Best Camera for Real Estate Photography in 2022 (Top 10 Picks)
By investing in the right set of tools and equipment for your real estate photography business, you are essentially investing in yourself and maximizing your opportunity to be successful in the industry.
Some may say that it’s not the camera that holds the magic but it’s in the hands of the photographer, and while your skill set and passion definitely drive the process to greater heights, having quality equipment to work with will only enhance your output and make things better.
To be able to showcase the properties in their full potential and support your expertise, we have curated a list of our top 10 picks when it comes to the Best Cameras for Real Estate Photography.
10 Best Cameras for Real Estate Photography
Our top choices are made up of both full frame and cropped sensor options with varying price points to give you the best of both ends of the spectrum. Check out our detailed list of pros, cons, and notable features for each camera below:
1. Canon 5D Mark IV
Pros:
- 4 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting
- 61-point AF system/41 cross-points
- ISO range 100-32000
- Unlimited JPG shooting buffer.
- Pro-grade build.
- Dual Pixel AF Live View focus system.
- 2-inch touch screen.
- Integrated GPS and Wi-Fi.
- CF and SD card slots.
The Canon 5D Mark IV is regarded as the best full-frame camera for real estate photography in the market. It produces clean and professional photos while still leaving room for you to explore your creativity.
Notable Features:
A 30.4 megapixel full-frame sensor, which allows you to capture the lines of the property as crisp and full of detail as possible.
An ultra-fast 61-point Autofocus system spread across 41 cross-points of the sensor, allowing for high-speed photography and quick set up.
Professional-grade build that can withstand extreme conditions and tough adventures.
Cons:
- Cropped 4K videotape.
- Clean HDMI affair is 1080p only.
- Binary Pixel Raw function slows the camera and offers limited benefits.
- 4K videotape lines are significant enough.
- No in-body flash.
2. Canon EOS R
If you are looking for a quality budget DSLR camera, then the Canon EOS R is your best bet.
Notable Features:
The Canon EOS R comes with a 30.3 megapixel sensor and a CMOS processor, providing you with ultra sharp resolution and exceptionally crisp lines.
It comes with a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 3.96 million dots. This allows you to see the most accurate representation of the image you will capture. Its touchscreen LCD also gives the same results.
It has a dual pixel CMOS autofocus system that is made up of 5,655 pixels for focus points spread across 100% of the sensor area. This allows it for affix its focus on a subject accurately and quickly.
Pros:
- 3 Megapixel Full-frame
- CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF/5,655 AF points
- 4K 30P with Canon log
- 10 bit 4:2:2 HDMI output
- Dust and drip-resistant
- Built-in EVF with 3.69 million dots
- Vary Angle Touchscreen LCD
- Magnification Approx. 0.76
- Highly affordable for its features
Cons:
- M-Fn bar is tricky to use effectively.
- Uncomfortable hinder dial.
- No focus joystick.
- No in-body stabilization system.
- Inconsistent metering.
- Single memory card niche.
- No PC sync socket.
- 4K videotape is heavily cropped
3. Nikon D850
Pros:
- Full-frame 45.7MP image sensor.
- 153-point autofocus system.
- 7fps burst shooting.
- Wide ISO range.
- Uncropped 4K video.
- Large optical viewfinder.
- Tilting touch LCD.
- Dual card slots.
While Canon’s 5D Mark IV holds the title for best full-frame camera, the Nikon D850 wins as best DSLR camera for real estate photography.
Notable Features:
A 45.7 megapixel sensor, which provides excellent resolution and adds depth to the details in each image capture.
It has the widest ISO range at 64 – 256000, and can even be extended to 32 to 102,400. With this wide range, you can be sure to get perfect lighting every time.
High-speed and accurate focus system even in low light environments, which is perfect for twilight settings.
Cons:
- Live View focus uses discrepancy discovery only.
- No built-in flash.
- The SnapBridge system needs some work.
- Needs fast (and expensive) SD cards
4. Sony a7 III
Of all the exceptional cameras that Sony has produced, their a7 III is by far the most excellent choice under Sony for real estate photography. It is regarded as a crowd favorite mirrorless camera that is perfect for entry-level real estate photography.
Notable Features:
Performs exceptionally well in low-light settings due to its native ISO range of 50 to 204,800. The resolution is uncanny which allows for the details to pop.
A 24.2 megapixel full-frame sensor, which allows you to capture in 14-bit uncompressed RAW. You can imagine the amount of detail you will gain in your shots and how much easier post-production will be.
It comes with the Exmore RCMOS sensor for impeccable and speedy autofocus. Its AF points spread across 93% of the full-frame sensor, guaranteeing you get excellent experience.
Pros:
- 2MP BSI full-frame Sensor.
- Exmor R CMOS sensor for focus.
