If you work in real estate, you know the value of a good image or video. But do you know what the best camera for real estate is?
Properties can either be the most eye-catching and attractive places or the dingiest scariest dungeons depending on how you shoot them and what you use.
It is important especially in this post-pandemic world where people are more likely to check the pictures and decide before taking a chance on coming themselves.
Therefore, it stands to reason that you’ll want the best equipment to get you the best image.
What Is Real Estate Videography?
Real estate videography is the art of filming a property for sale with the intention of marketing it to potential buyers.
The goal is to capture all aspects of the home and make it appealing so that viewers will want to purchase it.
Real estate videographers capture the essence and beauty of a property by showing off its best angles.
They’re usually hired to produce marketing materials for a home that will be shown on television or online, but they can also be employed to provide footage that buyers may want to review before making an offer.
Video can offer a much more convincing sales platform than just photos alone.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “What’s the best camera I can get for real estate?”
Well, there’s no one answer. That’s why today, we’ve compiled a guide on cameras for real estate. We’ll be talking about what you need to consider before buying one.
Additionally, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite recommendations in this area.
Best Camera For Real Estate
Now that the intro’s out of the way, let’s jump right into our list!
1. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
This DSLR camera comes with a full-frame CMOS sensor that clocks at 26.2MP. It is also capable of shooting in full 1080p HD.
Therefore, the image and video quality on this camera are both pristine. The sharp image quality retains all the details of a scene.
The Mark II is compatible with all Canon EF lenses. This means you’ll have an immense number of lenses to choose from.
The camera is also equipped with a 3-inch LCD touchscreen that offers an excellent display at 1080p.
The camera has built-in Wi-Fi which makes transferring files from it to your computer a matter of a few button presses.
It’s an invaluable feature, considering you’ll need to view how the pictures look on a computer screen before posting.
If what you need is a DSLR that can shoot great-looking pictures and videos that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, this is the camera for you.
2. Nikon Z 6II
For real estate photographers more interested in shooting great virtual tours of their apartments, high-quality video capabilities are the most important factor. For this, we think there’s no better camera to recommend the Nikon Z6.
The Z6 has a 24MP full-frame sensor and can shoot 4K video. It also has a 6K time-lapse mode.
Although that’s more likely to be something you have fun experimenting with outside work, rather than a feature important for real estate photography.
The Nikon Z6 is a great consideration even if you had used professional cameras before. The Z6 offers compatibility with F-mount Nikkor lenses.
The only caveat is that you’ll need an FTZ adapter. Therefore, if you’re into Nikon, you’ll have no problem transitioning to this mirrorless gem.
The Nikon Z6 has a built-in electronic viewfinder which will make it clear what the picture will look like. The picture will be displayed on the 3-inch touchscreen.
Both of these features, in conjunction with the simplified controls, make this one of the finest cameras for real estate photography.
How To Create Real Estate Videos
Every real estate agent knows that a video is worth 1,000 words. It’s true!
When you’re looking to buy or sell property, nothing can replace seeing the home in person.
But it’s not always possible for buyers and sellers to be there all the time. That’s where an amazing real estate video comes in handy.
In a world where people are glued to their smartphones and tablets, it is no wonder that social media has become one of the biggest platforms for advertising real estate.
Real estate videos make it possible to showcase properties and attract potential buyers with just a few clicks of an app.
1. Shoot videos in high definition or, ideally, 4K.
2. Keep your videos short and snappy.
3. Use high-quality, professional equipment to film the video.
4. Create a script for any voiceover or interviews you have in the video.
5. Make sure there is enough light when filming indoors and outdoors.
6. Use a tripod to stabilize your camera and reduce shake and blur.
7. Include shots of the property’s exterior as well as interior spaces.
8. Add audio that captures the space’s ambiance or tells a story about it.
9. Consider adding text overlays with information about features or amenities.
10. Get close-up shots, but also show the property from a distance.
11. Include natural sounds and music in your video.
12. Show off any features that make this property unique or stand out.
3. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
Stepping away from Canon and Nikon for a moment, let’s talk about Panasonic. The Lumix FZ80 is a bridge between the capabilities of mirrorless cameras and the simplicity of point and shooters.
The FZ80 is equipped with an 18.1MP sensor. It also includes a strong lens that gives you the ability to zoom up to 60x.
Panasonic has brought image stabilizing into the table. It prevents shakiness and makes every shot count.
Like other cameras on the list, Wi-Fi is available for quick and painless file transfer. The FZ80 impresses with its performance in low-light situations. This an area where most lower-end cameras flunk.
This is one of the best cameras for home staging. You’ll need no aid from a pro. In fact, you could take it out of the box, charge it and head to town, take all the images you need without looking at a manual.
