Table of Contents
- Top 12 Cameras for Real Estate Photography
- How to Choose the Right Camera
- FAQ – Best Cameras for Real Estate Photography
- Leverage Professional Real Estate Photo Editing!
Are you looking for the best cameras for real estate photography?
There’s a lot of money to be made as a real estate photographer. Whether you’re working on updating your portfolio or partnering with your local real estate agent, there are lots of ways to benefit from the right camera setup. Investing in quality gear will ensure stunning shots every time and really help take your photos up a notch.
In this guide, we’ll list our recommendations for the top 12 cameras for real estate photography to help you shoot stunning property photos.
Let’s jump straight in!
Best Cameras for Real Estate Photography (Top 12 Picks)
To help you find a solid workhorse camera that will help you take top-notch quality pictures and video, check out our list of top 12 cameras for real estate photography. Whatever camera you choose from this list will help you produce captivating images.
1. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Overview: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is our #1 recommendation for the best camera for real estate photography. This camera is not only user-friendly but also highly capable.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 24.1
- Video: 4K Recording Capability
- Lens Mount: Canon
- EFISO Range: 100 to 25,600 (exp. 51,200)
- Weight: 2.17 lbs – Lightest, Smallest EOS DSLR Camera
- Built-In Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor to Help Produce High Image Quality
- Fast and Accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF With Eye Detection AF
With many useful features and at a pretty reasonable price, the Canon Rebel SL3 (known as the EOS 250D in Europe) is an excellent choice of DSLR for real estate photography.
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of this camera:
- The varied-angle touchscreen is great for getting images from all sorts of different angles
- It’s a delightfully light option, making it easy to carry around
- The generous ISO range will cover you in almost any lighting situation
- And the APS-C sensor represents a serious step up from any smartphone
While it’s not the absolute cheapest in Canon’s range, it still arguably offers better value than models like the EOS 2000D or 4000D.
Also, there are several good lens choices for the EOS Rebel SL3/250D, including:
- Canon’s own EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
- And the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM lens
With either one of these lenses, the Canon EOS 250D will provide a highly effective setup for all forms of real estate photography. If you’re interested in learning more about lenses, read our blog post on best lens for real estate photography (top 15 picks).
Price: $749
2. Nikon D3500
Overview: Nikon D3500 is the best real estate camera for beginners, with helpful guide modes and simplified controls.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 24.2
- Video: 1080p
- FISO Range: 100 to 25,600
- Weight: 7.23 ounces
- Easy, Lightweight, and Portable Camera
- Built-In Bluetooth
While the Canon EOS is designed for beginners, the Nikon D3500 might be an even better choice if you’re a total newbie to cameras.
For example, consider these features:
- It’s designed specifically to help new users learn all its functions, with many helpful guide modes and simplified controls
- It’s extremely light — a bit lighter than the EOS 250D
- And thanks to Nikon’s wide F-mount lens selection, there are plenty of compatible lenses to choose from
While the lens that comes standard with the camera (Nikon F) will more than do the job, a lens like the affordable Nikon 10-20mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-P DX VR Nikkor might be a better choice for capturing the best real estate images.
Price: $1,469.95
3. Nikon D850
Overview: Nikon D850 is the best professional camera for real estate photography.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: Full Frame (35mm) CMOS
- Megapixels: 45.7
- Video: 1080p
- FISO Range: 64 to 25,600 (exp. 32 to 102,400)
- Weight: 2.02 lbs
- Easy, Lightweight, and Portable Camera
- Auto Mode Delivers Amazing Results
- Nikon’s Renowned Expeed Image Processing System for Colors That Pop in Any Light
If you’re looking for outstanding, professional-quality real estate photography, then the full-frame DSLR Nikon D850 will be perfect for all your needs.
