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Sell Your Camera On eBay & Buy This One!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RealSatisfied

I realize that's a strong headline, but I want to make sure I am clear about this.

The Kodak EasyShare v705 is, without question, the best POINT AND SHOOT camera for the Real Estate Professional I've ever come across. I have searched high and low to find a camera I could feel comfortable personally recommending. This is it.

The two images below were taken with the settings right out of the box. I did not turn on any lights or open any drapes. I just used the basic settings, pointed the camera at the room and clicked. For the photo on the left, I used the standard 35mm lens, the one found on most point and shoot cameras. Then I took the photo on the right, two seconds later, from the exact same spot, in the exact same lighting. Only the photo on the right uses the v705's default "ultra wide angle lens."

100_0013_1 100_0011_1

You'll notice that the photo on the left is probably a lot like photos you might expect from a standard, 35mm point and shoot digital camera. Even though this is a large room, it doesn't feel large in the photo. The lighting is also poor, though not as bad as it could have been. It is certainly typical of amateur interior photos.

The photo on the right is a dramatic improvement. The ultra wide lens captures more light, so the room is significantly brighter (again, this was shot in the exact same lighting conditions). The room also feels substantially larger. There is no question in my mind. If you buy this camera, you will take better photos right out of the box. As a result, the homes you sell will look better in your marketing materials and your Real Estate Shows will be more powerful.

Here is another set of examples. This time from the curb. There were cars in front of this house, as is often the case, so I couldn't go across the street to get a better shot of the front. I'm sure you've been in that situation. Notice the improvement.

100_0005100_0004

This camera also allows you to create panoramic shots with an ease I've never experienced.

Three shots creates a 180 degree view of a scene and all of the alignment and stitching happens right in the camera. The following was my first attempt. I was so amazed at how simple it looked, I rushed out to sit on the love seat with my wife and forced her to watch me do it. So she was leaning up against me as I did, shaking the camera. You can see my feet in the photo (sorry). I could have done another shot, but I wanted to show you the very first attempt! It was even simpler than I thought it would be.

000_0012_1

For $299, you are simply not going to find a better camera. So, do yourself a favor. Sell your old digital camera on eBay and take my advice. Buy this camera.

Comments (182)

Ross Quintana
Real E Smarter - Spokane, WA
Real E Smarter Real Estate Coach - 509-362-1966
see now I must go look at it. What have you done.
Mar 09, 2008 05:58 PM
Jeff Turner
RealSatisfied - Santa Clarita, CA

I believe I may have found my replacement recommendation for the Kodak v705.

http://res.realestateshows.com/panasonic-lumix-fx35-vs-kodak-v705/ 

Mar 26, 2008 12:24 PM
Gene Allen
Fathom Realty - Cary, NC
Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate
I did a little article about the FX 35 and it does take some good pictures.  I am looking forward to purchasing one for myself.
Mar 26, 2008 12:47 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
Jeff, You wrote this post in November 2006. Do you still reccomend this carmera or is there a newer version?
Apr 19, 2008 03:33 PM
Jeff Turner
RealSatisfied - Santa Clarita, CA

Margaret, I linked to a new post two comments above, but here it is again:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 vs Kodal v705

Apr 19, 2008 04:19 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
Jeff, Am going to check this one out! Thanks for the link
Apr 19, 2008 04:32 PM
Susan Zanzonico
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services - Morristown, NJ
Sellers/Buyers Agent, Morristown NJ Real Estate

Old post, but the pictures look great.  My camera is working well, but it doesn't do the panoramic shots.  I was reading about the Lumix as well.  Need to upgrade.

Jul 24, 2008 09:20 AM
Tanya Venable
Orlando, FL
SEO, Mobile SEO, and Internet Marketing Consultant

Jeff, I will have to look into this. Thanks for posting!

Sep 06, 2008 10:04 AM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Certainly looks like a good one for agents

Sep 06, 2008 11:22 AM
June Lewis
Northwood Realty Services - New Castle, PA
Realtor Northwood Realty - New Castle,Pa Lawrence Co 7247304571

hi Jeff OK...... LOL It took me forever to read all these comments until someone mentioned  it was an old post

do you feel the same way?   I will click on the new link and see what that was all about   I gave myself a head ache concentrating on these comments and your response.   so....here I go again with the new link. Next  time I better check the year of he pos.t.. huh ?

Sep 06, 2008 01:03 PM
Anonymous
Furmy

Definately flash on dust - contacted Panasonic and they referred me to page 111 of FX35 User Manual. Took it back - so many indoor photos at children's party ruined totally by this crazy design defect - relates to focal length of lens and extreme wide angle. AVOID FX35. Wait for the FX150 - just out. 27mm rather than 25mm - may be better. Look forward to trying it out.....

