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)
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.
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.
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.
Recommended 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
Wow, Frank thanks so much. I have the camera, was taking in too high a mode. Also I have never taken paranoramic. This was great, I will follow along with me camera and review often. Oh I would love the 2 hour class. Missy@MissyCaulk.com
Thanks so much for this info.. I read Jeff Turner's blog about this camera and plan to bite the bullet and order one.. Then I would love to get your 2 hour class also... Great for staging photos - can't wait !!
Hey Frank - Your 2 hour class helped me so much. I am still using the fill flash and monopod - works like a charm. A while back Jeff Turner wrote another blog comparing the Kodak cameras to a new Panasonic. You can read his comparison here.
Frank ~ Thanks so much for this great update and info! I've had the V705 for about a year now and still haven't learned how to best utilize it's features. I would love a link to the 2-hr class (is it the same for both models?) Thanks again!
Wow, you've given us everything here except someone to go out and take the pics for us! (Any photogs want to come to Las Vegas?) Excellent advice on checking out the camera's condition and the seller's rating. Thanks for a real comprehensive v570 guide.
They make for nice camera necklaces to hang on Xmas trees.
Just kidding. I own 3. 2 are the v570 and 1 v705 (in case I lose them, they break, they become extinct). My fiance likes having access to one in case she needs to take it for the day. I got the 705 for slightly sharper travel photos (not needed for Real estate). Problem is... I could only buy the PINK version. Yes I own a Pink v705.
Each of my agents in my firm got one (from me), as everyoe is required to have kick ass listing photos. That adds 5.
My fiance's mom, my fiance's sister, my best friend's mom (which ended up loaning it forever to a Realtor friend who needed it more), friend in my building. And then I have helped at least 4 local Realtor friends buy them, and countless other people indirectly through posts like this.
It really is a no brainer camera. It is that good. Now is NAR would wake up and buy the rights to it, that would be great.
Honestly I wrote this post for me. Not you all. I was sick of explaining each step and trick piecemeal. now I have it all laid out and I can send a little linky pooh and not have to spend 30 minutes each time.
You also might want to wait a week and see what the prices do. If too many people flock to buy these cameras using BidSLammer after reading this post, the prices might have a short term uptick.
My last camera just go scooped out of my car - so in the market - awesome tutorial.....will be playing on ebay this weekend...........looking forward to it!
I agree that the Kodak V570 and V705 are both amazing cameras. We have 4 of them and are always looking for a spare since Kodak stopped making them. Another nice camera for the wide panoramic photos is the HP R927. The lens is not quite as wide angle as the V570 or V705 but the features are just as amazing and they are much easier to find.
Ebay--how would we live with out it? That's the first place I look when shopping. My son uses a Sony digital that is not made anymore. I think he's purchased at least 5 of them on Ebay because it is his favorite.
I think those Kodaks are great for Realtors. Having the wide angle ability is imperative. I've bought many thousand dollars of camera equipment on Ebay without any major incident.
I STILL love my Kodak V705! Best investment for my home staging company. Now I don't have to squeeze into the corner of a room to try to get everything in the picture! Now I need to invest in the extra battery since I have been HOSED! :( Thanks for the reminder Frank!
Frank-I had ordered the camera last week on Ebay so am looking forward to giving it a try. Will follow your instuctions on accessories. I like my Sony Cybershot but want the wide angle capabilites. Thanks for all the additional information.
Frank- I have the v705. And it's a love/hate relationship. It seems like so many of my photos turn out blurry and/or grainy. For no rhyme or reason. One will be fine; the next grainy. And how do you take the photos out of the internal harddrive? I took a few pics before realizing that the SD card was not in the camera and now I can't get them out. Any suggestions?
Frank- This is a great post, and very informative. I just recieved my Kodak z1285 Monday otherwise I would go buy one of these. I think the z1285 will work for my needs though... I haven't had much chance to play with it and see what all it can do but it takes really good pictures of my dog at night lol. It is a 12 megapixel, with 5x zoom, and HD video recording capabilities.
You are gonna have to return it. That camera is a 35mm!
It will make all of your interior photos look super cramped. If you really need something less expensive, buy the v570 used or get a 28mm like the Fujifilm Finepix F480 8MP for $120. Note that you only need 1 of the 8MP.
Frank- I do not need to take interior pics, as I am not a Real Estate Agent. I am a Lawn Care Specialist, so all of my pictures for work are exterior :-). Also from the sounds of it the 1285 was comparable price wise to the ones you mention at $199, although I got a deal from dell for $169 w/ a 2 gb memory card.
These cameras had been highly recommended (like you must go get one) at a StarPower conference I attended. I had let it slip but I think you have inspired me. I am off to Ebay.
Hi Frank,
Thanks for a very thorough post. I am in the process of researching cameras, so this is great information! You are only a few hours away form me. Will you also be available to take the pictures for me?
I have a problem with my V750. Everything taken with the regular lens is blurry. I can not get a clear picture. I have cleaned the lens repeatedly, but that didn't do it. It is almost like the regular lens can not focus. Anybody else have that problem?? Any solutions?? I have had mine since they first came out over 2 years ago. Makes room pictures head and shoulders above the others.
The ZD710 does not have a wide angle lens. The V750 has 2 lens. One is a wide angle which will get a much better picture for interior shots. It gets much more of the room in the picture.