For example, look at these features:
- Preferred by real estate photography professionals worldwide, this camera produces astonishing image quality thanks to its full-frame sensor
- This workhorse comes complete with auto-focusing speed and megapixels — everything you’d expect from a top-tier device
- It also features uncropped 4K video, allowing you to create amazing footage for video tours of your properties
While it may all be more than you need if the utmost quality in your real estate photography is what you want, then this is a superb choice.
Price: $2,796.95
4. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Overview: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a powerful workhorse camera producing excellent image quality.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: Full Frame (35mm) CMOS
- Megapixels: 30.4
- Video: Cinema-quality (DCI) 4K Video
- Weight: 15.16 lbs
- Quality Sensor Produces Detailed and Vibrant Images Even at High ISOs
- Dual Pixel AF With Eye Detection
- User-Friendly Touch-to-Focus Screen
- Good Battery Life – 900-Shot Battery Life
Canon has done it again. Their new 5D Mark IV DSLR is the perfect combination of capability and power, combining a 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor with the DIGIC 6+ image processor to take stunning still shots in any lighting situation imaginable without sacrificing fine detailing or resolution – making this camera an invaluable tool for real estate photography.
Overall, capturing the perfect shot is a breeze, even in challenging lighting conditions with this camera’s extended ISO range of 100-102400.
Not to mention its powerful AF system and integrated Wi-Fi/NFC/GPS capabilities that enhance performance significantly.
Price: $3,129.95
5. Sony A7R III
Overview: Sony A7R III is a lightweight camera with impressive image quality, battery life, face recognition, and color rendition.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full Frame (35mm) CMOS
- Megapixels: 42.4
- Video: FHD 1080p
- Weight: 1.40 lbs
- Quick and Accurate 693-Point AF
- Wide ISO Range With a Low 50 Setting
- Outstanding Dynamic Range and Low-Light Performance
- Records Stunning 4K Video and Has Live Stream Capabilities
- Swivel Touchscreen Display With Touchpad Mode
With its renewed image processing system, the Sony Alpha 7R III offers unparalleled performance and reliability. It allows you to capture stunning images with up to 2x faster AF speed.
Its 24.2MP full-frame sensor is all you need for top-notch photos, allowing you to capture incredible detail and brilliance in every shot. You can get detailed and impressive photos, even with a high ISO up to 12,800.
Additionally, you can shoot continuously at 10 frames per second with virtually silent operation while staying light on your feet – all thanks to this incredible mirrorless camera’s slim yet powerful body!
Price: $3,498
6. Sony α7R IV
Overview: The Sony A7 IV is the perfect choice for capturing everything from stunning stills to breathtaking videos.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full Frame (35mm) CMOS
- Megapixels: 26.2
- Video: AVCHD 1080p
- Lens: Auto Focus
- Decent Battery, Capable of Lasting Up to 670 Shots
- Environmentally Sealed Body, Offering the Highest Levels of Weather Protection
- Dual SD Card Slot to Keep Memory Issues Out
- And Amazing Color Rendering
This powerful Sony A7 IV camera offers a portable body, lens compatibility, exceptional light sensitivity, ISO flexibility, and the availability of multi-recording modes even to capture videos for creating walkthroughs.
With a powerful 33MP sensor and Bionz XR processor, you’ll benefit from top-level performance with an AF system that’s second to none.
Not to mention 4K 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 video resolution downsampled straight from a 7K full-width buffer without any pixel binning in full frame mode.
Furthermore, live streaming and content-sharing capabilities mean your work can be shared faster than ever before, making it ideal for hybrid photographers who want professional-level results on every project.
Price: $2,198.00
7. Fujifilm X-T3
Overview: The Fujifilm X-T3 is turning heads with its unbeatable build quality and vivid color rendition, particularly in low-light conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS
- Video: MPEG-4 2160p
- Megapixels: 26.1
- Weight: 2.16m-Point Phase-Detection Autofocus
- Perfect Weather Protection
- Excellent Build Quality
- Built-In RAW File Processing
- Impressive Video Recording
- Dual SD Card Slots
This camera also delivers unparalleled object tracking capabilities perfect for sports or wildlife photography.
