Recently updated on August 22nd, 2023 at 06:56 pm
Table of Contents
Our Top 3 Choices
| Best Overall | Cheapest Option | Premium Option | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera |  |
 |
 |
| Name | Panasonic Lumix GH5 | Nikon Coolpix P900 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV |
| Rating | |||
| Price |
All 10 of the BEST Cameras For Real Estate Photography
- Nikon Coolpix P900
- Canon EOS Rebel T6
- Panasonic Lumix FZ300
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80
- Panasonic Lumix GH5
- Fujifilm X-T3
- Nikon Z6
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Nikon D850
- Nikon D750
Real estate agents know that the key to attracting prospective buyers in our digital age is a great set of property photos. Choosing the best camera for real estate photography can be challenging, given all the options on the market but no worries. We’re here to help you narrow down your choices.
When you begin the selection process for choosing a camera for real estate photos, there are several options you will need to consider.
- What is your camera budget?
- Do you need video capability?
- Are you looking for a compact, high-performing camera?
- Do you want a full-frame or crop sensor camera?
- Are additional lenses needed?
- Should you get a mirrorless or DSLR camera?
We’ll address these questions as we review the top cameras for real estate photography in three categories: affordable cameras, mirrorless cameras, and DSLR cameras. We’ll also discuss the typical user and the pros and cons of each camera type and recommend cameras we believe are the best for your real estate photography needs.
With that said, lets move on to the actual cameras. The models below are the best real estate photography cameras on the market. We selected a few cameras in each of the categories discussed below: affordable, mirrorless, and DSLR.
Best Affordable Cameras for Real Estate Photos
Several affordable cameras work well for taking high-quality real estate photos. The affordable category covers cameras under $500, sometimes called point-and-shoot cameras, because of the ability to point the camera at a subject and immediately shoot the picture.
The cameras in this category have extensive shooting modes and multiple settings, including fully automatic, that makes taking great real estate photos uncomplicated. Cameras in this category have a rich set of features, such as large zoom lenses that produce high-quality images, touchscreen controls, and wireless connectivity.
Who these cameras are best used by
Affordable cameras are probably best used by real estate photographers who are on a budget and like traveling light. Affordable cameras frequently come standard with an optical zoom lens augmented by digital zoom capabilities. The single multi-purpose lens allows budget photographers to take interior and exterior shots without purchasing additional lenses.
Good and bad features in this category
The affordable cameras we’ll review are all small, compact, and light. They cost less than most DSLR and mirrorless cameras and take excellent pictures. Some cameras in this category have both LCD screens and optical viewfinders, while others may only have an LCD screen.
Many affordable cameras have versatile lenses that are capable of both wide-angle and zoom. Some models have 4K video and vibration reduction technology. Camera resolutions range from 12-18 megapixels.
However, some models in this affordable category of cameras may have image noise issues at higher ISO settings, a limited range of capabilities, or have image quality limitations at higher zoom levels. Most point-and-shoot cameras can’t use interchangeable lenses, but some models feature wide-angle lenses with excellent zoom capability.
Bottom line: the affordable cameras reviewed in this post are all feature-packed cameras that produce high-quality photos and videos adequate for real estate photography. Feature limitations in this class of cameras are few, but they exist. Low-light conditions and extensive zoom may reduce photo quality.
1. Nikon Coolpix P900
The Nikon Coolpix P900 has the most powerful zoom lens in its class, which is an excellent feature for real estate photography. It is a bridge camera in photography parlance, meaning it has an SLR-like camera body yet is still in the affordable/compact niche. The P900 is also called a superzoom camera.
Why We Like This Camera
As a real estate camera, the P900 is a reasonably priced entry-level camera. Its 83x, 24-2000mm zoom makes capturing home and property details easy and efficient.
