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GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
PRO REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY KIT
Sony a7siii
The a7siii is my current everyday real estate photography and video camera. Yes, it is an only 12 MP sensor but that is entirely enough (and possibly perfect) resolution for real estate photography! It's very capable in the photography department and in the video department it's probably the absolute best option out there right now. The ability to shoot 4K at 60 or 120 fps for real estate videos is phenomenal.
Sony A7iv
The Sony a7iv is a great professional option for real estate photography. It has the fully articulating screen and other updated features over the a7iii such as better focusing, 4K 60fps video, updated menu and better ergonomics.
Sony a7iii
If the a7siii or a7iv is too expensive for you but you still want a full featured all around photo and video camera then the a7iii is the way to go! It's a fantastic compact, all in one solution and its a great price and a great value for what you are getting. It is an older camera and starting to show its age, especially with its video features but will get the job done.
Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM II Lens
My current lens for all my real estate photos and videos. This is the version 2 of the 16-35 GM which is smaller, lighter and has improved optics over its predecessor. It's the best wide angle lens in the Sony lineup!
Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM Lens
This is the original version 1 16-35mm GM lens which I also own and have used for many years. It has come down in price a little bit since the version 2 has come out. Its a fantastic lens so if you are looking to save a few bucks go for this lens instead of the version 2.
Sony 16-35 f/4 Zeiss Lens
If the G Master lens is too rich for your blood, this lens is the next best alternative.
Zeiss Circular Polarizer Filter
I recommend using a circular polarizer filter for all of your interior and exterior real estate photos and video. For interior photos it reduces reflections coming off of shiny surfaces such as hardwood or tile floors and for exterior photos it makes the sky look more blue. Make sure to get the proper thread size for your particular lens. For instance the 16-35 G Master is an 82 mm thread size and the 16-35 F4 is a 72mm thread size.
Sony NPFZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack
These camera batteries for the Sony a7siii, a7iii & a7iv are amazing. I can sometimes get through a whole day of shooting on one battery. I would definitely recommend having at least 2 of these. I personally own 4.
Sony BCQZ1 Z-Series Battery Charger
Battery charger for Sony camera batteries.
REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY STARTER/BUDGET KIT
Sony a6700 Crop Sensor Camera Body
The current king of the crop sensor cameras! If you put the lack of a full frame sensor aside, this camera actually has more features than the Sony a7IV including the ability to shoot 4K 120fps 10 bit video.
Sony a6400 Crop Sensor Camera Body
A capable and affordable camera for those who may be starting out in RE photography or may be on a tighter budget.
Sony a6600 Crop Sensor Camera Body
A better (but more expensive) camera option if you're on a budget. The main difference between this camera and the a6400 is in body image stabilization (which we don't need for RE photography but can be helpful for video work and if you do any other kinds of photography) and a much, much better battery (the same battery used in the a7 full frame series of cameras.
Sony 10-18mm Lens
Wide angle lens that I recommend for the A6400 or A6600 crop sensor cameras.
Zeiss Circular Polarizer Filter
I recommend using a circular polarizer filter for all of your interior and exterior real estate photos and video. For interior photos it reduces reflections coming off of shiny surfaces such as hardwood or tile floors and for exterior photos it makes the sky look more blue. Make sure to get the proper thread size for your particular lens. For instance the 16-35 G Master is an 82 mm thread size and the 16-35 F4 is a 72mm thread size.
Sony NP-FW50 Battery
Battery for a6400 Camera. Definitely get a few as you'll need 3 or 4 to get through a full day of shooting! These batteries are probably my least favorite thing about the a6400. The a6600 has a much better battery (you can pretty much shoot a whole day just using 1!).
Sony NPFZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack
These camera batteries for the Sony a7siii, a7iii & a7iv are amazing. I can sometimes get through a whole day of shooting on one battery. I would definitely recommend having at least 2 of these. I personally own 4.
Sony BCQZ1 Z-Series Battery Charger
Battery charger for Sony camera batteries.
SanDisk Extreme PRO 300 MB/s
You'll need these faster cards for the 6700 if you want to take full advantage of its advanced video recording features.
REP Starter Kit
PRO DRONE KIT FOR REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mavic 3 Pro w/ DJI RC
The Mavic 3 Pro would be my top choice for a drone right now. Excellent image quality with its micro 4/3 sensor on the main camera. It also includes 2 other focal length telephoto cameras which allow you to get some really cool and interesting shots. Of course I highly recommend this package with the DJI RC remote with the built in screen.
Mavic 3 Classic w/ DJI RC
If you are looking to save a few bucks over the Mavic 3 Pro, the Mavic 3 Classic is still an excellent choice. All your lacking is the other 2 focal length cameras which you don't really need for real estate.
Mavic 3 Series Battery
You'll definitely want to pick up a couple of extra batteries for your Mavic 3!
SanDisk 128GB Micro SDXC Memory Card
Memory card for drone.
Pro Drone Kit
STARTER/BUDGET DRONE KIT FOR REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHERS
DJI Mini 4 Pro
The Mini 4 Pro is the most budget friendly DJI drone and would be my recommendation for those just starting out or are on a tight budget. Its very light so it doesn't do great in windy conditions. Also, you are of course not getting the image quality of the more expensive drones but its still pretty good!
Air 3 w/ DJI RC
The Air 3, in my view, is more or less just the mini 3 pro on steroids. If you are willing to spend a little more money over the mini 3 pro to get a litter more stronger and capable of a drone then I would go with the AIr 3.
SanDisk 128GB Micro SDXC Memory Card
Memory card for drone.
