Best Cameras for Architectural Photography
14 September 2020

Top 5 Best Cameras for Architectural Photography In 2020

Real Estate as an industry is all about good pictures as these pictures work as a first point of contact for the buyers who are searching property online. The process of buying has time and again proved that photography works as a vital base in marketing and sales of any real estate.

A great camera is quintessential for great photography. Though the skills and experience of the photographer is also taken into consideration while considering the quality of a photo but there are high chances that even a skilled photographer might face issues without a perfect gadget- a camera.

Every camera brand is engrossed in developing state of the art models in terms of camera speed, stabilization, low light efficiency, shutter speed, sensors, processors and much more. And with these very developments arises the most important question i.e. what is the perfect camera for real estate photography?

The manufacturers are busy marketing the latest models which could be really useful for different genres of photography but one should never mistake them for the perfect gear for real estate photography in general. While the list for best camera for real estate is a longer one, you should always choose the one that fits in your requirements.

The best camera in the world is the one you own! The primary yet tedious task is to choose that one camera.

The camera markets are changing rapidly, what is state of the art camera toady will be outdated in a day or two. Besides the market supplies, the personal preferences also matter taking into consideration the budget and requirement of the photographer. Nevertheless the following recommendations will come handy while buying a camera for real estate photography purpose.

As every camera differs in terms of performance and features, it is upto you, to choose the best fit for yourself.


1. Pentax K-1 Mark II

Pentax K-1 Mark II

While Nikon and Canon dominate the DSLR photography markets Pentax K-1 Mark II is a compelling alternative with features to suit your photography as well as pocket.

Launch by Ricoh Imaging under its brand Pentax in the year 2018, K2 Mark II is a second version of K1- the first full frame DSLR which was originally launched in 2016. It has a retro feel in terms of looks but solid built, features and performance makes it a best choice for real estate photography in the non-Nikon/Canon Category.

In terms of quality photos and connectivity, the camera is value for money, its 36.4 MP sensor is the best of its kind under the price tag that produces exceptional high quality photos, addition to which its PIME IV image processor will give properly lit images with high ISO settings maximum up to ISO 819,200 at any hour of the day. Also far as connectivity is concerned, for post processing you can easy also transfer the images over Wi-Fi and USB.

Key features of Pentax K-1 Mar II
  • Auto Focus points: 33-point phase detect AF
  • ISO range: 100 to 819,200
  • Metering zones: 86k-pixel RGB sensor
  • Viewfinder: Optical, approx 100% coverage
  • Max burst: 4.4fps

Key shortcomings
  • Contrast-detect Auto Focus in live view

2. Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm X-T4

Desired by amateur, enthusiast as well as expert, the Fujifilm X-T4 is the flagship camera of Fujifilm APS-C X-mount mirror less camera range. As it overcomes the shortcomings of its previous model X-T3 with features so good that makes the X-T4 perhaps the most advanced, most desirable and most powerful APS-C camera in the market for now.

With inbuilt body stabilization, the camera is light, strong and efficient as compared to its other models and is said to have 6.5 stops of shake compensation even with the unstabilized fujinon prime lens. The 26.1 mega pixel X Trans sensor with X processor 4 image processing produces a detailed real estate images which could be easily transferred to other device through wifi and Bluetooth. Also the new NP-W235 battery offers 500 shots on full battery, which has set a new standard with respect to other models of Fujifilm. Overall the camera is a good choice for real estate photography because of its high quality imaging though sensors.

Key Features of Fujifilm X-T4
  • AF points: 117/425/91 point hybrid contrast/phase AF
  • ISO range: 160 to 12,800 (exp 80-51,200)
  • Max image size: 6,240 x 4,160
  • Metering modes: 256-zone multi-pattern, centre-weighted, spot
  • LCD: 3-inch vari-angle touch screen, 1.62m dots

Key Shortcomings
  • Low Sensor advances over previous model Fujifilm X-T3.
  • Less Megapixels as compared to competitors

3. Sony Alpha 6600

Sony Alpha 6600

Packed with advanced technology, the Sony Alpha6600 is considered to be one of the best camera for Real Estate photography because of its latest bionz X image processor, 24.2MP APS C CMOS sensor and hybrid 425 phase/contrast-detection AF points which claims to have strong and efficient auto focus subject tracking capabilities.

