Nothing is simpler for a real estate agent to add to their real estate marketing than video!
Nothing is simpler for a real estate agent to add to their real estate marketing than video!
The Kodak Zi8 is the perfect camera for the real estate agent looking to begin using video as part of their real estate marketing program.
ADDING A WIDE ANGLE LENS TO THE KODAK Zi8
Out of the box the Kodak Zi8 does not shoot very wide video so a simple modification can be quickly performed.
The videos below detail how to attach the Sunpak .5x(HDhat.com recommended lens) and the Sunpak .45x magnetic lens.
Video 1 also reviews a bit of the camera and some of the Zi8’s simple settings.
We also recommend an inexpensive video stabilizer bar such as that offered by http://www.videostabilizerbar.com which helps to eliminate some of the natural twisting of the arm & wrist that is common when using an ultra compact camera like the Zi8 or Flips.
VIDEO 1
This video details how to attach the Sunpak .5x wide angle lens to your Kodak Zi8 and also goes over some of the cameras basic features and settings. The end of the video features a short clip of a real estate video tour shot using the Zi8 with the .5x lens.
VIDEO 2
This video details how to attach the Sunpak .45x magnetic wide angle lens to your Kodak Zi8. The end of the video features a short clip of a real estate video tour shot using the Zi8 with the .45x lens.
Kodak Zi8 – Real Estate Video Camera
Pros:
*Incredibly simple to operate
*Inexpensive
*Quality video results when lighting is sufficient
*Respectable video quality in lowlight
*External mic jack for interviews and profile videos
*HDMI port
*Removeable SD storage card
*Removeable/replaceable battery
*EIS – Electronic Image Stabilization – this cuts down on “twitches” that are common in many of the other compacts.
*Simple USB transfer and easy to use plug/play software that facilitates basic editing and transfer to Youtube and Facebook
Cons:
*Lack of manual settings for exposure.
*Software is simple but not that powerful
PHOTO GALLERY – .5x Sunpak Wide Angle lens samples
The photos below were taken with the Kodak Zi8 using the .5x wide angle lens. You’ll notice far less vignetting and higher clarity with this lens vs the .45x lens.
The .5x takes a little more effort to attach and modification is more apparent but it is the HDhat.com recommended solution for a wide angle lens for the Kodak Zi8.
PHOTO GALLERY – .45x Sunpak Magetic Wide Angle lens samples
The photos below were taken with the Kodak Zi8 using the .45x wide angle lens. There is noticeable vignetting with this lens.
The .45x is very easy to attach and the modification is not very apparent once complete. However, the magnetic attachment does release fairly easily and could very easily result in lens breakage.
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Can this lens be used on the Kodak Play Sport?
Randy, my best guess would be yes on the .5x, however I would hold the lens out in front of the Sports lens at about the same distance as the adapter ring then look at the screen to see if all looks well. If so then pick the adapter ring that works best….take a deep breath and glue
My wife can vouch for the expense of trial and error of lens experimenting in our home.
NOTE: Just be sure the glue is completely dry before screwing on the lens. If any fogging were to occur you can use finger nail polish to remove but it is a hassle….so it is best to just let the Krazy Glue Gel dry completely.
Mark, HDhat.com
[...] the original here: Nothing is simpler for a real estate agent to add to their real … Filed under: Uncategorized Comment (0) Article tags: a-short-clip, basic-features-, clarity, [...]
Mark, Terrific Vids & Info !
Agents should not hesitate to take their own videos and use your service, then Upload their Videos and Property Info to Global http://www.viewr.command give hemselves and their Sellers Global Exposure @ No Charge.
Congratulations !
— Karl
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Nice review Mark. These little cameras are all nifty but I think they can be avoided altogether.
The hardest part is keeping a small-light camera still. I can do it, I shoot 2 hours a week and have for a long time, but I think that if agents are going to get into video, they can look in their own closet before running out to the store.
MiniDV standard Def cameras – most agents already have – can be the best tool to cut the learning curve. Most agents with kids probably already have a camcorder and don’t realize it is actually pretty decent.
If all I had was my family standard def camera (MiniDV), I’d buy Adobe Premiere Elements and Quicktime Pro and start out on the cheap before dropping money into new equipment. If you have a Mac then iMovie and Quicktime Pro.
There is a lot to learn about shooting and editing and by the time you figure out how to shoot and edit your purchase will be much smarter as you will know what to buy for what you are doing.
Video is like golf – practice – it takes time behind the camera and time on the editing software.
I really like the Kodak Zi8 however what I am seeing done on the new iPhone4 (BTW and it is very simple to put an external mic on the iPhone4) – One device in my pocket is very attractive. http://www.vimeo.com/12819723
Hey Chris
Great tutorial. Very cool stuff. Thanks so much for the Zi8 love!
beth
__
Beth LaPierre
@KodakCL
Eastman Kodak
Your welcome thanks for taking the time to comment on our blog!!
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Thanks for the comparison on the wide-angle lenses. I’ve bought two lenses, and I’ve found the vignetting (just learned what that means) is unacceptable on both. Will buy the Sunpak as attempt #3.
Also – I’m having really good results using a monopod for stablity for the zi8. These are easy to pack, are cheap and can be bought at Best Buy, etc.
Thanks for the tips.
Hey Beth – with Kodak – you guys need to offer quality optics for the zi8. You shouldn’t be leaving us to hack this stuff together.