Happy New Year From Kodak - 22mm Wide Angle Video Solution for KODAK PLAYTOUCH!

Bill -  Thanks for the feedback.  The Wide Angle is definitely the "go to" solution for agents, I just wanted to demo the fisheye.  As I say in my video, I'd be surprised if you ever used more than one.  It's a cool effect though, and I think if you had a really large room could be a nice "change of pace" in the video tour.

Hi Tyra and Dan  - The differences between the Zi8 and the Playtouch are only feature based.  Both shoot at 1080p full HD, both have 720p/WVGA and 5 MP still camera modes.  Both have an external mic jack to add good audio and image stabilization.  Both are fine choices for real estate.  Playtouch adds the following:

1) Capacative Touchscreen (like an iPhone)

2) on screen editing, and easier to navigate because of the on screen functions

3) Kodak SHARE button - so you can tag the videos and pictures to upload to Facebook/Youtube as soon as you plug the camera in

4) Wider Angle lens:  This is the game changer.  The Playtouch is a much wider angle lens.  As a result, it shoots wider video, and when you add the lens option for the .67X lens at 720p, you get 22mm wide angle, which is awesome for real estate.  The Zi8 with the lens addition would get you to a 30mm field of view - acceptable, but not spectacular.  In my personal videos which can be seen on my Youtube Channel, I shoot with both the Zi8 and the Playtouch, and have not noticed a significant quality difference.

Hello Brad - 1080p works very well on any screen, it just means higher resolution.  So the larger you blow up the video picture on playback, the less grainy it will be all the way up to a full HD/full size TV.  1080p is great to playback on a large TV, or maybe if you bring your Playtouch to a client interview or showing and you want to show them samples of the kinds of video you do - you can bring the HDMI cables with you (they do come with the camera) and hook it up and show some of your videos.  That would be the main usage of that kind of high resolution right now.

There is a quality difference, but on small screen playback (think of a viewer window on YouTube) that is physically about 3-5 inches on your typical screen, and the 720p video mode will be just fine for most of your videos.  Try them out when you get one, and I'll post a few comparisons myself so you can test it for yourself in the next week or so.

Hi Justin - The Zi8 is being replaced by the Playtouch.  The Zi8 has limited availability, so if you're looking to get one I would buy it in the next few months.  Regardless, the Zi8 is an excellent camera, and has been a workhorse favorite for many agents - and will continue to be.  As with all consumer electronics, we just evolve the technology every 12 months or so.  :)

Hi Kim - You are very welcome.  Keep attuned to www.youtube.com/kodakrealestate for more videos of all our products. 

Debbie - I think you'll love the Playtouch, but whether you have that or a Zi8, you have a great solution on your hands and the Wide Angle Lens is compatible with both.

Cheers!

Hi Dustin - Yes, should work with the PlaySport (waterproof camera) without a problem.  Just to make sure, feel free to send me an image shot of your camera and I can verify.

Hi Dee Dee - no that message isn't right - something happened to my short URL I think.

Yes - the 20% off is there - go directly to this page to buy PLAYTOUCH for $159.96 - I'll relink.  Thanks for pointing it out.  Here is the full link text in case it doesn't work.

http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/PLAYTOUCH_Video_Camera/productID.200992300

There you go - click that link above and you should be good!

Hi Jason!   Thank you for the kudos - the Playsport is an awesome camera.  The only thing you miss with that is the external microphone add capability (Of course, it's waterproof so that is why it doesn't have it).  The wide angle lenses described in this article can also be used on the Playsport.  If you are going to use it for real estate (and a lot of people do), you could get the lenses, and then just get some good editing software where you can overdub your videos with narration. 

The basic "on board" Arcsoft Media Impression software that comes with the camera does allow you to record over the video pretty easily, but of course if you have more advanced software this is easy too.

Thank you for being a fan!

Hi Pam - Thanks for connecting in.  Please subscribe to my blog and YouTube Channel for more updates.  If you have questions please write me, glad to help!

Hi Jesse- Your point about simplicity is a good one, and when we add authenticity to it clients appreciate it.  The cameras we offer come with software that is basic, but will allow you to edit, trim, caption, and overdub the audio if you need to.  This is 90% of the battle for most agents.  I would add a tripod and a wireless microphone, along with our lens.  This means that for the average real estate agent, they can spend about $250.00 by buying all that through our www.kodak.com/go/redeal and have a complete kit for most all their video needs.

Hi Ray and Karen - It doesn't get much easier than the PLAYTOUCH, and I think you'll find the on camera "trimming" feature another time saver before you transfer the video into your computer.  I think the wide angle lens and the microphone capabiiity complete the kit for an agent, and you'll definitely enjoy using the camera.  Good luck with the Kodak real estate video contest, and contact me if you have any questions or if I can be of help!

Hello Justin -  Yes it does!  22mm would pretty much be wide enough to get most great rooms, let alone anything else you wanted to get!

Gordon - Thanks and best wishes for 2011 to you!  Hope you get a chance to make Kodak products and the Playtouch a part of your arsenal this year.