Top cameras: Through a real estate lens
Wheel Estate Cam, Episode 1
By Inman News, Friday, October 30, 2009.
Editor's note: Frank Borges LLosa, winner of the 2009 Inman News Innovator of the Year award and broker-owner for Arlington, Va.-based FranklyRealty.com, and Inman News present the first installment of the "Wheel Estate Cam," a weekly series of off-the-cuff, behind-the-wheel videos that stray within the front lines of real estate. Comment below to let us know what you think.
Episode 1: Frank Borges LLosa of FranklyRealty.com in Arlington, Va. -- aka "Popeye the Sailor Man" in this Halloween-themed segment -- takes us on a tour of camera options. A former professional photographer, LLosa's real estate-ready camera reviews tap his behind-the-lens experience and insight. Stay tuned for more takes on real estate by LLosa and his "Wheel Estate Cam."
Among the cameras reviewed in this segment:
--Kodak v570 or v705.
--Samsung nv24hd or hz10w or hz15w.
--Canon 980is.
***
What's your opinion? Leave your comments below or send a letter to the editor.
Copyright 2009 FranklyRealty.com
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Submitted by Nate Scott on October 30, 2009 - 8:32am.
What a knucklehead. A 2003 Harvard study estimated that cell-phone distractions caused 2,600 traffic deaths every year and 330,000 accidents that result in moderate or severe injuries. Other studies say drivers using phones are four times as likely to cause a crash, and the likelihood that they will crash is equal to that of someone with a .08 percent blood-alcohol level, the point generally considered to be intoxication. How about shooting a video, grabbing cameras off the passenger seat, holding a mirror to show off the camera on the drivers wheel, etc.. this guy is not only an idiot, but he is a dangerous one and Inman shouldn't be promoting this.
Submitted by Josh Dart on October 30, 2009 - 8:57am.
I agree that video behind the wheel is not good...
The video was great. I liked the audio video format a lot. Not only does it bring the content alive, but we get to see what Frank was talking about. Frank reminded me of a great client of mine. I would like to hear more about the SLR cameras. I feel that agents should HIRE a professional or become a professional photographer. There is such a difference between good and bad photos, and it's such a disservice to the client to post anything but the best photos for the home. Even a horrible looking REO/foreclosure can look better with some nice looking, properly lit, staged photos.
Frank, I look forward to some additional posts on photography.
Submitted by John Uribe on October 30, 2009 - 11:27am.
Since I also use the Kodak V570, I agree with Frank about all the pluses the camera has. It's perfect for mls photos. Imagine seeing three walls of a room, even without the panoramic stitching! Too bad this dual-lens camera concept was not successful enough for Kodak to continue production. Worth a search.
Submitted by Jim Lee, Knoxville TN Realtor on October 30, 2009 - 12:25pm.
What the heck is it with idiots like this that think it's cool to be photographing themselves while operating a 4,000 pound motor vehicle at 50 MPH with other cars around?
VUIS (Videoing under the influence of stupid) needs to be a new motor vehicle offense.
Dumb, dumb, dumb!
You asked.
Jim Lee, CRS, ABR, GRI, NAR Certified e-PRO Trainer
Realty Executives Associates, Knoxville, Tennessee
www.KnoxvilleHomeCenter.com mailto:Jim@JimLee.com
(865) 693-3232, My Personal Toll Free # 1-800-662-2488 ext. 163
**********************************
Submitted by Glenn Roberts Jr. on October 30, 2009 - 12:36pm.
Nate Scott: Thank you for the comments and please refrain from name-calling. We're happy to hear your opinions -- critiques and compliments, one and all -- and I believe it's very possible to get your message across without resorting to playground vocabulary. Thank you.
Glenn Roberts Jr.
Managing Editor
Inman News
Submitted by Joanna Lane on October 30, 2009 - 2:36pm.
Notwithstanding the language used, I completely agree with the concerns expressed in other comments above. This is an inappropriate setting for a video which requires the driver to be less than 100% focused on either task in hand. A poor editorial choice IMHO.
Also, if you're asking your audience to give valuable time to listen to you, then you better be 100% focused on them, because they really don't have time to wait for you to drive round a bend. As everyone knows, talking to a distracted person is all very, very irritating. Sorry if that is a hurtful thing to say, but I think Inman is doing this photographer a disservice by forcing him into this setting. It's not doing justice to his knowledge and expertise as a photographer, and we really don't care how good a driver he is as long as he doesn't come within 100 miles of us while shooting these segments for Inman.
As to the quality of information one is able to glean from the video, that is so basic as to be hardly useful, and uses a delivery style pitched at an after school photography club, which doesn't sit too well with me either to be honest. We're professionals - you'd be surprised how much we know already. This video makes the classic mistake of underestimating the intelligence of it's audience.
