10 Best Cameras for Architectural Photography to Buy in 2023

By Tati Taylor 7 days ago, Cameras & Lenses

Top-rated cameras for architectural photography.

top cameras for architectural photography

Architectural photographers know how difficult it can be to take photos of exteriors or cityscapes. The best camera for architectural photography helps you capture pictures with accurate shapes and angles. It also comes in handy when you need to process photos.

When choosing a camera, pay attention to its ergonomics. It should have either a full-frame sensor or a cropped sensor, which is more affordable. Alternatively, you can opt for a camera with an APSC size sensor.

The average cost of a good camera ranges between $1,500 and $2,000. However, on the market, you can find models that cost from $700 to $4,000, which allows you to select the best option for your budget.

Top 10 Best Cameras for Architectural Photography

  1. Canon EOS 90D - The best camera for architecture
  2. Nikon Z6 - Highly detailed images
  3. Sony Alpha A6600 - Stylish
  4. Canon 5D Mark IV - Excellent color accuracy
  5. Pentax K-1 Mark II - Great performance
  6. Olympus Mark III - Budget option
  7. Sony a7R III - Long-lasting
  8. Nikon D850 - Outstanding dynamic range
  9. Canon EOS 5DS R - High-resolution pictures
  10. Fujifilm X-T30 - Convenient controls

We’ve created this list based on several criteria, including image stabilization, excellent photo quality, value for money, handling, and ergonomics. Read this guide to find the best camera for real estate photography.

1. Canon EOS 90D – Our Choice

The best camera for architectural photography
canon eos 90d camera for architectural photography

Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 22.3 x 14.9 mm | Resolution: 32 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10 fps

  • ✚ Great quality of the image
  • ✚ Durable battery
  • ✚ Robust video capabilities
  • ✚ BHas an optical viewfinder
  • The flash recycles slowly in low light
Rating

This is the best camera for architectural photography as with it you can shoot everything you want, from high-speed sports events to everyday photos. It boasts a 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, robust DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K 30p video support, etc.

Using this camera, you will get sharp, beautiful pictures regardless of the location you are shooting at. Dual Pixel CMOS AF guarantees quick and precise autofocus exactly at the moment of shooting. Eye Detection AF can detect and focus on the eyes of your model and create natural, lively portraits and videos.

Due to two multi-controller buttons placed on the back of the camera, it will be easier for you to locate and manage adjustable camera options while looking through the optical viewfinder. The Battery Grip BG-E14 accommodates 2 Battery Packs LP-E6N which provides near-smooth vertical operation and additional functions with all buttons similarly configured in a comfortable, special grip.

2. Nikon Z6

Highly detailed images
nikon z6 camera for architectural photography

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: 35.9 x 23.9 mm| Resolution: 24.5 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12 fps

  • ✚ High-resolution EVF
  • ✚ Touchscreen interface
  • ✚ Great handling
  • ✚ Amazing picture stabilization
  • No speedy Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity system
Rating

This mirrorless camera captures clear architecture shots with high detail and rich tones. It can focus automatically even in low lighting. This architecture camera allows you to take sharp pictures of moving objects and supports up to 12 frames even under challenging weather conditions, such as rain or snow.

The new mount makes it possible to use almost all full-frame lenses. The Nikon Z6's image stabilization system delivers up to five stops of correction when you take images in handheld mode. You can use it with any Nikon lenses.

3. Sony Alpha A6600

Stylish
sony alpha a6600 camera for architectural photography

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm| Resolution: 24 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 11 fps

  • ✚ Weather-sealed
  • ✚ Real-time AF tracking
  • ✚ Accurate autofocus
  • ✚ Long-lasting battery
  • Weak rolling shutter
Rating

If you are a newcomer in real estate photography business, opt for this model. The camera comes at an affordable price. This best camera for architecture has a fast hybrid AF. This is especially important for shooting 4K movies. By making effective use of the focal plane phase-detection system, you will get more stable autofocusing. Since the autofocus system detects contrast, it results in higher accuracy.

The Alpha 6600 comes with 24 2MP Exmore CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ X image processor, and a front-end LSI similar to full-frame Sony cameras.

4. Canon 5D Mark IV

Excellent color accuracy
canon 5d mark iv camera for architectural photography

Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 36 x 24 mm| Resolution: 30.4 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7 fps

  • ✚ High-end RAW images
  • ✚ Great dynamic range
  • ✚ Speedy startup and mode switching
  • ✚ JPEG buffer with no limits
  • Low-light AF
Rating

The Canon 5D Mark IV is the best Canon camera with accurate color reproduction and a full-frame sensor. The model shoots well in low light thanks to the ISO 100-32000 range and high-quality autofocus. This aspect is especially important for those who specialize in commercial real estate photography and take photos at night.

The camera allows you to adjust the focus through the viewfinder or image sensor. With the Canon 5D Mark IV, you can use custom real estate photography camera settings.

5. Pentax K-1 Mark II

Great performance
pentax k1 mark ii camera for architectural photography

Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 35.9 x 24 mm| Resolution: 36 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 4 fps

  • ✚ High resolution Pixel Shift
  • ✚ 5-axis stabilization
  • ✚ Weather-resistant
  • ✚ GPS and Wi-Fi
  • Burst shooting could be faster
  • Poor third-party lens support
Rating

This DSLR camera stands out with high image quality. It allows you to take photos with a high level of detail, perfect mid-tones, colors, and micro-contrast. However, there are occasional issues with the automatic white balance. You can fix these issues with the help of real estate photography software. Even if you take photos at ISO 1600, it doesn’t affect the picture quality. Besides, the noise at ISO 3200-6400 doesn’t make a picture look bad.

Unlike competitors, the camera has 5-axis image stabilization, which is an important factor to consider for those who specialize in architecture photography. The maximum continuous shooting speed without image scaling is 4.4 FPS. From the moment you press the shutter until the internal buffer is full, the camera manages to take 13 shots (RAW and JPEG simultaneously).

6. Olympus Mark III

Affordable
olympus mark iii camera for architectural photography

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: 17.3 x 13 mm| