v570, Ultra-Wide-Angle Point & Shoot 23mm $200/ + 2Hr Free Class

I was initially just going to respond to Your Camera Already Has a Wide Angle Lens By Aaron, but then I decided to do more research and make a larger post. Aaron's photos are great and I do agree that most point and shoots have a stitching software, but it isn't that easy. Yes easy if you have somebody showing you how to do it, but not easy out of the gate, and you know how impatient Realtors are... (and stagers)

I personally use a ultra wide angle lens on a SLR (or Digital SLR, DSLR) camera (the big cameras with interchangeable lenses). The set up is about $1,300 (the lens is about $500). Again, you might learn how to use that after reading a book but who has time.

<MONEY SAVING TIP regardless of the camera you buy Forget about all that resolution stuff. Resolution does NOT mean sharpness. Resolution is more about being able to blow up images 20x30inches. For real estate you can get a 1 or 2 Megapixel and be fine. 6 and 10 won't help a lick and if anything slow you down. I have a 3Megapixel that I shoot on 1 Megapixel mode all the time for faster uploading>

Anyhow, there are a couple of cameras out there that are ULTRA wide angle point and shoots. The wider the angle, the more you can get into the shot. The bigger the room looks.

But the winner is!!!!:

Amazon Kodak V570 or v705 (as of 2-23-07)

Update 12-1-07 These cameras are a b*tch to find now. Some are buying them for as much as $350. You might try Froogle.com CNet product search and Ebay. Ebay is tough, they have SOME buy it now options. I would also look into refurbs. Sometimes Kodak's Outlet has them, but they are sold out today.

My next choice would be:

$230-$250 Canon PowerShot SD800 IS 7.1MP Elph with Image Stabilizer which starts at 28mm (vs the V570 23mm)

$250  Canon PowerShot SD870 IS 7.1MP Elph with Image Stabilizer (same as sd800 but larger screen which can be a drawback for battery use, also controls are better)

So it has image stabilizer which is VERY important for video. (I love the v570 for video since the wide you are, the less it shakes). Don't get the other Canon Elphs that aren't "wide angle." 

Or the $171 Olympus Stylus FE-290 7MP with 28mm Wide Angle and Image Stabilizer  (note that Olympus has VERY expensive proprietary memory cards).

End 12-1-07 Update

This v570 camera has a 23mm lens with 5 megapixels. The dual lenses will also allow for IN CAMERA stitching. That means no software on your computer. You can also get the slight higher end 7 megapixel  model for $15 more (and reviews here)but the megapixels will not do ANYTHING for your photos. But check out the link for the sample photos which show an IN CAMERA panoramic example.(if you camera says panoramic, it is probably the fake kind where they just crop the top and bottom of your camera)

  vs

On the left is a typical 39mm lens. On the right is the Kodak 23mm lens. Both are taken from the same spot. Seel the full review here with photos

And it even has built in image distortion correction software.This keeps the walls from bowing.  Note that the reviews above aren't great. Don't let that deter you. They were comparing the camera to the other 200 cameras out there and their main comparison was based on everyday use. If they compared every camera for Interior Realtor photos, this would blow everything away. 

I think I might have to get this. And yes I would get the cheaper one. The extra resolution is useless for what you would be using it for and the reviews say it  actually has a little less "noise" (like high speed grain film).

So go get that camera and let me know how it works. Also here are some last tips for novices when taking photos indoors.

1) Take each photo with and without a flash (no flash photos can look warmer and POP)

2) Take each shot with the blinds open and closed (and step 1)

3) See if your camera has FILL FLASH mode. Sometimes you can hit the flash symbol and see a man with a star over his shoulder, try that. This puts out a less powerful flash so that you can have a nice balance of light and a warmer photos.

4) Get back as far as you can. Sometimes taking the photo without looking through the camera since you are smooching it up against the wall (obviously you might have to take it 5 times to get it right)

(See my article for NVAR Update Magazine on how to take photos)

You stagers out there need this camera too!