My suggestion? What would be REALLY useful is showing us how each of these cameras responds to a given set of problems typical of real estate. Keep the cute series title if you must - and let him take photos of houses from boats and bikes and cars, whatever floats your boat, but get the poor guy out of the car (and definitely out of the silly costumes) and put him in a normal studio set before you roll the video. I'd like to see the complete range of these cameras again, in close up, showing all the features, together with a whole set of sample photos taken earlier with each of them of exactly the same subject matter - real estate focused -so we can compare like for like.
Hope this helps.
Joanna Lane, REALTOR (R), RSPS, GREEN
Principal Broker
Property Angels
Cutchogue, NY
www.propertyangels.com
Submitted by Jason Wall on October 30, 2009 - 2:37pm.
This concept is so ridiculously irresponsible and dangerous. It is actually quite shocking.
Jason Wall
Branch Manager
Lake & Co. Real Estate, Inc.
Seattle, WA
Submitted by Bob Mori on October 30, 2009 - 2:47pm.
Outstanding. Looking forward to more from Frank next week.
Submitted by Sarah Stelmok on October 30, 2009 - 4:06pm.
Actually, I think this is a brilliant idea and I know that Frank has gotten alot of notoriety in his area for his provacative use of technology in real estate. The fact is, if you live in the area that Frank lives in, you spend alot of time in the car. Traffic is a way of life and getting some work done is a good use of that time. The use of his wheel camera is no more distracting than texting or checking your email while driving, or applying make-up, or looking at your child in the back seat, talking to a passenger in the passenger seat, playing with your IPod, setting your GPS, turning the radio station, or reading a book while driving. Yes, we see all of this while driving in Northern Virginia. I am looking forward to Frank's Wheel Cam installments! He is probably on my Top 5 list of agents that are ingenius, giving, and professional. The real estate industry is lucky to have his mind at work for us and Inman is smart for having him contribute to their forum.
Submitted by Jay Seville -- Arlington virginia condos on October 30, 2009 - 4:18pm.
Listen to all this moral grandstanding out of ignorance. I can assure you the types who loves judging others usually aren't producing the most either....I take that back--won't even go there. They seem like the people running a condo association or something :)
Something to consider, if any of you pointing the finger at the author have ever texted while driving then you are complete hypocrites and have done something much less safe than the wheel estate cam. It takes much more effort to text and type than it does to drive while a camera is taped to your steering wheel?. You can watch the street uninterrupted the whole time. I KNOW BECAUSE I'VE DONE THE WHEEL ESTATE CAM several times and it was much more safe than my emailing habits.
On that last point I will say that MyCaption.com has helped me repent of emailing while driving.
But seriously you guys are over-judging and don't realize how undistracting talking out loud in your car is versus using your cell phone for talking , texting or emailing.
Don't believe me? Then try it. Your eyes never leave the road; here's an example:
http://www.justnewlistings.com/arlington-virginia-blog/dont-be-a-floater... Yes I win the INMAN cheesy consultant of the year award for 2009 no?
For the most part eyes stay on the road, but when you come stop signs or whatever there is more time to look directly in the camera.
I'd be more impressed by seeing the critics offer something of value to the forum--write something helpful for us. How's that for an idea?
j
Submitted by John Occhi on October 30, 2009 - 10:33pm.
John Occhi, Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Local Expert REALTOR®
The Excellence in Real Estate Team
@Allison James Estates & Homes
951-654-5550
I just came across Franks work about an hour ago. I thought his material was well thought out and clearly delivered. Not sure about the whole Popeye thing, but I'm guessing it is some of his personality shining through.
By watching Frank, I was drawn into his BLog and Website...I have to admit I have not done a thing in the last hour except read what Frank shares with other agents...and it is good stuff.
He is not here to hold a newbie by the hand (but newbies are welcome, so long asthey can keep up)... no, he is seasoned and he spoke to me as if I too am seasoned and understand what he is saying. I am so tired of the 'basics' whenever anyone tries to deliver a message. Talk to me as a professional to a professional and don't waste my time. Well, Frank gets it, and I will definately be watching to see what eles he delivers.
John
PS the SIG FILE is now close to how my EMAIL Header file is set up, thanks to a tip from Frank on his blog...definately worth checking out!
Submitted by Cindy Jones on October 31, 2009 - 6:19am.
I think what is being overlooked is the value of the information that Frank is sharing. I took his advice a while back and bought two of the Kodak V570 cameras and am glad I did. His video reminded me about the stiching tool which I had forgotten and plan to play with this weekend.
Submitted by Sandra Mathewson on October 31, 2009 - 6:51am.
I had to reread Nate's comments and I found "idiot" and "knucklehead". Inman views that as name calling?
I have read similiar words in female Inman News columns.
