Real estate photography is a highly sought-after skill that offers excellent pay.
As properties are constantly being sold, homeowners require professional photographs that can showcase their properties in the best light.
While there are many cameras that claim to be the best for real estate photography, it is important to know what you are looking for before making a purchase.
Unlike taking simple photographs of rooms, real estate photography involves capturing the character and personality of a house. This means highlighting its major selling points and showcasing every detail of the property.
Therefore, the features of the camera play a crucial role in producing high-quality images.
Choosing the right camera for real estate photography depends on your specific needs.
Factors such as the camera’s sensor size, lens, dynamic range, low-light performance, and resolution should all be considered before making a decision.
Selecting the best camera for real estate photography is critical to producing high-quality and visually appealing images that can help sell properties effectively.
If you are new to real estate photography, we can help you out.
Choosing the best camera for real estate photography can be a daunting task, as there are many options available on the market.
However, with a little research and understanding of the key features, you can find the right camera that meets your specific needs.
I have worked in real estate since 2018 and over the years have photographed properties on multiple different cameras.
I know what makes a photo sell a property and how to capture it.
After trying many different cameras, I have found the best five cameras for real estate photography:
Below, I have reviewed each in detail to help you find the perfect camera for your real estate portfolio.
I have also highlighted what to look for in a camera for real estate photography so read on to find your perfect fit.
Best Camera for Real Estate Photography – Reviews
The following five camera reviews highlight the best cameras for real estate photography currently on the market.
If you are in search of an incredible camera to help you sell properties, your ideal photography companion is likely to be in this list.
Whilst one size does not fit all, there is no doubt that one of these impressive cameras will meet your needs.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Best Camera for Real Estate Photography Overall
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an excellent camera for real estate photography.
Its 30.4-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor captures high-quality images with exceptional detail and clarity, making it an ideal choice for photographing properties.
The camera’s dynamic range is also impressive, allowing it to capture both bright and dark areas of a scene without losing detail.
Its low-light performance is also noteworthy, enabling photographers to capture high-quality images even in dimly lit spaces.
The EOS 5D Mark IV’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, making it easy to capture sharp images of fast-moving subjects such as people walking through a room or vehicles passing by the property.
One of the standout features of the EOS 5D Mark IV is its built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, which allow for easy and efficient image transfer and geotagging.
The camera’s weather sealing also makes it durable and reliable for outdoor photography in various weather conditions.
Full Frame or Cropped Sensor – Full frame sensor. This provides real estate photographers with a wider field of view, more extensive range of lenses to choose from and better low light performance.
Lenses – Compatible with Canon EF and Sigma lenses offering high quality wide angle and super zoom. This is great for capturing entire rooms and close up details.
Auto Focus – Auto focus is fast and accurate, capturing crisp detail.
Low Light Performance – Awesome low-light performance. You can take very sharp images with limited image noise up to an ISO range of 16000. It does get more noisy at ISO 25600.
Video Quality – Shoots 4K at 30fps for high quality real estate videos or 1080p at 60fps.
Battery Life – Battery life is average and can take 500-600 shots per charge. Battery doesn’t drain when using GPS like it does on other cameras.
Overall, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an excellent camera that can help real estate photographers take their work to the next level.
“While the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is relatively expensive, its exceptional image quality, fast autofocus system, and other features make it a worthwhile investment for real estate photographers looking to produce high-quality images.”
Canon EOS R – Best Camera for Real Estate Photography for Versatility
The Canon EOS R is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers impressive capabilities for real estate photography.
With a 30.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor, this camera produces high-quality images with excellent color accuracy and sharpness.
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS R for real estate photography is its advanced autofocus system.
The camera has 5,655 manually selectable AF points that cover nearly the entire frame, making it easy to focus on even the most challenging subjects.
Additionally, the EOS R has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that provides smooth and accurate autofocus when shooting video.
The camera’s tilting LCD touchscreen is also a valuable asset for real estate photography.
It allows you to easily compose your shots from a variety of angles, including high and low positions.
Plus, the touchscreen enables you to adjust settings and make changes to your composition quickly and intuitively.
Another advantage of the Canon EOS R for real estate photography is its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for easy sharing of images with clients and colleagues. Additionally, the camera’s compatibility with Canon’s extensive line-up of lenses provides a range of options for capturing different types of shots, including wide-angle views of interiors and exteriors.
Full Frame or Cropped Sensor – Full frame mirrorless camera.
Lenses – Compatible with Canon’s wide array of lenses with incredible options for wide angle shots suitable for both exterior images and full room shots. When swapping lenses, the lens sensor covers to help reduce dust which is a great feature of the Canon EOS R.
Auto Focus – Smooth and accurate auto focus technology with the addition of thousands of touch screen manual focus points.
Low Light Performance – Great low light performance with impressive dynamic range and limited image noise at high ISO’s. Focuses fast and accurately even in dark lighting conditions. Images remain crisp and detailed even in challenging lighting.
Video Quality – Records cropped 4K at 30fps.
Battery Life – Poor battery life capturing up to 370 shots per single charge.
The Canon EOS R is an excellent choice for real estate photography.