 

Good luck!

Update 5/1/07- I taught a 2 hour class on this. Email me directly for the link to the class notes and audio that you can hear on your ipod. 

- Written by Frank Borges LL0SA- Broker FranklyRealty.com (former pro photog, photos at http://www.frankly.com/ )

Check out the rest of my blog for similar useful tips. 

DO NOT BUY THE V610, it is NOT as wide angled!!
 

Update: After searching Google for Realtor v570 I am so convinced that I ordered one of these! Here is a Realtor review  and you have to see the review and example INTERIOR PHOTOS here

UPDATE 8-8-07

Here is what the v570 or v705 can do, the cropped portion is what a regular camera can see. 

 

 

 

 
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73 Comments on v570, Ultra-Wide-Angle Point & Shoot 23mm $200/ + 2Hr Free Class

It is amazing how affordable a quality digital camera has become.  Who needs Consumer Reports?  Frank is on the job!

01/26/2007 05:06 AM by Chris Elizabeth Griffith ~ Bonita Springs Fl Real Estate (Keller Williams Elite Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)


Ah - this post is a godsend for a novice like myself.  Last night I ordered the kodak v610, not for the higher megapixel, but for the 10x optical zoom.  When it comes AND I figure out how to post pics in AR I will show some before n after. 

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=8912&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=513

 World's smallest 10X optical zoom digital camera.
10X optical zoom
KODAK RETINA Dual Lens Technology
Embedded BLUETOOTH® Wireless Technology
2.8 in. (7.1 cm) high resolution color display
Advanced video features
6.1 MP for prints up to 30 x 40 in. (76 x 102 cm)
On-camera picture enhancing features

01/26/2007 06:13 AM by Denise_ Virginia Home Staging (Interior Concept Designs)


Hey Denise,

With Bluetooth! Do they both have that? Wow, I wonder how that works? I guess you just have your camera near your laptop and it just grabs the images? cool.

I hope you didn't pay $349! 

As for the zoom, that is fine for other uses, but  not needed for interior shots. Also sometimes in the pro world, the bigger the zoom, the LESS lens quality. It has to do with mirrors and stuff. My old (now that I bought this) has a 3X optical zoom (ignore "digital zoom" that is fake) which was fine.

Frank Borges LL0SA- Virginia Broker/ Owner FranklyRealty.com

Blog.FranklyRealty.com Featured in BusinessWeek, CNBC, WSJ etc.

                     

 

01/26/2007 09:53 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Frank,

Great information. I use the winner in your group the Kodak Easy share V570. A word of caution however, the software that came with mine was, to be kind, a little short of perfection. I worked with it and worked with it becoming increasingly frustrated. Then I got some information on a new download which has corrected some of the main problems. Additionally, I recommend using a monopod since some of the photos can come out fuzzy despite the anti-vibration feature touted by them.

01/26/2007 10:00 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


(UPDATE ON 1-30-07, do NOT buy the 610, read the comment about how it does NOT have the 23mm!!! it only has 38)

 

Two new updates for you.

The v610 is a tad thicker and has a slightly larger screen (better for seeing, but worse for battery life, that goes for ANY large screen point and shoot) 

The v610 is the ONLY one of the series that has the bluetooth.

The newer v705 does not have that option. Also the v705 reverts back to the v570 body (smaller) but with more megapixels ALSO it goes back down to the 5X zoom.

Bottom line, don't assume that a more expensive camera is better. It might have one features that is betgter but not needed for the most part. 

Summary

v570 has 5MP and 5x Optical Zoom

v610 has 6MP and 10x and Bluetooth, bigger screen slightly, but a little thicker. 

v705 has 7MP and 5x Optical Zoom and rest just like v570

I still am buying the v570 

As for the monopod/tripod, if you don't have one, try this:

- Bag of rice. Allows you to set it down somewhere and adjust slightly the angle. Also good to lean against a wall when shooting to absorb movement

- When taking a photo, the press of the shutter is what hurts you in low light. SO hold your breathe and press softly and hold for a second.

