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In today’s fast-paced, have-to-have-it-now world, the digital camera is a must have technology tool for real estate professionals. From listing photos to virtual tours, tech-savvy agents are creating a clear differentiator by taking digital imaging into their own hands. As the price point of the latest cameras, printers and video equipment comes down, agents are faced with a myriad of choices when it comes to digital imaging. With the vast selection of brands and models on the market today, it can be difficult to decide which one to make your investment. This blog is dedicated to keeping real estate professionals up to date with the latest models, pricing and comparisons that will allow agents to stay a step ahead of the competition. Let's hear from you! It's as simple as clicking the Post A Comment link below the particular posting where you want to make a comment.
If you would like to make a post, send it to us at DigitalCameras@RealTownBlogs.com
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As an unknowledgeable laymen with a camera, I've been following and
learning from the discussion about cameras. I just saw a post (and now can't
find it) about adaptors such as a .7 lens adaptor to make a lens a bit wider
angle. When I went to the site on the post, I didn't see my camera on the list,
but the idea caught my interest. I have an Olympus c-4000 and am probably
blissful in my ignorance, but I'm mostly happy with the pictures it takes except
for the lack of wide angle lens which really hit home after looking at the
excellent pictures Steven Hong put on his blog comparing 20mm, 24mm & 28mm .
I'm a little leery of the kodaks, because it seems like there are quite a few
posts about their durability. I saw Larrys list of cameras in the $200-$500
range that have wide angle lens, and if I wasn't mostly happy with the camera
I've got, I'd probably look at one of those because at this point, I wouldn't
want to spend more than that, but wonder if attaching an adapter to my c-4000
would achieve a decent 24 mm result for a lot less and tide me over until I
could spend $1000+ for my next camera in a year or two? All of you camera gurus:
Am I trying to get something for nothing? All help appreciated and thanks for
the info! Fred Lutes ERA Sun River Realty Inc Serving the Tri-Cities WA area
509-366-9821 Fred@FredLutes.com |
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I use the Canon 40D, I urge all Realtors to leave the point and
shoot digital camera's behind! Some might say there far too expensive, I
say how can we say we are representing our clients in the best light if we don't
use the best tools at our disposal.
How many times have we seen pictures posted on an MLS listing that
are so small that you have to squint to see them, or the quality of the pic is
just terrible. One does not have to be a pro to use the newest digital SLR
cameras, they have lots of auto features that make it easy even for the
beginner, having a true wide angle lens like a 10x22 mm makes all the
difference in the world when trying to get the whole room in one shot, and image
stabilization is a must. And it is so much easier to edit a pic taken at a
higher resolution. The ability to change lenses in low light conditiions
is invaluable, consider investing in a pro-sumer digital SLR like the canon 40D,
or the Rebel XTI, it is true that megapixels only matter when blowing up a pic
to 8x10 or bigger, but the image sensor is far superior to any of the camera's
mentioned above. They say you get what you pay for and that is certainly
true with camera's. The 40D is built like a mack truck and will not fail
you ever.
Homer
Bell |
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Terry Datz wrote:
The Kodak V570 has been discontinued and replaced by a new, more expensie model,
with the same features. The drawback is reliablity. I have had mine back in the
shop twice You will find that Kodak cameras are no longer carried by many camera
retailers, and I'm told it is because they are not reliable. In my opinion your
money would be better on a different
camera.
---------------------
Terry,
I'll second that. I had the v705 (the
upgrade from the v570) for just under 13 months when it suddenly stopped
working. It would not hold a charge, either with battery or directly
connected to the power supply. Kodak estimated a repair at $125. I
decided not to spend that kind of money on a repair. I did try to find
another v705. I did visit a couple camera stores who all told me the same
thing...they don't carry Kodak at all because of reliability and repair
issues.
JudiB
RE/MAX Accord . . . . . . . . . . . . Direct: (630)
605-8902
e-Pro® Certified Internet Professional
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Just a quick note about the Kodak
Dual lens camera.
Kodak had a large display booth at
the NAR convention. I spoke for some time to one of their marketing people. They
have discontinued manufacture of the V705 and don't have a replacement dual lens
in the pipeline. They have inventory in house and are selling it direct. They
brought it to the NAR convention because Realtors® were one of their largest
buyer segments. They sell it for $299. The V750 is $249 and will only go to 5.0
megapixels versus the 7.1 on the 705. I don't know if that is discontinued
also.
That evening I tried to find it
everywhere, including eBay. I even went to WalMart.com, because they did have
them last Spring. The only V-705's I could find were reconditioned on
eBay.
