The Next Breakthrough In Digital Photography?

If you’re serious about  photographs for your virtual tours, and have been thinking about a Digital-SLR as your next camera. you may want to hold off a while and see what the future holds.

Last week's New York Times ran a story about a Californna start-up with what could be the next real breakthrough in digital photography. As tthe headline reads, Lytros’ technology will users shoot now and worry about inncidentals like focus and depth of field later.  

That’s right: its technology allows serious amateurs, or anyone for that matter, to point, shoot and achieve all the same effects now possible only by experimenting with lens and aperature when the shutter clicks. It will mean more options for photographers, more effective pictures of everything, including homes, and put the advantages of an SLR in point and shoot cameras.

The cost if this new type of camera, or required software, if any, has not yet been announced; only that it will be targeted at consumers

The effect, and breaktrhouygh it represents is much easier seen than described. You can explore the possibilities at this interactive gallery on  Lytro’s website.

 Just click anywhere in a picture and see for yourself. It might be worth waiting a bit longer before investing in that digital SLR.

April Briefs

Transaction Management and More

A start up, Opreie has developed a cloud computing transaction and client management system with a novel “pay as you use” approach to pricing. The system combines browser-based transaction management with redundant Web-based document storage and security features. Those interested can try the software for 30 days free. After the trial period, the cost is $1.50 per 24 hour “Day Pass” to access all features — but users only need to purchase the passes on days when they actually use the software.

MapsAlive in beta for iPhone, Ipad

MapsAlive extends the reach of its interactive maps and floor plans to devices running Apple’s iOS 4.3  or later. Maps Alive for mobile will run on iPhones, iPads and iPod devices.  With this upgrade, subscribers can create and distribute the Maps Alive tours fir display on a computer or one of these supported mobile devices. To learn more or take part in the beta test of MapsAlive mobile, follow this link.

Printer Discount for Realtors

Printer maker Epson hopes to expand its user base in real estate with a special discount on its WorkForce all-in-one printers/scanners/copiers. Now through June 30,  just enter the code RLESTWF at Epson’s online store and you’ll get 10 percent off the purchase price. You can learn more here.

QR codes offered and explained.

Popular video tour solution provider VisualTour.com has added QR codes to the mix of marketing support for virtual tours created with its software.  With this options, subscribers can generate and feature QR codes on yard signs and other printed marketing materials . When “read” with smartphone apps, the codes automatically launch the tour page for that property. In support of this feature, VisualTour.com has put together a Web page explaining the value of QR codes,  and how to create and use them with its marketing system. Check it out.

3D for Listing Promos?

     When I put together the March buyer’s guide to digital camera for Realtor magazine online,  I didn’t get to explore the 3D capture capabilities now offered in a few of the latest  cameras and camcorders. 

     For real estate, this would seem an effective tool for highlighting listings in a way that really stands out.  But the technology isn’t quite there yet: 3D video requires a special TV, and usually those glasses; to appreciate 3D in print requires either those glasses or a special and expensive print

     Fuji provided a couple of sample prints. In hand they look like those the 3D prints you may remember from youth,  a thick plastic coating like the lenticular prints you could tilt and get a different view. 

     Viewed in hand they do have a 3D effect which  could give a house photo more impact, especially when there’s a great view or luscious surroundings. 

    I scanned the photos they provided and but as you see that effect is lost in the process. 

     I’d say 3D has a place in the future but it’s not quite there yet. 

Service As it Should Be

     Here’s a model I wish four manufacturers would follow. 

     Had my Intel iMac four years, the three-year extended service contract expired 12/09. Shortly after, a vertical line showed up on the LCD monitor. A constant annoyance I learned to live with: oh, well machine out of warranty, etc.

     A few weeks ago another appeared and decided to see if there was any thing to do about it. After googling problem, found some forum posts mentioning mine was a known issue Apple would take care of.

     Yeah, right, I thought, but I called Apple customer service and explained the issue, how long I’ve had the iMac, when the problem appeared, and what I’d read online.

     Sure enough they replaced my monitor with a new one,— at no cost to me—  four years after purchase, more than a year after my warranty expired. 

     Wow!

     Two morals: When hardware fails, search before tossing. You might be pleasantly surprised, as I was. 

     We spend a lot of money with these companies for their technology. 

     They should all  be so good to their loyal customers.