When I recommended the Kodak v705, I did so without reservations.
It took a long time for me to find a point and shoot camera that I felt comfortable recommending to real estate agents. There were several criteria that needed to be met and the Kodak met all of them.
- Cost: Must be less than $400.
- Portability: Small enough to carry with you at all times.
- Simplicity: Works right out of the box without reading instructions.
- Ultra-Wide Angle: Not your basic 28mm wide angle lens, “extra” wide for capturing small rooms.
Lots of you purchased the Kodak v705 based on my recomendation. So many, I wish I were making some form of commission, that’s for sure. But the Kodak v705 has been discontinued and no replacement has been announced.
Enter the Panasonic Lumix FX35.
The Panasonic Lumix FX35 was announced in January, but was not officially launched to the public until last week. Mine arrived yesterday and I tested it this morning. For me to recommend a camera for the average user, it has to do one thing very well, take a great photo right out of the box without changing a single setting. Why? Because I know most people will never take the time to learn how to use all of the feature of any camera. So, if a camera doesn’t allow you to take a good photo with it’s basic, default settings, I can’t recommend it.
How does it compare?
- Cost: $239 – $349 online.
- Portability: It is slightly smaller than the Kodak v705.
- Simplicity: The photos below were taken using the default settings.
- Ultra-Wide Angle: The Panasonic Lumix FX35 has a 25mm wide angle lens.
You must not underestimate the importance of a really wide angle lens.
It took me a long time to find a replacement for the Kodak v705, mainly because most of the “wide” angle lenses touted by camera makers are 28mm. The Kodak was 23mm and really showed off rooms in a home. A 28mm lens doesn’t come close enough. The Panasonic Lumix FX35 touted a 25mm lens, so that caught my attention. As you can see from the photos below, it gets very close to the viewable range of the Kodak, but with better color quality.
House shot from sidewalk: click on photos to view large originals.
The photo above on the left was taken with the default settings on the Kodak v7o5, the one on the right, with the Panasonic Lumix FX35. As you can see, the Kodak caught a slightly wider angle, but the Panasonic has much richer, truer color. This was shot near sundown. No question, the Panasonic does a better job of capturing this shot. Changing the settings would improve the Kodak shot, but that would not be a fair comparison. Also, the slight difference in viewable area between the 23mm on the left and the 25mm on the right, is not significant.
Room Shot With Curtains Closed: click on photos to view large originals.
Again, the Kodak is on the left and the Panasonic on the right. There is a slight difference in viewable area, but not enough to make a real difference. The real difference is the photo quality, again. It is noticeable and relevant. When you view the photos at their original size, 5.o megapixels for the Kodak and 10.1 megapixels for the Panasonic, you will see the difference even more clearly. The Panasonic Lumix FX35 wins on this test as well.
Small Bathroom: click on photos to view large originals.
This is a very small room and the difference in the wide angle lenses is noticable, but not significant. And the photo quality of the Panasonic Lumix FX35 is superior once again.
What’s missing?
The Panasonic Lumix FX35 does not have the ability to stitch a panoramic shot in the camera. This is a nice feature for real estate. However, I have found myself using my Autostitch software more often than in-camera stitching. Mainly because aligning the shots in camera is a bit of a hassle. Using a tripod with stitching software can achieve superior results.
The addition of High Definition Video
The Panasonic also allows you to shoot in high definition video. Here you can see a direct comparison between video shot with the Kodak v705 and HD Video shot with the Panasonic Lumix FX35. The quality difference is readily apparent.
If you’re looking for a new camera to shoot real estate, this one will do the trick.
I’ve spent the day out and about with the FX35. I really like the Intelligent Auto Focus on this camera. It can sense faces, scenes and proximity to subject and adjust the settings automatically. And it does a good job of it, as you will see in this photo of ice in a glass. One of the complaints about the Kodak v705 was not knowing what setting to switch on to get the best shot. There is less need to know that on the FX35.
I’ll be posting more photos from this camera on Flickr. You can find them in this Panasonic Lumix FX35 Tests photo set. Every photo in this set will be shot using the Intelligent Auto Mode, and the comparison shots on the Kodak v705, or any other camera, will be taken on the default setting.
So far, I am very, very impressed.
Hey Jeffrey! I was one of the ones that believes you should have gotten a cut from the Kodak V705 recommendations (I have one because of you). I also have an older Lumix that takes the best action photos and subjects I have ever seen – the thought of getting the power of the lumix with the wide angle of the Kodak is really exciting……but I don’t need a new camera.
Thanks tool-boy for bringing new gadgets to our attention.
WOW thanks the color is amazing, and the wide angle shots you can’t tell much difference. I still don’t “get” why Kodak quit making that one.