Oct 07, 2008 07:40 AM
#175
Anonymous
Mike Lefebvre

I realize this is an old post, but hopefully everyone will get a nudge of this comment. There are a limited number of Kodak v705s on sale on eBay right now at a Buy It Now price of $105. A true steal. I got a couple. If you're interested please visit here.

Many thanks to Jeff and Frank Llosa for all their help directing me towards this awesome real estate camera!

Oct 24, 2008 09:01 AM
#176
Mobile Austin Notary
Apostille/Authentication/Embassy Legalization, Notary Public, Loan Signing Agent & Process Server Services - Austin, TX
www.mobileaustinnotary.com

Big Difference. Smily

Dec 01, 2008 05:40 PM
Lee Jinks
Jinks Realty - McAllen, TX

I also have been trying to determine the best camera for a real estate agent.  Given the stated criteria, I would have to agree that the FX35 would be the best choice.  I've used the LX3 and if you are willing to spend around $500, I think it's as good as it gets in a compact digital camera for real estate agents.  The problem is that giving (or recommending) a good camera to a real estate agent would be tantamount to handing a for sale sign to your seller and saying, "Good luck."  There's a lot more to selling a house than putting the sign in the yard and there's a lot more to photography than pointing and shooting.  If you are not willing to learn at least something about photography, then hire a professional photographer.  If you are willing to learn about photography, then the FX35 would be a good camera to get started on.  You will soon realized some of the advantages of having the LX3, but it wouldn't take you long to see the huge advantages a DSLR will give you, then there are accessories like a tripod, strobes, reflectors and filters.  Wouldn't it be easier and wouldn't you get better results from a pro?  Okay, photography has become an obsession with me and I'm willing to go all the way when it comes to equipment and learning techniques, but it takes a lot of time.  Just keep that in mind.

Dec 02, 2008 12:18 AM
Greg Wilson
1st Cornerstone Realty - Schaumburg, IL

Thanks for the tip with the camera.  I need to upgrade to a new one hopefully next year.

Dec 02, 2008 12:20 AM
FRANK LL0SA Esq.- Northern Virginia Broker .:. FranklyRealty.com
Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc - Arlington, VA

Jeff, I just discovered the p880. It is supposedly a 24mm. Can that be? Only 1 mm less than the v570 and it has a huge lens (ie sharper)

Also you might like to see this:

VIDEO WIDE ANGLE comparison.

Frank

Jan 09, 2009 04:24 AM
"The Lovely Wife" The One And Only TLW.
President-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc. - Kissimmee, FL

Hubba...

No response needed. I don't feel like playing in the rain but I do need my quota for the day.

Expect to see me on your blog 10 times :)

TLW...ROAR!

Feb 02, 2010 09:27 AM
Jeff Turner
RealSatisfied - Santa Clarita, CA

You're killin' me. Looks like something exploded in my email inbox. :)

Feb 02, 2010 09:51 AM
Mike Crosby
Mike Crosby Realty - Placentia, CA
Placentia- Yorba Linda Real Estate - 714-742-2897

Time passes and camera advanced it is Decemebr 2013. What is the recomendation for 2014?  I am all for spending the money for professional pictures, but the houses are selling so fast  I need to be able to get pictures myself.

Dec 19, 2013 10:14 PM
Karen Rice Keller Williams Real Est
Keller Williams Real Estate - Hawley, PA
Northeast PA & Lake Wallenpaupack Home Sales

Sadly Kodak discontinued the v705 a long time ago.  It was a good camera. However it is so "primitive" that it can't even handle the new memory cards, lol.  I have not been able to find a point & shoot camera with an ultra wide angle lens that even comes CLOSE to this one.   When I first started in real estate this was an excellent affordable option.  After I had a few closings, I reinvested my money and bought a Canon DSLR (originally the Rebel xS) and a Sigma 10-24mm lens.  The lens set me back a bit!  I now have a Canon T3i (looooove it....love it!) and had upgraded to the Canon 10-22mm lens.  Wish I had kept the Sigma and saved my money...there is only a marginal difference.  

I suggest - if you're on a budget - buying a DSLR and then getting the 10-22 or 10-24mm lens for interiors.  Save money by opting for the Sigma or Tamron, and buy it used from a reputable source.  

You will need to add more stuff (external flash unit, for one thing...I have the Canon 430 EX II.  You will need to get a bracket to mount it off camera if using the wide angle lens at wider than 14mm.)  This is a rabbit hole!!! :D   I have gradually added to my arsenal so that I have studio light stands, 2 additional flash units (cheap! Yongnuo brand, work great!) for using multiple flashes when shooting interiors....   All because Kodak discontinued this handy little cam.  :(

Dec 19, 2013 10:23 PM