I ended up going to Kodak
through the Realtor.org site and saved 15% from Kodak. It arrived the next week.
I've used it a few times (I still prefer my bulkier Minolta for exterior shots)
and it seems to do everything promised. The Kodak rep did tell me that the
camera is designed for up to a 2meg SD card and that a larger card would not be
effective.
The other thing to consider is what
operating system you use on your computer. If it's XP or Vista, the 705
will work fine. If you are running something older, like 2000 or Millennium or
98, the 705 won't work, so you'll need to get a 750.
Fred Pickard Broker Owner
CRS, CRB, GRI, e-Pro
Certified Trainer
Exit Realty Innovations
251 West Chocolate
Avenue
Hershey PA 17033
mailto:Fred@MoveToHershey.com |
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Taking good real estate photos is
more than just having a wide angle lens on
your camera. There are so many
more things to consider, and most agents
simply either don't know or don't
bother. This shows in the typical MLS and
flyer photos taken by agents. You
must consider lighting, straight
verticals, barrel distortion due to a
particular lens (this is more os an
issue with wide angle), cropping, and on
and on. If you're not willing to
spend a few bucks to hire a professional to
take your photos, then you
should check the following two web sites to learn
how to take better photos.
You owe it to your clients.
http://photographyforrealestate.net/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/photographyforrealestate/
Larry Gasinski, MBA, GRI, e-PRO
Realty Executives
of Santa Clarita
Direct: 661-263-7457
Email:
Larry@SCVHomeAdvisor.com
Web:
www.SCVHomeAdvisor.com
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Hello, Jean!
I am no "guru" but I would like to
make a suggestion.
You are right, the image stabilization is always an
issue.
I had the problem until I bought the Cannon Powershot S5
IS.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s5is.asp
I
am very happy with it. It has a stabilizer and if you're using it fo prepare
Virtual Tours a good tripod comes in very handy especially if it allows lateral
rotation.
Pablo. |
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Ronny Geenen
wrote....
A digital
camera 28 mm lens is comparable with a 45 mm lens from a 35mm
standard
camera. And this lens is a very limited wide angle.
I looked at the 5
listings on your web and noticed all outside pictures from
homes on a large
lots. But I do not see any interior pictures.
Canon cameras have a factor of
1.6, except the professional bodies (1 : 1)
Nothing is wrong with the camera,
because Canon has one of the best
products, but if you want to have a 28 mm
wide digital you should buy a 17
mm wide angle lens.
Ronny, your point
is only correct with SLR cameras... cameras with
changeable lenses. The list
of cameras that I referred to ALL have 28mm
equivalent lenses. And I believe
they are all point-n-shoot.
Case-in-point... David's SD800 has a lens that
measures 4.6~17.3 mm. That is
a zoom equivalent of 28~105mm in the standard
35mm format. That would make
his multiplication factor about 6.1 because of
the size of the sensor. But
let's not go there. Let's just say that it has a
28mm wide-enough angle
lens.
If someone is savvy enough to buy a
Single Lens Reflex camera, I would hope
they are sharp enough to know at
least the basics of photography. Having
said that, I also know that lots of
people that buy the Rebel (400D or XTi)
really don't know much beyond the
basics. But those cameras come with the
18~55 kit lens that is equivalent to
about 29~88 mm in standard format.
Close enough.
Larry Rogers
Avon
Park FL
Rich Hudson
Director of
PR/Marketing
InternetCrusade
(619) 283-7302 Ext.
602
Rich@InternetCrusade.com
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Patti
Go to www.dpreview.com and you can review all of
the cameras out there. On the left side of the screen, click on "Buying Guide".
On the next screen, select "Price" and put in the most you are willing to pay,
for instance less than $400. Next under Zoom Wide, put in <28mm, for wide
angle lens. Scroll to the bottom and click "Compare."
You will get a list of about eight or
nine different cameras that all have wide angle lenses and cost less than four
hundred dollars. You can read the reviews for each one to decide which features
fit your needs and desires. The site will also give you prices at different
locations. For instance, a Canon PowerShot SD800 IS can be had at Amazon.Com for
$240, but at TigerDirect.Com it's $300 and at Best Buy it's $350.
Merry Christmas
Larry Rogers
Avon Park FL |
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Less than $200....
Fujifilm FinePix E510 Zoom
Fujifilm FinePix F480
$200 to $400
Nikon Coolpix P50
Kodak V705
Kodak P880
Canon PowerShot SD800
IS
Canon PowerShot SD870 IS
$400 to $600
Fujifilm FinePix S9100
Olympus SP-560 UZ
Canon PowerShot
S60
Canon PowerShot S70
Go to dcreview.com to check other sites for digital cameras.
