Last Updated on June 25, 2021
A high quality real estate photography camera will help you sell more houses faster.
How do I know? I’ve done real estate photography for a number of years and houses that are photographed well get more buyer interest and more interest leads to quicker sales. With that in mind I have reviewed the most popular real estate cameras on the market and after reading this article you will know the top camera picks for real estate.
Best Camera for Real Estate Agents Top Picks
The Main Museum is supported by readers just like you. Some links are affiliate and we earn a small commission when you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. As always, all recommendations are based solely on performance and value to you.
Canon 5D Mark IV
The Canon 5D Mark IV is an exceptional camera with a 30.4 megapixel resolution with an ISO that goes up to 32,000. This camera offers exceptional image and video quality. This camera is great for agents shooting video tours of their listings. It provides truly impressive images and videos that sell. The dual pixel raw images allows you to make microadjustments. This ultimately means that you can adjust the focus after a picture has been taken. This is a huge time saver and will greatly improve the images you produce.
This feature alone is worth the price of admission as you will be able to eliminate ghosting such as sun flares that obscure a lot of listing images. This camera offers Wifi allowing you to send images directly to your computer which comes in handy when shooting a lot of pictures in a single session. This Canon also does a great job handling low light conditions improving shots taken with poor lighting available. Even video capture in low light conditions is improved.
- 30.4 megapixels
- Excellent image and video quality
- Wifi enabled for easy image transfer
- Performs great even in low light conditions
Canon EOS R
The Canon EOS R is an excellent alternative to the 5D Mark IV. It offers most of the performance and features with a bit of a lower price tag. One of the first differences you will notice is that it has a different lens mount system, meaning lenses between the two models are no compatible. There is a lens mount converter available to address this issue but it is sold separately so keep that in mind. On the bright side, the RF mount lenses for this camera are excellent quality. This camera also has a different raw file format. This camera utilizes C-Raw which reduces the size of the files while maintaining image quality. While not as high quality as the Canon above, this camera still produces exceptional image quality.
- Almost as good of quality at a reduced price
- RF lens mount system
- C-Raw file format
- Excellent image quality and value
Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 provides an impressive 46 megapixels for exceptional image resolution. The featured image sensor is also incredible. This camera’s sensor improves the light received at the edges of the sensor which significantly improves the peripheral quality of your images. This makes a greatly improved listing image. The image quality is also superb when shooting in low light conditions which makes this camera ideal for shooting those interior rooms without optimal natural lighting. This feature is loved by professional real estate agents and photographers. If you shoot video of your listings then this camera is a real winner. The 4k video capture is ideal for real estate virtual tours. You can also transfer your image and video files directly using the built in wifi or Bluetooth app. This camera is also able to shoot with an ISO down as low as 64 and the dynamic range at this ISO is truly awesome.
- Impressive 46 megapixels
- Excellent image and video capture quality
- Wifi enabled for quick and easy file transfer
- Exceptional performance and value
Sony A7 III
The Sony A7 III is a great camera ideal for those seeking a high performing mirrorless camera for shooting their listings. This mirrorless camera is much lighter than comparable DSLR models making it perfect for travel and long shooting sessions. This model is also priced lower than DSLR cameras in it’s class. With a resolution of 24 magapixels it does not quite compare to the top rated DSLR models but it does provide excellent image quality non the less. This will be most noticeable if you want to enlarge your images, where clarity will be lost with this camera. One of the top features that sets this camera apart from the competition is the image stabilization technology. This camera has built in stabilization which works no matter what lens you choose to go with. The dynamic range is also very impressive allowing you to keep image noise low even at high ISO settings.
- Lightweight and durable
- 24 megapixels
- Excellent image quality
- In camera image stabilization
Canon 6D Mark II
The Canon 6D Mark II is an excellent entry level camera for shooting real estate listings. It offers a 26 megapixel sensor which is enough to produce quality images. It does shoot video as well but it is not 4k quality. I find the video quality to be sufficient for shooting your listing but you will have to go with a higher quality camera to get eye popping results. The dynamic range is great and this camera excels when being shot on a tripod. The built in WiFi makes for easy and fast transfer of image and video files as well. If looking for a great performing entry level camera this is a great option.
- Top entry level camera
- Shoot stills and video
- Built in WiFi for file transfer
- Ideal for shooting from a tripod
Nikon D7500
This is the best camera for real estate photography for overall performance. The Nikon D7500 is a modern high quality camera very popular with photography pros and amateurs. It offers extensive features while being easy to use for less experienced photographers. This camera allows you to take stunning and realistic images of homes and high quality 4k video for virtual home tour movies. The large 3.2″ LCD screen makes it easy to see what you are shooting and for adjusting settings. This camera provides built in Wifi and Bluetooth so you can easily upload images and video directly to the web or transfer to other devices. This camera is camera features high quality ISO range and image processing allowing you to take truly professional quality images of homes and properties. This camera is ideal for the professional real estate photographer and the agent who takes their own photographs.