Its advanced autofocus, tilting LCD touchscreen, and wireless connectivity make it a versatile and reliable tool for capturing stunning images of properties.
“The only major downside is the battery life. If you choose the Canon EOS R, make sure to pack some spares.”
Nikon D850 – Best Camera for Real Estate Photography for Low Light Performance
If you’re looking for a camera that can deliver stunning images for real estate photography, the Nikon D850 is an excellent choice.
This full-frame DSLR offers a host of features that make it a top-performer for capturing the beauty and details of properties.
First and foremost, the D850 boasts a 45.7 megapixel sensor that produces incredibly high-resolution images with exceptional clarity and sharpness.
This is particularly important for real estate photography, where every detail counts and potential buyers want to see the property in its best light.
Another feature that sets the D850 apart is its exceptional dynamic range, which allows for more detail to be captured in both the highlights and shadows of a scene.
This makes it easier to capture images with a high level of contrast, such as those that may be encountered when shooting interiors with bright windows.
It also helps to capture dark spaces and corners with reduced lighting.
The D850 also has a fast and accurate autofocus system that makes it easy to capture sharp images, even when shooting handheld.
Its tilting touchscreen LCD makes it easy to compose shots from a variety of angles, and its fast burst shooting capability allows you to capture multiple shots quickly to ensure you get the perfect image.
Whilst the D850 is an incredible choice for photography, it is one of the weakest for videography.
It can record high quality 4K in full frame, however, lacks image stabilization which limits the end result.
Full Frame or Cropped Sensor – Full frame sensor.
Lenses – Compatible with Nikon’s impressive range of lenses.
Auto Focus – Incredible auto focus. The technology is highly impressive for the camera’s price point and also features touch screen manual focus points.
Low Light Performance – The D850 has incredible dynamic range with shadow recovery allowing it to perform well in dark lighting conditions. ISO range of 64-25600 allows you to capture in the most difficult lighting with minimal noise. The D850 is one of the best cameras on the market for low light performance
Video Quality – Shoots full frame 4K video which is great for property videos. However, the D850 does not have in-built image stabilization.
Battery Life – Phenomenal battery life capturing up to 3300 shots per single charge.
The Nikon D850 is an excellent choice for real estate photography.
“With its high resolution sensor, exceptional dynamic range, and fast autofocus system, the Nikon D850 is sure to deliver stunning images that will help you showcase properties in the best possible light.”
Sony a7 III – Best Camera for Real Estate Photography for Beginners
If you’re in the market for a camera that can take your real estate photography to the next level, the Sony a7 III is definitely worth checking out.
This mirrorless camera packs a punch with its impressive features, making it a great option for capturing stunning images of properties.
First off, the a7 III has a full-frame sensor that delivers excellent image quality with vibrant colors and crisp details.
This is key for real estate photography, where you want to showcase all the features of a property in the best possible light.
Another cool feature of the a7 III is its autofocus system, which is both fast and accurate.
This makes it easy to capture sharp images of interiors and exteriors, even in low light conditions.
The camera also has a tilting LCD screen, which is super handy for composing shots from a variety of angles.
And with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, you can easily share your photos with clients or colleagues on the go.
A downside of the Sony a7 III is that whilst Sony’s lenses are excellent, they have a hefty price tag.
When purchasing this camera, you need to consider the long term investment in addition to the initial investment.
Full Frame or Cropped Sensor – Full frame sensor.
Lenses – Compatible with Sony’s great lenses but they are some of the most expensive lenses on the market.
Auto Focus – Great auto focus technology that also works well capturing wide angle shots.
Low Light Performance – The a7 III performs great in low light with excellent high-ISO performance.
Video Quality – 4K up to 30fps and 1080p up to 60fps.
Battery Life – Up to 710 shots per single charge. However, the camera doesn’t come with a dedicated battery charger so additional investment is needed.
The Sony a7 III is a great option for real estate photography.
Its combination of image quality, autofocus, and tilting screen make it a versatile and reliable tool for capturing stunning images of properties.
“Easy to use, the Sony a7 III is a great introductory camera and perfect for beginners to real estate photography.”
Nikon D750 – Best Camera for Real Estate Photography for Affordability
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable camera for your real estate photography needs, the Nikon D750 is a fantastic option.
This full-frame DSLR packs a punch with its impressive features and capabilities, making it a great investment for professional photographers and hobbyists alike.
One of the standout features of the D750 is its 24.3 megapixel sensor, which produces high-quality images with excellent detail and clarity.
This is especially important when capturing the intricate details of a property, where every aspect counts towards the overall impression.
The camera also has a fast and accurate autofocus system, which is crucial for capturing sharp images of interiors and exteriors.
Additionally, its tilting LCD screen allows for easy composition from a variety of angles, making it easier to capture unique and creative shots.
The D750 also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer photos to your computer or mobile device for editing and sharing.
Its compatibility with a wide range of lenses also gives you more options for capturing different types of shots, including wide-angle views of interiors and exteriors.
Full Frame or Cropped Sensor – Full frame sensor.
Lenses – Great selection of Nikon lenses.
