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| New Prices for 2007 and Free Section Upgrade |
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Message edited at 12/27/2006, 05:03:54 AM by Admin |
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There are several well made points and we will keep them in mind.
It's possible that we will set the 10 MP resolution as a reference for the high-res. Photographers who think this is a problem can post here their arguments.
A opt-out choice is not possible with the new prices. You cannot take the good of an offer (improved royalties in credits) and leave the bad to be supported by others (lower comission in subscription). You have to commit yourself just as the agency commits to you to bring a high increase is sales at the end of each month. And remember that will double really soon ;)
We cannot change the subscription-based model as it was suggested. There are several flaws that can affect it seriously from a marketing point of view.
Regarding the subscription prices, we will think about actually allowing contributors to email us the photos to replace the ones online should they wish to do so. But remember that downsampling will reduce the royalties awarded from the credit-based system. If you want to sell images, that is a bad move from a business point of view. You will just lower your portfolio potential dramatically.
At this point, I would try to increase the megapixels of my portfolio as much as possible. If you check the Free section, you will see that most images have low MP. It's not a coincidence they qualified for that section under the one year/no downloads rule...
The reason we announced this before Christmas includes the fact that most stores still run very attractive offers in their digital photography department. So, if Santa didn't bring any extra MP you still have the time ;) |
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Nikon D300 / Nikon N80 | Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fishey...
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Uploaded files: 2315 | Total Sales: 14905
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Message edited at 12/27/2006, 09:21:58 AM by Wysiwygfoto |
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| Originally posted by Achilles: |
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| Quoted Message: It's possible that we will set the 10 MP resolution as a reference for the high-res. Photographers who think this is a problem can post here their arguments. |
I for one would not be pleased with changing the large size to 10mp.
I upgraded this year from my Canon 20d (which I've owned for 1 year) to a 30d in October 2006. The 30d is a new camera, with new technology, introduced in February 2006. For my purposes, the decision was between a 5d and a 30d and based on my requirements, the 30d was a superior camera than the 5d - irrespective of mp size.
The Canon 5d and the Canon 1dMKIIN were both introduced in August of 2005. the 5d is considered a "pro-sumer" camera at 12mp and the 1dMKIIN is considered a pro camera at 8.2mp. Both are relatively new technology, and both would be considered an upgrade - mp size not being a factor.
If I wanted to "upgrade" to a 10mp camera, I would have to buy a digital Rebel which (while it is a perfectly good camera) does not have the features of a 20d or 30d or the 1dMKIIN and is considered of a lower build quality than the three, or I would have to purchase a point & shoot camera to replace my investment in top quality Canon lenses ('L' glass) as well as my two digital slr bodies. |
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Uploaded files: 0 | Total Sales: 919
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Message edited at 12/27/2006, 10:16:20 AM by Lisafx |
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I have to agree that opting out of the subscription model doesn't make sense.
If the subscription model is available and becomes popular then all opting out would do is to make your pictures unavailable to subscription buyers and others would get your share of those sales.
Also not sure why anyone would go to the trouble of going back and downsampling their whole portfolio (after the fact) and replacing higher MP images just to keep customers from getting a bargain.
If you factor in the time that would take to do it makes better economic sense to just leave the higher MP images. All my images for the last 6 months have been 12+ MP from the 5D and I wouldn't dream of going back and replacing the files with downsampled ones. |
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Canon 5D, 40D, Various lenses, flashes, studio lights, light...
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Uploaded files: 5310 | Total Sales: 37231
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Message posted at 12/27/2006, 10:27:36 AM by Nlizer |
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Wouldn't raising the high mp rate to 10 mp reduce the number of those images available drastically? I would think there are a lot that fit in that 8 to 10 mp range that would benefit DT to keep in that level. Wouldn't the 8mp still qualify as a high res image over a 3mp image? Personally I don't have a problem with the high level beginning at 8mp.
