Equipment
Hopefully, having read this far, you are now thinking about
joining the microstock revolution and you want to get stuck in.
But before you jump, you need to make sure you have the right kit.
The right kit does not necessarily mean the most expensive pro
kit. Good microstock-ready images can be taken on quite modest
equipment.
I don’t want to get into a brand or even megapixel war here,
so I am not planning on rating specifi c camera models in this
chapter; camera models change far too often to make that a worth-
while exercise. There are some great online resources that
review cameras, and I list a few in Appendix 3. This chapter
is not about Canon versus Nikon or any other brand preference
but about camera types.
For old-timers (well, let’s face it, I must be one), we will start with
the fi rst choice you will have to make.
Film or Digital?
Given the choice, starting from scratch, the answer must be digital.
That is not to say that fi lm is no good—far from it. I still shoot fi lm
but not usually for microstock. Film is great for my personal projects
and, in particular, for large-format images as I own a drum scanner
and can extract the best from fi lm by using it.
Digital SLR images are always preferable.
Jon Oringer, CEO, ShutterstockConsider the advantages of digital:- The freedom to experiment. Film costs money, whereas, after the initial outlay, digital
cameras are low maintenance. That means you can experiment and try out new
ideas, which is important for your learning curve and bank balance. - Instant feedback. You absolutely will appreciate being able to see where you are
going wrong (or right) (Figure 6.1). Digital compact cameras use a live rear liquid