Starting Microstock - Equipment pack for less then $1000
We are still in the entry level class DSLR, but now we are going a bit further from the low budget equipment plan.
The base of this package is latest Canon’s entry level DSLR Digital Rebel XSi ( EOS 450D )
If you had read previous article about the under $500 microstock combo, I was recommending Digital Rebel XT and now for this under $1000 class I’m recommending the latest, recently presented EOS 450D. You can notice that I had skipped the EOS 400D, the main reason for doing so is that the 400D is just a bit improved compared to the 350D. And the new EOS 450D is a real revolution compared to the previous models, also the price difference tween 400D and 450D is not that significant.
Also you have noticed that I’m generally recommending Canon DSLR models, I have been used Canon’s and Nikon’s cameras, also I had an opportunity to test Sony’s Alpha. Simply the main reason for that is the Canon’s DSLR models is providing the best overall results - currently.
Microstock agencies are quite sensitive on the amount of the color noise on your photo submissions, and the Canon DSLR lineup is providing the best results - at least in the case of color noise. Another reason for choosing a Canon system over the Nikon for this purpose is the prices, Canon’s DSRL are one of the most affordable digital cameras in the market.
The Canon Digital Rebel XSi
The XSi body is coming in kit with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. This lens is a whole new and doesn’t share a thing with it’s predecessor. It’s not the world champion of the sharpness, but it is capable to produce more then decent photos - decent enough for passing on microstock agencies.
You shouldn’t forget the great plastic fantastic Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens, I know that you have covered 50mm range with the kit lens, but note that the kit lens can not provide less then F4.6 on the 50mm focal length. So for shooting portraits or shotting somethings in the lower ambient light, 50mm F1.8 will come irreplaceable.
You will need some kind of memory card for this combo also, if you are shooting in RAW format, and you should if you want best results. You shouldn’t go below the 4GB memory cards, 12Megapixel 14 bit RAW file from XSi will consume more space then the 12bit RAW from it’s older 8 mega pixel brother.
The good thing that the Canon XSi camera is using different kind of memory cards ( compared to it’s predecessors ), SD cards are smaller, cheaper and even faster the the Compact flash standard.
I’m recommending Sandisk Ultra II SDHC 4GB SD Memory Card
The Canon Digital Rebel XTi in the kit with optically stabilized EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with additional Canon’s 50mm F1.8 II lens and a 4GB SD card will cost you something about a $1000. This package will provide much more flexibility compared to the Budget pack, but it costs twice as much. If you are serious about your photo stocking ambition, and you can afford it, this kind of starting package will get you the best value for your money.
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