- Try self timer mode. Put it on 3 seconds. Take the photo and wait. That will sharpen your photos too. 

 Frank Borges LL0SA- Virginia Broker/ Owner FranklyRealty.com

Blog.FranklyRealty.com Featured in BusinessWeek, CNBC, WSJ etc.

                     

01/26/2007 10:12 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


We actually just bought the newest Canon Rebel with 10.1 megapixels.  We're about to have our first child, and that was one of the deciding factors for such an extravagant camera.  We've used it for several of our listings, and we love the photo quality so far.  Definitely a larger price tag, but we've been pleased with our investment.

01/26/2007 11:04 AM by Jim & Maria Hart ~ Charleston, SC Real Estate (Agent Owned Realty)


A word of warning on the Kodak line:

The V610 has a 38mm lens

The V705 has the 23mm lens

Don't buy the  V610 by mistake when what you really wanted was the 23mm lens (V705 or V570)!  They look alot alike!

 

All Kodak point-and-shoots described on D-Preview

01/27/2007 08:41 AM by Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA


Kudos on your article. I teach a class called Enhancing your Digital Presence and I tell REALTORS the same thing. It is NOT resolution, but wide angle that you need. LOVE that Kodak 570!

01/27/2007 09:06 AM by Amy Chorew (Matthew Ferrara & Co.)


Well done - I really would encourage agents to purchase either a tri-pod or a mono-pod to improve your photography.

What a difference it can make, if for no other reason then it forces us to slow down...

 

 

01/27/2007 11:15 PM by Jupiter Real Estate Agent - David Abernathy (Ocean 30 Group at Waterfront Properties & Club Communities)


I knew about the camera but I really appreciated the tips on how to use it and to take good interior shots.  Thanks very much!

01/28/2007 12:43 AM by Jessica Hughes (Ambiance Staging)


Thanks Cheryl!!!

 When I saw your posting I was sure that the website had a typo! Oh no, you were right. DO NOT GET THE v610! That will defeat the purpose!  You need the 500 or 700 series. Just get the 500 on ebay. I got one for around $100

01/29/2007 10:55 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Dang - I ordered the V610 last week, but just orderd the V705 since I really want the wide angle functionality. Good news is its on sale for $199 at best buy with free shipping!

I guess I better also find a tripod & photoshop or some other image editing software.  The kodax software is very limited.

 

01/30/2007 02:30 PM by Denise_ Virginia Home Staging (Interior Concept Designs)


Thanks so much for the valuable info. We have been talking about a new camera, and by chance I stumbled on your blog. Thanks!!

02/01/2007 09:08 PM by Tanya Kulaga REALTORĀ® CRS, ABR, GRI (Realty Executives, Hedges Real Estate)


There is a Kodak V570 and a v705. The only difference is the # of megapixels. You can buy the more expensive one but for Real Estate it isn't needed. Make sure NOT to buy the V610 series, it does NOT HAVE THE SAME WIDE ANGLE

I bought 5 of the v570 cameras for all of my agents, they are a MUST have. But damn, Amazon just dropped the price to $150!

$150 on Amazon Kodak Kodak V570

 

 

Frank Borges LL0SA- Virginia Broker/ Owner FranklyRealty.com

Blog.FranklyRealty.com Featured in BusinessWeek, CNBC, WSJ etc.

                      

02/23/2007 10:20 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


I have a Kodak Z  which is doing a good job , despite the software, and I have just gotten an Olympus EVolt 500.   I do staging and virtual tours.  I am going nuts with the O-500 trying to operate it.  I know I am on a learning curve , but I am used to being a quick study and getting the job done,.  It ain't happenin' here.  Should I take a class?  I had no idea this could be so frustrating.  I am completely self-taught on the computer, but the camera is tough!

02/24/2007 07:06 AM by Carol Ellis Luxury-Domain to Home Stage


Carol, I'm not sure I understand the problem.  Is it a problem with understanding how to operate the specific camera or is it a problem with understanding photography and the use of an advanced camera?  What are you NOT getting out of the O-500 that you got out of the Kodak Z?