- 15 stop dynamic range
- 14 bit uncompressed RAW.
- ISO 50 to 204,800.
- Compatible with Sony E mount lenses.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Up to 10fps with tracking.
- Silent shooting available.
- AF points 93 percent image coverage.
Cons:
- The LCD screen is not a true vari-angle
- Only one card slot supports UHS-II speeds.
5. Nikon D750
Pros:
- Full HD videos at 60p
- High resolution 3.2 inch tilting screen with excellent display
- Excellent 51-point AF system
- Zebra highlight warnings in videos
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Power Aperture for smooth, step-less aperture changes in video
- Headphone & microphone jacks
- Excellent high ISO performance and quality dynamic range at low ISOs
- Outstanding burst speed
- New highlight-weighted metering mode
- Active D-Lighting helps with challenging scenes
- AF works in very low light (rated down to -3 EV)
- Excellent battery life
- Dual card slots
The Nikon D750 is a remarkable real estate camera option within its price point. It is Nikon’s lightest full-frame camera and has amazing autofocus performance in just about any light. It is also the world’s first full-frame DSLR to offer a flipping LCD screen.
Notable Features:
It has a 24.3 megapixel resolution and full-frame sensor for excellent, detailed shots.
It has a highlight-weighted metering which allows the camera to meter light differently based on the highlights within the frame. This feature gives you better control over the brighter areas.
Its 51-point autofocus system helps you get excellent, crisp shots at a faster rate.
Cons:
- No 4K video option
- No-touchscreen option on the LCD screen
- No Log option in videos
- Continuous shooting speed is quite slow
6. Canon 6D Mark II
Notable Features:
The Canon 6D Mark II is excellent at analyzing the perfect auto white balance for every scene, making the process much easier and your photos more accurately lit.
Its 45-point autofocus system allows for an easier set up and fast processing of images.
Its 26.2 megapixel full-frame camera comes with a CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 7 image processor. These three combined makes for the most proficient combination in capturing the minutest of details in high quality.
Pros:
- 2 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor.
- Optical viewfinder with 45 point AF system.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF.
- Full HD 60p.
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor.
- GPS, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth.
- Vary angle touch screen, 3.0 inch LCD
Cons:
- Further image noise than anticipated.
- Small AF content area.
- Videotape limited to 1080p.
- No built-in flash.
7. Panasonic Lumix G9
Pros:
- Excellent 20-megapixel Four Thirds sensor
- Swift single-shot AF performance
- Can autofocus in very low light
- Low shutter lag at only 0.121 second
- Continuous shooting at up to 60 fps with e-shutter (20 fps with C-AF)
- 12 fps with m-shutter (9 fps with C-AF)
- Generates up to 80.6-megapixel images
- Class-leading 0.83x magnification OLED EVF with 100% coverage
- Very effective in-body image stabilization supports Dual IS 2
- Dual SD slots with UHS-II support
- Durable, weather-sealed construction
- Intuitive touchscreen LCD
- 4K UHD video capture up to 60p
- Full HD video up to 180p
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- USB 3.0 Micro B port
- HDMI Type A port
- Can be powered or charged via USB
- External headphone and microphone jacks
Panasonic’s Lumix G9 sports a 20 megapixel resolution with in-body stabilization and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. Its high-resolution mode is great for real estate photography as it ensures the images come out sharp and in full detail. Overall, it is a good lightweight option that meets fundamental needs when it comes to shooting real estate.
Notable Features:
It has a great ISO range at 200-25600, which could expand to 100
Its autofocus system delivers excellent results despite the fact that it does not offer phase-detect pixels. Its full-autofocus shutter lag was only 0.121 second, which is faster than many professional DSLR options.
Cons:
- North American (NTSC) version tested has no PAL video support
- 0 min limit for 4Kp60 video clips, 29:59 limit for other resolutions and frame rates
- Does not offer V-Log, 10-bit video or .MOV file recording
- Subpar High Frame Rate video mode
- DFD AF not as capable as leading hybrid systems for continuous AF
- Autofocus control didn’t always detect movement
- Stills susceptible to moiré and other aliasing artifacts due to lack of OLPF
- High-Res mode is very sensitive to minute camera shake
- Flash not supported in High-Res mode
- No built-in flash
8. Fujifilm X-T20
The Fujifilm X-T20 is a cropped sensor camera, which gives your photos a much tighter field of view… It’s a good starting camera for those still jumping into the world of real estate photography.
Notable Features:
It has a 24 megapixel sensor with 4k video capabilities, and it even has built-in WiFi.
