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One problem many Realtors have found when using a digital camera is that most digital cameras use up batteries faster than an infant goes through umm, bottles. In fact, we received this note recently from a subscriber, "Your digital camera advice is fine, but the battery life on my H. P. C200 has me going crazy. Please help." Okay, we'll try to be helpful!
First, recognize that a digital camera simply will use up battery life quickly as do many other portable appliances such as CD and MP3 players, TVs, stereos and of course notebook PCs. For any of you who have a notebook (or laptop) PC, you probably are aware that the notebook PC manufacturers often compete on the type, weight, and charge duration of their rechargeable batteries. As a 1999 NAR survey points out, nearly half of all Realtors now use a digital camera. This has become an indispensable sales tool for most agents and by definition it needs to give you the freedom to take it and use it anywhere, anytime!
First, if you use your digital camera frequently (at least twice per week) or if your office lets the agents share a camera, then you should equip the camera with rechargeable batteries. Some digital cameras already include rechargeable batteries and a recharger, while for others you need to buy these items separately. While many camera manufacturers sell their own brand of recharger and batteries, you can usually save $20 or more by buying this accessory at an electronics or office supply store. Most camera models use standard AA size batteries whether you use regular alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
Look for a bundle deal for a charger and four Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) AA batteries. These bundles can be commonly found at stores for about $20 to $25. The NiMH batteries hold a charge much longer than Nickel-Cadmium (or NiCd) batteries do. You'll be amazed at how long these last between recharges. You'll also want to keep a spare set of regular alkaline batteries handy just in case the rechargeable set runs down while you're out and about to hold you over until you can recharge them.
Next, use your power features wisely. One of the great features of a digital camera is the LCD preview/review screen. Many agents use the LCD screen as a viewfinder to line up their shot. We recommend that you turn off this feature and use the more traditional optical viewfinder (the eye piece). The optical viewfinder tends to give you a more accurate view especially in bright sunlight. Also you can use the LCD screen to review images you've already taken. While you'll undoubtedly use this instant review feature at times, if you're using VisualTour.com or some photo editing software, you can review the shots later on your PC and adjust the brightness or crop them, stitch panoramas, etc. later. Remember with a digital camera all the photos are free, so take extra shots when you're not sure which angle best shows off a room or view. Using the LCD screen sparingly will extend your battery life tremendously!
The other big battery user (waster) is when you attach your digital camera to your PC with a cable to download the photo files. Almost all digital cameras these days use a removable memory card or a standard diskette to store the photos. You can easily remove this card or diskette and insert it into a device which your PC (desktop or notebook) can accommodate to download the photos. We'll discuss your options on these devices in next week's newsletter!
In
future e-marketing newsletters we'll cover other marketing and photographic
tips. Stay tuned!
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