RE: RealPix Digital Real Estate Camera

Date: September 16, 2007

Larry Gasinski wrote, "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."

Wow. These are some really good photographs. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Nadim Aziz
Broker
Paradigm Home Loans/Willow Financial

Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker

San Jose CA 95125
ph: 408-267-0562
fax: 408-448-8750

www.NadimAziz.com
naaziz@paradigmrealtors.com

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Steven Hong Licensed Real Estate Agent, minneapolis, MN

Date: September 16, 2007

Why do so many agents want the cheapest digital camera they can find? Aren't we supposed to be professionals? Would you want your doctor to get the cheapest medicines they could for you? Or the cheapest medical instruments? Or use the cheapest ultrasound machine? Do you want your auto mechanic to use the cheapest tools or parts?

One could have spent under $500 for a quality camera (Nikon CP8400), but that camera has now been discontinued. There is nothing that will fill the gap right now (i.e. 24mm wide angle). So, if you don't want to spend $1000 on a capable digital camera (Canon XT + 10-20 lens, or Nikon d40 + 10-20 lens), why not hire it out? There are plenty of photographers out there, that you could pay $100-200 per listing to get very good quality photos taken.

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

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John r Rohan Licensed Real Estate Broker, Red Wing, MN

Date: September 17, 2007

I can see using both types of cameras. The RealPix Digital seems like a great camera to use when working within the contraints of the MLS or for web site use. My (and Steven Hong's) MLS restricts picture size to 640x480. I don't see why it wouldn't be a good application for this camera. My other camera is a Canon G7 which I use with an external flash. It does a great job when I need photos better than 640x480.

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Larry Gasinski Licensed Real Estate Broker, Santa Clarita, CA

Date: September 17, 2007

Steven Hong wrote:

"why not hire it out? There are plenty of photographers out there, that you
could pay $100-200 per listing to get very good quality photos taken."

Even though I'm primarily a REALTOR, I've begun taking photos for other
agents. They currently get up to 20 high resolution photos on a CD plus the
same photos already reduced in size ready to be uploaded into the MLS for
$75....although that price is about to go up ;-)

Samples at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scvphotos/sets/72157600871461810/detail/

Steven is correct, most REALTORS try to get by with the cheapest camera and
try to take their own pictures. My favorite examples of bad photos in our
MLS is a picture of a toilet...and the picture was loaded sideways....so
it's a toilet on it's side. Second place goes to the agent who is in his
own photo. Actually, all you can see is his body and the flash from the
camera in the mirror....again in a bathroom.

For you do it yourselfers, here's a couple of tips. Other than the master
bath, don't bother with bathroom pictures. They usually only show a shower
curtain or a toilet. Unless the toilet and sink are made of gold, don't
bother.

Also, a home should be somewhat staged before taking photos. Freshly
landscaped, clutter removed from the interior, lights on - even in the
daytime - they add nice warm glow even with flash, etc. etc. Just as if the
home were being prepared for an important showing to a client.

Just my 2 cents.

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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Mike Cirella Licensed Real Estate Agent, West Yarmouth, MA

Date: September 17, 2007

I agree with Steven Hong about hiring a photographer, especially if you are not photographically inclined. In particular, a pro photographer will give you photos with better composition, camera angle, less stray light or washed out windows in background, pro flash diffuser and slave flash use to lighten up those dark corners, etc. The few hundred dollars are well-spent and often you will also receive a "slide show" tour to post on a listing address web-site. One point about 24mm "wide angle" lenses. I have written about this before, but it's worth noting that the 24mm focal length is only considered wide angle for 35mm film cameras. It has to do with the smaller sensor in the DSLR's (except the very high-end, full-size sensor models). I won' t bore you with the details (email me if you really want to know). Just be sure to get that 10-20mm zoom lens to use with a relatively inexpensive DSLR like to Nikon D40. The 10-20mm on a DSLR is equivalent to a 15-30mm lens on a film SLR camera and will allow you to capture the entire room. On the other hand, hire a photographer. Mike Cirella ePRO SRS http://mikecirella.point2agent.com/ http://www.kinlingrover.com/MikeCirella mike@mikecirella.com

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Lisa Dillman Licensed Real Estate Agent, AZ

Date: September 17, 2007

Responding to the Digital Real Estate Camera

I have a Kodak easy share CX7525 but it takes great pictures and does come with a program that enables the user to lighten or darken, crop ect...Then I also use a company that takes virtual tours and pictures on the same visit. I feel I'm covered from both sides this way.