Typically one can start in automatic mode, then graduate to program mode with a little more control.  As you understand how each control affects the picture, you might move to aperture priority or shutter priority depending on your needs.  Manual mode requires a fairly thorough understanding of photography.  This DSLR vs. P&S podcast I came across might help.

The 23mm lens discussed in this blog is also pretty important to interior photography.  I don't know much about Olympus SLR lenses, but an equivalent lens would have to start at 15mm or less.

02/24/2007 07:30 AM by Lee Jinks (Coldwell Banker La Mansion)


Hmmm that picture of the "staging" looks familiar....LOL

I am already purchasing the camera per your suggestion.  You know if I run into technical difficulties you will get one maybe six phone calls!

Thank you Frank you are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

02/24/2007 09:03 AM by


OOPS! I realized I wrote something and did not even sign my name.....embarrassing..

02/24/2007 09:24 AM by Patricia Barta, Staging by Patricia, N. Virginia (Staging by Patricia)


Update. I just compared my v570 which is rated at 22mm to my Canon Rebel Digital SLR with a 18mm lens.

The v570 point and shoot 22mm blows it away. It is MUCH wider. It is hard here to explain but the expensive SLR digital cameras have had a problem for YEARS. The digital format for some reason makes the lens LESS wide. So an 18 is actually like a 26mm in "film" terms.

But the digital point and shoots dont have this problem.

 

Wow.

And it has IN CAMERA stitching! 

02/25/2007 11:45 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


I have a very easy to use point and shoot digital camera. Ii'm a
REALTOR in the SEACOAST NH & ME and it's  for people like me
who hate all the mechanical stuff associated with any machine.   I
was wondering if you could suggest a camera with a wide angle lens that
is easy to use but gives a really professional picture.   Thanks
for your suggestions in advance.

 

Patricia Aulson/SEACOAST NH & ME

CallPatricia.Com! 

03/10/2007 04:17 PM by Patricia Aulson (PRUDENTIAL RUSH REALTY)


We have several cameras but none with the internal stitching - this would be great for stagers or MLS photos

or MLS photos that have been staged (the best kind).

Kathleen Lordbock

Re$ale Design

 

03/10/2007 06:47 PM by Kathleen Lordbock (Re$ale Design) ~Minnesota Home Stager~ (Re$ale Design & Home Staging)


Patricia, did you miss the blog. The entire blog says to buy the Kodak v570 no questions asked, just get it. It from Kodak and it is called "EASY SHARE"

03/11/2007 11:05 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


From this review:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/V570/V570A.HTM

"Our first thought when we took our first shots with Kodak V570
was that realtors are going to flock to this camera for its innate
ability to capture more of a room than any other. This quick and simple
panorama mode makes it even more compelling. (If you're a realtor, you
can stop reading now and just go out and buy a Kodak V570: If you need any convincing, just check out the ultrawide and panorama samples below.)"

You almost have me ready to buy this thing.  I thought my 32mm lens was wide angle:)

Rita 

03/12/2007 01:33 AM by Rita Taylor | Sanford NC Real Estate & Homes for Sale in Sanford North Carolina (ERA Ammons Realty in Sanford, NC)


Almost? Sell that camera and get it now. It is the same as a 15mm on a digital SLR!

03/12/2007 08:50 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Frank -- Christy Powers here on AR just bought the 705  and has problems/questions.  Maybe you can think of some answers for her ... Here's her blog  http://activerain.com/blogsview/57748/I-followed-AR-advice

03/15/2007 05:40 AM by Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA


Frankly, Frank I appreciate your Frankness!!

Thank You, for the review I was just looking at this camera at Wal-Mart for $199 and you solidified my decision to buy!! Plus thanks to you I'm joining the photo blog.