Key Features
- 16 MP CMOS Sensor
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3 inch
- 24-2000mm 35-millimeter equivalent focal length
- 83x Optical Zoom NIKKOR Super ED VR lens
- Articulated vari-angle LCD screen
- Electronic viewfinder
- Maximum ISO: 6400
- Full HD 1080/60p video
- Built-in wi-fi, NFC, and GPS
- 83x optical zoom lens
- Image stabilization system
- Full manual controls
- Eye-level EVF
- Vari-angle LCD
- Quick autofocus
- Built-in GPS, wi-fi and NFC connectivity
- 1080p60 video capture
- Details degrade shooting at moderate ISOs
- No RAW format support
- Long recovery times after continuous shooting at 6.5 fps
- Larger and heavier than other cameras in this class
- No hot shoe
- External charger not included
2. Canon EOS Rebel T6
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is an entry-level camera and the only DSLR in this category. Canon markets this camera for first-time DSLR users and people who want more camera than their smartphone. As a real estate photography camera, the Rebel T6 is light and has a well-lit LCD screen that is very readable in direct sunlight. It also has an optical viewfinder for framing shots.
Why We Like This Camera
The Canon Rebel T6 packs a lot of great camera technology in a lightweight package. Even as an entry-level DSLR, it comes with impressive features, including a nine-point autofocus system, an 18 MP sensor, and a high-performance image processor. As a real estate camera, it shoots sharp pictures out of the box in good lighting.
Key Features
- 18 MP CMOS APS-C sensor and high-performance DIGIC 4+ image processor
- ISO 100-6400
- 1080p video
- Compatible with Eye-Fi Cards
- Built-in wi-fi and NFC connectivity
- 9-point AF system
- Optical viewfinder
- Simple controls
- Lightweight camera body
- Built-in wi-fi and NFC
- High-quality JPEGs
- Good battery life
- 18 MP sensor, not a class leader
- Limited ISO range
- Plastic camera body
- Live view autofocus is sluggish
- No touch screen
- Low-end kit lens
3. Panasonic Lumix FZ300
The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is a superzoom camera with lots of physical controls, a rear vari-angle LCD touchscreen, and an EVF. As a real estate camera, it has a versatile long-range zoom lens and SLR ergonomics for photographers who don’t want an interchangeable lens camera and multiple lenses.
Why We Like This Camera
The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 has many desirable features in an affordable camera. It sports a Leica DC Vario Elmarit 24x zoom lens with 25-600mm focal length. It has a rugged design that is weather resistant. The fixed f/2.8 aperture lens supports interior shots in low light. Fast high-speed focus makes picture taking fast and efficient.
Key Features
- 18 MP CMOS APS-C sensor and high-performance DIGIC 4+ image processor
- Leica DC Vario Elmarit zoom lens, 24x, 25-600mm
- F/2.8 aperture
- 1 MP high-sensitivity MOS sensor with Venus engine for diffraction compensation
- 4K video and 4K photos—Panasonic’s proprietary 4K PHOTO feature extracts still photos from 30 fps 4K video
- Weather and dust-resistant camera designed with sealed joints, dial, and shutter button
- Five-axis optical image stabilizer reduces blur from one-handed videography and compensates for movement on five axes.
- 24x, 25-600mm zoom lens with f/2.8 aperture
- Weather-resistant design
- Quality EVF
- Vari-angle touchscreen display
- Fast autofocus
- 4 fps continuous shooting
- Good ISO support for its class
- RAW image capture
- 4K video
- Larger sensor superzoom cameras provide higher quality images
- Zoom range not as extensive as other cameras in its class
4. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 has variable focal length zoom, is low-cost, and takes high-quality pictures. It captures 4K photos and 4K video, has an EVF and touchscreen LCD, and comes equipped with a superzoom 60x, 20-1220mm lens.
Why We Like This Camera
The Lumix includes Panasonic’s proprietary POWER O.I.S. image stabilization technology, Post Focus, and focus stacking features that allow the user to change a photo’s depth of field or focus points after shooting the picture.
As a real estate camera, the Lumix FZ80 is feature-rich for the price and a good value. Along with the high image quality, low-light photo capability, and powerful zoom lens, these elements make it a strong contender in its class.
