Smithsonian Open Access vs Shutterstock

Struggling to choose between Smithsonian Open Access and Shutterstock? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Smithsonian Open Access is a Education & Reference solution with tags like open-access, smithsonian, research, digital-collections.

It boasts features such as Provides free online access to millions of 2D and 3D digital items from the Smithsonian collections, Includes images, videos, audio files, 3D models, research data, and more across art, history, culture, and science, Allows users to browse, search and download high resolution images and media, Offers an API for developers to build applications using the content and pros including Free access to high quality digitized content, Broad range of materials covering diverse topics and fields, High resolution downloads available, API enables innovative use of content.

On the other hand, Shutterstock is a Photos & Graphics product tagged with stock-photos, stock-footage, stock-music, royaltyfree, commercial-use, editorial-use.

Its standout features include Extensive library of stock photos, videos, music, Ability to search by keywords, categories, collections, Options for different license types and lengths, Tools for managing lightboxes and downloads, High-resolution image options, Video clips available in HD and 4K, New content added daily, Mobile apps allow accessing library on the go, and it shines with pros like Huge selection of high-quality assets, Affordable pricing, Easy to search and find relevant content, Flexible licensing options, Excellent customer support.

Feature	Smithsonian Open Access	Shutterstock
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Education & Reference	Photos & Graphics

Product Overview

Smithsonian Open Access

Description: Smithsonian Open Access is an open access digital platform that provides free online access to millions of 2D and 3D digital items from the Smithsonian's collections. It includes images, videos, audio files, 3D models, research data, and more across art, history, culture, and science.

Shutterstock

Description: Shutterstock is a stock photography, footage and music platform that provides high-quality assets for businesses, marketing agencies and media organizations. It features an extensive library of photos, videos clips and songs that can be licensed for commercial or editorial use.

Key Features Comparison

Smithsonian Open Access Features

• Provides free online access to millions of 2D and 3D digital items from the Smithsonian collections
• Includes images, videos, audio files, 3D models, research data, and more across art, history, culture, and science
• Allows users to browse, search and download high resolution images and media
• Offers an API for developers to build applications using the content

Shutterstock Features

• Extensive library of stock photos, videos, music
• Ability to search by keywords, categories, collections
• Options for different license types and lengths
• Tools for managing lightboxes and downloads
• High-resolution image options
• Video clips available in HD and 4K
• New content added daily
• Mobile apps allow accessing library on the go

Pros & Cons Analysis

Smithsonian Open Access

Pros

• Free access to high quality digitized content
• Broad range of materials covering diverse topics and fields
• High resolution downloads available
• API enables innovative use of content

Cons

• Limited contextual or background information on some items
• No option to order physical prints or merchandise
• Some parts of the collection not yet digitized
• Website interface could be improved

Shutterstock

Pros

• Huge selection of high-quality assets
• Affordable pricing
• Easy to search and find relevant content
• Flexible licensing options
• Excellent customer support

Cons

• Can be expensive for large volumes or extended licenses
• Limitations on image use for cheaper licenses
• Some assets are overused
• Downloading and organizing assets can be cumbersome

Pricing Comparison

Smithsonian Open Access

• Free

Shutterstock

• Subscription-Based
• Pay-As-You-Go