The best of all features of Sony Alpha 6600 is its weather sealed magnesium alloy body which has in body sensor shift image stabilization which can click pictures in all kinds of seasons say even in rains where one need not worry about wearing and tearing of camera. With High capacity battery you can click a lot of pictures in one go.

Key Features of Sony Alpha 6600
  • AF points: 425 phase/contrast-detection
  • ISO range: ISO 100-32,000 (51,000)
  • Max image size: 6000x4000 pixels
  • Metering modes: Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot (standard/large), Average, Highlight
  • Viewfinder: EVF, 2,359k dots, 0.39 type
  • Memory card: 1x Memory Stick/SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
  • LCD: 3.0-inch, 922k dots, tilting touchscreen

Key shortcomings
  • Cramped controls
  • High price compared to competition who have better features and capacities

4. Nikon D750

Nikon D750

Real Estate photography requires a lot of full screen and wide angle clicks for both interiors as well as exteriors in order to showcase how exactly the property looks like to the prospective buyers online and for this sometime they also take help from photo editing services expert in the industry. And while we talk about Wide angles and full screens how can we leave behind the Nikon D750 from a brand, pioneer in the camera market.

Launched 4 years ago a well know model for its full frame imaging capacity, the Nikon D750, is still considered as a capable all rounder DSLR for real estate photographers. It is a perfect example that a high-end camera that's a few years old may still easily outgun a much newer low-end camera. Remember that it's not always about buying the latest gear, what’s more important is buying the best fit for the money and requirement– and theNikon D750 certainly delivers on thatsmoothly.

With a more modern 24.3MP full-frame CMOS BSI technology, it is fast and efficient in processing. This APS-C Camera leaves you with no further desires as its 51 phase-detection points (15 cross-type) gives contract detection in live and video more.

The best of all features is the twin slot SD card, which allows you to click as many photos in whatever mode.

Key Features
  • View finder: Optical pentaprism (approx 100% cover)
  • ISO range: 100–12,800 (exp. to ISO 50–51,200 equivalent)
  • Screen: 3.2-inch, 1,229k-dot tilting TFT
  • Shutter speeds: 1/4,000 sec–30 sec plus Bulb and Time

Key Shortcomings
  • Slow live view Auto Focus
  • Tilting is not vari-angle screen

5. Canon EOS 90D

Canon EOS 90D

Crowned as the king of megapixel with specification of 32.5MP APS-C CMOS, 22.3 x 14.8mm sensor is an enigmatic gear which combines the mirrorless video and live view AF with classic DSLR handling. The Canon EOS results in high quality sharp images no matter what are circumstances pertaining to the daylight, weather or season.

With sensor capacity like that it can autofocus on the subject in jiffy. Been Canon’s first camera to have come with a combination of high resolution and frame rate. So EOS 90D not only beats any APS-C canon in terms of megapixels but also in terms of frame rate as it can click 10 frames per second without compromising with the quality of real estate photographers. The frame speed like this facilitates to shoot during time constraints where one has to click multiple photographs.

Canon EOS 90D also helps in recording videos that too in uncropped full frame versions while other brands as well as other Canon models lack this feature.

The qualities with which Canon designs its each model is enough to make it not just better than its best but also better than the rest and on the same lines the Canon EOS 90D is one of the best DSLRs you can buy right now.

Key Features
  • Sensor: 32.5MP APS-C CMOS, 22.3 x 14.8mm
  • Image processor: DIGIC 8
  • AF points: 45 cross-type
  • ISO range: 100 to 25,600 (exp. 51,200)
  • Max image size: 6,960 x 4,640
  • Metering modes: Evaluative, partial, spot, centre-weighted
  • Video: 4K at 30/25p, FHD at 120/100/60/50/30/25pp
  • Viewfinder: Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage
  • Memory card: SD / SDHC / SDXC (supports UHS-II)
  • LCD: 3-inch fully articulating touch screen, 1.04m dots
  • Max burst: 10fps, up to 58 JPEG, 25 raw
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Size: 140.7 x 104.8 x 76.8mm
  • Weight: 701g (with card and battery)

Key Short comings
  • Limited buffer capacity

As the market gets flooded with new model of camera everyday, just remember to choose the best one for yourself even if it isn’t the latest. Latest doesn’t mean the best.