Starter Drone Kit
PRO REAL ESTATE VIDEO KIT
Sony FX3
The Sony FX3 is essentially the cinema version of the Sony a7siii. It does not have the viewfinder (something I never use anyway) and designed specifically for video capture. Its the ultimate real estate video camera body. It has the same recording formats as the a7siii such as 4K 60fps or 120fps. Biggest difference between the 2 cameras is just mainly design and functionality. You can absolutely use this camera for RE photos as well!
Sony a7siii
The Sony a7siii is a beast!!! It's probably the most capable and full featured video/stills hybrid mirrorless camera out there right now. The ability to shoot 4K at 120 or 60 fps in 10 bit is fantastic for real estate videos and the image quality is superb.
Sony a7iv
The Sony a7iv is a capable video camera for real estate. It can shoot 4K 60 fps but if you want 120 fps you'll have to stick with 1080.
Sony a7iii
Is the a7siii or a7iv too expensive for you? I also own the Sony a7iii and it is a powerhouse at creating both photos and videos. It has the capability of shooting at higher frame rates (only in 1080 HD and not 4K like the a7siii or a7iv) which is key for RE videos so we can slow our footage down and make it look super smooth. Also the full frame sensor is better handling lower light situations giving us a cleaner image in those scenarios over a crop sensor camera.
Laowa 12mm Lens
This is the main wide angle lens I've been using for my real estate videos. I will get all my wide shots with this lens and then get some tight detail shots with a different tighter lens. I love the 12mm, it makes your shots look epic! What is specifically great about this lens is that it has very low distortion for such a wide angle lens. It is fully manual though so its manual f/stops and no auto focus!
Sony 85mm GMii Lens
This lens would be my top choice for tighter detail shots for RE videos. You would want to pair this with 12mm Laowa lens. Get all your wide angle shots with the 12mm and then get tight detail shots with this 85mm lens.
Sony 85mm 1.8
If the 85mm G Master is too expensive for you (it is really expensive!) then this 85mm is a significantly cheaper option. Still very good image quality!
Sony 16-35mm GMii Lens
If you are looking for a 1 lens solution for video shooting then this lens would be my recommendation. This is the lens I use for all my real estate photography. You could literally just use this lens for everything, RE photos and video shooting. For video, you can use the 16mm end for all your wide shots and then zoom into 35mm for detail shots. 35mm is not that tight though so you wont get as dramatic looking detail shots as you would with 85mm.
DJI RS4 Pro Gimbal
The RS4 Pro is my gimbal of choice. Its extremely capable and a joy to use. A gimbal is an essential piece of gear to get the smooth shots required for real estate videos.
Pro Video Kit
STARTER/BUDGET REAL ESTATE VIDEO KIT
Sony a6700 Crop Sensor Camera Body
The Sony a6700 is a great value considering its ability to shoot 4K 120fps footage. It has essentially the same features as the a7siii except with a smaller sensor and a much smaller price tag!
Sony a6600 Crop Sensor Camera Body
A compact crop sensor camera that can take stunning videos at various frame rates (shooting at higher frame rates is definitely a key part of making RE videos!). Also, this camera has great battery life and IBIS (in body image stabilization) that will help keep your footage smooth.
Sony 10-18mm Lens
Wide angle lens that I recommend for the A6400 or A6600 crop sensor cameras.
Zeiss Circular Polarizer Filter
I recommend using a circular polarizer filter for all of your interior and exterior real estate photos and video. For interior photos it reduces reflections coming off of shiny surfaces such as hardwood or tile floors and for exterior photos it makes the sky look more blue. Make sure to get the proper thread size for your particular lens. For instance the 16-35 G Master is an 82 mm thread size and the 16-35 F4 is a 72mm thread size.
Sony NPFZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack
These camera batteries for the Sony a7siii, a7iii & a7iv are amazing. I can sometimes get through a whole day of shooting on one battery. I would definitely recommend having at least 2 of these. I personally own 4.
Sony BCQZ1 Z-Series Battery Charger
Battery charger for Sony camera batteries.
DJI RS4 Gimbal
A smaller version of the full size RS4 Pro gimbal made for smaller payloads. A good compliment to the a6700 or a6600 camera body and the 10-18 lens. A must have to get those smooth shots for your real estate videos!
ProGrade Memory Cards
Memory cards for a6700.
SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Card
Memory cards for a6600.
Starter Video Kit
VIRTUAL TOURS
Matterport Pro 2 3D Camera
This camera is made by Matterport specifically for creating Matterport virtual tours so if you want the best quality and best experience for creating Matterport tours than this is your camera!
Ricoh Theta Z1 360 Camera
The Theta Z1 is, I think, the best balance of quality and value and is what I recommend to most people for virtual tours. It is also more versatile because it is not specific to Matterport like the Matterport Pro 2 camera is. You can use this to create Zillow 3D tours and other things as well. It's biggest downside is battery life which is why I recommend getting a USB power brick as well.
Slik Pro 700DX Tripod
This is the same tripod that I recommend for the photography kits. You can also use this to support your 360 camera of choice for doing virtual tours.
Tripod Extension Screw for Theta Z1
This little adapter will allow you to raise the Ricoh Theta Z1 above the tripod head or whatever support system you are using and allow you to access the port on the bottom to plug in a USB power brick into it. The Theta Z1 does not have the best battery life so if you have a large house to do or are doing multiple houses in one day then you will definitely be needing additional power!
Anker Portable USB Charger
Power bank to use with the Ricoh Theta Z1 for extra battery life. Definitely something you want to have if you are going to use the Theta Z1 for virtual tours.
Virtual Tours
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