Updated 10-22-08
Stop thinking about what camera to buy. As of Oct 2008, The #1 best Point and Shoot camera is still the Kodak v570 (or the sister v705). See my review from 1-07.
Brief summary:
1) It is the widest point and shoot camera with 23mm. (The lower the number the better.) Compare the 23mm to a standard point and shoot camera (35mm) with the image on the right.
(note counterintuitively the bigger "SLR" cameras that advertise 18mm, unless they say "full frame" and cost $3,000, they actually are only 28mm)
2) The Kodak v570/v705 offers an in-camera amazing 3 photo panoramic setting. "In-camera" means no software! It is amazing! 
There is only 1 minor problem...
Kodak stopped making and selling the v570 and v705!
Not to worry, you can still get it, but it is a little tougher. This is the only camera that has gone UP in price since being discontinued. I have bought 10 of these this way.
HOW TO BUY A KODAK V570 or v705*
(*higher megapixels, sometimes harder to get, either is fine for real estate photography)
1) Ebay "Buy It Now". Use this EXACT EBAY SEARCH LINK* and click on Save This Search**
Buy it Now is an option that comes up occasionally on Ebay. You don't have to sit around and keep rebidding and losing bids. It is a "take it or leave it" price. A great price for a GOOD new one is $200. Friends have paid up to $280 used. (one guy liquids nearly new ones occasionally for $120, see comments below)
* That exact link removes all the riff raff of batteries, cases, and it includes JUST cameras, both of models, and from $80-$400 with the Buy It Now setting (so the broken ones are excluded).
** You need to become an Ebay member to "Save This Search." Ebay will email you when something comes up.
2) Ebay Auction. Use this EXACT EBAY LINK
With Auctions you can kill a ton of time, but sometimes get a better price. Members can click here to see what past auctions have sold for.
For ebay auctions, I ALWAYS use BidSlammer.com if doing an Auction. It will save you a TON. This is where you are in stealth mode for 5-10 cameras, and the bid is placed at the last second. I just got a camera only one for $195 yesterday (after shipping & tax).
3) EBAY NEW (not recommended) (Auction or Buy it now) Use this EXACT EBAY LINK, but it might cost twice as much. A friend just bought it for $350.
EBAY WARNINGS:
Is Ebay "safe?" Sure if you now how to use it. READ what is offered. Is it "as is" is it "Broken." Does it come with no battery? Actually for these cameras you do NOT need the software or docking station. JUST a working camera is all you need. Get the rest alacarte and save $50-$150. Also make sure they have sold at least a 50 star rating. Don't buy from a "new" seller.
4) Amazon Used. Click here for the v570 .
The prices can fluctate on this site from $250 to $500, so be careful.
5) Google the search term Craigslist.org v570 . If you know how to use Google Advanced, you can set up alerts on Google for anything within the domain Craigslist.org and the keyword v570. Note that Google only grabs Craigslist data once a week.
6) CrazedList.org For Real Time Craigslist searching. You have to use Mozilla browser and it will let you search through HUNDREDS of Craigslists from across the country. Be very careful with this process
Don't have the patience to get the BEST camera? Well the next best is the Panasonic Fx35 a 25mm from Amazon but it does NOT have the in-camera panoramic mode. (one of my agents bought this, and was begging for my v570)
Also check out Jeff Turner's comparison blog post of the 23mm, vs 25mm, vs 28mm, vs the normal 35mm and his review of the FX35 (on that post)
BOUGHT IT? NEXT UP, BUY THE ACCESSORIES!
MUST BUY:
1) SD Memory card. The v570 doesn't come with a memory card (if you buy it used it might). Lucky for you, you can get a 1 GB SD Memory card for $6 on Amazon that will take 1500 photos in the highes setting. Or get a 2 GB for $15. (Free shipping if you buy a few thigns from Amazon that total $25)
2) USB Card Reader. Some of the cameras on ebay come with software and a docking station and 
wires.
They all suck. Throw them out, do NOT install them. Instead, buy a card reader. This allows you to pull the card out of the camera and into a reader that plugs into your USB 
port. They run about $10 on Amazon. Search SD USB Reader
2b) Wanna be fancy? Get this $11 SD card with USB built in. The USB jack is built INTO the card. No reader needed. Do a search for USB SD Card (the only downside is it is a little more delicate, but I just bought a couple of these and my fiance will only use this type now)
3) Extra battery. If you run out of power on a photo shoot, you will be hosed! Search v570 battery (I sorted by lowest price) The v705 has the same battery, but I still search for v570 battery. Buy it only on Ebay using Buy It Now, it is much cheaper. $5 including shipping. I sometimes buy from overseas. I buy the cheapest charger, but not necessarily the cheapest battery. Overseas will take 5-10 days longer too. (recently I saw actual Kodak brand battries for $2 more. I would do that, but I wouldn't pay $20 more for Kodak)
4) Charger. Search v570 Charger $10 The default charger plugs into the camera. I hate wires and I recommend something seperate so you can charge one battery while you use your camera. Also get the wireless one for $2 more that goes straight into the socket. Also some offer a car charger adapter. Look closely as some look like they are wireless, but they aren't once you open the link.
3&4) You should be able to find somebody selling the charger AND the battery.
Recomme
nded BUY:
1) Monopod. Tripods are too bulky and overkill. I like the $20 Sima SMP-1C Monopod for $20. Search Amazon for Monopods, and get anything but the cheapest one (ie no swivel head).
2) Joby Gorillapod. (not for real estate, but for travel photos) For $20 this thing sticks to anywhere.
Software:
1) Picasa from Google. Throw away the Kodak software and use this instead. Great for light editting and color correction and for online buyer agent photo albums
2) Photoshop clone for free Gimp.org
For more photography advice and how to take great photos, click here.
-Written by Frank Borges LL0SA FranklyRealty.com
ps. Here is some advanced features of the v570. EMail me for the 2 hour video class on this camera.
Frank, thanks for the camera tips, I was looking for one and didn't know what to buy. I'm bidding on the V570 on Ebay right now! Thanks again for the help.
Comments(70)