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.

First off, digital cameras are everywhere – there are big ones, small ones, silver ones, black ones, metal ones, plastic ones, slow ones, fast ones, underwater ones… and ultimately, good and bad ones.

But what is a good digital camera?

A good digital camera is the same now as it was before – a camera that is capable of taking the pictures YOU need to take. In this case, YOU = Real Estate Agent.

So let’s talk about the “real estate” camera:

1. First off, your “real estate” camera is going to make you money. You are not buying it to shoot a picture of Uncle Fred at the upcoming family reunion; you are buying it to more effectively sell houses. I’m not saying you have to buy the best camera on the market, but what I am saying is that if you find the camera that can really shoot the pictures you need, just buy it. Prices have come down vastly, and your purchase should be considered as a business expense.
2. Shooting quality home interior photos is difficult. Owning a camera that has the required features for real estate photography is meaningless, unless you know how to use them. You must learn how to use your camera. An intelligent sales associate, manuals, online blogs and tutorials, practice… these are just a few ways to better your knowledge about how to use your camera.
3. Bigger is better. Yes, it’s true – bigger, bulkier cameras have more features and options than small point-and-shoot cameras. If you’re keen on owning a camera that easily fits in your front pocket, you will have to make sacrifices when it comes to taking pictures of real estate. So, it’s your decision: small and convenient, or large and feature-rich. Of course, you can always have one of each.

Stay tuned for my next post, when we’ll take a look at some more specific camera options and features . . .