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Appraiser Cameras

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Thanks, Ron! I was under the impression that FPO required the use of a camera with "bounce flash" capability and perhaps some other specifics. Maybe this has changed? In any case, your example photos are outstanding so obviously your camera is capable of satisfying the demands! How has it been in traditional appraisal work? How does it feel in your hands? What about button and other controls placement, etc. What are "the good, the bad and the ugly" things? Your assessment helps others in their selection.

Thanks!

-Randall Garrett-
..Apex Software..

/end/
 
I purchased the Lumix with the 25mm wide lens a few months ago. I like it alot, but I had to send it for repair when black spots appeared on the lens. Prior to that I had the dual lens Kodak, and it broke. Maybe it's me, but I'd like to see a very durable 25mm minimum type camera that can take some bumps.

TC
 
FWIW, I have been Using a Kodak V570 since early 2006 and added a V705 about 6 months later. Both are in use daily and have terrific optics. Both have been dropped and have gotten drenched. They still take great pix, particularly with the fixed 23mm lens. They are ultra light. I have had no problems whatever with either. Best appraiser cameras ever, IMO and I have had many over the last 35+ years. One of the few I would rank higher than the Olympus XA-4.
 
Ditto Ken ...... upgraded last month from 570 to c713...... amazingly simple - excellent utility - reliability...... and the software (which does not need the docking station) works with simple clicks - so easy even I can do it. (non-techie)
 
I agree with Ken on the v570 and v705. Their 23mm (equiv) fixed lenses are hard to beat for most SFR work. The most commonly reported weaknesses are the lens cover slider is a bit fragile and some people actually find them to be a bit too small (especially the buttons.) The included EasyShare software caused some people problems with their appraisal software's photo management software, but most people simply used the SD card transfer method anyway. A manual install of EasyShare and not installing the entire suite helped most people but many did not try that route and just ditched the software entirely.

I was initially going to disagree with including a camera like the Kodak c713 that Mike mentions as it does not have a wide angle lens - something most appraisers really desire. However, I forgot that an ultra-low price is another valid "feature" prized by appraisers, so thanks Mike! You also mention "simplicity" and that is another factor that is important to most appraisers.

-Randall Garrett-
..Apex Software..
 
Fujifilm J110W and J150W announced

I noted that Fujifilm has just announced two new cameras with 28mm (equiv) - 140mm (equiv) zoom lenses. I suspect these are the replacements for the F480 mentioned earlier (?)

Here are a couple of links for info on this camera. The J150W will reportedly retail for $199.95 in September...

http://tinyurl.com/6l8lak

http://tinyurl.com/5sxeg7

Hope this helps!

-Randall Garrett-
..Apex Software..

/enhd/
 
I bought a Kodak V570 in January (now discontinued) and absolutely love the wide angle lens (23-117mm effective). I did have a problem in March which required sending the camera to Kodak for repair. They replaced the LCD screen and since then I have had not a problem.

Randy, please discuss cameras with similar wide angle lenses. In my area I have many instances in which my wide angle lens is the only way I can get a useable picture of a house buried in the woods.

If and when my V570 goes south I want to know more about the wide angle lens cameras that are out there.

Thanks for this thread.

Dave
 
I don't think that I need to use a $300+ digital camera for my appraisal business. I use an inexpensive HP camera and if I have to, I go to Walgreens and buy a cheap one for $14.95 if I forget my other one.
 
Hi Dave,

Thanks for the kind words. I hope others find the info posted here to be of use!

The 23mm (equiv) lens on the v570/v705 is unique - I know of no others with a similar capability, especially in a small "shooter." That said, there are a few units with 24mm and 25mm (equiv) lenses - pretty close and somewhat better than the no- common 28mm equiv. lenses. Most find that the 28mm lens is the "standard" and I don't know why appraisers can be happy with something like a 35mm or higher as the "wide" setting. YMMV...

I'll update this post later today to put links to the 24mm and 25mm small and medium shooters. These types are ones I keep my eyes open for but as others have pointed out, there is a need to keep up with really inexpensive ones, as well. Some people are Swatch wearers, others are Seiko types while others prefer Rolex... They all have their place... :-)

-Randall Garrett-
..Apex Software.

/end/
 
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