I realize that’s a strong headline, but I want to make sure I’m clear about this. The Kodak EasyShare v705 is, without question, the best 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 to the right 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 at the top, I used the standard 35mm lens, the one found on most point and shoot cameras. Then I took the photo on the bottom, two seconds later, from the exact same spot, in the exact same lighting. Only the photo on the bottom uses the v705’s default “ultra wide angle lens.”
You’ll notice that the photo on the top 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 bottom 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.
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.
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.
Hi,
I belong to Realestateshows.com. Was thinking of getting this camera. But this time when I re-read the blog, I thought to myself the top picture looks more panoramic or wide angle? Do you have the pics of the rooms mixed up? I am confused?
Fyi – my website is not up and running yet.
Keith
Keith… LOL, yes we do. The photos got mixed when we launched this new blog. Thank you! We’ll correct now.
The photos taken with the Kodak do look good but I’d like to offer my “pick” for cameras for real estate with wide angle lenses. I picked the Olympus in 1998, the D-320L and still use it to this date for my closeup work for eBay. I’ve upgraded to the Olympus C-7070 with the wide angle lens and wouldn’t trade it or sell it for any reason. As a matter of fact, I use if for the shots I stitch together for panoramics with unbelievable results. The quality is superb and the wide angle and other features are unbeatable in my opinion. I’m puzzled why the Olympus brand is not rated higher by the supposed experts and is seldom mentioned. Oh well, everyone else’s loss, my gain!!
I did the same as Jeff…. I took the camera (KodakV705) out of the box, took some pictures in Auto mode and was totally amazed at the difference between this camera and my bigger Kodak Z740. I really liked the self-stiching panorama feature too. Its so easy! Guess which camera is going back up on ebay soon! I am so satisfied with the V705, that I just bought another one to use as a back-up in case I drop the tiny little thing! Clients might wonder why you are using such a small camera… Just tell them that great things come in small packages & let the photos do the talking!
Alan… amen to that. In this case, good things really do come in small packages. The added benefit of being able to have it with you everywhere you will pay dividends as well!
Hi Jeff,
I’m trying to buy the V705 and finding out that Kodak has discontinued it. Any suggestions for a different camera that has the wide angle and on-camera panarama features of this one?
Bob
Bob, yes, I found out they discontinued it over the weekend. I don’t have another suggestion yet. You may want to try eBay and other places… it’s worth it!
Hey Jeff, You gotta give a shout out to the sister the v570. They are more common and just as good. Photographers don’t need that extra 2MP. (5 Megapixels vs 7)
So I just taught a 2 hour photo class with an emphasis on this camera.
http://www.FranklyRealty.com/photoclass
Also you want a top secret way to get this camera? http://www.CrazedList.org which will search 100 Craigslists. I found 4 for a fraction of Ebay’s pricing. Also the Amazon link is showing over $600, so warn people to avoid that.
Frank
FranklyRealty.com
hi
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good luck
The research I have done on the 705 and 570 shows that there is no flash when set in Panorama mode – is this correct? If so, how bright are interior images?
Thanks.
Joe