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Author Topic: back on the horse  (Read 3828 times)

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« on: May 02, 2013, 22:19 »
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I was an Industrial Photographer and Photojournalist from 1968-1980 and now that I am retired from another industry would like to get on the stock market trail. I realize the digital game has changed everything, so without any digital equipment, I am trying to find out if there is any bridge or used DSLR (w/lens) under $300 that is good enough for stock work.


« Reply #1 on: May 02, 2013, 22:58 »
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I do mostly vector art, but I got back into photography a few years ago and picked up a Canon Rebel XT with a decent lens for about $450. I'm sure you could get a Rebel that is several models newer for a similar price.

I have since upgraded a couple times, but it was a nice place to start.


« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2013, 00:03 »
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I would say it really depends on what you want to photograph for stock.  With the caveat that I'm a newbie with a small port, I've uploaded and sold photos taken on a Canon G12.  Most of my stock photography is from a Canon 550D (Rebel T2i if you're American, Kiss 2 if you're Japanese), much of that with the kit 18-55mm lens.  Any reasonable camera will do just fine if you use it right.  As I understand it, the Canon 450D upwards are all good quality for your money, and I can definitely vouch for the 550D.

Poncke v2

« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2013, 04:03 »
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I have created about 700 images with a 450D and 18-55 kit lens, and its a good little workhorse with decent quailty images. The ISO is problematic in terms of noise from 400 and upward. But other then that, you cant go wrong. You should be able to get one around 300-400 dollar. But you will soon notice you want/need an upgrade. I am now shooting with the 450D and 24-70L II and next purchase will be the 6D. Ow boy the excitement.

« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2013, 05:30 »
+1
I was an Industrial Photographer and Photojournalist from 1968-1980 and now that I am retired from another industry would like to get on the stock market trail. I realize the digital game has changed everything, so without any digital equipment, I am trying to find out if there is any bridge or used DSLR (w/lens) under $300 that is good enough for stock work.

Getting into stock will take more of an investment than that.  Micro (and macro) stock shooters are using top of the line pro-sumer cameras, like the 5dMk3 which make it easier to get great quality images.  You're going to need to be at that level to compete.  Plus, you'll need Photoshop or similar, and a good, fast computer.

"Good enough" isn't really good enough.  Unless you want to shoot with your phone and go for the mobile look.

gillian vann

  • *Gillian*
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2013, 06:06 »
+1
if you were a nikon shooter then your good lenses will stlll fit onto DSLR bodies.

« Reply #6 on: May 03, 2013, 12:51 »
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I had plenty of success with a Nikon D80.   The only real drawback is that at 10 MP, some sites will limit the maximum size you can sell.    Unless you're doing something like night shots, where sensor noise becomes a problem,  a used D80 would be fine.   Or for a few more bucks, a D90 is better.   Stock agencies obsess over noise and focus and will inspect at 100%, but you don't need a cutting-edge DSLR to meet those requirements, just some understanding of ISO vs noise, noise reduction and sharpenting.

« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2013, 17:40 »
+2
I was an Industrial Photographer and Photojournalist from 1968-1980 and now that I am retired from another industry would like to get on the stock market trail. I realize the digital game has changed everything, so without any digital equipment, I am trying to find out if there is any bridge or used DSLR (w/lens) under $300 that is good enough for stock work.

Getting into stock will take more of an investment than that.  Micro (and macro) stock shooters are using top of the line pro-sumer cameras, like the 5dMk3 which make it easier to get great quality images.  You're going to need to be at that level to compete.  Plus, you'll need Photoshop or similar, and a good, fast computer.

"Good enough" isn't really good enough.  Unless you want to shoot with your phone and go for the mobile look.

"That's a really good photograph, you must have a good camera".  An old joke but very true in the stock world.  Isn't it an indictment on the industry that the kit is more important than the eye?

« Reply #8 on: May 04, 2013, 19:18 »
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No, it's a bit of both.

« Reply #9 on: May 04, 2013, 19:33 »
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B&H photovideo have a used section. You can browse that.


« Reply #10 on: May 04, 2013, 22:27 »
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« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2013, 07:17 »
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« Reply #12 on: May 09, 2013, 13:43 »
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I have had images accepted and sold quite a few with a lowly Canon A620 years ago, but they have to be with perfect conditions. I also have a G10 that a few have been accepted and have been selling, but those are old cameras and I only use them for fun now. I've been using Canon Rebels since the original one came out and now have the Canon 3ti and several lenses. I would not buy used equipment unless it's something that is still being sold as new. If you want to keep the price down, invest in a Canon 3ti or 4ti. They will last you many years. Maybe start with the kit lens (I don't care what you guys say, you can get images accepted with the kit lens) and maybe a macro lens. Get used to the process of uploading and keywording and see how productive you are or if you can make money at it. If the money starts coming, then upgrade to professional equipment.

« Reply #13 on: May 26, 2013, 04:20 »
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I wonder why nobody is talking about some M 4/3 models. When money is important a Olympus PEN (E-PM, E-P) or anything comparable could fit the bill.
Small, rather inexpensive and meantime with quite an attractive set of lenses to choose from. And IQ wise the M43-system really isn't bad ...

« Reply #14 on: May 26, 2013, 05:19 »
+1
If you are not experienced in the use of Photoshop, I think you will find that processing the image to get results that are competitive with other images on sale is at least as hard as getting acceptable image quality from the camera.



 

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