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Are you looking for the best and most affordable DSLR camera?

In the competitive world of real estate, high-quality images stand out as a critical component for success. They not only help in showcasing properties in the best light but also in attracting potential buyers. 

However, capturing stunning real estate photos doesn’t always require breaking the bank with high-end equipment. For real estate photographers, whether seasoned or just starting, finding the best and most affordable DSLR camera can be the key to achieving professional-looking shots without straining your budget. 

In this blog post, we’ll share whether budget-friendly DSLR cameras are good enough to shoot real estate photography and list 5 affordable, quality options.

Let’s get started!

Are Budget-Friendly DSLR Cameras Good Enough?

best and affordable dslr camera

Choosing the right camera is vital in real estate photography, as it directly affects the quality of the images you produce. 

While high-end models offer more features, these budget-friendly DSLRs are more than capable of producing professional-quality photos that can help properties stand out in the bustling real estate market. 

Remember, the best and most affordable DSLR camera is the one that meets your specific needs while offering the flexibility to capture stunning real estate photos.

With that said, let’s take a look at some great and affordable DSLR options.

5 Best and Most Affordable DSLR Cameras

Here are 5 budget-friendly DSLR cameras that promise great value and excellent performance for real estate photography.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T7

best and affordable dslr camera

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is an excellent entry-level DSLR, which offers impressive image quality at an affordable price point. 

With a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 4+ image processor, this camera is capable of capturing detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. 

In addition, the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity make it easy to share your shots quickly, a useful feature for real estate photographers needing to send previews to clients on the go.

Price: $479

2. Nikon D3500

best and affordable dslr camera

Renowned for its user-friendly features and superior image quality, the Nikon D3500 is another great choice for budget-conscious photographers. 

It boasts a 24.2MP DX-format sensor paired with an EXPEED 4 image processor, offering excellent sharpness and color accuracy. 

Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for shooting interiors and exteriors, providing comfort during prolonged shooting sessions. 

Plus, the D3500’s battery life is stellar, allowing you to shoot up to 1550 shots per charge.

Price: $979.95

3. Pentax K-70

best and affordable dslr camera

For those who often find themselves shooting in various weather conditions, the Pentax K-70 might be the perfect choice. 

It features a 24.2MP APS-C sensor and is known for its weather-resistant capabilities, ensuring that dust and rain don’t halt your photo sessions. 

Additionally, its Vari-angle LCD and in-body image stabilization are excellent for capturing high-quality images from difficult angles, which is often required in real estate photography.

Price: $733

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4. Canon EOS Rebel SL3

best and affordable dslr camera

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is not only one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs on the market but also one of the best for those on a budget. 

It offers a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 processor, enabling 4K video recording and high-quality photographic output. 

Also, its Dual Pixel CMOS AF system provides smooth and fast focusing performance, essential for capturing sharp images of property features.

Price: $749

5. Nikon D5600

best and affordable dslr camera

The Nikon D5600 combines ease of use with advanced imaging capabilities, making it a fantastic option for real estate photographers. 

It features a 24.2MP DX-format sensor and the EXPEED 4 image processor, similar to the D3500 but adds a fully articulating touchscreen LCD. 

This feature is particularly helpful when composing shots from awkward angles or tight spaces, common in real estate photography. 

Additionally, the D5600 supports SnapBridge, allowing for seamless image transfer to your smartphone or tablet.

Price: $1005

DSLR Cameras FAQ

best and affordable dslr camera
Is a DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera best for shooting real estate?

DSLR cameras are often preferred for real estate photography due to their flexibility, user-friendliness, and variety of settings. They provide clear images that showcase a property’s layout effectively, appealing to potential buyers. 

While mirrorless cameras present benefits such as compactness, quick shooting speeds, and superior video quality, they tend to have drawbacks like shorter battery life, fewer lens options, and higher costs. 

Ultimately, in real estate photography, the choice between DSLR and mirrorless depends on finding a camera that makes the property look appealing and captures it in the best possible light.

Do you need a full-frame camera for real estate photography?

You should use a full-frame camera if you typically need to print images at large sizes to ensure the highest resolution even when you crop.

It’s also best to use a full frame if you’re generally shooting in low-light environments and broad spaces, including landscape, nature, and real estate photography.

Why do many photographers prefer to use a mirrorless camera over a DSLR?

The majority of photographers prefer a mirrorless camera because it’s more lightweight and easier to carry around.

Why do professional real estate photographers prefer DSLR cameras?

Professional real estate photographers tend to choose DSLR cameras for their superior lens selection. 

What’s more important: the camera or the lens?

Choosing a lens over a camera can make all the difference when it comes to real estate photography. Even if you opt for an entry-level DSLR, using quality lenses will help ensure your shots turn out just right!

What speed and performance should a camera have?

Opt for a camera with a minimum speed of 5 fps (frames per second). Ten or more frames per second might be nice but can often come at an unnecessary cost. Always consider your needs first when shopping around for the perfect camera.

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Real Estate Photo Editing

Hire a dedicated editor with performance metrics from $7/hour.

Need a Real Estate Photo Editing Partner? Choose PhotoUp!

Capturing potential buyers’ attention in the crowded real estate market demands professionally edited photos, regardless of your camera choice. 

Stand out with PhotoUp’s team of expert real estate photo editors, providing top-quality edits, starting at the low cost of $1.10 per image. 

Save precious hours by automating your editing process, allowing you to focus on shooting more properties and less on post-processing.

Our skilled photo editors can help with the following issues:

  • Improper exposure levels
  • Harsh shadows, lack of light, etc.
  • Blurred images that were taken without a tripod
  • Images that need cropping or other effects
  • Lawn greening and sky replacements
  • Twilight and day-to-dusk editing
  • Clutter and object removal
  • Line and angle corrections
  • And much more!

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A One-Stop Shop for Real Estate Marketing

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We have everything you need to enhance and market real estate photography under one roof!

How to Get Started

Getting started using PhotoUp’s real estate photo editing service is super easy.

All you need to do is sign up for a free PhotoUp account, upload your images, choose export settings and turnaround time, download your edited images, and that’s it!

PhotoUp Real Estate Photo Editing Uploader Demo

Have a look at the real estate photo editing uploader video demo to see how easy it is to get started with PhotoUp:

It’s really that easy to get beautifully edited photos in less than 24 hours, no matter what camera you’re using!

Sign up for a free PhotoUp account today, and let our expert editors edit your photos to perfection! And for a limited time, we even offer you 10 free edits when you sign up for an account!

We hope this blog post helped make your decision about choosing the best and most affordable DSLR camera for real estate photography a bit easier. If you found this post useful, you may also want to check out the following resources:

Stina Pettersson

Professional Blogger

Stina is an entrepreneur, digital marketer, and professional blogger who's passionate about real estate photo editing, being outdoors with her pup, and sweaty gym sessions. She loves the written word and has been writing for publications like Forbes and Thrive Global. Originally from Sweden, she's called South Florida her home since 2013.

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