Lisa Dillman

DPR Realty, LLC

480-703-2890

MailTo:lisa@dillmanrealestate.com

www.lisaSellsAZhomes.com

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Ronny Geenen Licensed Real Estate Agent, Glendora, CA

Date: September 17, 2007

Steven Hong, e-PRO Realtor wrote:

Why do so many agents want the cheapest digital camera they can find? Aren't we supposed to be professionals? Would you want your doctor to get the cheapest medicines they could for you? Or the cheapest medical instruments? Or use the cheapest ultrasound machine? Do you want your auto mechanic to use the cheapest tools or parts?

One could have spent under $500 for a quality camera (Nikon CP8400), but that camera has now been discontinued. There is nothing that will fill the gap right now (i.e. 24mm wide angle). So, if you don't want to spend $1000 on a capable digital camera (Canon XT + 10-20 lens, or Nikon d40 + 10-20 lens), why not hire it out? There are plenty of photographers out there, that you could pay $100-200 per listing to get very good quality photos taken.

You hit exactly the head of the nail with a hammer, Steven.

Too many of us are or cheap or lazy to learn to take a better picture.

It is easier to buy junk food instead off cooking a healthy meal at home.

Sorry folks, but that is my opinion.

Ronny Geenen
Southland Properties
211 N Glendora Ave
Glendora, CA 91741
Http://CaFoothillsRealEstate.com
Mailto:Ronny@RonnyGeenen.com
Cell: 626-278-2205

"The degree of civil liberty is not measured by the way the state treats millions of those who agree with it, but rather how it treats a dozen who don't". by Ludvík Vaculík

If you received this email in error, please contact the sender via e-mail or at 626-914-6999 and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments. Thank you.

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Neal Adler, gri,abr, e-Pro Licensed Real Estate Agent, Studio City, CA

Date: September 18, 2007

RE: Digital Cameras

With all due respect I have found the Kodak C663 Easy Share to be very user friendly and the price is quite reasonable. I used to have an Olympus it served it's purpose. I inherited the Kodak from my wife when she bought a new digital camera. I think we spent $350 or even less for it. I use it for my listings and by BPOs. I've probably done close to 250 BPOs since March of this year and have taken about 700 pictures. I would reccommend it highly.

Neal Adler, GRI, e-PRO, ABR
Associate Manager, Rodeo Realty
California Association of Realtors Director, Region 18
Member Professional Standards Committees
California Association of Realtors
Southland Regional and Beverly Hills Greater Los Angeles Associations of Realtors
California Association of Realtors Certified Professional Standards Trainer
www.nealadler.com
Direct 818-308-8679
Cell 818-282-2516
Pager 818-228-9999
Toll free 888-216-7530
Fax 818-761-7277

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Ruth Gabbard Licensed Real Estate Broker, Honolulu, HI

Date: September 19, 2007

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).

http://hawaii-properties.com/ekahi/100_0081.jpg

Here's an unedited close up of an orchid also at 4mg:

http://hawaii-properties.com/ekahi/100_0354.jpg

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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Larry Rogers

Date: September 19, 2007

Ruth

I checked out your orchid.... Beautiful shot. Your camera is working fine. Unless you are a gear-head like me or Ronny or Steven, you will never notice any difference between the picture you took with your $160 camera and the same picture I would take using equipment that costs $2600. If you don't know what the terms Boken, Depth of Field, or Macro Tubes mean, then you don't need this stuff. Ask Steven how much his 580 EX II Speedlite cost. (I'll give you a hint -- over four hundred) Oh, it's a flash attachment.

It looks like the camera you have is working fine for you. Keep using it. I liked your shot of the house. Pretty good composition. Nice angle. I get so tired of seeing pictures of garage doors, I could just spit!! 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.

Just have fun with it. And you will get better just by doing it more.

Larry Rogers

Avon Park FL

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