Good Day!! have a cup of java and a smile on me :)

03/15/2007 05:27 PM by Duayne Weir - Minnesota Real Estate Agent (Investment Realities LLC/MarketLink Realty)


I am getting this camera, but until now I didn't think it was available in Canada. You mentioned above that the V705 is the same camera...that is what I found here. It is $299 CDN on sale right now, but I can get it from NYC for $180 US which is $200.91 cdn. Well worth the wait of a few days to cross the boarder!

Thanks for your review on the camera. I am going to be offering post staging photos to my realtors once I get this camera.

Frank, Can you suggest a good flash or lighting for large rooms?

04/28/2007 10:07 PM by Dane Caldwell - Downtown Toronto Decorator Home Stager (2 Hounds Design + Home Staging)


Hey Dane,

I emailed you directly the link to my photo class. You don't really need a separate flash. Keep in mind that you can make the darkest desert look like daylight with a long enough of an exposure.

04/29/2007 09:30 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Frank - Thank you for the great advice.  I listened to your class - I learned so much.  It was probably the most productive 2 hours I have spent!  I would love a copy of the class notes if possible.  I'll send you an email about it. 

Thanks for all your help.  Maureen

04/29/2007 10:19 AM by Maureen Henry - Rockland Home Staging (www.rocklandhomestaging.com)


For days I have gone about doing my staging business wondering which camera to buy for increased lens angle width and better looking photos all around. My $300 Canon Powershot A610 just is not doing it. Who to ask? A couple of emails later I say WAIT A MINUTE!!! Search ActiveRain !! And FRANK, your blog just gives me an answer I can believe in because everybody uses the camera for the subject I plan to use mine for. Not only does this save me time, but since I was totally thinking the budget was going to be $300, $400, maybe more, I am thrilled to hear the price is so affordable. THANKS UPON A THOUSAND CAMELS. I will want that 2 hour class too once I have the camera.

07/15/2007 01:30 PM by Paula Springer (Key Elements Inc. Home Staging & Color Consulting)


I had "ordered" the Kodak 570 from my sons for my birthday on the basis of this post, Frank, and was very excited to receive it.  However, I was presented with earrings instead :((.  Guess I'll have to go buy it myself, which I will.  I'm so glad to see you still believe in it!  I'll contact you about your class notes when I get it.

07/15/2007 02:12 PM by Patricia Ebrahimi - Home Staging the Washington DC Area from Rockville MD (SHOW-SMART! HOME STAGING & Color Consultant)


Hi, Frank....

thanks for doing the research on this and sharing it with us.

I purchased an Olympus camera 2 years ago.... ------doesn't have a wide angle feature on it..(has everygthing else)...so need another camera.

Love the price too! thx again,

Julia

07/15/2007 06:22 PM by Julia Fedak (Platinum Home Staging Design)


Hi Julia, I bought this camera at BestBuy. I got a great deal on it too as a business owner. The LCD display is the pits. I can't stress enough the poor quality of the LCD.

The camera, otherwise is great. Oh, it doesn't have a view finder, but with LCD's who uses it anyways...well, other then when it is sunny!

I love the stitch feature. It does it in the camera before your eyes.

I was at Mosport this weekend for the super bike races and I got a great shot of the track, Lake Ontario, more track, the bike pit row and paddocks. It is a great shot (3 into 1).

If you are thinking of a new camera, definitely consider this one for work.

07/15/2007 06:40 PM by Dane Caldwell - Downtown Toronto Decorator Home Stager (2 Hounds Design + Home Staging)


E-Bay & it is just great.  So are Frank's classes. I just put it in my card reader and use Picasa for most edits.

07/15/2007 08:13 PM by Kathleen Lordbock (Re$ale Design) ~Minnesota Home Stager~ (Re$ale Design & Home Staging)


For those of you that have signed up for comment alerts, I just bought a new camera that I wanted to tell you about. I bought the Olympus 770sw. Now I won't be using this for Real Estate since it isn't a super-wide, but check this out!!

It is Waterproof to 33 feet

It is drop-proof for 5 feet!