Its dynamic range is commendable at its price point with a good high ISO performance to boot
Pros:
- Good high ISO noise performance
- Though not on the level of professional cameras, the dynamic range is very good
- Responsive AF system with up to 325 selectable points
- High resolution EVF
- 8 fps burst shooting w/continuous AF
- UHD 4K/30p video capture
- Exposure compensation available
- External microphone input
- Camera can be charged over USB connection; external charger included
Cons:
- Offers a relatively small phase detection area compared to its counterparts
- AF tracking performance is inconsistent
- Hunting can be an issue with continuous autofocus in low light
- Does not have a histogram feature
- Does not offer face detection (in 4K) feature
- Does not have zebra warnings in movie mode feature
9. Canon 1D X Mark II
Pros:
- Excellent high ISO performance
- Outstanding dynamic range
- Excellent hue accuracy
- Supports very quick mode changes
- Fast 61-point autofocus with excellent tracking performance
- f/8 support at all focus points
- Able to autofocus even in very dim light
- Very low shutter lag
- 14 fps full-res burst mode (Up to 16 fps in Live View mode)
- Unlimited buffer when shooting JPEGs or RAW with a fast CFast 2.0 card
- Very fast buffer clearing with a fast CFast 2.0 card
- Sizable and bright viewfinder that accurately depicts the subject.
- Optional full-time red illuminated AF points in the viewfinder
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF allows for quick and smooth AF during Live View and movies
- 4K DCI video capture up to 60p
- Built-in GPS
- USB 3.0 port
- Built-in Ethernet port
- Clean, uncompressed HDMI output (but only up to Full HD)
- Simultaneous internal recording at up to 4K and 1080 HDMI streaming
- Headphone jack
- Flicker detection
- Very robust build quality with high degree of weather-sealing
The Canon 1D X Mark II is built to last you a long time, as its make is as robust and impressive as its features. This is by far one the best choices you can invest in for full-frame cameras with a 20 megapixel resolution and 4k video capabilities.
Notable Features:
Ability to retain high quality images despite poor and dim lighting. Being able to push exposure levels within sacrificing the final image is a sure win in real estate.
It is designed with a rock solid build that can withstand even the most challenging of conditions and weather forecasts.
It has an impressive native ISO from 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-409,600)
Cons:
- Two different memory card slots (CF and CFast 2.0)
- It is quite heavy and bulky to bring around
- It is on the costly side, and not suitable for those with limited budgets
- The fixed LCD makes it harder to shoot or film at low or high angles
- No focus peaking
- Does not have zebra warnings in movie mode feature
- 4K video uses Motion JPEG codec which produces huge files
- 29:59 continuous video recording limit
- Touchscreen functionality limited to just tap-to-focus in Live View
- Very warm images indoors under tungsten lighting with default auto white balance mode
- Default sharpening radius are a bit high, which in turn results in obvious halos around edges of high-contrast
10. Sony α6100
The Sony α6100 is voted to be the best beginner camera for real estate photography. It is a great first camera with user-friendly navigation and top-notch features.
Notable Features:
Advanced autofocus system that makes both setting up and shooting an absolute breeze.
There are some projects that require both video and photos, with this camera, that won’t be a problem. It allows for 4k recording and captures colors in the sharpest and most vibrant ways.
It has a 24.2 megapixel Exmor sensor combined with Sony’s processor, which delivers excellent image quality. It’s great even at high ISO ranges and twilight shots.
Pros:
- Real-time AF & Object tracking
- AF points over 84% of the sensor
- 2MP APS-C Exmor sensor
- ISO up to 51,200
- Up to 11fps continuous shooting
- Real-time Eye AF for human and animal
- Movie recording with microphone
- Tiltable 3” touchscreen LCD
Cons:
- Low- resolution EVF.
- 4K videotape can show some wobble.
- Underwhelming battery life.
- Charging harborage is not USB-C.
Full-Frame vs Cropped Sensor
One of the most frequently asked questions when purchasing a camera is if full-frame is better than cropped sensor and the answer is: Mostly yes, but it depends.
Both types offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it weighs down to what your priorities and preferences are. Generally speaking, a full-frame sensor is the preferred choice because it provides much more flexibility and better overall performance.
A full-frame camera offers more megapixels, which gives higher resolution output. While you do not need the highest megapixel count for real estate photos posted online, you would still want to invest in one that is up there.
Apart from that, full-frame cameras also give more focal length opportunities since there is no cropping involved which makes wide-angle photography easier to achieve. Last, but not the least, full-frame cameras perform better in low-light conditions, which is great for dim interiors or shooting during the evenings.
In terms of cropped sensor cameras, these options are generally more affordable and accessible, which makes them perfect for beginners or those with limited budget. This does not mean that the quality is compromised, however, it does mean a limited focal length and wide-angle capabilities.
Wrap Up
There you have it! All of the specs and details may take some time to digest but knowing what you want in a camera, what features are important to you, and what kind of investment you want to make moving forward will surely help you narrow down this list even further.
