Real Estate, Software, Chocolate on Top

So what type of camera are you using to shoot listing photos?

As a photographer, I recommend that all real estate agents shoot with an SLR, or a single lens reflex camera. That is one with detachable lenses, often a more robust camera body, and more refined controls. With an SLR camera and a little know-how, you can approach all shooting situations confidently, and routinely post quality, attractive listing photos online, and in print format. In reality though, I understand that not everyone wants to lug around a large camera, or learn specifically how to use it, so I’ve simply listed some feature recommendations for all the three main camera sizes.

Option (a): The Ultra-Compact, Point-and-Shoot Camera

Feature Recommendations:

Wide Angle Lens (38mm or wider) – Ultra compact and compact cameras almost never have lenses wider than 38mm. Get the widest you can, so that you can fit most of those large rooms into one shot.

White Balance Override – You will be shooting under a variety of lighting conditions, and it never hurts to have control.

Built in Flash – With at least the ability to shoot 9.8 ft. (3 meters) for brightening those dimly lit rooms.

Low Noise – Noise appears as impure, pixilated colors and a lack of detail. It results from shooting at high ISO, and/or in poorly lit conditions.

Easy to Navigate Menu – Find a camera with a menu system that makes sense to you. Make sure you can find what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently.

Option (b): The Mid-Size Camera

Feature Recommendations:

Wide Angle Lens (28mm to 35mm) – More options exist in mid-size cameras to achieve wider angles. Also, many of these cameras have a removable adapter ring around the lens that can accommodate “wide-angle adapters” if you fancy something wider.

Built-in Flash – With the ability to shoot 13.1 ft. (4 meters). Better yet, seek out a camera that has a “hot-shoe” to accommodate an external flash.

Aperture Range Starting at f2.8 to f3.5 – Aperture refers to the amount of light that can pass through the lens. The lower the number the more light that can pass. As photography is all about light, go for as low a number as possible.

Low Noise – see above

Lithium-ion Battery – Opt for one with plenty of “shots per recharge” so you can avoid running low on power when shooting. Carry a second battery if you want to avoid setbacks.

Option (c): The SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Camera

Feature Recommendations:

Wide Angle Lens (18mm) – Most SLR cameras come as a kit with an 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens, or similar. Check to see if these kits can be broken up and preview higher quality lenses. The advantages are better construction, faster focusing, wider aperture, and higher quality glass. Also, I recommend getting a UV filter to protect the lens from dust, scratches, and impact. A polarizing filter will be beneficial for shooting exteriors.

External Flash – The best accessory for a SLR camera is a good external flash. Don’t worry if you’re not too tech-savvy, as modern flashes have a TTL (Through the Lens) mode which automatically sets the flash in sync with your camera.

Dust Reduction – Dust and debris will inevitably get inside your camera body when changing lenses. Many SLR cameras now have sensor coatings and vibration mechanisms to alleviate this problem.

Auto Focus Points – Aim for at least five focusing points.

ISO 200-1600 – An ideal range for all your real estate photo needs.

2 Responses to “Buying a “Real Estate” Camera – Part 2/2”

1. Quentin says:

   August 28, 2008 at 6:22 am

   Is this blog series about real estate cameras going to include methods and techniques as well? I think a valuable discussion for REALTORS® would be to include camera set-ups, namely tripods, shutter speeds and natural / ambient light conditions. Maybe that’s a whole other series?! Regardless, I think these posts are clearly a great start in introducing the topic of realty photography needs.
2. Carey says:

   August 29, 2008 at 10:00 am

   I’ll speak for Bryan since he’s somewhere in the Galapagos right now.

   Our resident shutterbug has an entire year of photography tips, tricks and techniques planned.

   All sorts of tasty morsels to come . . .