Auto Focus – Great auto focus technology. The auto focus on the D750 is fast, accurate and continues to perform well in low light.
Low Light Performance – Superior low light performance. This camera has an ISO range of 100-51,200.
Video Quality – Maximum 1080p.
Battery Life – Decent battery life up to 950 shots per single charge.
Overall, the Nikon D750 is a reliable and capable camera that’s perfect for real estate photography.
Whilst many of the cameras reviewed fall into a similar price bracket, the Nikon D750 falls on the lower end of the spectrum.
With great features and excellent image quality at a great price point, the D750 is one of the most affordable cameras for real estate photography.
“The Nikon D750 has a high-quality sensor, fast autofocus, and versatile features make it a great investment for photographers of all levels who want to take their real estate photography to the next level.”
How to Buy the Best Camera For Real Estate Photography
Every photographer capturing for real estate will have different wants and needs in a camera.
There are many different elements to consider when shopping for your camera.
Full Frame or Cropped Sensor
When deciding between a full-frame or crop sensor camera for real estate photography, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget.
Full-frame cameras typically offer better low-light performance and wider dynamic range, which can be beneficial when shooting interiors with varying light conditions.
However, crop sensor cameras are generally more affordable and lighter, which can be an advantage when carrying equipment to different locations.
Additionally, crop sensor cameras have a magnification effect, which can be useful when capturing details in tight spaces.
Ultimately, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best suits your specific needs and budget.
Lenses
Interchangeable lenses are crucial for real estate photography because they allow photographers to adjust their focal length and depth of field to suit specific needs.
Wide-angle lenses are particularly important for capturing interior shots and showcasing the spaciousness of a property.
On the other hand, telephoto lenses can be used to capture detailed shots of architectural features and exterior views.
The ability to switch lenses also allows photographers to experiment with different angles and compositions, which can help them create more dynamic and interesting photos.
Ultimately, having access to a range of lenses is essential for capturing the unique features and character of each property in a way that best highlights its potential and appeal.
Sony lenses tend to be some of the most expensive on the market whilst Canon and Nikon are more reasonably priced.
These are the major types of lenses:
- Standard Lens: Good for beginners.
- Prime Lens: Prime lenses are good for things like portrait and candid photography.
- Zoom Lens: Zoom lenses are sharp, affordable, and abundant these days.
- Wide Angle Lens: Wide-angle lenses are good for taking a lot of photos of interiors. Such as small rooms or offices and even bathrooms.
- Tilt-Shift Lens: Tilt-shift cameras help you to aim at your scene. and, you can compose your image in an upward or downward direction.
Auto Focus
Great auto focus is important for real estate photography as it allows photographers to quickly and accurately focus on their subject, saving time and increasing efficiency.
Real estate photographers need to capture a wide range of images, including exterior views, architectural details, and interior shots of various rooms.
With an accurate and fast autofocus system, photographers can ensure that their images are sharp and in focus, highlighting the property’s features and potential.
Additionally, auto focus helps photographers capture images in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright outdoor shots to dimly lit interiors.
Auto focus is an essential feature for any real estate photographer looking to capture high-quality images that showcase the best features of a property.
Low Light Performance
Exceptional low light performance is important for real estate photography as many properties have varying light conditions that can be difficult to capture accurately.
A camera with good low light performance can produce high-quality images even in dimly lit spaces, highlighting the beauty of a room or architectural feature without sacrificing detail or clarity.
This is particularly important for capturing interior shots, which often have less natural light and require a higher ISO setting to maintain image quality.
Having a camera with good low light performance can help real estate photographers create stunning images that accurately represent a property’s features and potential.
Video Quality
Videos are becoming an increasingly popular way to showcase properties.
High-quality video can give potential buyers a more immersive and realistic view of the property, allowing them to see the space and features in greater detail.
This can be particularly beneficial for remote buyers who may not be able to visit the property in person.
A camera with good video quality is an essential tool for real estate photographers looking to stay ahead of the curve and provide their clients with the best possible service.
Battery Life
Good battery life is essential for real estate photography as it allows photographers to work for extended periods without worrying about their camera dying.
Real estate photography involves capturing a large number of images and often requires photographers to be on location for several hours at a time.
Having a camera with good battery life ensures that photographers can focus on capturing the best images without interruption or downtime. This results in a more efficient and productive workflow.
Best Camera For Real Estate Photography – My Verdict
Once you have considered which features are a priority in your camera, it’s time to choose your photography tool.
Whilst all five cameras reviewed are outstanding for real estate photography, some may suit you more than others.
I found the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV to be the best camera overall for real estate photography.
With high image quality and a great selection of interchangeable lenses, this camera stands out from the rest.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Best Camera for Real Estate Photography Overall
However, if you are just getting started in the world of real estate photography, the Sony a7 III is a great camera for beginners.
Although it is on the pricier side, it is incredibly easy to use and understand.
Alternatively, for those on a budget, the Nikon D750 is an affordable choice.
Whilst there are many contenders for the best camera for real estate photography, the real winner is the one that meets your needs.
Make sure you weigh up what is important to you and you can rest assured you will find your perfect camera for real estate photography.