I am at a loss to see why this guy received an award, below is a clip from another article about him by Inman News:
"Such comments and photos could potentially rile a home seller or an agent. LLosa has not been one to shy from controversy, and earlier this year he shut down a real estate Facebook site at the request of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors -- a local trade group of which he is a member."
This is professionalism? It is the TOTAL opposite of what NAR, your columnists and others preach to us.
I'm with Nate.
Submitted by Andrew Mooers on November 1, 2009 - 6:18am.
Super video and no bull presentation...Jim above did not seen so cranked up in a positive way but he obviously watched it, will remember it. Video hits the five senses, is 30 frames per second. One lousy mls image that looks like it was shot thru vaseline, with cellophane wrap over the lens for extra blurr, cloudiness is not the way to list, market, promote real estate. Good points!
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton Maine / Aroostook County
www.mooersrealty.com
Submitted by Steven Angelil on November 1, 2009 - 7:35am.
After watching Frank's video, I was surprised to see all the negativity in the comments. I've followed Frank for the better part of the last year and have implemented many changes to my business plan with Frank's assistance. If even half of the agents in the US had even a fraction of Frank's knowledge of industry, photography and most important MARKETING, the country would have more satisfied buyers and sellers, AND Realtors would have an average salary of more than $17k/yr. I challenge anyone who posted negatively about Frank to visit his blog, follow his Active Rain posts, contact him for help or suggestions and THEN you will realize how glad you are that he is not your competition!
Keep up the great work Frank! By the way, a suggestion as well. How about an update for the Client Bill of Rights? Specifically, one for Buyer clients, a separate one for Seller clients addressing short sales and distressed properties?
Submitted by Neal McGuire on November 1, 2009 - 8:37am.
"This concept is so ridiculously irresponsible and dangerous. It is actually quite shocking." Hits the nail right on the head.
As for comparing this to texting while driving - both are irresponsible and foolish. Both should be outlawed.
Frank maybe smart in other areas, but he made a really, really poor decision in this case. Sorry, but Frank needs to follow up the video with one that apologies for Inman's poor judgment.
Submitted by Jay Thompson on November 1, 2009 - 1:43pm.
Who'd have thunk an eight minute video would stir up such a heated debate? Inman can write a four page expose on a topic that really matters in real estate and no one comments. That's interesting.
I've met Frank in person, and I think he's a brilliant agent (and a hell of a nice guy too).
Yeah, I'll admit driving while video taping isn't the safest thing to do. And me and my attorney would be ALL OVER someone doing this if they collided with me on the road. I'm no attorney, but I do wonder if something awful were to happen while Frank was taping a segment for Inman, could Inman be held liable? If it was my company, I'd sure be asking my legal team that question...
Having said that, I've done "drive by" videos too. That doesn't make it any less wrong or unsafe.
But Frank's a big boy, and if he's willing to take the risk (and the liability) then who are we to complain?
My thoughts on the format?
This particular episode was too long. "Show and tell" doesn't work well with Wheel Estate. As a previous commenter mentioned, a far better demonstration could have been made with actual photos.
It was however, engaging, and Frank is a natural behind the camera. I look forward to the next episode.
Jay Thompson
Broker / Owner
Thompson's Realty
Blog: www.PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com
.
Submitted by Heather Burke on November 1, 2009 - 8:23pm.
Hi Frank
Quick question - I loved the video, you actually made me laugh out loud, it was definitely needed information. I have been shopping for a digital with a wide angle lens and came across the Kodak and I couldn't figure out why they stopped making it. I wasn't sure I wanted to go to an SLR but I think I need a hot shoe in some larger homes. I'm interested in Video but a little less because I can post video with my Flip. I'm pretty good with a camera and with building virtual tours with software that stitches pictures together. What I need to know is if you were buying a camera which one of the 4 you mentioned would you buy. I'm also wondering if I should just step up to the next level of the Kodak with the hot shoe and pass by the smaller cameras. If the answer is one of the Kodak's you talked about, tell me which one, I found them both on line. Thanks for the video it was great. Can't wait for the next one. Please drive carefully, you make everybody nervous and we wouldn't want to lose you.
Heather M. Burke
Broker Associate
Main Street Realtors
Palm Desert
P.S. LOVED THE COSTUME!
Submitted by David Pylyp on November 2, 2009 - 4:17am.
Lets add some back drop for the community you serve. Lets keep the video length to an attention grabbing minute or less.
Lets syndicate the video through youtube and Twitter to get viewers to vote and comment.
Add the video link to INMAN News to get USA referrals and back links happening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNRhMYMMFpU
Lets use the technology to our advantage.
David Pylyp
http://DavidPylyp.com
http://Youtube.com/dpylyp
http://twitter.com/davidpylyp
Submitted by Frank LLosa on November 2, 2009 - 7:28am.
Hello everyone!
