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.
Canon sd870IS at 8mp a 28mm lens.
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Samsung 24mm NV24HD 10.1MP (for the new model search for Samsung HZ10W)
Kodak v705 23mm Dual Lens
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.
And don't miss my other posts comparing the Nikon d90 with 15mm wide video.
Frank
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