4. Canon EOS Rebel T6
We couldn’t help but recommend two Canons for this guide. Our second choice is the EOS Rebel T6. This entry-level DSLR is aimed mainly at novice photographers looking to upgrade from their phones to professional cameras.
The Rebel T6 functions well as a camera for real estate. It is light and easy to carry around. The LCD screen is lit well and that makes it easy to read in sunlight.
The camera is also equipped with an optical viewfinder that helps you frame shots better.
The Canon Rebel T6 offers some great features in this compact package. While it’s not full-frame, we believe it makes up for it with its low price.
That’s not to say the picture quality is weak or anything.
Far from it, the Rebel T6 is a capable camera that can shoot great-looking images at 18 Megapixels and offers full HD video recording. So, if you’re not looking to spend a lot on a full-frame, this is the perfect alternative.
You’ll also have Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity options for easier file transfers. This camera is built for beginners and you can see it in its simple controls and intuitive menus design.
It’ll also last you a while, the battery life is long enough to last you a whole day of shooting.
There are some drawbacks that come with the lower price tag, of course. For one, the camera is built using plastic which doesn’t feel the most premium. Also, there are no touch controls on the LCD which is sad.
5. Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 is sure to blow anyone’s mind with its 45.7megapixels sensor. This is something rarely any competition could offer.
Not only that, the D850 offers 4K video recording. The build quality and long battery life here are something to admire. All of this serves to make this the ultimate camera for real estate photography.
You can use the D850 to shoot professional-grade indoor photos. You can also record some crips and high-quality virtual tours of the estates using this camera.
Regardless of how you use it, the D850 is guaranteed to give amazing results.
Not only that, you can capture great outdoor pictures thanks to the ruggedness and weather seals of this D850.
So, if you’re in an area with harsh weather conditions, you’ll have no problem getting to work with this camera.
You’ll also have no problem doing long shooting days since the battery life is long enough to not need any charge during the day.
Of course, all these impressive features will set you back a little. But thanks to the quality performance and solid build, you won’t need another camera any time soon.
Things To Consider Before Buying
So, you’re considering purchasing a camera for shooting real estate video or taking amazing images from a photography standpoint?
Now let’s take a deep dive into your purchasing considerations. Because you need to know the important pointers before wading in!
Sensor Size
If you followed this or any other website’s guides on cameras, you’ll know that sensor size is crucial in choosing your camera. For the uninitiated, there are two dominant sensor formats: full-frame and APS-C.
A full-frame sensor will get you superior picture quality because the sensor’s size is big (physically speaking) and can fit in more information. They also cost more than their counterpart.
On the other hand, cropped sensors have a decreased image quality simply because the physical space of the sensor is smaller. They are also cheaper.
For real estate photography, we recommend you go for a full-frame sensor camera. On top of great image quality, the sensor can capture more light, this is instrumental for indoor shooting.
Lighting is the most important aspect for indoors as it directly impacts the look and feels out of place.
Also, with full-frame sensors comes bigger lens support which will enable you more freedom and creativity. We said it before, and we’ll say it again, the lens you use is half the equation when it comes to good photography.
Lens Choice
The type of lens you use can have a drastic effect on the image. For real estate photography, you’ll need a few different types.
For instance, you’ll want to use a wide-angle lens for spacious living rooms to capture the whole landscape.
That’s why the cameras with wider lens support are what you’ll want. Canon and Nikon are probably the most supported camera brands, both by third-party manufacturers and the companies themselves.
Video Capabilities
While video wasn’t necessary in the past for real estate photographers, after the pandemic, people are more likely to want a virtual tour of the place. Therefore, you’ll want a camera that can shoot adequate video.
Some cameras can shoot in 4K. However, high resolution isn’t necessary for real estate listing. At most, you’ll need full 1080p HD and image stabilization so that the footage looks sharp smooth. So, aim for a camera that can do this, just don’t focus on it too much.
Best Camera For Real Estate – Wrap Up
That concludes our guide on the best cameras for real estate. Hopefully, by now you’ll have a solid idea of what you need and want. Remember that camera, regardless of its features and spec should only be impressive if they serve what you need.
4K is nice to have, but it costs more than full HD and if you have no use for it, why buy a 4K camera? Remember that sensor sizes matter more than megapixel counts.
Also, lens support is instrumental to the value of a camera.
After all, why would you buy a camera that’s hard to find a lens for?
Finally, what matters most is that the real estate looks its best when captured by the camera.
I really hope this guide to the best camera for real estate has helped you in making a purchase decision. When you shoot your first real estate video, come back and let us know in the comments!
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