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Digital Camera Investment in marketing

In todays real estate market a digital camera is not an option but a requirement. I started with the 1.2 mega-pixel Sony and I have progressed from camera to camera over the last few years. When 80% of the buyers are using the Internet to search for homes the quality of pictures that is required doubles ever couple months.

A year ago a 4-5 mega-pixel camera with standard zoom did everything a Realtor needed. Recently to make myself stand out from the competition I have been investing in more and more photo equipment. First I was hiring photographers to shoot pictures for $80/hour and using standard virtual tour software.

After wasting to much money on photography services I decided to invest in a digital SLR camera. The digital SLR cameras allow for users to purchase different lenses for our different needs. One of the most important lenses for Realtors is the 10mm-22mm ultra wide angel lens. For the canon SLR it will cost you about $899 just for the lens. Finally no more standing on the toilet and in the tub to shoot a bedroom and no more laying in the hall way to get a good enough picture of the bedrooms. The ultra wide lens was designed for this situation.

For a camera I took many recommendations and ended up buying the Canon SLR 30D which is an amazing camera.

From the canon.com site

"Perfection Refined.
Canon's new EOS 30D brings proven EOS technology to a new level, giving photographers an unbeatable photographic experience. The EOS 30D incorporates a host of new features with Canon's highly acclaimed 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor. The EOS 30D includes enhanced operational features such as a new 2.5 inch LCD monitor, true spot metering, a durable new shutter mechanism and Canon's Picture Style feature, all in a sturdy, magnesium-clad body. With all these new features the EOS 30D is truly perfection, refined."

Features from the canon.com site

Features

	Exceptional digital SLR with exclusive 8.2 Megapixel Canon CMOS Sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor
	User-selectable high-speed and low-speed continuous shooting at 5 fps or 3 fps - up to 30 (JPEG), 11 (RAW) or 9 (RAW+JPEG) consecutive frames when set at 5 fps and fast 0.15-second startup time
	Large 2.5 inch LCD monitor that can be viewed at extreme angles up to 170°
	New and improved features: Picture Style for superior command of in-camera color, contrast and sharpness, spot metering and shutter durability of approximately 100,000 cycles
	Impressive 9-point Wide-area AF with a dual precision sensor at the center
	One-touch direct printing and improved PictBridge features, including more custom print effects and printing with shooting information
	Fully compatible with all EF and EF-S Lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories

I hope you all decide to pick a better camera and start providing quality photos for your sellers.

Ben Kinney - Bellingham WA Real Estate

Posted by Ben Kinney on 06/19/2007 12:36 AM

Comments (9)

agents

Originally posted at: Home4Investment Real Estate Team - Ben Kinney: Digital Camera Investment in marketing

9 Comments on Digital Camera Investment in marketing

JUN

2007

I also have a canon and I love it. I reccomend it and Yes having a great camera is a must!!

I still use my Kodak 210 that was up to 1 mega pixel at the time that was the best and I paid over $600 for it, but after about 30 pictures the batteries were dead...My new slr goes for weeks on the same battery and the quality is so much better...and people do seem to notice...

I recently tried the Kodak v705. Not in-press as I hope. Sticking with my Canon as well.

Ben - Thanks for the information. I need to get a new digital. The Kodak I have now is about 8 years old and outdated. I will check out the Canon SLR 30D. It is always nice when someone else can give first hand information on a product they use.

I've been doing research...actually just started....on buying a digital slr, thanks for the recommendation! I'll take it under consideration!

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

Like you, I started out by hiring a professional to differentiate myself from those using a small point and shoot camera. But ultimately I bought a Canon digital SLR and achieved better results myself. I have my eye on that wide angle lens but so far am borring one. It's definitely the lens for our business!

Like you, I started out by hiring a professional to differentiate myself from those using a small point and shoot camera. But ultimately I bought a Canon digital SLR and achieved better results myself. I have my eye on that wide angle lens but so far am borrowing one. It's definitely the lens for our business!

I have this same camera and also the upgrade to that. As a hobby I did photography. My problem is trying to figure out which software to use for the virtual tours or video tours. I have photoshop CS3 and my husband knows it well. I'm trying to learn it to put them together. Do you have any sugesstions?

Thanks

I just bought the Kodak V705 and so far it is pretty good. Of course you can't get extra bounce flash but if you are careful with the lighting it does ok. The ultra wide lens is great. You can take shots that you just can't with other cameras. I know its not the best but like audio equipment the majority of the people just can't tell the difference.

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