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9 Best Cameras for Real Estate Photography in 2024
The best camera for real estate photography is the the Sony a7R IV. The Sony a7R IV offers everything you could possibly need to produce amazing real estate images, plus the capability to grow with your business.
If you plan to shoot other types of photography as well (commercial, architectural, fine art) then the Sony a7R IV will cover all your bases.
If you’re looking for a specific brand, we have articles featuring the best camera for real estate photography from Nikon, Canon, and Sony.
If you’re not sure which camera might meet your needs best, then read on!
Table of Contents
The Best Camera for Real Estate Photography
Choosing the Best Camera for Real Estate Photography
The best camera for real estate photography might be a different camera for different people. It depends on your specific needs and if you’re planning to use it for more than just real estate photography.
Here are 4 things you should consider before purchasing:
1. How many megapixels do you need for Real Estate Photography?
In general, the best camera for real estate photography will have at least 24 megapixels. Although some photographers use cameras with less than 24 megapixels, it’s a best practice to have 24 as your minimum.
This allows you to offer very high quality images that can be used for things other than just uploading on to sites like Zillow or Trulia. Additionally, anything under 24 megapixels likely isn’t a full frame camera.
2. Do you need a full frame camera for Real Estate Photography?
Although you don’t absolutely need a full frame camera, it’s a good idea to buy one since you’re going to need one eventually.
If you have hopes to photograph commercial properties, architecture, or some multi-million dollar listings, then you’re definitely going to want a full frame camera.
A crop sensor can get the job done, but you’ll want a full frame to handle all of the high-end work. Additionally, if you plan to use your camera for any other type of photography (wedding, product, portrait, etc.) go with a full frame.
All the cameras listed below have full frame sensors.
3. Will you use this camera for other types of photography as well?
If you’re going to be using this camera for more than just real estate, then you’ll want to consider what features you’ll need for you other jobs.
It’s best to go with a highly adaptable camera that can get the job done in any setting like the Nikon D850 or our top choice, the Sony a7R IV.
4. Do you plan to offer real estate video services?
Offering real estate video services adds in a whole new layer to what you might want out of your camera. 4k is obviously a feature that you’ll want included, but you should also consider the weight of the camera as well.
The Best Camera for Real Estate Photography: Budget Options
Nikon D750
The Nikon D750 is the camera that personally used for years before upgrading to the Nikon Z7ii. It’s been extremely reliable and I definitely recommend it as an affordable option.
For a more detailed review, check out this article I wrote: Nikon D750 for Real Estate Photography Review
Pros
- Great in low light
- Vertical tilting screen
- Dual SD card slots
Cons
- No 4k video
- Only 24 MP
Canon 6D Mark II
The Canon 6d Mark ii is similar to the Nikon d750 in that it’s a very reliable camera that won’t break the bank.
If you’re just getting started, but are serious about Real Estate Photography, either this 6D Mark ii, or the Nikon d750 will be great choices.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great dynamic range abilities
- 26.2 MP
Cons
- No 4k video
- Only single SD card slot
Best Camera for Real Estate Photography and Videography
Sony a7 III
If I wasn’t so engrained in the Nikon world, I would use this Sony instead. It’s the perfect camera for purely real estate photography professionals.
The a7 iii is the camera that I recommend to anyone just starting out. Sony’s mirrorless technology is unrivaled at the moment. Although, both Nikon and Canon are trying to change that.
Pros
- In-camera stabilization
- High ISO capabilities
- Light-weight mirrorless design
- 4k video
- Dual SD card slots
Cons
- Only 24.2 MP
Nikon Z6 II
The Nikon Z6 ii is Nikon’s answer to the Sony a7 iii listed directly above. It’s great for both photo and video and its really starting to become a popular camera amongst professional real estate photographers.
The only downside is the 24.5mp sensor, which is more than enough for real estate photography, but would be somewhat limiting if you photograph other genres as well.
Pros
- High ISO capabilities
- Light-weight mirrorless design
- 4k video
- Dual SD card slots
Cons
- Only 24.5 MP
Canon R6 Mark II
Much like the a7iii and Z6ii listed above, the Canon R6 Mark II is great for both photo and video. I see it recommended by professional real estate photographers quite often, and it’s easy to see why.
If you’re a Canon photographer and you’re looking to make the switch to mirrorless, this is an excellent choice.
Pros
- High ISO capabilities
- Light-weight mirrorless design
- 4k video
- Dual SD card slots
Cons
- Only 24.2 MP
The Best Camera for Real Estate Photography: Top Choices
Canon 5d Mark IV
If you’re a Canon user, then this is the camera for you. It’s a truly amazing camera at a nice price.
You’ll be able to use this camera for a number of different types of photography, and it’s perfect for all real estate photography needs.
Pros
- 4K video
- 30.4 MP
- Dual Pixel RAW (allows for “micro adjustments” in focus after the photo is captured)
Cons
- Expensive for 1st-time buyer
Sony a7R IV
The Sony a7R IV is the best Sony camera for real estate photography by a long shot. It also takes the top place for best camera for real estate photography overall.
It produces incredible images and is truly exceptional in low light situations.
Additionally, this camera will give you the flexibility to photograph virtually any genre provided you have the proper lens. This is one of those cameras where you buy it once and it will serve all of your photography need for the next decade.
Pros
- One of the top Sony cameras on the market
- Excellent in low light
- 4k video
- 61 megapixels
- Superior design features
Cons
- Expensive
Nikon D850
Top of the line for almost all types of photography. The Nikon D850 is one of the best cameras on the market, period.
This camera is a workhorse and will serve your Real Estate Photography business for years and years. It will grow with your business and has been proven to be more than reliable across many fields of photography.
Pros
- Excellent sensor for low light situations
- 4k Video
- Great for all types of photography
- 45.7 MP
Cons
- Expensive
Nikon Z7 II
The Nikon Z7ii is currently the best mirrorless camera for real estate photography that Nikon offers. It’s also the camera that I personally use daily.
Overall, it’s excellent for a real estate photographer that also photographs large scale commercial jobs. You can read my full review for the Nikon Z7ii here.
Pros
- Excellent sensor for low light situations
- Lightweight mirrorless design
- 4k video
- Great for all types of photography
- 45 and 25 MP capabilities
Cons
- Expensive
Recommendations on the Best Camera for Real Estate Photography
If cost is not a barrier and you are likely to be shooting more than just Real Estate, then we recommend the Nikon D850 or the Sony a7R IV, with the slight edge given to the Sony a7R IV.
They both provide everything you will ever need in a professional camera, offer plenty of versatility, and are our choice for the best camera for real estate photography.
If you’re looking for the full package without having to break the bank, then the Sony a7 iii is the camera for you. It’s a great value and you’ll get everything you could possibly need out of a camera in order to get your Real Estate Photography business going.
If your budget is extremely tight, then I can recommend the Nikon D750 enough. For the price point, it’s hard to see a better camera for real estate photography.
Additional Resources
Once you choose your camera, check out our article featuring the Best Lenses for Real Estate Photography to find the perfect lens to pair it with.
If you’re just getting started in real estate photography, check out our Beginners Guide. It’s full of helpful articles and tips that will guide you in the right direction as you begin your real estate photography journey.
You can check out our Gear section as well to see reviews and recommendations on the latest real estate photography gear.
If you’re more interested in other resources that can help your real estate photography business, check out our Business Resources page.
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