Real Estate Forums

Las Vegas Homes · 05-03-2005, 12:36 AM

How important/useful is it to have one of these:

1. A Laptop - Does it have to be a powerful PC or can it just be enough to work on paperwork? Ex. Excel, Access, Word, Power Point, etc..

2. A Digital Camera - What other uses does this item serve except to take pictures of properties? And with your experiences, what type/features (Megapixels, Zoom, Flash) are good to have on this camera?

Thanks, and if you can think of any other MUST HAVE tools, please list them.

HHI Golf Guy · 05-03-2005, 02:28 AM

In both print media (direct mail, newspaper, etc.) and web marketing, the pictures that you take will help to create interest in a home.

Most agents will take a few, generic shots of the home. My suggestion? Take a class or two in photography and lighting, or at least read a book on the subject. When you get a listing, don't take just a few pictures. Take 50-100 pictures from different heights and angles. Experiment. Be creative.

With a digital camera, you can buy a 512mb or 1G compact flash (or whatever storage device your camera uses) that will hold 100+ high res photos. You can always delete the photos that you don't want or need.

I have a Canon S1 IS. It's only 3.2 megapixel, but it does take great photos. It has a nice variety of auto settings, or you can go full manual (it's darn close to a 35mm).

I also purchased a wide angle lense. You need to be aware of your lighting when using a wide angle lens, but it does a great job of capturing the most of any room.

San Diego Real Estate · 05-05-2005, 10:06 AM

HHI...I couldn't agree more...Also one thing I have experienced is needing to have a better Zoom capabilty. My Olympus 3.2 MP just doesn't have enough Zoom to get the beatiful views available here in San Diego...Especially when you are talking about Mountain and Ocean Views...Shawn your Cannon how does it do on Zoom...

LVH... regarding the Laptop...I would recommend one that is powerful enough to tour homes and conduct your normal business in the field! It really wont be that much more!

HHI Golf Guy · 05-05-2005, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by San Diego Real Estate

.Shawn your Cannon how does it do on Zoom...

The optical zoom is only 10x. I can't remember the digital zoom, but it's impressive and shoots decent photos at full digital zoom, even with the wide angle lens attached.

One other note - especially when using the digital zoom - use a tripod. You can pick up a decent one (with a level) for under $60.

I know what most people are thinking now - I don't want to carry around a clunky tripod! First off, you can set it down when your not using it. Not only will it help you with your photos (when properly used) but it does add a "Wow!" factor with your clients. Believe it or not, in many cases, it helps to bolster their feelings regarding you being "professional".

HMiller · 05-05-2005, 01:21 PM

I'm using an Olympus 740 model (I think). 10x optical, 3 or 4x digital zoom, 3.2 mp. Don't really use the digital zoom at all, the 10x optical is enough for me, although I have a hard time with steadiness in full zoom so I've been considering a tripod. Also am definately going to find a wide angle lens (it's so hard taking interior photos without it) as well as a filter(?) lens which is supposed to really help out when taking pics in bright sunlight.

HHI Golf Guy · 05-05-2005, 02:06 PM

I have found very good prices at BH Photo for camera supplies.

Phoenix · 05-05-2005, 05:32 PM

Photography...

How did I miss this thread?

Photography is one of my passions! I have a Canon 10-D that I use for fun, but when using it for business I have a Canon 17-40mm wide angle lens that cost me like $800. It is awesome for interior shots, or to capture an entire mountain in a picture while standing at the base. LOL

It's been a tough learning curve though since I was brought up on traditional film cameras. My mom had a dark room in our home while i was growing up, so I was always fascinated by it.

Right now I am trying to learn how to shot lightning. Our Monsoon is coming soon, usually starts around July 7th and I would really liek to get some better shots than these Monsoon Pictures/Photos.

I usually set up my tri-pod and trigger and then just keep on shooting. At the end, by the time the rain hits, I have usually shot one to two hundred pictures and have to weed through them all to find a few captured bolts.

Any advice on getting better shots? You'll notice that all my lightning photos are a bit blurry, go figure.

Who knows a lot about shooting lightning? I need help.