Key Features
- 1 MP MOS sensor
- 60X, 20-1220mm zoom DC VARIO lens
- POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
- High resolution, 3-inch, 1,170K dot viewfinder, and touchscreen LCD
- 4K photo and video
- 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking allows users to modify focus points after shooting the picture
- Good low-light performance
- USB charging
- Wi-fi connectivity
- 60x zoom
- Fast autofocus
- RAW image capture
- 30 fps 4K photo capture
- Touchscreen LCD
- Sharp EVF
- Wi-fi
- No EVF eye sensor
- Fixed rear LCD
- Limited Raw buffer
- No 24-fps video capture
- Telephoto video is shaky
Best Mirrorless Cameras for Real Estate Photos
Mirrorless cameras refer to digital interchangeable lens cameras. They pass light from the lens directly to the image sensor and—as you might have guessed—have no mirrors. Mirrorless cameras have a smaller, lighter camera body, and have faster auto-focus speeds than DSLR cameras.
DSLR cameras use optical mirrors to reflect light passed through the lens up to the viewfinder and the image sensor. The sensor displays an image preview to the viewfinder and the display on the rear of the camera.
Mirrorless cameras came into their own in 2018 with Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic, making them available to all levels of camera buyers. These camera titans also introduced professional, full-frame mirrorless cameras in 2018. Full-frame cameras utilize the entire image sensor, not a cropped subset of the whole sensor. They also require different lenses than cropped frame cameras.
Mirrorless cameras often only have LCD screens, but some have both an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a display. They project the preview image to both display and viewfinder, which is a close approximation of the final image captured.
Lenses for mirrorless cameras will vary in size and capability. The differences are mainly due to camera sensor sizes. There are many lenses available for mirrorless cameras, and while some share the same mounting hardware, most of the major brand lenses are not interchangeable.
Early versions of electronic viewfinders didn’t measure up to traditional optical viewfinders, but the more recent models are more responsive and have better resolution and customization options.
Who these cameras are best used by
Professional real estate photographers will appreciate the cutting-edge technology of mirrorless cameras and their lightweight, compact design. Full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras produce very high-resolution images and are thus an excellent choice for creating high-end real estate photos.
The ability to use multiple lenses and custom shooting options make using a mirrorless camera an attractive alternative to point-and-shoot cameras for more serious real estate photographers who want to utilize more advanced photo equipment.
Good and bad features in this category
Useful features abound with mirrorless cameras—lightweight, compact camera bodies, faster autofocus speeds over DSLRs, on-screen (or EVF) image previews, 4K video, and faster shooting speeds are all among the excellent features of mirrorless cameras.
However, compared to DSLRs, cameras in this class have a shorter battery life, and fewer available accessories and lenses. EVFs and screens also don’t display subjects well in low lighting conditions compared to DSLRs.
Price is a factor as well, with mirrorless cameras costing significantly more than the more affordable point-and-shoot camera class but less than higher-end DSLRs.
Bottom line: mirrorless cameras are more compact, lighter, faster, and the better camera for video and still photos compared to a DSLR camera. The trade-off is fewer available lenses and accessories.
1. Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a feature-rich mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that uses Micro Four Thirds lenses. It comes equipped with a Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 lens, a 20.3 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, Power O.I.S. photo and video image stabilization, 4K video, and 4K and 6K photo support.
Why We Like This Camera
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 takes high-quality photos and videos of property interiors and exteriors using the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 zoom lens supplied with the camera and the camera’s 20.3 MP sensor. The 5-axis dual image stabilization removes body and lens shake on all lens types, including non-O.I.S. lenses.
Key Features
- Professional quality photos and 4K videos
- Tough magnesium alloy body
- Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 lens
- Power O.I.S.
- 3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
- 5-Axis photo and video image stabilization
- Dual image stabilization with compatible Lumix MFT lenses, including in-body stabilization
- Support for non-O.I.S. lenses
- 4K video
- Excellent 4K video
- Sharp image quality
- In-body stabilization
- 3 fps RAW capture
- 4K and 6K photos
- Strong all-weather build
- Dual UHS-II SD card slots
- Vari-angle LCD touchscreen and EVF
- Wi-fi support
- Focus tracking slows the shooting rate
- Cost
- No built-in flash
2. Fujifilm X-T3
The Fujifilm X-T3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera has a 26.1 MP APS-C sensor that supports 4K video. Users can select from a variety of lenses at purchase, as it sells body-only. The camera has face and eye detection, and two fast burst shooting modes.
