Update 9-1-09: The NV24 is now getting harder to fine on Amazon for $150 refurbished. Also look at the prices on the Samsung HZ10W 10MP, which is just as wide at 24mm, but it is a bigger camera (probably sharper). It might even be cheaper than the NV24. Also Canon is coming out with a 24mm. Kinda the best of all worlds below (sharp and wide and small). But should be like $300.
So I have written a ton about my favorite camera the Kodak v570 and v705. No other camera came close. Here is a link to other reviews and HOW to buy it. It offered
Pro:
1) 23mm The widest lens, and WIDE is what matters in real estate
2) In camera stitching. So you can take 3 photos that are 23mm and IN CAMERA (no annoying software) make it into a long 180+ panoramic.
Cons:
1) They break easily. (sometimes you can get it fixed on ebay for $40)
2) Not too sharp as a travel camera. I actually had to bring the v705 for wide stuff and my Canon 8700 for sharper stuff.
The next closest wide camera was the Panasonic 25mm. One of my agents got this when the Kodak broke. He was depressed, it wasn't nearly as good.
Well I had ruled out the Samsung 24mmHD since I thought it was in HD format for the photos. In other words, I thought it chopped off the top and bottom. I WAS SO WRONG. It only does that in 1 of the 5 video modes.
Oh and here is the Kodak v570 with the 3 camera stitch which is amazing.
(disregard the lines, I was lazy and was shooting through a screen)
Quality? I don't think the v705 is very sharp. I'm not talking MP, I'm talking lens sharpness. Here is a close up of all 3 cameras. This is NOT scientific since the light changed and some are shot at 7mp and some at 10mp. I think the Samsung is the clearest.
Canon 870
Samsung 24mm
Kodak v705
Video
Canon 870
Samsung 24mm. The coolest feature is the ability to PAUSE. This is HUGE! This can save HOURS of video editing time. If you are reviewing a neighborhood... talk/shoot... pause... shoot more... awesome!
Kodak v705 (in video mode the 23mm turns into 28mm)
Conclusion?
For Real Estate Photos only: The Kodak v705, as WIDE #1 and the panoramic is awesome
For Travel Photos: canon 870IS Samsung 24mm.
For Video: Samsung 24mm! MUCH wider than the kodak in video mode, and the video has PAUSE.
Well now the v705 has some competition. So I would not feel comfortable recommending the Samsung 24mm. And if you are doing video, the Samsung is hands down better.
And of course, the momen I find something... it has a replacement for $300.
18 Comments on New Favorite Camera? Samsung 24mm? 28mm vs 24mm vs 23mm
JAN
30
2009
Hey Frank,
There are a few things you'd want to do with the Kodak v570 to improve sharpness and grainyness... change the setting for non-auto ISO, high Sharpness, and bring it to High Color. You'll see a difference in photographic quality.
As for the video on the v570, that's really interesting that it is less than the 28mm. I liked the review of the Samsung "pause" video feature. That's really handy to have.
Rob
I do sometimes change the High Color, but it defaults back each time and that is annoying. As for high sharpness I had not played with that. I thought that was a fake software sharpener.
I will try the low ISO when an important shot comes up.
Dude! I am now fully in-love and 100% committed to my v705 that you introduced me to and helped me get cheaply on eBay (sounds like shady some international online dating service, doesn't it?)!!! And now you're telling me this?!?!? The pause button is a sweet feature, but I don't know if I'm ready to drop my v705 like yesterday's news yet. Must check it out further....
I understand your comments, but from what you are showing above I don't care for the color in the Samsung photos. Based on the above, I seem to prefer the Cannon (although I didn't watch the video - only looked at photos.)
Agreed, the color is better in the Canon. I just checked, and it was on the VIVID color mode. So the question would be after putting it into Photoshop, how does it look. I will upload a color corrected shot.
Kenna, you dont need the pause feature if you use video editing software. I use Movie maker and Adobe premiere, but it sucks up HOURS of time, hence the joy of pause!
You are right Melissa, After trying to correct the color in the Samsung, it doesn't look nearly as good as the Canon. I guess I was focusing on the wide angleness.
> > Hi Frank, > > Just a quick question. I do a lot of new construction, hence, no lighting. > Would you suggest this camera? I'm wondering if I take pics on a real sunny > day will it work? I have three other cameras, all various brands & models. > None of them work. Thanks for your help. > >
Tough question. These point and shoot cameras have horrible flashes. You might be able to get away with trying to turn OFF the flash or putting it in Fill flash mode (less flash, but also a longer exposure) and put it on a tripod. If you want to stay away from the $1000 SLR bigger cameras, you might like the P880 Kodak which is a larger "point and shoot" that has a much better lens for low light and a bigger flash. I saw it on ebay being liquidated.
Frank good to know there is a substitute for my beloved v705. Ever since a few days before Christmas it fails to power up. I'm trying to decide if I should send it in to Kodak to have them repair it. I'll have to look into the Samsung. Thanks!
I just recently switched to the Samsung HZ10W from the Kodak V570 and I am impressed (so are my clients) to say the least. The Kodak's LCD broke (again) and since other point and shoot wide angles have been hitting the market lately I decided to take the leap.
The 24mm Samsung's photo quality, features, and sharpness are great. The pause and resume function when shooting in video mode is stellar as Frank illustrated. You can shoot in auto mode and get good quality shots or set it to manual and tweak with the settings just like a high dollar SLR. Additionally, it doesn't feel fragile like the Kodak and appears to be built very solid.
If you're not planning on investing $1k plus into a SLR anytime soon the Samsung HZ10W is the way to go.
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