Will buyers be given a choice of the quality of image they get. Let's say I upload a 12 mp image, can they buy it at 5mp size for a cheaper amount? Or can they only buy it at the one resolution size because it's big. If they can buy all images at different sizes as long as they are of the highest quality provided then I have no problem with the pricing structure. But if all of the high images will only be available at the highest prices we might see a decline in the sales of those images from people that don't need them to be that big but like the image. |
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Casio EX-Z850
Canon EOS Rebel XSi
18-55 is lens
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Uploaded files: 394 | Total Sales: 2376
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Message posted at 12/27/2006, 11:27:36 AM by Geopappas |
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| Originally posted by Achilles: |
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| Quoted Message: It's possible that we will set the 10 MP resolution as a reference for the high-res. Photographers who think this is a problem can post here their arguments. |
I'm not sure I am understanding the arguments made for increasing the MP size for the maximum image size.
The current plan is to have 5 image sizes, with the max size at > 8 MP. Images with over 8 MP will receive between $2.00 and $4.00 royalty (depending on the image level). So if a photographer has a camera that produces images over 8 MP, then they will receive the max size royalty. Photographers with a super-duper camera (with 12 MP or 16 MP) will also receive the same royalty.
Increasing the max size to 10 MP, will eliminate photographers with cameras between 8 MP and 10 MP from receiving the max royalty, but photographers with 12 MP or 16 MP cameras will still receive the same royalty as before. That is, they won't gain anything, and they will still receive between $2.00 and $4.00 per image.
So why are some of you trying to take money away from those with lesser cameras? You might want to remember that most of you with the super-duper cameras started out with lesser cameras as well.
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Canon 30D (and previously Canon 10D)
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Uploaded files: 225 | Total Sales: 1888
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Message posted at 12/27/2006, 12:25:35 PM by Shadow69 |
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To be honest, looking at this thread, I am getting the feeling that there is a lot of confusion out there. As much as about sizing, pricing, and free images.
I think that this should be taken as an opportunity by the powers that be to re-think the new proposals, understand the concerns, and really explain the reasons behind the changes and maybe even review certain of the decisions.
I do believe that we would all appreciate that enormously and it would demonstrate the DT really does listen. |
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Canon EOS 20D
Canon EOS 5D
Canon Powershot G6
Various Len...
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Uploaded files: 613 | Total Sales: 697
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Message posted at 12/27/2006, 14:03:24 PM by Paulcowan |
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I think everyone is looking at the 8MP - 10MP controversy from completely the wrong side. The issue is not what the photographers want, or that I can get more than you because I bought a 5D and you didn't; the issue is what the market will stand. If customers will be put off by higher costs on 8MP photos, then save that pricing for the rarer 10+ images. If the customers will feel that 8MP provides sufficient added value to justify the higher price at that level, then that is what it should be.
There is a bad habit on these sites of the users looking at policies exclusively from the point of view of immediate self-interest rather than trying to understand both sides of the buy-sell equation. The REAL promotion of self-interest comes from understanding your customer and meeting his/her needs and expectations. Then you sell more.
I don't know which size is better for the five-credit level. It's something that Dreamstime must work out from its market data.
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Canon EOS 5D Mk2, Canon EOS 5D, Canon 70-200 f2.8l zoom, 17-...
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Uploaded files: 3389 | Total Sales: 14547
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Message posted at 12/27/2006, 14:26:27 PM by Wysiwygfoto |
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Paul, my response is based on the very first post of this thread where it was suggested "It is time to provide better royalties to the contributors that upgraded their equipment and are able to provide larger images."
While I do appreciate the agency looking out for the interests of it's contributors to help cover costs of equipment upgrades, and looking out for our customers with improved quality, my thoughts are that 10mp images do not necessarily mean better equipment or even equipment upgrades for that matter.
Under a 10mp pricing scheme, newer professional quality camera bodies that cost contributors upwards of $3,000 US are being used in conjunction with an 'L' glass type lens costing over $1,000 US (total cost of camera body and lens between $4,000 and $5,000) are not realizing the better royalties for their equipment upgrades while a $600 US point & shoot (like a Canon A70) can get rewarded. It isn't a fair proposition in my mind based on the intentions relayed in the original message.
If the level were to increase, I think 12mp and higher for XXL would be more fair and reasonable to most parties involved. |
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Uploaded files: 0 | Total Sales: 919
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Message posted at 12/27/2006, 14:42:17 PM by Paulcowan |
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That's fair enough, but I don't know how much benefit anyone would get at 12MP as the size for XXL.
