Why "point and shoot' cameras are no good for real estate photography

David:  The Lumix doesn't seem to be sold at most mass electronics stores.  Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. don't carry them (probably due to price).  I would check online. The Canon G10 (or it's predecessor, the G9, which I hear is actually a better camera) is sold at Best Buy.

Jim:  That's interesting...   it depends on what you read in regards to that survey.  I have a handout that I received from the company at Inman Connect this January that does not specifically state that it is in comparison to listings with NO photographs, but that's what it seems to imply from their press release online.  The 'study' was commissioned by a company that does photography and videos as well... so who knows.... LOL   I think there is some legitimacy to it.  It makes common sense that a home that is professionally photographed would appear to be worth more than one that is not. The job of a pro is to make the space look as good as possible - as opposed to just running around snapping pix as most realtors usually do.

Frank and Sharon:  Canon?  Nikon?  It really doesn't matter, they're both great companies. The important issue (and it's very important) is that you are basically "marrying" one camera company for life.  Camera BODIES come and go (I have several).  But the lenses last forever.  And, of course, lenses cost far more money than the bodies.  I have a zoom lens that costs almost $2000 and my wide angle lens costs about $1000.  Those Canon lenses will ONLY work on a Canon camera.  As I trade up my bodies, I can always use my investment in good quality lenses on a newer, more advanced body.  So once you make a decision on a company, you stick with it because of your investment in the glass. And yes, it can be a very expensive (but fun!) hobby!

With video you need a tripod.  Period.  In fact, I think with STILLS you need a tripod.  I take ALL of my still photos on a tripod with a remote controller to make sure that the camera remains absolutely still and in focus.  My photos are also HDR - which means I take 3 bracketed photos at 3 different exposures and blend them together so you get the full dynamic range in color and texture, as well as to properly expose the interior AND the exterior (through the glass).  That avoids the 'milky glass' that you see in most interior photos. Nikon or Canon are the leaders and both make great cameras that just keep getting better.  Don't negate Sony, Olympus, Pentax...  although not anywhere near the league of Nikon and Canon, they all make great products and hopefully will be around for a long time to come!

Judy:  I use SlideShowPro for Lightroom which is what I use to process the photos.

Frances:  Hard call.  But it is what it is!  I had that awhile ago with a home.  It was the most disgusting place I'd ever seen.  Crap everywhere.  Filthy.  I just wanted to go home and take a shower.  Sad thing is.. it wasn't a short sale or a foreclosure.  Just lazy sellers.  

We chose NOT to do a video tour, which this particular agent does for EVERY listing, and we did take fewer photos of the home than normal.  But I took the important rooms as that's what people want to see.  And... again.. it is what it is.  Trust me when I tell you the photos make this place look STUNNING!

The reality is I guess... the place isn't going to look any different in person.  If someone disregards the listing because of the photos, they're probably going to feel the same way if they take the time and effort to view it in person.  At least this way, nobody wastes their time.

Chris:  I know... you're preaching to the choir!  You know what though?  A) There are only so many hours in a day.  You have to allocate your time to what makes you the most money and B) We all can't be good at everything, although that would be nice!  I could then become my own lawyer, my own dentist, my own doctor and do my own plumbing!  

Many realtors like to be their own web designers, their own marketing company, their own print designers, their own advertising companies, their own photographers, blah blah, blah!  Unfortunately, the result is somewhat less than what one would expect from a professional marketing properties that sell for hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars!  You can't use Mickey Mouse marketing to sell half million dollar products!

Many people enjoy photography, and it extends to their personal life as well.  They enjoy learning how to USE a camera, and how to take PHOTOGRAPHS, as opposed to snapping a picture. They enjoy the learning process and have no problem putting money into their hobby. For example Margaret Hokkanen here in AR. She and her husband (realtors) could easily be professional photographers - they do amazing work.  But they're realtors, and they're extending their hobby and what they love into their real estate business. 

Others... not so much.

You need to learn to recognize your strengths AND your weaknesses.  Oftentimes it's cheaper in the long run to let a pro do the work for you, someone with the proper equipment, someone who does this every single day, does it right and makes YOU look like the professional.

It's actually the same advice that Realtors always give FSBOs......   

Margaret:  You're missing the point.  Most point and shoot cameras aren't the right tool for the purpose, but there are three point and shoot cameras that ARE, if you choose to take your own photographs.  They have a wide angle capacity that would be totally fine for real estate.  Or the other option is to hire a photographer who has the proper equipment.  If you choose to take your own photographs, then you need to have the proper tools to do the job correctly, and with few exceptions - the point and shoot cameras that most realtors choose to use are not the proper camera for THIS particular purpose.  For any other purpose, any P & S cameras is awesome and takes great photos! I have one and love it!

Yes, you can use any old point and shoot, but you're not doing your seller OR you (as a professional) justice. You can also drive your customers around on a motorcycle in February to show them properties. It's not the best choice, but it will get you to your destination just like a nice car would.... but it's not the right vehicle for real estate if you want to make a professional impression on your clients.

The presentation of your listing online is hugely important. You only have one opportunity to make a good first impression.  If you don't.... it takes two seconds to hit the NEXT button and move on to another listing.....  there are plenty of the out there these days!