It’s taken a long time to find a good wide angle option in a point and shoot. The Lumix is really giving me some great color and I haven’t even ventured into the custom settings yet. For these initial tests, I just want to see what it can do “right out of the box.” The reason for doing it this way is because most people don’t want to have to learn what settings to use for different circumstances. They just want to point and shoot. 🙂
Very nice review! The Lumix definitely has my attention as a potential next camera. You see, I never take a video camera with me any more to record events. Why? If you look at the way you shoot personal video, most of the content is best suited for relatively short clips. Any longer than a few minutes gets boring unless you do some post editing to take out the “extra” footage. The other thing that I see in the Lumix is better color quality. My goal is to do as little post editing of my shots as possible. Thanks.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! We decided to buy a new camera just as they stopped making the Kodak 705, and I was so disappointed because I totally trust your judgement. I’ve been waiting for your recommendation to look at buying another camera. I will go check these out this weekend!
does the lumix also do video like the Kodak?
“The Panasonic also allows you to shoot in high definition video. Here you can see a direct comparison between video shot with the Kodak v705 and HD Video shot with the Panasonic Lumix FX35. The quality difference is readily apparent.” There are links to demonstration videos above.
Hey Jeff, did the Lumix also capture the audio attached to the video you posted. Great review.
@RES
thanks for the comparison info
[…] Are Here To Add ValueBarry Cunningham, Are you a Marketer, Advertiser or a Salesperson?Jeff Turner, Panasonic Lumix FX35 vs. Kodak v705Sean Purcell, What’s Your Six Month Plan?John Coley, Can My Real Estate Blog Help Me Talk Like […]
As much as I liked the V705 for offering wide angle in a small package, I always thought the image quality just wasn’t quite as good as I would have liked. A Panasonic Lumix TZ3 (28mm) is my current “always-in-the-handbag” camera. Looks like it will eventually get replaced with the FX35.
I soooo wanted the Kodak camera based on your recommendation, but when I researched three local camera stores, they all said that retailers refuse to carry Kodak based on Kodak’s policies for servicing the cameras when they have problems. The manager at a top camera store told me that he was recommending the Lumix for realtors. I was totally stuck. I mean totally paralyzed. My man Jeff or the manager at Belair Camera (recommending a camera that NOBODY was talking about as far as I could tell from my research at the time)??? How could a mere mortal like me pick between those options? Glad to see that all are on the same page now and I can buy a new camera. =-)
Wish this had been available last week. I broke down & bought a Kadak Z1275 that I hate. I may be taking it back this week, if I cn get this one in stock anywhere in town.
Jeff – just happend to check on camera “search status” and was pleased to see that you got the Lumix a few days ago and have already loaded pictures. I’m still waiting for the Samsung NV24 HD – supposed to come out on April 15th. I’ll do the same for you with comparison photos. I ‘m still using my Kodak V570 and don’t need a new camera, but I must admit I can’t resist the tempation to get one of these new ones. Gotta have a back up, right? 😉
All, I am very pleased with the performance of this camera. I have used it non-stop now for the past week. I’ve taken over 700 photos. I will be posting more test shots to the links above shortly. In the meantime, here is an example of it’s macro capabilities. http://www.intheviewfinder.com/?p=152
I am also going to test the Lumix TZ5, which should arrive in the next two days. I’ll do a direct comparison of the 25mm lens on this Lumix FX35 and the 28mm lens on the TZ5.
[…] Black Pearl Award this week goes to Jeff Turner with Panasonic Lumix FX35 vs. Kodak v705: Lots of you purchased the Kodak v705 based on my recommendation. So many, I wish I were making […]
Thanks for all your efforts reviewing cameras for us. I do have a questions however, is a wide angle camera a real estate agent necessity? I have an adequate Canon that I think takes good shots. Although, the Canon is fairly large and not capable of fitting in my pocket.
Thank you!
Doug, you’re welcome.
Without question, the extra wide angle will dramatically improve your interior shots. Having a camera that can fit in your pocket and be with you all the time is a must as well. Having both in one camera is what I look for when making a recommendation for real estate agents.
I’m very excited to see the Lumix fx35. So far I have been unable to locate it at a local store. I wondered if there is a viewfinder and if not do you miss it? And how about the settings, are they easy to read and just icons. I have an older Canon Powershot S400 which I’ve hated for its unuser friendly screen and icons since day one. It means getting the voluminous instructions out to figure it out. Spontaneity is out the window.
Actually I went to the store to purchase this this afternoon and when it was unavailable I hesitated to order it online without first seeing it or getting these questions answered.
I’m grateful I stumbled on this blog today.
Thanks
MLM
Jeff, I’ve been waiting for a wider angle Lumix since they started making them. I”m really glad to see your review and product announcement.
