THE BEST CAMERA SETUP FOR REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY
There is so much information out there on cameras, but not all are created. Every camera has a different purpose, some are great for landscape photography and others suit portraiture. Therefore, we have put together a summary of the top three cameras we recommend for anyone looking to get into real estate photography and shoot like a pro!
We asked BoxBrownie.com Director and professional photographer, Brad Filliponi, to review some cameras and let us know the best packages budding photographers require based on their needs. These range from Property Managers wanting to take clear shots, to those wanting to launch their real estate photography career.
Brad’s Digital Camera Package Personal Picks
All the cameras included in this review work great with the BoxBrownie.com photo editing platform, making you look like a photography Rock-star every time!
The Beginners Package
Perfect for Property Managers or anyone wanting to take clear and professional interior/exterior photos.
Camera - Canon M3 Compact Camera with a 15-45mm wide angle lens.
Approx. AUD$480 to $650
This setup already comes with the wide-angle lens included.
Flash - Godox TT600 Speedlite flash to suit Canon cameras
Approx. AUD$60 - $110
Tripod - Manfrotto tripod
Approx. AUD$139
Pro’s
This is a great little package and very affordable. Being a small and lightweight camera setup, it can easily be carried by Property Managers to properties to quickly take snaps.
Con’s
With the lens being 15mm, it means that shots may not be as wide as other professional cameras (12mm is the ideal lens used for real estate photos). This is still very wide compared to any other basic camera setups out there, you’ll still get great shots.
Want to learn more about taking great photos with this setup?
Check out our blog ‘Getting Started: Setting Up Your Compact Camera Correctly’
The 'I Want A Little More' Package
This camera setup is best for those that want a little more from their camera and recommended for Property Managers and Sales Agents who are taking their own photos.
Camera -Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera with 18 -55mm lens.
AUS$460-$650
You can get the camera cheaper if you buy the body only. Only buy the camera with the 18-55mm lens if you want to use it for shots where you require a close-up photo. If you only want to shoot interiors and exteriors of homes don’t worry about getting the 18-55mm lens.
Flash - Nikon SB-700 speed light flash
Approx. AUS$350-$500
Godox TT660II Flash Speedlite for Nikon
Approx. AUD$85
Lens - Nikon 10-20mm wide angle lens
Approx. AUD$350-$650
Tripod - Manfrotto tripod
Approx. AUD$139
Memory Card - Any memory card that suits the camera. A card around 8GB is enough for Real Estate Agents.
Pro’s
A very affordable, start-up price considering the photo output quality you will receive. It is a great small and lightweight camera setup.
Con’s
There is no automatic HDR mode, so you need to use Manual mode and manually take the exposures needed if you’re doing bracketed shots. This can take time to get used to, but at the end of the day isn’t hard to get used to.
Want to learn more about taking great photos with this setup?
Check out our blog 'DSLR Camera Settings for Agents Taking Real Estate Photos'
The 'Pro' Package
Recommended for Sales Agents experienced at taking photos or Professional Property Photographers. This package is a little more expensive and is suitable for those ready to take their real estate photography to the next level.
Camera - Nikon D7100/D7200 DSLR Camera and 18-140mm lens.
Approx. AUD$1,699
You can get the camera cheaper if you buy the body only. Only buy the camera with the lens if you want to use it for shots where you require a zoomed photo. If you only want to shoot interiors and exteriors of homes don’t worry about getting the lens.
Flash - Nikon SB-5000
Approx. AUD$600 - $750
Nikon SB-700
Approx. AUS$350-$500
Godox TT660II Flash Speedlite for Nikon
Approx. AUD$85
Nikon SB-910 Flash
Approx. AUD$500
If you want to save on cost, the SB-700 flash is also great to use for amateurs and those just getting into property photography.
Lens - Nikon 10-22mm wide angle lens
Approx. AUD$550-$650
Tripod - Manfrotto tripod
Approx. AUD$139
Memory Card - Any memory card that suits the camera. A card around 8GB is enough for Real Estate Agents.
Pro’s
The Nikon D7200 DSLR camera has a fully automatic HDR shooting function and is the camera used by BoxBrownie.com founder Brad Filliponi. He used this setup for when he was taking real estate photos full-time. This light-weight camera will make your life easy at shoots and will save you time as it does all the hard work for you.
Con’s
There aren’t many negative points about this setup and is the perfect camera for real estate photography. The higher initial outlay may put this camera out of reach for agents but is worth every cent if you’re wanting to take professional photo’s yourself.
Finally, we recommend ensuring your photography gear remains in good condition, and therefore a good camera bag is essential. No matter how cheap your photography gear is, you will always get better photos if your camera is maintained well. Any bag that fits all your gear and has padding is all you need and is convenient and easy to carry with you.
In addition to keeping all your gear in a protective bag, Brad recommends using a UV filter on all your lenses. This will protect your sense from scratches, dust, and water, they are affordable and can be easily bought online. When looking for a UV filter make sure you're getting the size mentioned on the lens of your camera.
Want to learn more about taking great photos with this setup?
Check out our blog 'Taking The Best Photos With a Nikon D7100/D7200 Camera'
If you’re ready to start taking photos, why not check out some of our other great blogs with photography tips:
- Brad’s Pre-Photography Check List
- Real Estate Photography Tips for the Untrained Eye
- How To Get Perfect Shots on Sunny Days
- Can I have a Rain Check? Real Estate Photography in the Rain
- How to make a room look larger with real estate photography