Larry Rogers
Avon Park FL |
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Here is a site with many advices how to buy a
digital camera and where for a lower
price.
Also advice where not to buy.
Ronny Geenen
Southland
Properties |
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Hey
Larry, I have the 420ex, which costs considerably less (about $179), but I never
use it for Real Estate photography. I almost always use natural light for all of
my real estate photography. That gives the rooms so much more character and
feel, than flash photography.
Ruth,
I, too, checked out the house pic and orchid pic. The orchid pic looks good, but
there is less detail than what is in the house pic. If you look at the house pic
at 100% crop, you'll see that the grass is
really less defined and splotchy. But the most important thing that I find wrong
with this camera (v570), is that the photos are not sharp. Look at the edges
between the sidewalk pieces, or the edges of where the roof meets the sky, or
anywhere else there is contrast, and it's
just not very sharp or clear. Â
A
friend of mine has the V705. I'll try to
get out with his camera and my camera and shoot the same scene side by side in
the near future. I'll also take a couple
shots with my cheap/old digital camera the Canon PowerShot A75.  I’ll
bet that most people will be able to notice a difference between the V705 and
the Canon Digital Rebel (the first affordable dslr). The V705 right now costs
about $299. The Canon Digital Rebel costs under $400 with the 18-55.
The Digital Rebel can only be purchased used because it is 3 models
old.
Digital
Rebel XT with lens $530
Digital
Rebel XTi with lens $680
Nikon
D40 with lens $499
Nikon
D40x with lens $699
Prices
are from www.BeachCamera.com . All the above
lenses are the 18-55 canon or Nikon lenses. They have other package prices with
better lenses for more $$$.
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Larry Rogers wrote:
>>> With
today's digital cameras, there is no cost for film developing, so take some
extra pictures from different views. If you don't like them later, just push the
delete button. No harm, no foul, no cost. BUT, you just might get a really good
one that you wouldn't have otherwise tried if you had to pay for film.
<<<
Aloha Larry:
Even before digital cameras, I always
took A LOT of photos. I've never claimed to be a great photographer, but I've
always known I have much better odds with lots of photos. Sometimes I'll shoot
20 shots moving an inch to the left (or right) for each shot because you never
which one is "the money shot". I know AM is better than PM for taking
photos (at least in Hawaii unless you're trying to get sunset or specialty
shots). On average, per listing, I take about 200-300 photos to produce
10-12 good results. Sometimes my clients ask if I photographed the
right property. LOL
Re: Orchid - just a
fast test shot to check close-up feature - no
aiming.
Re: Building - my father was an
artist and I did learn a few things about space, color, and angles from
him.
Still my biggest frustration:
shooting into a large expanse of windows (we have a lot of condos here
with that narrow rectangle with windows at the end). Someone said to
focus away from the windows, but that didn't solve the problem for
me. If you've got any suggestions,
"I am listening". :-)
Have a Happy Hawaiian
Day!
Ruth A. Gabbard (R), CRB, CRS, SRES,
PB
Gabbard Hawaii Properties | Honolulu, Hawaii
808-534-1850 | 877-ALOHA
HI (256-4244) Toll Free
E-mail: realtalk@hawaii-properties.info |
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Go to www.sigmaphoto.com
A Sigma 12-24
Wide Zoom lens carries a Manufactures Suggested Retail Price of $960. A
20mm Wide Angle carries a MSR of $530. A 10-20 Wide Zoom DC is priced at
$730. DC stands for digital camera. This series of lenses are made for cameras
that have the C size sensors. That's what your Rebel has. These cameras have a
1.6 X factor. For example, a 10-20 lens on a 1.6 X factor camera is equivalent
to a 16-32mm lens on a full size sensor or 35mm camera.
I use the 18-200 DC OS on my Canon 20D. That is equal to 28.8 - 320 mm. Only
rarely do I wish for something wider. For me, it works great for what I do. And
the best part is that I only carry one lens. I still have the Sigma 18-125 (28.8
- 200mm) lens that I used for the past two years on this camera. The Optical
Stabilization is something that I wanted so I bought the new lens. If you would
be interested in the 18-125 for your Rebel, let me know. $165 USPS insured to
you. They cost about $260 new. I think I still have the box it came in.