It is Crush-proof to 200 pounds

It is FREEZE proof for skiing!

I'm sick of cameras breaking everyone 3-6 months with heavy use after the slightest tap or mini-drop.

All cameras should be made this way!  Why not! Cell phones too!

Frank 

07/23/2007 12:36 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Dear Frank-Hi!  So happy this blog was bumped!  I was just speaking to a friend about getting a digital which had the wide-angle lens capability yet, not wanting to spend a whole lot of money!! 

What a coincidence!!  Perhaps I might use your expertise on the education of how to use the camera...I usually just try a bunch of things...just as you listed above to get great photos however, the wide angle thing had been bugging me for some time!!  THANK YOU!  I found it refurbed at KODAK today for $159...next day shipping ended up being free (by luck!) and with tax, it cost just under $170!!  YEAH!! I am really grateful for your fact-finding!  Have fun with your NEWEST camera purchase in the Alps or in the Grand Caymans!!  : )    Regards-Kathleen 

07/23/2007 03:28 PM by Kathleen Garvey-- Enhanced Interiors-Home Staging Florida (Enhanced Interiors & Home Staging, LLC)


I just added this. It shows what the v570 sees vs a regular camera!! 


08/13/2007 11:01 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Frank,    Would you believe I was looking at digital cameras yesterday and was on overwhelm as to what to get.  Thank you for this recommendation and all the tech info here about the Kodak that will do the job and at a reasonable price point. 

09/03/2007 10:14 PM by Pat Hommel Annapolis, AA Co., Md. Real Estate Sales (Annapolis Plaza CB Residential and Commercial )


Update. This camera is getting harder and harder to buy. I think Cnet.com sometimes has links to some. WHen I tried Froogle.com it showed a ton, but then all were sold out. Also try ebay, but it might be more like $250 now. You can get one used at your own risk. I'm glad I bought 3.

Also some places have them refurbed. GOtta hunt for them

Frank

12/01/2007 08:36 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Frank, I cant believe it, may be the only piece of digital electronics that goes UP instead of down! I just ordered a V570 off of ebay and I am getting it this week (early Christmas present for self) Cant wait to give it a try.

12/03/2007 11:22 AM by Staging & Interior Redesign ~Seattle to Tacoma~ Julianna Hind, IRIS, RESA, DCI (ROOMSPINNERS Redesign ~ Seattle, Kent, North Bend, Puyallup )


Great advice. I already have a Canon 30D DSLR camera. What lens do you recommend I use for interior shots. I do not want to get that fish eye effect? 

12/03/2007 03:03 PM by Paul Macapagal, Associate Broker, NYC (Purdential Douglas Elliman)


I just posted an update to the blog. If you can't get the v570 or v705, try the Canon Elph SD800 for $250 which is 28mm (vs the much better 23mm). Also if you found where to buy one, let me know. SOme are paying $350 for them!

12/03/2007 03:29 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Good stuff I will look into that Canon, thanks.

12/03/2007 05:04 PM by David Hood- Realtor Chino Valley (Keller Williams Realty)


Frank, mine was $165 on ebay. But the prices now are ridiculous. Seems Kodak didn know ehat they had, I remember looking at this camera new for $150.

12/03/2007 05:46 PM by Staging & Interior Redesign ~Seattle to Tacoma~ Julianna Hind, IRIS, RESA, DCI (ROOMSPINNERS Redesign ~ Seattle, Kent, North Bend, Puyallup )


I have had mine for a while now and am just loving it - the wide angle is just great and the camera is so small.

12/03/2007 11:14 PM by Kathleen Lordbock (Re$ale Design) ~Minnesota Home Stager~ (Re$ale Design & Home Staging)


Also this camera is great for Video. Check out this walking tour that I just did for Arlington Condos

12/04/2007 12:42 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


And don't forget the full manual - available in pdf format on line from Kodak.  (76 pages instead of the 12 page quick start that comes in the box.  < download here >

All sorts of informative stuff. 

