Do stock agencies require 24MB files, or 24 megapixels?
Asked 10/30/2014
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I shoot with a Canon EOS 60D (18MP). Someone told me stock photography needs at least “24MB” images, but my JPEGs are usually around 5–14MB at 72 dpi. I’m confused about whether stock sites care about file size in megabytes, image resolution in megapixels, or print size/dpi. Is a 24MB file actually a requirement, and what does it mean in practice for stock submissions?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
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An expert said I should use at least 24MB pictures for stock.
You sure the "expert" meant 24 MB, not MP? I don't know much about the higher MP cameras, but I can't imagine anything but maybe the 36 MP Nikon D800 having a 24MB file size. If you take a look at Nikon's official website, you'll see file-sizes ranging from 17 to 29 MB. If it's true that you are required to have a 24MB file, you'll have to invest in a better camera!
I took a look at the shutterstock.com submission guidelines, and to quote them:
Images must be at least 2.5MP (2.5 Megapixels/2.5 Million Pixels). To calculate the number of pixels in a photo - multiply the width by the height. For example - a photo that's 1700x1300 is 2.21 million pixels. The minimum size for new photographers is now 4.0MP.
iStockphoto:
iStock accepts files 1600 x 1200 pixels or larger.
Naturally they want more than that if possible, they all say "give us the largest file you've got"
File size doesn't necessarily equal quality, the photo submission guidelines will tell you what they're looking for, and resolution is not at the top of the list. Proper focus and exposure is much more important.
Originally by user34312. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user34312
11y ago
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They almost certainly meant megapixels, not megabytes.
For stock photography, agencies usually care about pixel dimensions (megapixels), not the compressed JPEG file size in MB. JPEG size varies a lot depending on image content and compression level, so an 18MP photo might be 5MB or 14MB and still be perfectly fine.
Your EOS 60D’s 18MP files are already above the minimum size mentioned by major stock agencies in the answers. One example cited is Shutterstock, which requires only a few megapixels minimum for submission, far below 18MP.
Also, 72 dpi is mostly irrelevant for stock acceptance. DPI metadata does not determine how many pixels the image contains; it mainly affects default print sizing. What matters is the actual width × height in pixels.
So the purpose of a “24MB file” is not a standard stock requirement. That kind of wording is often an old-fashioned, imprecise proxy for image resolution. For stock, focus on:
- high pixel dimensions
- good exposure and sharpness
- low noise/artifacts
- highest-quality JPEG export
Your 18MP camera is generally sufficient for stock if the images meet technical and artistic standards.
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