Good point which I've found true. If you need any zoom, using a phone, it's probably not going to be any good. Also same for anything without "good" lighting. That may have changed but I've had a bunch of phones and the iPhone works about the best, still can't beat optical zoom, bigger sensor or settings like ISO.

I won't say phones are bad. They just aren't as good.  :)
Indeed. Low light and zoom is a main problem in phone cameras but they continue working with that. New Huawei p30 is probably going to have 10X zoom and a very low light sensor.

Cool! $1,000 for a phone that makes photos? I still want a camera that makes phone calls!  ;D

Not as dumb as it sounds, (but it is mostly humor) lets say, a DSLR that I can upload directly to a news service or agency? Doesn't have to have all the fancy phone stuff, just the ability to log onto the web and send photos. Phone would be nice, just in case I was out shooting and wanted to order pizza?
That's true. That phone is going to be 600 probably but yes
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: justinmullet on January 08, 2019, 13:31
I use my Pixel 2 fairly often, but don't upload alot from it. Out of the 1800 photos in my port, I'd say less than 30 are from mobile. I don't shoot specifically for stock with my phone, but there are always some moments that turn out great and are worth uploading.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: WaterView on June 09, 2020, 20:17
What are the best stock sites to sell mobile phone pictures images and videos footage?
I've sold a few on 123RF.
I have so many pics and vids from iPhone 8+ but, not sure where to send them except 123RF.
I've tried FOAP in the past but, deleted after I didn't like the fact that at the time it seemed I'd have to save IPTC differently and I guess I considered that tedious. Haven't gone back to the (What seems like?) exclusively mobile phone apps like FOAP sales sites. Not sure if I should. Any experience there or the other mobile sites?
I am mainly concerned with trying to find the best possibility of sales from submitting  mobile pics and videos of the main sites I share with that seem to have the most sales like SS, AS, DT, A, BS, CanStockPhoto, DP, ETC.
Thanks
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: NeonRobot on June 10, 2020, 01:23
As for mobile phones the best resolution gives Nokia 808, best tonal gradients Panasonic CM1.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: Uncle Pete on June 10, 2020, 09:07
Phone companies are developing computational photography, which means taking multiple photos with different exposures and baking them into the final image, plus reducing noise. Computational photography is advancing faster than sensors, which is why phone cameras are advancing faster than DLSRs these days. Computational photography as an option on DLSRs would be definitely cool.

According to what can be found on google and youtube, Google Pixel 2 and 3 and maybe iPhone XS are probably the best for point and shoot photography. LG V30 and V40 are also up there if you prefer manual controls and if you don't mind lack of image stabilization.

I guess we can conclude that the new high-end phones definitely provide good enough quality for microstock. But what about sales? Is there a significant demand for higher resolution and quality or mobile photography is good enough for most of the buyers?

And why can't some camera company build this into their product, say a bridge camera or an accessory?  :)

computational photography https://witharsenal.com/ for example.

You can tout the contrived data for phones vs a DSLR forever, but you can't fool Mother Nature. A phone camera is nowhere near as good, or as adjustable and controllable as a tool for making high quality images. If you want to shoot snapshots, a phone is fine. The only way a phone is as good as a DSLR is in someones dreams and imagination, because they want to believe that a tiny little plastic lens, or array of them, and a tiny sensor, can actually make a solid, great quality image.

The camera on the Galaxy S8 Active sports a 12MP sensor which has a physical dimension of 1/2.55 inches or about 12.7mm with individual pixels measuring 1.4 microns.

The Canon 5D MK3 has a 22.3MP full frame sensor featuring a diagonal measurement of approximately 1.7 inches (about 43.27mm) with a pixel size of 6.1 microns.

Pixel Size matters. Light gathering matters. Camera control really matters.

However if you are doing travel, some scenic and don't need the fine details, or maybe something portable for a situation, where you don't want a big honking giant, heavy camera, of course a phone will be fine. The word is acceptable/ A phone can produce acceptable stock photos and videos. Probably won't cost as much, in fact, one good lens can cost more than a few phones.  ;D

An expensive DSLR is not necessary to make good enough quality stock photos. People years ago, and I imagine the same is still true, used pocket cameras and bridge cameras and made good money on Microstock. I see many of the new mirrorless cameras without interchangeable lenses that are honestly better in a number of ways, than a big standard DSLR.

People could get by with a prosumer DSLR as well? Less features, but often the same sensors and use the same lenses.

So it comes back to the usual question, which is the answer. What do you want to do? How much control do you need. How much are you willing to spend?

Sure someone could use a phone instead of a big dedicated camera. Don't expect the images to be as refined or as high quality if you are going to use a phone.

Then there's the question of sales? Can the buyers see the difference in quality or size? I don't know. Just keep in mind, I'm not sold on my phone being a camera, yet. But I still want them to build a phone into my DSLR so I can upload photos, directly from the camera.  8) What I mean is, you can upload from a phone, to many agencies.

Choose your tools to match your job.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DLSR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: morfon on June 21, 2020, 05:40
I use Huawei Mate 10 which has a Leica camera.

No, it doesn't. Huawei just licenses the label. A Leica camera is a very different thing. As a matter of fact, the lenses are plastic and are made by neither Huawei nor Leica but a noname Asian mass manufacturer. Just google it.

But if the IQ is acceptable to you, this all shouldn't be a concern.
Title: Re: Mobile phone instead of DSLR for microstock (photos and videos)?
Post by: NeonRobot on June 21, 2020, 06:55
In terms of resolution tweaked Nokia808 over-rank all these pathetic iphones and googlephones.