- Best overall camera for real estate photography
- Stunning image and video quality
- Easy upload of images and videos
- Ideal for professional real estate photographers and agents
Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR Camera Body
The Canon 80D is an extremely popular camera with pro photographers and hobbyists around the world. It is an excellent performing camera that is ideal for taking high quality, professional quality images and video. It makes it easy for capturing beautiful listing photos that will make customers take notice. This camera offers similar functionality to the D7500, with slightly better image quality. It comes in a little bit higher in price but if you seek the best image quality this is the camera for you. The 24.2 megapixel APS C CMOS image sensor provides clear and realistic images that capture the details of the homes you are shooting. The video quality is superb making this an excellent camera for taking virtual tour videos. This camera is loaded with features to please the experienced photographer while being easy enough to use for the new real estate photographer. This is an exceptional real estate camera for those seeking the best image quality.
- Best image quality real estate camera
- Easy to use with many features
- Realistic image and video quality
- Extremely popular camera
Nikon D3500 Camera
This is an excellent real estate photography camera for those seeking an easy to use point and shoot option. This DSLR camera offers a versatile set of features making it a great real estate camera. It offers a quality image sensor for clear and realistic images. It provides video capture at full high definition 1080p. Video tours of homes will look great and recording is easy and straight forward. The design is fairly compact making it great for those who do not have the space for a larger camera option. This camera is a true step up from smart phone pictures and will help you make your listings pop without spending a fortune. The Nikon D3500 is an excellent real estate camera for those seeking a point and shoot option that performs better than a smartphone.
- Great point and shoot real estate camera
- Lightweight and compact in size
- Excellent image and video quality
- Low price point
Canon EOS Rebel T6i Digital SLR
The T6i is a very popular camera and for good reason. It offers excellent performance that is ideal for real estate photography. It comes with an EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens that is ideal for snapping shots of listings. This camera comes with features that you will love without being overly complicated to use. This camera comes with built in WiFi functionality making it quick and easy to upload your photos directly to the web. Get your listings up fast and make more sales. The autofocus works exceptionally well making it easy to always take clear and realistic pictures. The Canon T6i is a great performing camera and performs very well with beginner and experienced real estate photographers alike.
- Great performing camera for real estate photography
- Easy to use with a great feature list
- Comes with a EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens
- Excellent value
Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera
The Rebel SL2 is a great lower price real estate camera option. It offers excellent performance for the money making this a top value camera. It provides excellent image quality and features 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor. It has the advanced Canon DIGIC 7 image processor and together this camera takes great images. The autofocus works very well making it quick and easy to take clear and detailed images of homes and properties. This Canon comes with built in Wifi and Bluetooth for simple image and video uploading. This camera is easy to learn how to use making it a great option for beginner real estate photographers while performing at a high level.
- Great real estate camera for beginners
- Excellent image and video quality
- Bluetooth and WiFi for simple image and video uploads
- Excellent value
For more photography guides and tips read these articles
- Best Lens for Real Estate Photography
- Nikon D7500 vs Canon 80D
- Best Low Light Lens for Canon
- Canon Rebel T4i Lenses
- Canon Rebel T3i Lenses
Should You Get a Full Frame or a Crop Frame Camera?
The primary difference between a full frame and a crop frame camera is the amount of light that gets to your image sensor. A full frame camera allows more light in than a crop sensor model. This becomes very important when shooting in low light conditions, such as a room with little natural lighting. Full frame cameras also have many more high quality lenses that are compatible with them than crop sensor cameras have.
The lens you use will have a tremendous impact on the quality of the images that you take. Lenses actually impact your image quality more than your camera body will.
Because many real estate photographers also shoot architectural and interior photography, high end lenses become a requirement. While a high quality crop frame camera, like those on my list, can produce good real estate images, a full frame camera is the way to go if you are able to invest in one.
Getting the Right lens is important
As noted above, your lens choice will have a huge impact on your image quality. Because full frame cameras offer more high quality lens options it becomes much easier to get the best for your camera. But even crop frame sensor cameras have lenses available. You can check out my article on the lenses I recommend to make the job easier.
Importance of Video Capture
I know a few real estate photographers who refuse to shoot video of their listings but they are leaving a huge tool in selling their listings faster. While images will be the foundation for your listings, it is a fact that video will bring in more interested buyers. Quality video can really tell a story and inspire interest in any property. If you don’t already, start shooting video now!
Here is the top camera for real estate photography picks quick list one more time. To view prices and customer reviews for each camera see the links below.