Real Estate Photography Guide – Choosing the right camera for real estate photography is the key to taking amazing shots of houses, apartments, and other structures. Regardless of your skill level or budget, there’s something out there that will meet your requirements.
What Features Should I Look For?
When shopping around for the best camera for real estate photography, there are several features you should consider:
- Resolution – Look for cameras with high-resolution sensors, such as 12 MP or more.
- Lens Quality – A quality lens can make or break an image. Look for lenses with low levels of distortion and chromatic aberration.
- Dynamic Range – A camera’s dynamic range refers to its ability to capture the full range of tones in an image. Lower levels of noise tend to give higher quality images.
- ISO Performance – Higher ISOs allow for shooting in lower light situations. Look for a camera that can handle high ISOs without introducing too much noise into the photos.
- Autofocus – Autofocus is essential for getting sharp images, even in lower light conditions.
Once you know what features you’re looking for, it’s time to start shopping around for a camera.
Comparing DSLR and Mirrorless Options
The two most popular types of digital cameras for real estate photography are Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and mirrorless systems. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to real estate photography.
DSLR cameras are ideal for shooting in lower light situations, since they tend to have better ISO performance than mirrorless cameras. They have larger sensors which allow for more detail and depth of field control. On the downside, DSLRs tend to be heavier and bulkier than mirrorless cameras.
Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter than DSLRs, making them ideal for shooters who need to carry their camera for long periods of time. They also tend to be more affordable than DSLRs and have improved autofocus systems. However, mirrorless cameras have smaller sensors and don’t perform as well in lower light conditions.
Top Rated Cameras for Real Estate Photography
Now that you know what features you should look for, here are some of the top rated cameras for real estate photography:
- Nikon D800E – This full-frame DSLR has a 36.3 MP resolution, low noise levels, and excellent low light performance.
- Sony A7S II – This full-frame mirrorless camera has excellent ISO performance and is one of the best cameras for shooting in low light settings.
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – This full-frame flagship DSLR has an impressive 30 MP resolution, 4K video recording capabilities, and impressive autofocus speed.
- Fujifilm X-T2 – This mid-range APS-C mirrorless camera offers great image quality with 24 MP resolution, excellent autofocus, and 4K video.
Will My Budget Allow It?
The cameras listed above are all professional grade cameras, and come with a hefty price tag. If your budget doesn’t allow for such an investment, don’t worry – there are still some good options for less money.
- Canon EOS Rebel T6i – This entry-level DSLR has 24 MP resolution, an improved autofocus system, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Panasonic Lumix G85 – This mid-range mirrorless camera offers great autofocus, 4K recording, and dust and splash resistance.
- Nikon D5500 – Built for enthusiast photographers, this mid-range DSLR has 24 MP resolution, an improved low-light performance, and 1080 video recording.
No matter what your budget is, there’s sure to be a camera that meets your needs. With this guide, you should be able to find the best camera for real estate photography and take your photos to the next level.