static photos vs virtual tours?

[Fredriclight]

I've experimented with the 360 degree tours a bit, and found them to be pretty bad. Most rooms don't benefit from it, most people don't naturally walk into a room and spin like a top. Besides, do you always want to show 360 degrees? Who needs to see the Camaro on the front yard of the neighbor across the street?

I think large clear photos work the best, and am just beginning to experiment with video... you can see a sample here: http://www.rudymayer.com/featuredpro...hotosSept.html

Basically presenting BOTH options. People can choose one or both.

[Max]

Wow! That is a very cool video episode! The beginning with the pictures of the agent and all that extra splash graphics was rather boring, but the actual movie is excellent. I really like that fireplaces were working during the shooting and really gives this warm feeling of coziness (I think). Voice-over is great too - lots of interesting info, I like the historical references and it makes the movie even entertaining Good job!

One suggestion - everything that is being said in the movie - wright it in text below the display. You can place a couple of small images too - I think it is good for people that do not want (or not able to) watch the movie and it is good for the search engines too.

Wow, I'm impressed

Do you mind to share how it's all done and what skills it requires to do something like that? I've read a couple of articles and it sound quite simple, but I know it is not and experience means a lot

[Fredriclight]

Thanks... well that's my maiden voyage.. hope to get better... lots better hopefully!

There really isn't a need for text descriptions At the top of the page, there is a link to a 30 photograph slideshow, plus the listing sheet, which has an entire PAGE of detailed description, plus an additional 10 PAGES of history, newspaper articles on the house, blah blah.... This house actually has a small mini website as it's pretty unique. I've never really seen a reconstruction project like this where a 300 year old house is rebuilt brand new with the original insides put back in. It's very intriguing, not to mention the fact that it was built by two women!

For this video, I bought a good camcorder, a tripod, a Steady Tracker image stabilizer, editing software and compression software to make it small. The result is a pretty quick (considering it's a 5 minute video) flash file, which 98% of all computers have installed, so compatibility isn't an issue.

[Max]

I see now. Of course if you have that much info on that one house - you don't need to have mroe ha-ha

In what pricerange your camcoder is? I've been looking at one myself and I'm a comlete zero when it comes to video. Of course there are so many reviews and article on video equipment available - I've read a bunch already.. do mind revealing what kind of software you using? (I'll understand if you do) I used a Movie Maker - its included into every Windows, but very limited and exports only to wmv files. There are couple really nice video hosting services that I found and I see that a lot of people using Quick Times Pro which is very inexpensive (I don't think it's a very good software, but probaly good for the price).

[Fredriclight]

I currently am using iMovie for editing, but just purchased Final Cut Pro and am learning it as we speak - it's considerably more advanced than iMovie.

The camcorder I bought was about $500... Sony, with tape recording. I also bought a wide angle lens, which is absolutely necessary for good interiors.

I use a Blue Snowball microphone and do the voiceovers and music with Garageband.

[Max]

Thanks a lot Fredricklight for sharing Great info! Looking forward to seeing more