With a 26.1MP sensor powering exceptionally quick autofocus sensitivity, you can record stunning 4K high-resolution videos at 60p – all while rendering breathtaking photos filled with incredible sharpness and detail.
From bright lights to deep shadows, this power-packed performer has your back when the stakes are high shooting any scene under the sun or moon!
Price: $2,198.00
8. Canon EOS 250D
Overview: Whether you’re a passionate hobbyist or an aspiring real estate photographer looking for that perfect shot, the Canon EOS 250D is worth considering. It’s also a budget version!
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C CMOS
- Megapixels: 24.1
- Video: 4K UHD 1080p
- Weight: 15.8 lbs
- Optical Zoom
- Awesome Live View Shooting
- User-Friendly Camera
- Fully Articulating, Touch Screen
- Tons of Accessories Available
The Canon EOS 250D is a lightweight and easy-to-hold camera. Its special grip and small size make it easy for you to capture perfect exterior shots or detailed interior photos – no matter where you are.
Plus, there’s a range of automated scene modes so that all those amazing images look perfectly balanced too. However, it isn’t the best digital camera for recording wide-angle video as it crops the frame down.
With scene modes ready to help balance out any outdoor portrait shoot and great picture quality in spite of its size, this DSLR holds up well against other models on the market today.
Price: $879
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9. Canon EOS R
Overview: The Canon EOS R is the ultimate lightweight real estate photography companion with built-in Wi-Fi.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full Frame (35mm) CMOS
- Megapixels: 30.3
- Video: 2160p
- Optical Zoom
- Weight 1.46.lbs
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- Decent Battery Life
- Exceptional Flip-Out LCD
- Great Control Personalization
- Fast RAW Image Processing
This pioneering full-frame mirrorless camera surpasses many of its competitors with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology and high ISO sensitivity, as well as a 30.3MP sensor for incredible detailing in every shot.
It’s also compatible with RF lenses, perfect to take your work up to another level, while Bluetooth & Wi-Fi make connecting devices a walk in the park, allowing you to quickly transfer images wherever they need to go.
Price: $1699
10. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Overview: If you’re a semi-pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist looking to capture beautiful real estate scenes, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is your go-to camera.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Sensor: Full-Frame (35mm)
- Megapixels: 26.2
- Video: 2160p
- Weight: 6.86 lbs
- Standard SD Card Slot
- Wide Range of Shutter Speed Controllers
- Optical Viewfinder to Shoot With Perfection
- Excellent Battery Life
- A Decent Connectivity Suite
- An Adequate Set of On-Device Controllers
With Canon EOS 6D Mark II’s 27MP full-frame sensor and powerful DIGIC 7 processor, this camera can take amazing low light photos between ISO 100 – 40000.
Its 3-inch LCD panel will never leave any detail out of the shot while also being able to switch quickly from autofocus modes to add that professional touch.
As far as compatibility goes, you won’t have trouble finding lenses either making sure no matter what optics are used every picture comes out perfect.
On the downside, nothing is perfect so unfortunately image stabilization doesn’t come with this camera.
Price: $2054.95
11. Leica TL2
Overview: The Leica TL2 is the perfect partner in crime to help you take amazing real estate photos.
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: Digital APS-C System
- Sensor: 24MP APS-C CMOS
- Megapixels: 24
- Video: 1080p, 4K Max Video Resolution
- Weight: 6.15 lbs
- Image Stabilization
- Expanded ISO Range of 100-50,000
- Convenient Touch Screen
- Face Detection Focusing
- 49 Focus Points
This cutting-edge tech camera detects faces, lets you lock focus and exposure quickly when taking shots of moving subjects, and softens shadows so that even high-contrast images show maximum detail.
Besides, it’s foolproof enough for any photography newbie. So get ready to capture every real estate listing in all its glory with this trusty sidekick by your side.