Why We Like This Camera
As a real estate camera, the X-T3 has many of the professional-grade features you expect in a camera in this class. The high-resolution 26.1 MP sensor creates sharp pictures. It comes equipped with a manual and electronic shutter and has two burst shooting modes. However, there are reports of banding in photos shot with the electronic shutter.
The X-T3 shoots quality 4K video despite the lack of image stabilization. The autofocus is powerful. As a real estate camera, your choice in lenses plays a big part in how well it will shoot interior photos in variable light.
Key Features
- 1MP Trans CMOS 4 sensor with image processing engine
- 4K video
- Face and eye detection
- OLED color viewfinder with 0.75x magnification and blackout-free burst shooting
- 16 film simulation modes
- RAW image support
- 26MP BSI APS-C image sensor
- 20fps full-resolution shooting
- 30fps at 16.6 MP
- Full sensor autofocus coverage
- 4K video
- Dust and splash protection
- Bluetooth and wi-fi
- No integrated flash
- Battery life is so-so
- Banding can be an issue with the electronic shutter
- Camera body only – lenses sold separately
3. Nikon Z6
The Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera is the top of its class. It’s 24 MP full-frame sensor, great autofocus coverage, in-body stabilization, 4K video support, and compatibility with Nikon SLR accessories make it a great transitional mirrorless camera for Nikon SLR owners.
Why We Like This Camera
As a real estate camera, the Z6 requires you to use Nikkor Z lenses but is also compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses. That makes moving to the Nikon mirrorless camera world from a Nikon DSLR world a little less painful if you’ve invested in a lot of Nikon accessories. Intuitive controls, a touchscreen LCD, and EVF make this an excellent camera for real estate photos.
Key Features
- 5MP full-frame sensor
- 273-point on-sensor phase-detect AF system
- Face and eye-detection AF
- 12 fps burst shooting mode
- 4K video
- 6K time-lapse
- 1080P 120 fps slow-motion video
- No integrated flash
- Battery life is so-so
- Banding can be an issue with the electronic shutter
- Camera body only – lenses sold separately
- Preset RAW adjustments
- Oversensitive lens control ring
- Limited native lens selection
- Single memory card slot only
- No PC Sync port
Best DSLR Cameras for Real Estate Photos
Nikon produced a prototype for the first digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera in 1986. Since that time, DSLR cameras have improved in so many ways. Sensor resolution, image processing capabilities, optical viewfinders, fast auto-focus and shooting speeds, various shooting modes, and more recently, full-frame sensors and built-in wi-fi, are some examples of the product improvements DSLRs have enjoyed since the 1980s.
DSLRs allow light through the lens and reflect that light using a mirror and prism to the optical viewfinder. A through-the-lens preview image is displayed on the camera’s LCD screen, too, along with any on-screen indicators. As a result, DSLRs are a little heavier due to having additional internal components.
Who these cameras are best used by
Real estate photographers of any skill level can use DSLR cameras. They are the go-to professional photographer’s camera and take higher quality photos than smartphone cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, and many mirrorless cameras.
Real estate photographers who have invested in lenses and accessories for DSLR cameras often continue using these items even after upgrading camera bodies, especially if they have invested in proprietary equipment that they can’t use with other camera brands.
Good and bad features in this category
DSLRs have long been superior in their autofocus speed and low-light shooting capabilities. While mirrorless cameras have recently shown some improvements in these areas, DSLRs are still the better camera for action photography. Camera resolutions range from 24.5 to 45.7. Video quality selections range from 1080p to 4K.
If you are frequently shooting in good light, then either type of camera works well, but if your real estate photographs require regularly shooting in low light or other challenging conditions, then a DSLR is the better camera to use.
DSLRs are not as well-suited for shooting video as their high-end mirrorless counterparts. They utilize a slower, less accurate method of focusing the camera while shooting video than mirrorless cameras. However, some manufacturers are adding phase detection to their DSLR camera sensors for improved autofocus capability.
