I put a post up the other day of a real estate walk-through video done by a local real estate agent.  I felt that the agent did a good job getting across the basic feel and major features of the house and wanted to show you that you too can create a walk-through video.  

The post generated some conversation about ways to stop your video from being shaky.  I felt that the information was very valuable and it required its own post.  If you've had questions about this issue, please read through the entire post.  Thanks and good luck.

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Eric Daigle, who recently video taped a testimonial for ZIPVO.com and owner of Daigtech Videography commented:

     "First rule, 

     Don't walk with a video camera without proper equipment. No videographer would do that because of camera shake no matter how great you are. If you want the camera to be steady the use a tripod or if moving, then purchase a glide cam. http://www.glidecam.com/videos.php

     I would record the house first then later using a computer microphone add my voice to the footage that I recorded and during the editing process put them together. This is voice over work.

     As for camera shake here's software that you can purchase to correct this problem if need be. http://www.goodervideo.com/

     The important thing to remember is that with every new technology out there, it cost money and  takes time to practice and learn. You can't expect to be great after a few weeks. If I was a chef and you wanted to make a fabulous dish, you couldn't without the right equipment, knowledge and experience."

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Sandra Naroian, COO at ZIPVO.com commented:

     "Thanks for offering your help!  I was wondering if you could weigh in on the use of a glidecam, they are quite expensive and if an agent is not going to be using it frequently it may not be worth while .. is there another way to stop the shakes?  ;)

     I did see this camera recently when I was searching to buy another, what are your thoughts on the built in movie stabilizer?

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-EX-Z1080-Digital-Anti-Shake-Optical/dp/B000VH81IK

     Movie Stabilizer Movie Stabilizer technology digitally processes video footage while recording to minimize the effects of hand movement. Stabilizer processing is also performed during playback, to ensure that movies always look great.

     Anti-Shake DSPAnti-Shake DSP (Digital Signal Processor) minimizes image blur caused by shaking hands or moving subject matter

     Maybe something like this would be a more affordable solution?"

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Eric Daigle answered:

     You're correct the glidecams are expensive and really not worth spending the money on. I didn't mean to come across hard on my last post, I simply meant that walking with a camera in your hand should not be done if you're filming a home and you're on a budget. There are other creative and less expensive ways of filming a home with techniques that will look just as good and professional.

     For example using a tripod and zooming in and out of each room. Zooming in or out of a room gives the illusion that you are moving, but without the physical walking and camera shaking that goes along with it.

     To answer your question about the built-in movie stabilizer. This feature is pretty much standard in any digital camera now a days. Its function when tuned on basically prevents normal hand support of the camera from shaking so easily and stabilizes the footage from that shaky camera syndrome we sometimes see. Some people don't even realize that their camera may have this function built in, but it needs to be turned on. You should read your owners manual under stabilizer to enable this feature.

     I understand that many of you have questions and may feel intimidated or even excited about filming and editing your own video. Regardless of the reason i'll be here for you if you have any questions. Think of me as your friendly Videographer. I enjoy what I do and I enjoy helping others.

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You CAN created your own real estate walk-through videos.  Once you get past that initial nervousness and start practicing, your videos will get better and soon you're homes can get potential buyers from all over the world walking through.

Good luck!