As you can see, I'm already at 12.8MP which qualifies me for XL elsewhere, however the sales at that size are very few and far between so there is not much cash return on the sensor size. It may be that a much lower XXL boundary would give everyone much more money. That could do more to encourage upgrading than a special rate at 12+ that doesn't deliver much return.
There are not a lot of uses for a 12+MP image that cannot be covered with an 8MP version.
In Another Place there is a thread with comments from several top contributors who all agree that a higher rate for 12MP does not provide financial justification for upgrading to a 5D . |
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Canon EOS 5D Mk2, Canon EOS 5D, Canon 70-200 f2.8l zoom, 17-...
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Uploaded files: 3389 | Total Sales: 14547
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Message edited at 12/27/2006, 22:00:15 PM by Lisafx |
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| Originally posted by Nlizer: |
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Quoted Message:
Will buyers be given a choice of the quality of image they get. Let's say I upload a 12 mp image, can they buy it at 5mp size for a cheaper amount? Or can they only buy it at the one resolution size because it's big. If they can buy all images at different sizes as long as they are of the highest quality provided then I have no problem with the pricing structure. But if all of the high images will only be available at the highest prices we might see a decline in the sales of those images from people that don't need them to be that big but like the image. |
This is a really good question. I would like to know about this too. I am happy to get more for my high resolution images, but I would hate to lose sales if they are not also available in smaller sizes.
Any official word on this?
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Canon 5D, 40D, Various lenses, flashes, studio lights, light...
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Uploaded files: 5310 | Total Sales: 37231
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Message posted at 12/27/2006, 18:59:26 PM by Mshake |
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Just a thought on the 8 to 10 megapixel issue.
The problem with this to me is that all cameras and all sensors are not created equal. There are many brands of point and shoot cameras out there now over 10 megapixels. With the new pricing levels my 6 megapixel Nikon D70 is going to be placed in a lower pricing level compared to a point and shoot 10 megapixel camera. I have to believe that the old D70 can still produce a better photo then those 10 megapixel point and shoots, although I must admit I have not seen any photos from those cameras. While I dont have a a problem with the pricing levels I do see that as being a problem with that scenario. Just seems like it isnt factoring in all the technical things that go into making a large photo worth more to the buyers. Maybe this is addressed in the review process though. I know the standards are set pretty high here so maybe those types of point and shoot cameras dont get high percentages of acceptance?
Thanks for listening DT |
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The majority of my photos dated prior to 1/01/2007 where ta...
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Uploaded files: 1107 | Total Sales: 9634
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Message posted at 12/27/2006, 22:17:28 PM by Graytown |
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| Originally posted by Paulcowan: |
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Quoted Message: I think everyone is looking at the 8MP - 10MP controversy from completely the wrong side. The issue is not what the photographers want, or that I can get more than you because I bought a 5D and you didn't; the issue is what the market will stand. If customers will be put off by higher costs on 8MP photos, then save that pricing for the rarer 10+ images. If the customers will feel that 8MP provides sufficient added value to justify the higher price at that level, then that is what it should be.
There is a bad habit on these sites of the users looking at policies exclusively from the point of view of immediate self-interest rather than trying to understand both sides of the buy-sell equation. The REAL promotion of self-interest comes from understanding your customer and meeting his/her needs and expectations. Then you sell more.
I don't know which size is better for the five-credit level. It's something that Dreamstime must work out from its market data.
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Yup, I'm totally with Paul on this one. He's touched upon a fundamental issue and I think as contributors, we should really consider that as pivotal to our sales here.
Ro |
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Camera : Canon 50D
Lenses : 24-105 L F4.0 USM IS, 17-40 F4 ...
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Uploaded files: 1204 | Total Sales: 5987
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Message posted at 12/28/2006, 02:16:00 AM by Achilles - member is an admin |
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Lisa, Frances, this was explained in the first post. Yes, there will be several sizes available. |
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Nikon D300 / Nikon N80 | Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fishey...
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Uploaded files: 2315 | Total Sales: 14905
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Message posted at 12/28/2006, 04:20:21 AM by Sophieso |
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As usual, I have to agree with Paul. The microstock industry has evolved a great deal, and awareness of the buyer hss to become more of a consideration during the coming years. A lot of the struggle has shifted from just getting images approved and online, to attracting buyers to the site and our portfolios by filling as many of their needs as possible, at a reasonable price.