Bottom line: DSLR cameras have a larger lens selection and an optical viewfinder that works better in variable light conditions (low or extremely bright light) than the other camera classes. However, they are more complex to use, more expensive, bulkier, and a little heavier than mirrorless cameras.
1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a professional-grade DSLR. Veteran photographers who have used previous versions of the EOS 5D will be familiar with operating the Mark IV. The camera sports a 30 MP sensor, Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus technology, improved image processing, and 4K video support.
Why We Like This Camera
The Mark IV has a full-frame body yet is lightweight. The camera has a comfortable grip, augmented by an optional battery grip that allows you to shoot using two batteries worth of power. The optical viewfinder covers the entire frame, giving you the same results as what you see.
As a real estate camera, the 30 MP full-frame sensor provides stunning pictures, and the 61-point AF system frames up your subject quickly and efficiently. The camera also supports GPS and wi-fi. Professional-grade Nikkor lenses allow you to photograph interior spaces in low light.
Key Features
- 4 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 0 fps continuous shooting speed
- 61-point AF system with 41 cross-points
- ISO range 100-32000 with 50-102400 expansion
- 4K video recording at 30p or 24p
- In-camera still frame capture from 8.8 MP images
- Touchscreen LCD
- 30 MP full-frame image sensor
- Fast 61-point autofocus system
- 7 fps continuous shooting mode
- 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
- Cropped 4K video
- HDMI video in 1080p only
- Dual Pixel Raw function slows the camera down and offers limited benefits
- No integrated flash
2. Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 has a full-frame 45 MP sensor, 153-point autofocus system, tilting touchscreen LCD, 4K Ultra HD video with 4K and 8K time-lapse modes, and wireless image transfer with the Nikon SnapBridge app, Bluetooth, and wi-fi.
Why We Like This Camera
As a real estate camera, the D850 is professional-grade. The 45 MP full-frame sensor captures stunning details. Your choice of Nikkor lens allows you to zoom or capture wide-angle views, and the D850 supports previous-generation lenses. Excellent battery performance and top of its class resolution make the D850 a strong contender for best in class.
Key Features
- 7 MP Nikon-designed backside-illuminated (BSI) full-frame image sensor
- 9 fps continuous, full-resolution shooting with full AF performance
- 8K6 and 4K time-lapse movies
- Tilting touchscreen
- Outstanding battery performance
- 4K Ultra HD video
- Full-frame 45.7 MP image sensor
- 153-point autofocus system
- 7 fps burst shooting
- Broad ISO range
- 4K video
- Large optical viewfinder
- Tilting touch LCD
- Dual card slots
- Bluetooth and wi-fi
- Live View focus uses contrast detection only
- No integrated flash
- SnapBridge system is spotty
3. Nikon D750
The Nikon D750 is the more affordable full-frame DSLR in this lineup. It has a 24 MP full-frame image sensor and the autofocus and video recording capabilities of the D810, along with integrated wi-fi for remote control and file transfers, a tilting rear LCD, and a sturdy body composed of magnesium alloy and carbon fiber/thermoplastic.
Why We Like This Camera
The Nikon D750 is an affordable DSLR with features and components of the higher-end D810. As a real estate camera, the 24 MP full-frame sensor takes clear, sharp pictures, and shoots full HD video. It has wide-ranging ISO support, is compact, and lightweight.
Key Features
- Full frame 24.3 MP CMOS image sensor with image processor
- Full HD video
- Integrated wi-fi
- Shoot up to 65 fps at full resolution
- Professional video control feature set
- Compact, lightweight, and slim unibody design with tilting vari-angle LCD
- 24 MP full-frame image sensor
- 5fps burst shooting mode
- High ISO performance
- Fast 51 fps autofocus system
- 1080p video
- Intervalometer and time-lapse functions
- Dual card slots
- Tilting rear LCD
- Numerous physical controls
- Uncompressed video output in HDMI
- Integrated wi-fi
- Sensor includes an optical low-pass filter
- GPS module is an expensive add-on
- Wi-fi remote function needs improving
- No PC sync socket
Further Reading: Real estate photography is one of the most important pieces of marketing a home for sale today. Read these articles for more information about taking real estate photographs and videos.