Price: $2,444.95
12. Nikon Z7
Overview: The Nikon Z7 model is described as a photographer’s dream come true!
SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full Frame APS-C
- Megapixels: 45.7
- Video: 2160p
- Optical Zoom: 1x
- Weight: 6.66 lbs
- Great Weather Protection
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI
- Excellent Image Quality at High ISO
- Top-Notch Electronic Viewfinder
The Nikon Z7 packs an impressive 45.7 MP CMOS backlit sensor and ISO range of 64-25,600 points that allow you to capture beautiful images with incredible performance.
You can also customize many functions according to your creative ideas like using the focus ring on selectable aperture sizes or manual focusing, so each shot looks exactly how you imagined it in your mind’s eye.
On top of these features, this full-frame mirrorless camera has an incredibly responsive shooting touch screen making each shoot even more enjoyable than before.
Price: $3,484.95
How to Choose the Right Camera (4 Main Tips)
If you’re looking to make your property shine, the right real estate camera and lens can help get you there.
Whether it’s for selling your own home or generating professional listing images for real estate agents – having a dedicated device will let you capture shots with better accuracy and more flattering angles than what smartphones are capable of.
In today’s real estate sales market, the quality of the photos matters more than ever. For example, think about the following:
- More than 90% of buyers begin their home search online and high-quality listing photographs give them the confidence to take a deeper, longer look at the property
- Therefore, having the right camera — one that produces stunning results — is a necessity for real estate photography
In general, DSLR cameras are the favored choice for real estate photography. These cameras allow the photographer the greatest flexibility, ease of use, and settings options.
DSLR cameras produce accurate shots that help potential buyers see the full layout of a home, thereby getting a better feel and sense of the property.
Mirrorless cameras are also good options and offer several advantages like smaller sizes, faster shooting speed, and better video capabilities. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as shorter battery life, limited lens selection, and higher price points.
Whether you choose a DSLR or mirrorless, in real estate photography, you’ll want the camera that helps your property look its best and allows you to capture images of the property in a way that’s flattering and enticing.
1. Know the Difference Between DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
DSLR and mirrorless cameras are considered to be the most universal, as they have both low-cost and professional models.
Recent studies have shown that 63% of professional photographers use a mirrorless camera, while 36% of them use a DSLR camera. This is largely because the mirrorless camera is more lightweight and easier to carry around.
However, when it comes to real estate photography, professional photographers tend to choose DSLR cameras for their superior lens selection.
But what’s the difference between the two?
If you’re wondering what sets DSLR and mirrorless cameras apart, DSLR uses a traditional mirror-and-prism system that sends light from the lens directly into an optical viewfinder.
A modern mirrorless camera, on the other hand, uses digital sensors to capture light as well as sends live previews of each image straight onto its electronic viewfinder or rear LCD screen – perfect for quickly previewing shots without delay.
2. Avoid Using Your Smartphone
Many newbie real estate photographers and agents will almost instinctively use their smartphone cameras to capture their real estate images. In a way, this makes sense, because it’s the camera they carry with them most often.
But we urge you to think twice before using your cell phone camera for your real estate photography.
Why? Consider this:
- While it’s true that many modern smartphones are equipped with absolutely fantastic camera arrays, they still don’t capture the crisp, captivating photos a DSLR camera can
- And most cell phone cameras lack the filters and settings the higher-end cameras have — and these matter for the quality of the photos
However, if you are still set on using a smartphone though, try to add dedicated lens enhancers and motorized mounts that allow smartphones to capture better images and 3D virtual tours.
3. Understand the Importance of Matrix Size
If you’re looking for the best camera to capture stunning real estate photography, then having a larger sensor is key – it ensures greater sensitivity and less noise in your images.
Typically, you can find 3 main lenses, including:
- 1 inch (or smaller): Generally used in inexpensive compact cameras
- APS-C: Highly-developed mirrorless and DSLRs contain this type
- Full Frame: Also used in both mirrorless and DSLRs
Overall, full-frame cameras or APS-C sensors are a top pick for professional photographers due to their advanced APS-C sensors.