For MLM and anyone else looking to buy one, Costco.com carries them. I’m sure many other places do, so this isn’t a push to buy at Costco, just a comment that you can get them at their online store.
I loved your eyelash shot. I’m sold.
Thanks,
Dave
Hey Jeff,
Thanks for reviewing the 2 cameras. Given that the Panasonic is easier to buy (the Kodak is sold out and only on ebay and Craigslist), I do agree with you that Realtors should love this camera.
But I disagree that it beats the Kodak v570 and v705.
1) WIDER- It is all about wideness. 25 vs 23 matters to me. Your first shot shows an extra foot on the left and 2 feet on the right. If that were the end of the garage, one camera would get it all, and the other would not.
2) PANORAMIC- On the one hand you talk about out of the box use, and then you talk about stitching with software? No agent will do this. The in camera panoramic of the Kodak is amazing! Especially for backyards. I think it is very easy to use.
3) You compared the 5MP to the 10MP. The V705 does 7MP. But for real estate I shoot at 1MP and 3MP. If you talk about 10MP, Realtors are going to blow up their computers shooting at an unnecessary 10MP and waiting 60 minutes to upload 30 photos, even with a high speed connection.
4) With the Kodak you can zoom DURING video. The Panasonic is disappointing since the zoom can’t be changed while recording movies.
Agree that these aspects are better on the Panasonic:
1) Color, in that one shot looks better. But the others look the same. I wonder if it was a metering thing. I would want to see 5 shots before making that conclusion.
2) Video looks better, but it does get compressed 95% when uploaded to that site. (but yes, the after compression looks better).
3) I bet the Panasonic is sharper. If you use this camera for vacation photos, the Kodak is NOT going to be as sharp when you take a photo of a typical scene. The Panasonic is probably sharp enough to read a license plate 1/4 mile away.
Why don’t you link to Amazon and add a referral it in? And donate the proceeds to charity.
Also the wide angle of the 2nd shot is not a fair comparison. You have to line up one of the sides, the left or the right. Here the Kodak is wider on BOTH sides.
Can you test the distortion correction?
So I am happy this new camera is out, but it doesn’t beat the Kodak in my eyes.
Frank Borges LL0SA- Broker FranklyRealty.com
Former Professional photographer with images in several Nationa1 Geographic publications (I hate dropping that, but otherwise people will think I’m just a Realtor with a camera)
Frank… I think you’re right on. But since it’s almost impossible to find the Kodak cameras anymore, I was forced to find another recommendation. The v570 and v705, if used correctly, will still beat this camera for interior shots… because wider IS better. No question.
That said, it’s hard to continue to recommend a camera that Kodak doesn’t make anymore. 🙂
Great write up Jeff. I like my cybershot but really need to look into something with wide angle & high def.
Michael, I believe my neighbor has a Cybershot, so I’ll include some photos from the cybershot in my next comparison post. I’ll be comparing 25mm and 28mm wide angle lenses
I’ve been using the Lumix since Galen Ward recommended it many months ago. I have often wished I had bought the one you recommended, so am glad to see the comparison here. I still wish I had gotten one before it was discontinued though.
Oh well, there’s always ebay.
ARDELL… this new Lumix model really does give the Kodak a run for it’s money in the wide angle race. I’ll have some more comparisons soon.
Ok cool. Agreed. If you want the best, the Kodak is better, but harder to get (the Panasonic is better for sharpness for travel shots)
Anybody want to do a post on HOW TO BUY A V570?
I have helped about 10 people get them recently. I own 3. It isn’t impossible, but it isn’t the 1 click Amazon buying ease.
Actually, you can buy right now a $200 used one on Amazon and a $300 Like New on Amazon.
Here are your options for getting a v570:
1) Amazon used, keep an eye on it. I don’t know if you can set up alerts. The price fluxuates.
2) Ebay. But we need a blog on how to do this. I set up alerts based on a search criteria and a price of $300. I use BUY IT NOW, not the bidding system which is too much of a pain. If you really want to bid, use bidslammer.com which will let you bid on 5-10 cameras and once the first wins, the other shut off.
3) http://www.CrazedList.org which will search 100 different Craigslists for the camera. These sellers don’t know how valuable they are. I have seen them for $100 on there. Risks are higher vs Ebay. Or google Craigslist v570 (not as accurate). (I just saw one for $155, I am gonna try and buy it right now…)
I also wish that the Panasonic had zoom during the video. I almost recommend the P for a person needing to use the video… but that non-zoom-during-video is a deal killer for some.
Frank
Great stuff, Frank.
