It seems like everywhere I turn, I am reading about using video in real estate on the internet. Since my background is in television - it seems like I should have already been doing this! So I decided to take the plunge.
Finding the right camera seems like a daunting task. My first instinct was to get a cool camcorder that I could use to make DVD's and make video. Problem is - most consumer video cameras will just be too good for the internet. Yes, too good. Video needs to be easily accessible on the web - that means keeping file sizes to a minimum. Too large a video/file - and the experience will be slow and painful!
After researching cameras, I found four good options for shooting video to share on the internet. These cameras are all lightweight, easy to use - and will slip right into your pocket, briefcase or purse - prefect for the real estate professional. These are all cameras specifically made with internet video in mind:
- Flip Video
- RCA EZ201 Small Wonder
- Sony NSC-GC1
- Creative Vado
Here's a quick comparison of some of the features:
| Camera | Power Source | OnBoard Memory | Extra Capacity | Screen Size | Tripod Mount | Computer Connection | Extras |
| Flip | USB Charger | 512mb or 1 GB | None | 1.4 inch | No | USB | Compatible w/macs |
| RCA SMall Wonder | 2 AA Batteries | 512mb | SD or MMC Cards | 1.5 inch | Yes | USB | Flip out LCD screen |
| Sony NSC-GC1 | Li-Ion Rechargable battery | none | sony memory stick | 2.4 inch | Yes | USB | works as webcam, still camera, built in image stabilizer |
| Creative Vado | Li-Ion Rechargable Battery | 2gb | None | 2 inch | Yes | USB | Lightest of the 4 at 3 ounces |
FLIP VIDEO
This is the one you're hearing so much about these days. I think Flip Video will do for digital video cameras what IPod did for the MP3 player.
FLIP VIDEO is just packaged in such a cool, unintimidating format that you just can't resist. It is quickly becoming the standard for this "Instant Web Video" camera category.
The big downside on this one is that you can't add any memory cards to expand storage capacity. But all the reviews I have read - said the RCA Small Wonder is a better buy. (By the way - RCA Small Wonder licensed the technology from Flip Video)
RCA SMALL WONDER EZ201
RCA Licensed the flip video technology to create this camera. Essentially - it's the same thing as the Flip with a few extras.
The coolest feature of the RCA Small Wonder has to be the flip out LCD Screen. If you plan on filming yourself - this is a must have! That -along with the expansion port for SD cards put this one over the top and I bought it!
RCA Small Wonder EZ201 Cnet Review
SONY NSC-GC1
I compared this camera side by side with the RCA Small Wonder at Circuit City.
The best part of the Sony NSC-GC1 has to be the large flip out screen. And it looks pretty cool.
But everything I read on the web said the controls were awkward, the video wasn't impressive and the price tag was too much for what you got. Maybe they'll do a better job the second time around - this time I opted for the RCA Small Wonder.
CREATIVE VADO
This is pretty new - from the reviews I've read, it just came out this month. The Creative Vado is the lightest of the 4 cameras at 3 ounces and comes the most memory at 2gb.
If I had been able to find one in the store to compare - it would have been a close second to the RCA Small Wonder.
LIGHTS - CAMERA - ACTION
So far, I'm enjoying the RCA SMall Wonder. I've been shooting with it for the last two days and getting ready to load videos onto Active Rain. It's very easy to use. If you thought people talking on the phone while driving was scary - how about shooting video while driving. No, not me. I swear ;)
If you're still looking for more information I highly suggest checking out the reviews at Cnet. Flip Video has an Ultra series that comes with more memory and different colors - RCA Too. If you want hot pink - you can get it (check out the Creative Vado).
Bo Buchanan, Kettley Realtors 58 Chicago Rd, Oswego IL. 60543 (630) 846-4663
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