Larry Rogers
Avon Park FL
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9/18/2007 @ 11:09 PM HST
Steven Hong wrote:>>> Thank you Ronny for your comment about. I've been
saying this same thing for a couple of years now, that the Kodak V570 and the
V705 don't take high quality photos. The glass is too small to have any real
quality. The photos at 100% crop are not sharp, not clear, don't have good
color, and have chromic aberration (purple fringing). In fact, I've been
recommending against these two cameras, but yet so many agents have been buying
them. <<<
Larry Gasinski
wrote:
>>> I agree with Steven. You
simply cannot take quality real estate photos with a cheap point and shoot
digital camera usually held at arms length. These days you need a digital SLR
and extreme wide angle lens as well as the proper flash equipment and the
ability and knowledge to use it. The photos at the following link were produced
using and Canon 400D (Rebel Xti), Canon 10-20mm lens and a Canon Strobe set on
manual with a flash diffuser. <<<
I purchased the Kodak V570 for
about $160 after reading many positive real estate agent reviews. I was fairly
skeptical since I've always purchased fairly expensive Sony cameras and
I wasn't a Kodak fan. But for $160 I thought "what do I have to lose?" I have
been very happy with the V570. I purchased it for the wide-angle lens, but was
pleasantly surprised how well it takes at various
distances.
Here's an unedited building
exterior photo at 4mg (camera goes to 5mg or 6mg I believe).
Here's an unedited close up of an
orchid also at 4mg:
I didn't see the "purple
fringing" (I only saw the purple color in the orchid - LOL) - but then
again I'm not sure what that means. I'm not a camera expert,
but I think this is a
great camera for what we do and clients are very happy with the
results.
Have a Happy Hawaiian
Day!
Ruth A. Gabbard (R), CRB, CRS,
SRES, PB
Gabbard Hawaii Properties | Honolulu, Hawaii
808-534-1850 |
877-ALOHA HI (256-4244) Toll Free
E-mail:
realtalk@hawaii-properties.info
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Steven Hong
wrote:
"Many of you have asked which camera I recommend for real
estate
photography. Unfortunately, there isn't one that I currently
recommend,
other than a digital SLR camera such as the Canon Digital Rebel,
or Nikon
D40, or higher models. That's because you can't get 24mm on any
point and
shoot, except for the above 2 kodak cameras. I'm not sure why
all
manufacturers have moved away from 24mm lenses, but they have. So my
only
recommendation right now is a Canon or Nikon DSLR and a 10-20 type lens
for
it."
I agree with Steven. You simply cannot take quality real
estate photos with
a cheap point and shoot digital camera usually held at
arms length. These
days you need a digital SLR and extreme wide angle lens as
well as the
proper flash equipment and the ability and knowledge to use it.
The photos
at the following link were produced using and Canon 400D (Rebel
Xti), Canon
10-20mm lens and a Canon Strobe set on manual with a flash
diffuser.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scvphotos/sets/72157600871461810/detail/
Larry Gasinski, MBA, GRI, e-PRO
Realty
Executives of Santa Clarita
Direct: 661-263-7457
Email:
Larry@SCVHomeAdvisor.com
Web: www.SCVHomeAdvisor.com
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Ronny
Wrote:
I
look at the web site regarding that camera. Do you really believe that camera
with that little piece of glass will do the job? Save your money and buy a brand
name with a reputation
Thank
you Ronny for your comment about. I've been saying this same thing for a
couple of years now, that the Kodak V570 and the V705 don't take high quality
photos. The glass is too small to have any real quality. The photos at
100% crop are not sharp, not clear, don't have good color, and have chromic
aberration (purple fringing). In fact, I've been recommending against
these two cameras, but yet so many agents have been buying them.
Many
of you have asked which camera I recommend for real estate photography.
Unfortunately, there isn't one that I currently recommend, other than a digital
SLR camera such as the Canon Digital Rebel, or Nikon D40, or higher models.
That's because you can't get 24mm on any point and shoot, except for the above 2
kodak cameras. I'm not sure why all manufacturers have moved away from 24mm
lenses, but they have. So my only recommendation right now is a Canon or Nikon
DSLR and a 10-20 type lens for it.
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Does anyone have suggestions when it comes to buying a
new camera preferably under $500 with a wide angle lens?
I have had the Kodak V705 for just under a year. I am extremely happy with
it. It has a dual wide angle and zoom lens. 7.1 megapixels, it shoots great
photos. About $350.
The most imprtant feature of this camera is the super simple user
interface. I would buy it for the ease of use alone.
It is also quite small, about 21/4" by 5" with a relatively large LCD
display. For this reason I carry it with me at all times.