12/04/2007 05:23 AM by Ted Baker (Carmody and Associates LLC)


Thanks Ted - Although I have the 570 with no manual, I imagine the directions are similar. It has been easy to figure out things so far, but a manual will be handy.

Frank - I did a video at our county fair of dancers and is was very good, even the sound. 

12/04/2007 09:14 AM by Kathleen Lordbock (Re$ale Design) ~Minnesota Home Stager~ (Re$ale Design & Home Staging)


Kathleen - v570 manual available < here >

12/04/2007 02:56 PM by Ted Baker (Carmody and Associates LLC)


The problem is the image sensor.  It is not full size so the mm it specifies is not accurate.  A high end DSLR with a true 10-20 wide angle will beat a point and shoot any day.

12/04/2007 11:47 PM by Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC)


Hey Adam,

Actually the 23MM is correct. I compared it to my 17mm Wide angle on my DSLR and the 23 was wider and had less distortion.

But yes, if you get a anti-distortion 10MM DSLR, it will be better. You are correct. But come on now, it is hard enough to get Realtors to take photos, let alone learn a DSLR.

If the Kodak v570 is now out of anybody's price range, you might try the Canon sd800 (link above) or the

$171 Olympus Stylus FE-290 7MP with 28mm Wide Angle and Image Stabilizer 

12/05/2007 09:36 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Ted - Thank you  for the manual link and now I can start stitching photos together into a panorama. That I had not figured out on my own yet.

12/05/2007 09:38 AM by Kathleen Lordbock (Re$ale Design) ~Minnesota Home Stager~ (Re$ale Design & Home Staging)


I have the newest Kodak...but I have one major complaint. No...two.

  1. the lcd display *sucks*
  2. the anti-vibration or whatever it's called is terrible the majority of shots without a tripod are out of focus because of movement...yeah, I know I can delay the shot...but I have to do it before taking each picture which...sucks!

For real estate photography I like the camera...otherwise I'll stick with my Sony cybershot for candid photos.

12/05/2007 01:17 PM by Dane Caldwell - Downtown Toronto Decorator Home Stager (2 Hounds Design + Home Staging)


Hey Dane,

Are you talking about the v570 or another Kodak? All in all, the Kodaks suck.

When you say delay the shot, you mean putting it on 2 second self timer mode. Yes that will help, but it is a pain. You can also try a bag of rice, and have it leaning into the bag during most shots.

You might also try playing with the ISO. If you put it on 200,400 or 800 (only in 1.8meg mode) you will have less camera shake.  

Frank

12/05/2007 01:36 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Any chance you could come to Canada and take my pic's for me?

Just asking :).???? Ughhh....I need help with this!

Julia

12/05/2007 10:34 PM by Julia Fedak, CSP-Canadian Staging Professional (Platinum Home Staging Design)


Julia,

Here is a story I wrote for the local Realtor association on how to take photos.

12/07/2007 04:41 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Frank,

This information was really helpful -- thanks for helping me decide between the Kodak and the Canon!

01/29/2008 07:33 AM by Ellen Divers (180 Redesign)


Panasonic just announced the FX35 with a 25mm lens.  From what I read, it looks like a pretty nice camera.  Link to my blog on the camera which has a link to the article written in dpreview.

01/29/2008 10:30 PM by Lee Jinks (Coldwell Banker La Mansion)


This camera has been around a while and it seems to still be very popular among agents.

01/30/2008 10:04 AM by Benjamin Clark - Exclusive BUYER'S AGENT - Salt Lake City, Utah (Homebuyer Representation, Inc.)


Hey Lee,

This seems like a great camera! I bet it will be much sharper than the Kodak.

Do you know if it has distortion correction?  The 23 is still going to get you another 3 feet when shooting a scene from 15 feet back, but looks promising.