If they're looking for large images, those need to be available, as well as the option to buy that same image at a smaller size at a lower price (which is available under the new price plan). If they have to pay the same price for an 8MP image as they would for a 12 they're not going to be too happy, especially if they need a 8MP image as part of their design and don't feel theiry're getting a bargain by buying the lower priced size.
The quality of sensors is our business, and it's information we should know and understand. As a buyer, I'd be offended if a site tried to educate me about their sensors and argued with me as to why I should pay the same price for 8MP as I would a 12MP. Designers have their own business to worry about. It's also asking designers to be camera savy and scour the EXIF data of all images to find what they need. They want what they want, at the size that they want it, and the quality of photos on DT will either win their trust or it won't.
It does seem silly to downsize images for a subscription site, but it's a common practice that a lot of top contributors have been doing for a long time, here and elsewhere. Only time will tell if it makes sense to continue doing this as subscription sales either take off or fail to take hold. If the subscription sales don't take off, it will be interesting to see how the queue swells with full res replacements for what's already on the site. |
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Uploaded files: 268 | Total Sales: 821
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Message posted at 12/28/2006, 04:45:21 AM by Avion49 |
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| Originally posted by Achilles: |
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| Quoted Message: Lisa, Frances, this was explained in the first post. Yes, there will be several sizes available. |
Let me see if I get this right Serban. I upload a 12MP image. A designer can download it in any one of 5 different sizes? So the larger the original image, the more choices are offered to the designer. Now that makes more sense.
Sandy |
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Bryce 6.1, Poser 5, Daz Studio, Carrara 6.1
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Uploaded files: 452 | Total Sales: 441
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Message posted at 12/28/2006, 04:54:53 AM by Tano - member is an admin |
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| Originally posted by Avion49: |
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Quoted Message: Let me see if I get this right Serban. I upload a 12MP image. A designer can download it in any one of 5 different sizes? So the larger the original image, the more choices are offered to the designer. Now that makes more sense.
Sandy |
Correct:)
Only one correction... there are 4 sizes not 5 (Web, Medium, Large and Maximum) |
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Uploaded files: 1 | Total Sales: 22
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Message posted at 12/28/2006, 06:31:06 AM by Avion49 |
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*blush* This I can live with and I dare say, most of those debating the size issue can as well. It wasn't spelled out in the original post quite as well as you think. Thanks for the clarification.
Sandy |
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Bryce 6.1, Poser 5, Daz Studio, Carrara 6.1
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Uploaded files: 452 | Total Sales: 441
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Message posted at 12/28/2006, 06:58:48 AM by Nlizer |
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Thank you for the clarification. To me it wasn't clear, that's why I asked. I do apologize.
Can I get my other question answered now though.
Will vector and raw files also be offered at one credit for a $.25 royalty to contributors? Is it possible that they either cost more credits or are not available on the subscription rate? I feel that the jpg offered would be enough without giving them the vector or raw. It's not like it's not available at all. |
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Casio EX-Z850
Canon EOS Rebel XSi
18-55 is lens
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Uploaded files: 394 | Total Sales: 2376
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Message posted at 12/28/2006, 17:52:08 PM by Lisafx |
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| Originally posted by Avion49: |
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Quoted Message: *blush* This I can live with and I dare say, most of those debating the size issue can as well. It wasn't spelled out in the original post quite as well as you think. Thanks for the clarification.
Sandy |
Glad I am not the only one who was confused about this.
Thanks, Serban, for providing clarification. Sounds like a good plan as far as I am concerned :-) |
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Canon 5D, 40D, Various lenses, flashes, studio lights, light...
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Uploaded files: 5310 | Total Sales: 37231
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Message posted at 12/29/2006, 02:25:21 AM by Alexandr6868 |
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OK, Achilles, what is this number in your total sales, you have more than two billions sales? Is this some magic stuff you are doing, or just Santa's gift to you? Now you must be a billionaire :-)))) |
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Canon 450D
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Uploaded files: 630 | Total Sales: 1710
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