I'm glad some of you enjoyed the video. As for length... the first take was 12 minutes, so can't say I didn't try.
As for the safety concerns, I agree with many commenters. Driving while texting is horribly unsafe and illegal in many states. This isn't like that.
I could keep writing, but instead I made a... video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM5kX-QdGN0
Thanks
Frank
Broker Blog.FranklyRealty.com
@FranklyRealty
p.s. Great suggestion David. I will look into that. Thanks for adding value, I hope more will do so.
Submitted by Frank LLosa on November 2, 2009 - 7:39am.
Hello Heather,
Glad you enjoyed the costume. Some didn't quite get why I was dressed up. Lost in translation?
I think they stopped making the Kodak because they didn't sell enough. While it works well for shooting real estate, it might not be the best travel camera. Also the benefits of the wide angle message gets lost when the Best Buy sales rep is comparing cameras for their customers.
For your larger homes, try this.
1) Shooting without flash. On a tripod.
2) Change the flash to a FILL FLASH. This will give you a longer exposure and a more balanced setting. You might be away without having a hot shoot.
If the above doesn't work, and you are already talking with "Hot Shoe" lingo, then you seem advanced enough to get a DSLR. I love the 10-20mm lens.
As for the point and shoot. Which would I buy? All of them! If your goal is getting the widest photos, get the Kodak v570. But it will break in a year.
Wanna pay more? Get the Canon 980is for $300+ and it will be durable and you only lose 1) 1mm in width and 2) no in-camera stitching (you might like software stitching, but in-camera is amazing since you can reshoot it if it didn't line up well)
Best of luck,
Frank
Twitter: @FranklyRealty
ps. I don't like the flip too much. It isn't wide enough (some have bought a wide adapter). Want the plug in convenience of a regular P&S camera? Do a search on Amazon for SD USB and get a SD card that bends in half and becomes a USB. Plugs right in. No wires.
Submitted by Glenn Roberts Jr. on November 2, 2009 - 2:15pm.
Please note that links to the cameras discussed in this segment have been added above:
"Among the cameras reviewed in this segment:
--Kodak v570 or v705.
--Samsung nv24hd or hz10w or hz15w.
--Canon 980is."
Glenn Roberts Jr.
Managing Editor
Inman News
Submitted by 919 Studios on November 2, 2009 - 9:22pm.
Being a professional real estate photographer, and fairly new Realtor who was recently chewed out by Frank for a message I sent him on Facebook, I can't say that I have had the best encounters like some others have had.
That being said, I have followed Frank and his blog since becoming getting into the business and have always thought highly of the info he shared. When I started doing real estate photography, I found some extremely valuable information for my business. And the video seen here, to me, wasn't too dummied down. If I were a Realtor with no real photo experience this video would have been great!
For all the name callers and preachers who have commented, you are hypocrites if you have done anything else while driving besides keeping your hands on 9 & 3 and keeping your eyes straight ahead checking your mirrors every few seconds. If you have ever looked at your radio, navigation screen, or god forbid talked to a client on the phone... then you are no safer than Frank.
Most of the time people will post something negative before ever posting something positive. I would be there were twice as many people that actually got something from the video than were offended.
Dan McCutchen
919 Studios, Inc. & Exit SourceOne Realty
TourFactory Authorized Provider
www.919photos.com
dan@919photos.com
Submitted by Frank LLosa on November 3, 2009 - 6:49am.
Thanks Dan... I think.
In reference to Dan's comment about me blasting him, it is true. And maybe it will be a topic of a future video (yes, in the car).
Either about Realtor Spam, I'm a major advocate to reduce the "hey I got a listing in some random town you might like" and I'm against Realtor bribes.
Dan's actual email: "We are offering a full 6% commission to the Buyers Agent for a full price offer." And if you are curious, my issue is with the "for a full price offer" which to me means "throw your client under a bus to get the bonus"
Frank
Twitter: @FranklyRealty
Owner: FranklyMLS.com
Submitted by 919 Studios on November 3, 2009 - 8:06am.
I don't want this thread to go off topic, just don't want anyone thinking we were trying to scam anyone.
After Frank's message to me on Facebook I went and checked out his CNBC video and understood exactly what he was saying and changed how we were promoting the property.
Like I said, I consider myself a newbie as a Realtor (but a hell of a photographer! Had to keep on topic) and just trying to be creative to not unethical.
Its Realtors like Frank that help promote the positive growth of this industry. I have never understood how some agents can sleep at night with the photos, or lack there of, of photos in their listings for their clients. To me their marketing is unethical and more dangerous than Frank's videos.
I personally will keep watching the videos to learn as much REAL WORLD knowledge as I can.
Dan McCutchen
919 Studios, Inc. & Exit SourceOne Realty
TourFactory Authorized Provider
www.919photos.com
dan@919photos.com