Frank

02/04/2008 10:06 AM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


WOW, looks like a great camera. I wish I had known about this before I spent big bucks on my Nikon D80 and a huge 12x24mm super wide angle (no distortion) lense. 

www.ArizonaParadiseLiving.com

02/04/2008 10:30 PM by Brian Dunshie - Luxury Home Realtor (Russ Lyon Realty Company, Southeast)


Brian, consider getting it as a sidekick. Actually I might suggest, for you, to wait for the 25mm new Panasonic to come down in price.

02/04/2008 10:49 PM by Frank


I have V750, love it sometimes, lighting can be tricky, and I get bubbles on pics sometimes.

02/04/2008 11:56 PM by Cindy Bryant~Houston's Home Staging & Home Stagers By Redesign Etc.~RESA~ASHSR (Redesign Etc., Inc.-Texas)


We at RealBiz360 still have 500 KodakV705 cameras in stock as part of our Virtual Tour bundle.

We have integrated our software with the camera so that you can easily stitch your panorama in the camera and upload to create your tour. Our partner company ( iseemedia) provided the software to Kodak to be able to stitch within the camera. We too are very sorry they discontinued the cameras as the wide angle lens is a great benefit to Real Estate shots. If your intersetd in shooting your own virtual tours, the Kodak V705 is great for panoramas and wide angle still shots.

Check it out: www.realbiz360.com

Cheers

Marsha Scharf

marshas@realbiz360.com

 

02/05/2008 12:29 PM by Marsha Scharf


Brilliant!

"Buy a $399 3 month package from me and get a free $300 camera."

No wonder there are no more v705s, Marsha bought them all!

Frank

02/05/2008 01:01 PM by Frank


Just want to let you know I bookmarket this like so many others.

You really are special in giving your time to inform us with so much info on this.

Now off to try to find one,

Regards

BB 

02/05/2008 04:13 PM by Brian Bloom~ Project Manager of All In One Staging & Redesign inc. ASP, IAHSP (www.AllinOneStaging.com 1-630-292-2710)


Frank,

Finally, some light in the darkness!!!!!!!!! so many cameras and so little unbiased information!!!!!
thanks !!!!

For an interior designer, if budget is not an issue, but needs to be compact and of course wide angle...
what in your opinion is a best choice,
comparing:

25mm new DMC F X 35 Panasonic and
the Kodak you are recommending?

02/28/2008 08:54 AM by Mina P


Kodak.   Yesterday I was shooting with it. The battery died and I used my back up, a more expensive SLR but the lens was 2 degrees smaller. Suddenly I couldn't get the window in the scene in the shot anymore.   It is ALL about wide angleness.   Frank

02/28/2008 08:55 AM by Frank


Frank -

I believe it was this post that prompted me to go find the Kodak V570 about 6 months ago.  I found a reconditioned V570 for about $130.  Initially I got it as a back up camera (I always have a backup camera on standby for work).  It wasn't soon after I took it out of the box that it became my primary camera.  My only beef with it is the docking station rather than a straight in USB cable to the computer (it very well could be that comes with the V570 kit, but since mine was reconditioned, I didn't get it).  Otherwise, it takes fabulous pictures and fits in my pocket.  I'm sold.

Thank you!

02/29/2008 11:33 AM by Sara Goodwin - Portland, Oregon Appraiser (Ashcroft & Associates)


Thanks Sara.

The docking station sucks. I use a SD card reader instead.

I now own 4 of these. Too bad the price went up. They are now a collector's item.

Frank

02/29/2008 12:29 PM by Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc


Frank: Any info on the new wide angle Panasonic and how is stacks up to the Kodak?

04/01/2008 09:04 PM by Thomas Johnson (ERA Silver Star Realty)


Not only does Panasonic have two 25mm lens cameras, but Samsung has a 24mm and Olympus has a 26mm, but it also goes to 520mm.  I also like a couple of the Nikons and you can't beat Canon for image quality.  Check out my blog on the perfect point and shoot...

Then you can to to dpreview to get information and possibly reviews if they have been completed yet. 

04/01/2008 09:23 PM by Lee Jinks (Coldwell Banker La Mansion)


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