Yes, if you search, you can certainly find them, but it’s not easy. 🙂
As for zoom during video, that’s why I’m keeping the Panasonic TZ5 as well. For general purpose use, not specifically for real estate, since it has 10x zoom and you can use that zoom during video. Both the FX35 and TX5 have Enhanced Optical Zoom at lower Megapixel settings that is nice as well.
I have been trying to get the v705 for months, but was trying to avoid the eBay bidding war. After closely following several auctions for used v705’s and being out bid several times (at the very last second I might add). Last night (actually @ about 3:30 am), I jumped at the opportunity to get one NEW at the” buy me now” price off $355 on E-Bay. I can’t wait to receive it, though I must say I almost purchased the FX35 after reading this (I think I may still in the near future). Thank you so much for the comparisons and recommendations.
Any quick tips for using the v705 for interior shots? This is my first year in Real Estate and I appreciate the advice.
Frank, your post on how to buy a v570 was great, very informative? I found several across the country using http://www.CrazedList.org ; I may even get one as back up if I can get it cheap enough.
Lisa… I’m very happy you found a v705. I know you’ll be very happy with it.
I have two very quick tips for interior shots with the Kodak v705. First, if the room is even decently lit, try switching to “Museum Mode.” This forces the flash off. For many interior shots you’ll find this gives you the most natural looking photo. If the room is poorly lit, you can increase the exposure using the auto mode with flash by clicking down on the toggle button and moving the toggle to the right.
Well, I just found new V705s online for $300 and the FX35 new for $250. So, if you had to choose one, which would it be??? 🙂 Thanks!
Johanne,
For real estate photos, I would still choose the v705. The extra width in the 23mm wide angle lens really does make a difference, especially in smaller rooms.
You all should be looking to buy the Kodak v570 (sister camera to the v705).
There are 5 time more of them, $50-100 less and they are 100% the same as the v705 for real estate purposes.
Here is a video showing some of the basic and advanced features of this camera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8gT3etDb3E
Frank
Hi Jeff,
Hum thought I’d get the new FX-35, but now I guess I’m a little more confused. Maybe I should search around for the v705?
Hi Jeff
I am need of a new camera. I am happy for this review. I will have to go and inspect it. I have a cannon powershot 7 megapixels. I have had it for 6 years and love it, but the zoom doesn’t work anymore and it stop taking pictures, not sure why!
So thanks!!
Great post as always Jeff. My question is…have you found a still camera that takes good video or a video camera that takes good still pictures? Wide angle would be nice as well but I guess one cant have everything.
I feel like I am to the point where I am taking half of Best Buy with me to a listing appointment. It would be so nice to find a camera that did both stills and video well, do you have an opinion on the subject?
Michael, the FX35 also shoots HD video.
Thanks for getting back to me Jeff. I didnt notice the video comparison in the article before. I have been a long time cybershot guy (last 3 cameras) but after some research, Sony doesnt make anything that I could find (with a comparable price) that takes that good of a photo and shoots in HD as well. Great find.
Mike
Jeff, I am considering the Nikon D40 digital slr which comes standard with an 18-55 mm zoom. Which begs the question…
To the untrained brain, looking at the millimeter numbers and nothing more, 18mm on the Nikon would appear to be wider than 23 mm on the Lumix.
Is the Nikon zoom in the 18mm to 23mm range as wide as, and wider, than the Lumix FX35?
Andy
[…] image is an illustration of a typical photo day for me. I took my Lumix DMC-FX35 with me on a business meeting day in Santa Barbara and Woodland Hills. 134 photos made it back to […]
Andy,
Good question, and it is VERY confusing. A Digital SLR like the D40 isn’t “full frame” so that 18 is actually a 28! You have to spend $3,000 to get a full frame DSLR.
So just get the v570, I just posted on how to buy one. http://tinyurl.com/4pbzjb
Jeff – Just a quick note to say, I love how you tag your blogs. I had an agent ask me for a camera recommendation. It was so easy to find your camera post. You are the man.
Sounds great. The Lumix will be my next camera. The one I have now is so old, it’ll be great. However I can say my current camera still takes beautiful pictures, just kindof big. Thanks!
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…..
I’ve never given this a try, but I think it’s about time I do.
Thank you very much for the great comparison. Im a full time resal estate investor buying and selling in Georgia and the camera often get the client to the door
jeff
are you still SOLD on the LUMIX if the Kodak V705 is not available or $300+? color is richer but i like that bit of a wider shot…thoughts here in July 2009? anything newer that has trumped these?
em.
shaker heights ohio
Yes, it’s a great option. However, a new lumix is being released in September. If you can wait, I would.
Hi Jeff,
Can you tell me how much I have to crop my photo’s made with a wide angle, for putting them on MLS.
Thanks,
Richard