But, these babies don’t come cheap – and you’ll need to spend quite a lot on the lens. On the other hand though, if budget isn’t an issue then this is your go-to choice!
4. Consider the Ergonomics
Taking the perfect shot requires more than just setting up your tripod and pressing the shutter.
It starts with finding the right camera that is lightweight and easy enough to bring with you to each shoot.
For example, large weight and awkward grip may cause more problems than you bargained for. Make sure to get a hands-on feel by testing out multiple models and seeing which one fits best in yours.
You’re likely looking for something lightweight that won’t drag you down while you hike, bike, or explore your subjects so keep an eye on portability.
We also recommend considering how easy-to-find main functions are. Everything should be extremely simple and straightforward.
And finally, touchscreens can be tricky if their menus aren’t user-friendly, so give different ones a try before committing to any purchase decisions.
FAQ – Best Cameras for Real Estate Photography
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.
Mirrorless vs DSLR – which is better?
Mirrorless cameras offer a lot of great features – they’re sleek, fast and take stunning quality video. The downside is a poor choice of lenses and accessories for these cameras.
DSLRs come out ahead in terms of their optical viewfinders, larger lens options, and extended battery life- giving them an edge when it comes to real estate photography.
Are mirrorless cameras suitable for professional needs?
Yes. Mirrorless models are very popular among many professional photographers including real estate, travel, and landscape photographers.
Is buying a DSLR camera for real estate photography a good decision?
Yes. DSLR cameras are suitable for real estate photography because they have a superior lens selection. These cameras also allow the photographer the greatest flexibility, ease of use, and settings options.
However, you should consider other options if photographing is just a hobby.
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.
Do megapixels matter for real estate photography?
Yes! Your camera needs to have a minimum of 18 megapixels. Anything less will not produce high enough quality for your print marketing.
Why should you avoid taking real estate photos with your smartphone?
Smartphones are getting better and better but they still don’t capture the crisp, captivating photos a DSLR or mirrorless camera can. Their “zooms” are also cropping photos, making them grainy and pixelated.
What focal length is best for real estate photography?
As a general rule for focal length, anything between 12mm and 35mm will provide good photos. If you can, opt for a lens in the 22–24mm range, which provides an even balance of foreground and background in your photos.
How high should the camera be for real estate photography?
The ideal height for real estate photography is about 5 feet. Each home is different. But this is the height that looks most natural and feels most balanced.
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Leverage Professional Real Estate Photo Editing!
Whether you shoot real estate using a DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone camera, your photos need to be professionally edited to be able to capture potential buyers’ attention.
Your property will compete with thousands of other listings online, so your photography has to be of top-notch quality to stand out from the competition!
PhotoUp has a team of highly talented real estate photo editors who are ready and eager to professionally edit your photos, starting at the low cost of $1.15 per image.
With an expert editing service up your sleeve, you can automate your workflow and save hours on editing. It allows you to spend your time shooting more properties instead of getting stuck in the 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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Ready-to-hire editors for real estate photo editing, video editing, and more.
But it doesn’t stop there…
PhotoUp is a complete one-stop-shop for real estate marketing and also offers additional services such as:
- Virtual staging
- Virtual house tours
- Home walk-through videos
- Custom websites
- Single property websites
- Property flyers
- House portraits
- Floor plans
- And Virtual Assistants
On top of that, you’ll also get access to our user-friendly photo management system, so you can upload and receive photos, send instructions and feedback, track and manage team members and clients, store final images, and more!
PhotoUp Real Estate Photo Editing Uploader Demo
For more details, check out how easy it is to get started with PhotoUp’s software in this real estate photo editing uploader demo:
It’s really that easy to get beautifully edited photos in less than 24 hours, no matter what camera you’re using!
So, what are you waiting for?
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 camera for real estate photography a bit easier. If you found this post useful, you may also want to check out the following resources:
