Microstock News: iStock release iPhone app

Microstock player iStockphoto have just launched an iPhone application, available from the iTunes App Store.  It wont allow downloads (you probably wouldn't want them on your phone), but does allow browsing of the collection and for contributors, their all important stats!

More details here.

Microstock news: Fotolia launches desktop-based stock photo app

Fotolia have just launched an Adobe AIR desktop widget  - allowing you to search and buy stock imagery, video and vectors direct from your PC or Mac. 

It's free and easy to install.  More information available here.

As well as using this new application or going direct to the microstock site, there is one other way to get your stock imagery - via free Microsoft Office ribbon plugins.  Fotolia have one and so do iStockphoto.






 

Microstock News: Stockfresh enters the ring!

Peter Hamza and Andras Pfaff of Dream Group (who used to run microstock sites stockxpert.com and stock.xchng) have just launched a new offering: Stockfresh.

For buyers there are are on-demand and subscription options.  Try searching now in the collection to see if there's something you're after:

It promises some impressive commissions for contributors - from 50%, alongside FTP uploads and only a $50 minimum Paypal or Moneybookers payout.

Sigma news: Potential AF issue with recent zoom lenses

Sigma has discovered that there may be an autofocus issue with some of its recent zoom lenses:

• --- APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM
  --- Serial Numbers between 10633051 and 10972000
• --- APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM
  --- Serial Numbers between 10574001 and 10972000
• --- APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
  --- Serial Numbers between 10674301 and 10972000

 Details of how they'll help you get it fixed available here.

 

Microstock news: Getty extends Flickr deal

For a couple of years, Getty have had a relationship with Flickr where as they scan the millions of Flickr images, if Getty find something which fits with their requirements, they may invite the photographer to join the Getty collection (100,000 images have done so to-date).  In return, the photographer would earn commission on any sales.

Now, a revised deal has been struck where Flickr members can nominate themselves for consideration.  Predictably, there are two sides of the debate - those that thinks it's an easy, accessible way for photographers to monetise their art... and others who think naive photographers are being exploited (the commission is  30% for Rm and 20% for RF.

More details and an interesting Q&A with Getty available on BJP.  How to join in the process is described on the Flickr blog.