The wide angle is the dominant feature. It takes excellent indoor shots of
rooms as small as bathrooms. Although I use adobe as an editor (there is now a
simple "autofix" feature on adobe). you can edit photos inside this
camera, and this feature works quite well. You can also easily knit together
superwide photos. Along with numerous other features that are easy enable,....if
you spend 1/2 hour reading the manual.
If I were doing nature photography on a vacation, I would choose a camera
with a dominant zoom, not this camera. Alas, one size doesn't fit all
applications.
Photo quality is excellent.
My teens are always trying to get me to lend this camera to them, as it is
great for large group shots due to the wide angle.
Anne Arjani, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
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Does
anyone have suggestions when it comes to buying a new camera preferably under
$500 with a wide angle lens?
I also have the
Kodak
Easyshare V570 dual lens camera, which I found for $195 online with
two memory sticks. It is great for real estate shots and it fits in my
pocket. I use it on all of my MLS and virtual tour shots:
- 5.0 mega pixels
- 5X zoom lens and a wide angle
lens
- It is a simple point and shoot
camera where the lenses change automatically
Kodak has since
come out with the two new models:
The EasyshareV610
dual lens camera:
- Bluetooth
- 10X zoom
- 6.1 mega pixels
-
The Easyshare
V705 with higher resolution for a little more money.
All three cameras have some really
cool features like: On-camera panorama stitch mode. One day when I
have time, I will try it out.
Randy
Prothero
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It is necessary to have a wide angle camera for real
estate? Visit my blog on this very
subject:
http://steveho.realtownblogs.com
The camera you mention, the Sony DSC-H9, has a 31mm lens on
the wide side.
Steven Hong, e-PRO Realtor
RE/MAX Associates Plus
Minneapolis, MN
612-990-9009 cell
952-915-2252 direct
952-884-3021 fax
http://www.SearchingMinneapolis.com
http://www.HousesOfMinneapolis.com
From: Linda Palmer [mailto:Linda@LindaPalmer.com]
I recently read about the Sony DSC-H9/B- It has an 8.1 megapixel
and a 15X Optical Zoom but it didn't say it had a wide angle lens. Would this be
a good real estate camera or is it nessary to have a wide-angle lens. I am
sincerely looking for a medium priced digital camera and this one is below $500.
Is anyone familar with this camera?
Linda
Palmer |
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Interesting point was made in the Real Estate EXPO I recently attended.... 4
Megapixels is about the optimum point for pictures to be uploaded to MLS sites.
Long technical explanation...blah, blah, blah. They also suggested that an
inexpensive camera with good glass for ZOOM was optimum, using a magnetic clip
on wide angle lens for shooting rooms. Referenced www.bhphotovideo.com, look for
wide angle lens made by Cokin. The large size fits most inexpensive digital
cameras. I think Sony is the one with the smaller lens. Don't use the clipon
style wide angle sold by some folks, as they will burn up the motor if the lens
gets stuck when the camera is trying to withdraw it. You want one that sticks on
magnetically, so it will just pop off if the camera shuts down unexpectedly.
The digital photography seminar suggested that stable camera and good
lighting were the two most important things in generating good pix for most of
us. An inexpensive tripod is huge in improving photos. Lighting can be improved
by a huge amount by utilizing a couple of $15 halogen worklights from Home Depot
or Big Lots.Excellent single lens reflex cameras with add-on lens will always
give best results, but if you have a more limited budget, a $300 Kodak with the
referenced add-on wide angle lens, a tripod and some worklights will make you
stand out from the crowd. Makes you look a little more professional, too.
When you buy a camera, Remember.... tiny is not always better, because you
gotta keep that sucka still when you snap off a pic.Don't be intimidated by the
technical side of taking pictures. Keep it stable, light it up and take lots and
lots of pictures. Throw away most of them and keep the GREAT ones! And, by the
way, make sure that you can transfer the pix to YOUR computer without a big
hassle. Ask the salesman to show you how it works, even if you think you know.
Every month a new concept comes out, but they don't all work with an older
computer. Try not to get stuck with cables....just one more thing to lose.I'm
not trying to rain on fancy cameras.... if you have the money, you can
definitely make better pix. But if you are not technical and if you don't have a
lot of money, all is not lost! Better to have a cheap camera that you know how
to use than to spend a couple of grand on equipment that you don't
understand.
James R. Gibson, Realtor, MBA
E-ProSellstate Advantage Realty Network,
Inc.
Cape Coral, Florida and Pickwick Lake,
Mississippi
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