I purchased my v705, refurbished, on eBay and love it. I would not hesitate to buy a refurbished camera if that's what you can get. Your best advice is to make sure you don't install the software, just use Picasa and a reader card or slot.
Yeah, I opted not to go with kodak, very glitchy camera's it seems and the quality doesn't seem to match the features. I went with the panasonic f35 with 25mm in a point and shoot, the lens is way better, it's 10 Megapixels and the video is in almost HD. It got great reviews unlike the kodaks. I wrote a post on it, best camera under $300 and if you go to digital review it was #12 for all thier cameras and the highest point and shoot.
Terrie, Earleene is right. That camera is just a regular ole camera with no wide angle. The v570 gets you 80% more of the room. See the example at the top of the blog post.
Earlene,
Something definitely seems off. One thing you can do is turn ON the digital zoom. That way you can use the Wide Lens and zoom in to at least 30mm. Also you might be able to sell it on Ebay as working in only the wide mode. I bet you would get $120 for it. Also try the repair places on ebay.
Ross, to each his own, but I haven't found the camera to be glitchy at all. I actually just bought another 2. Yes hte Panasonic is 10Megs. That might matter for travel photography, but not for real estate. I shoot in the 1Meg or 3 Meg setting. Who cares if it is 5megs vs 1 vs 10.
Yes the Panasonic lens is sharper, but sharpness doesn't matter for internal real estate photos. All that matters is how wide it is. 2 exact shots from both cameras can be seen on Jeff's review. No sharpness difference, but the v570 shows an extra 2 or 3 feet. As for the HD video, if you plan to upload it to Youtube, it gets compressed and it doesn't matter much.
My one beef with this and most camera's Realtors use. I want the Hotshoe for external flash. My Digital Rebel is large, but put the dedicated flash on it, tilt the head, and you have a "Point and Shoot" with a bounce flash. Works great off the ceilings, and the interior lighting is SO much better than direct flash!!!
I understand that, and how to control the exposure, the trick is, I can screw the flash on the body, tilt the head up, set the body on automatic, and have any of my Realtors point - zoom - push 'da button!! For the novice, wanting the point and click technology I prefer a auto exposure experience.
One of my agents bought the new Panasonic 25mm wide angle. He had the v570 23mm Kodak, but he broke it. He regrets buying the Panasonic. Especially due to the lack of the 3 photo panoramic.
Hi Frank, I have been looking for a v570 on Craigslist since you wrote this article. Yesterday one came up and I bought it. It's a pretty cool camera. Thanks.
Hi Frank, I bought a V570 on Ebay a couple months ago - everything looked good and it worked so I gave good feedback - then I took photos and I am getting a very smudgy, blurring around the photos.. I even tried using my tripod to see if I was shaking but no change.. Do you have any thoughts on this - since I know you are the expert.. I might try to get another one of these new ones on Ebay..
Hi Frank, I bought a used V570 on Ebay a couple months ago - everything looked good and it worked so I gave good feedback - then I took photos and I am getting a very smudgy, blurring around the photos.. I even tried using my tripod to see if I was shaking but no change.. Do you have any thoughts on this - since I know you are the expert.. I might try to get another one of these new ones on Ebay..
First of all test it outside. Then test both lenses. I mean zoom in so yuo are using the other lens. If the smudge goes away, that means something is on the super Wide lens. GO to a camera store and see if they can try to clean it.
If it is still there on both lenses, not sure what to say.
My V570 arrived late yesterday, I am soooooo psyched out! Have been playing with it, getting familiar with the functions. Have not been able to figure out how to stitch photos in camera. Neither the paper or online manual have directions for this either.
Have gone to the Kodak site and asked for a link to a how to for it, may take 24 hours for a response.
Can you please direct me to the function for stitching?
Oh cool! If you scroll down the cameras look like they are getting smaller, but if you scroll up, they look like they are getting bigger. I guess it's some sort of optical illusion.
I just purchased a Nikon D80 with a signa 10-20mm lense. So far I invested $1400 that is way more camera than I need. I am going look at a Kodak V570 to determine if the D80 will go back to the camera store.
Frank,
Great information about these two Kodak's! I love how you can stitch pictures together to get a panoramic view. The only thing I would be concerned about in buying one of these is that because they have been discontinued, will it be hard to find parts or accessories later down the line if need be?
That sounds like a pretty powerful set up. I dunno, that might beat the v570. Especially if you have that antidistortion software.
Michelle. Parts? What parts? Cameras don't have parts. If it breaks you throw it out. As for accessories, you will be able to get batteries for it for 3-5 years and the SD card is standard. So no worries there. Ebay guy is still liquidating them
Frank, I ran across your post on this camera. Do you still love it? Has a new model come out that you like better? Guess I will go on Ebay see whats on there.
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.
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Updated 10-22-08
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Yeah, I opted not to go with kodak, very glitchy camera's it seems and the quality doesn't seem to match the features. I went with the panasonic f35 with 25mm in a point and shoot, the lens is way better, it's 10 Megapixels and the video is in almost HD. It got great reviews unlike the kodaks. I wrote a post on it, best camera under $300 and if you go to digital review it was #12 for all thier cameras and the highest point and shoot.
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.
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Frank - thanks for the incredible guide. I had no idea there was that much difference between 23 and 35MM.