Comment

Comment by A Jay Gould on March 4, 2013 at 7:34pm

Sell cars, hire someone to do the videos...

Comment by Lucky Phillips on November 2, 2012 at 6:35pm

I have taken thousands of Videos and Photos. THOUSANDS.

I Use a CANNON FS100. It has a Flip out Screen so I can get down low Photo Shots with out out laying on the ground.

I can take Roof top photos of High Trucks and Tractors/Equipment by holding the camera above my head and looking at the downward turned screen.

I have 2000 Videos on You Tube you can look at the video quality and sound quality (No wind Noise). luckyphillips is my ID on you tube and EBay.  FS100 sells for $349.00 and last 5 6 years. Large SD cards are $50.00 and up.   Lucky

Comment by Philip Zelinger on November 2, 2012 at 10:51am

Thomas,

In revieiwng the very experienced recommendations to your question, and frankly even the way you posed your question, I undersatand why advice is leaning towards hardware suggestions vs. what I think is the more relevant solution of evaluating people and process.

It was correctly pointed out that current iPhone and iPad platforms offer 8 MegaPixel cameras which are more than adequate to take still pictures given the resolution limitations of most online venues.  Similarly, the new stabilazation software included in the IOS6 Operating systems used on these devices provide video capabilities that are also up to the job.  The fact that both of these devices have multiple uses to amortize their cost and ROI for you and your dealership is also placing the thumb on their side of the scale when comparing them to even the least expensive camera that you migh consider.

That aside, my sugestion to consider the next generation of software solutions using these devices to automate your picture and posting processes without sacrificing your personal touch and personality provides the best of both.  Less expense, less time and most importantly more opportunities to focus your time on the most important reason that you are taking your own pictures and videos - to sell more cars! 

Comment by Jesse Parks on November 2, 2012 at 9:50am

Nikon Coolpix L810  great car pics and will make HD video. 200 bucks on amazon. use them at both my stores.

Comment by Michael W. Rutter on November 2, 2012 at 9:26am

Thomas, do yopu have an IPhone or an Android Phone. With our Platform you can Add, edit, Delete and Manage your entire inventory from your mobile. Give me a call. 502-394-3812 Mike.

Comment by Matt Bary on November 2, 2012 at 9:21am

Hi Thomas

As a hobby photographer and car dealer I'll try and help out the best I can. 

The first question is the type of camera.

If you just want a basic point and shoot, then I would say most of them out there are the same. I would even suggest you just use your smartphone.. 

If you want something a bit more advanced I would strongly suggest a DSLR (the type where you buy the lenses apart from the camera's body). with that type of a camera you can use a wide angle lens (that works great when shooting the inside of the vehicle), an external flash (also a great benefit. I use it when I do the outside shoots as well as the flash helps remove shadows from the picture) and last but maybe most importantly, a DSLR will allow you to use a polarizing  filter, which helps to Eliminate Reflections and Glare (from the windshield . most of this cameras also have video capabilities. 

The second question is budget. there are many good cameras out there and it'll be easier to narrow it down by price. 

Entry level cameras are the canon EOS Rebel T3 or the Nikon 3100 they come with a kit 18-55mm lens and are priced right under $500. you will have to add a memory card, polarizing filter, and if you want to go all the way an external flash like the Canon - 430EX II or Nikon - SB700 speedlight

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk=Category_DSLR+Cameras&am...

if you want to keep an eye out for good deals keep track of this website: http://slickdeals.net/.

Comment by Michael Walden on November 2, 2012 at 8:52am

I agree with Patrick, a Flip camera is great for short vidoes and it formats them easily for the web. Don't forget a tripod either this will help keep the camera steady. As for stills any camera that has 8 mega pixel or better but remember that the picture resolution don't need to be super high for web photos (big file load more slowly). Also the camera should have a USB feed to load onto your computer (some of the new WiFi cameras as fun too).  I hope this helps.  Just for grins let use know he waht you pick.

 

Comment by Philip Zelinger on November 2, 2012 at 8:29am

My response might surprise you and seem self serving given that my suggestion will recommend that you consider one of my vendor partners , SiSter Technologies, but you should at least consider their new FullMo and KiloPix solution. They allow you to use an off the shelf iPad or iPhone powered by their step by step process to shoot the video with or without your own audio. You then send the video directly from your device to them and they professionally edit it, add their human voice over and embedded messaging and most uniquely slice and dice the video into hundreds of taggable picture. They then send it to your site, You Tube and any third marketing platforms that you choose. They even have a helicopter platform on the drawing board that can be programmed to shoot your walk around in a consistent manner to include a birds eye view. Ain't technology wonderful. They combine your personal content with their scalable efficiencies to eliminate the need to take still pictures and post everything for you. Feel free to contact me directly at pzads@bellsouth.net if you have any questions. After all, what are friends for.

Comment by Patrick David Ucci on November 2, 2012 at 8:24am

There is a formula for video and that is what I would like to share. First under a minute with the walk around is critical. Secondly you need to do the same walk around on every vehicle for consistency. Flip cams are great for video as they have a stabilization component that is key. They also upload relatively easily. This I believe can also take pics. Same rule applies for pics too. Same shots for each vehicle. If you have a staging area it is best. Make sure to have the website address in the background. Free advertising is a bonus with this point. Best of luck. P