istockphoto.com used to be my primary source for inexpensive stock photography and video. But just this past week I’ve come across two new stock video competitors that provide some interesting alternatives.

Pond5.com, which has been in beta for awhile, just went live. Clips on their site are even less expensive than istockphoto – and they have an industry-leading model where they contributors set their own price, and keep 50% of the sale proceeds.

Meanwhile, stockfootageforfree.com is offering — you got it — video clips for free. Including high def clips. Now, you get what you pay for, but still, it’s tough to resist at least checking them to see what they’ve got.

Sites like these are putting downward price pressure on existing stock sources and providing new outlets for anyone who wants to sell their work. It will be interesting to see how the business model develops. In the meantime, make sure you check out all the options before you purchase your next stock clip.