Which camera for publishing photos?....

[BlackDog]

How many megapixels are required for photos to be submitted? And how would they be transfered to the publisher, by cds? Looking for a new digital camera and would like to have one with the qualities capable of this. Can quality photos be taken with the auto settings on some of the new cameras?  Thanks.

[Frank1107]

Dave:

Get a copy of the 2006 Photographers Market. In it you will find the answers to your questions on sbmission requirements for different buyers, they vary. There is a good selection of digital cameras available from Canon, Nikon, and others. But don't be of the mindset that the camera is the end of the road, you need quality lenses. In addition, a great tripod, tripod head, sound technique, perfect composition, quality subject matter, and a host of other things. Yes, auto settings can produce professional quality images, but no matter what it is stll the light and you have to learn to read it and adjust for it. No camera digital or film will duplicate the range of the human eye. You must learn the limitations of your equipment.

Good Luck

Frank

[Phil Magistro]

Some of the magazines I looked into required at least 6MP images.  I believe that will increase as higher MP cameras become common.  I know that most stock photo companies will only accept 10MP and larger images.

Many request submissions as RAW or TIFF files and they are typically submitted on CD as they are quite large in size.

Aside from the basic requirement of MP, the camera is truly only one piece in creating a good image.  Frank listed many of the others.  

I'd suggest visiting the website for a few magazines and reviewing their rules for submission or drop them an email request.  They'll provide a detailed summary of what they require.

Phil

[BlackDog]

I looked at some magazine websites and their requirements were listed. I know alot of variables are involved in great photos, just wanting a camera capable of the qualities mentioned. Looking for one that won't break the bank and user friendly. Will just be using for personal use, but if I happened to get a great photo, I would like it to be quality enough for submission.
   Since I've had my digital camera, I'm always looking for photo opps while hunting. Thanks for your help.  

   David

[Phil Magistro]

The problem isn't so much in finding a camera that will produce an image with enough megapixels, the problem is finding one without breaking the bank.  My opinion is to forget about a point 'n shoot digital, no matter how much zoom it has.  I beleive that you can find one or two that may work in some instances, but overall you'll be better off with a DSLR and some good glass.  There are a number of good DSLR's that offer scenes, auto mode, program and manual controls.  Nikon just introduced a new camera the D80 that is a 10 MP camera with a lot of nice features. I'm sure Canon has one or more also.

Just a thought.

[Phil Magistro]

The problem isn't so much in finding a camera that will produce an image with enough megapixels, the problem is finding one without breaking the bank.  My opinion is to forget about a point 'n shoot digital, no matter how much zoom it has.  I beleive that you can find one or two that may work in some instances, but overall you'll be better off with a DSLR and some good glass.  There are a number of good DSLR's that offer scenes, auto mode, program and manual controls.  Nikon just introduced a new camera the D80 that is a 10 MP camera with a lot of nice features. I'm sure Canon has one or more also.

Just a thought.

[Frank1107]

Everything Phil mentioned is sound advise from a published photographer. If you are serious about photography look beyond the camera itself and spend some time looking at the system (lenses, accessories,flash, etc.)of the brand(s) you are considering. IMHO you cannot go worng with either of the 2 Phil mentioned. I have owned both and have been more than pleased with the results of each. One thing is for certain, in all top brands, good glass costs $$$, often far more than the camera body. Visit some of the popular nature photographers sites, they have a lot of information you might enjoy.

Frank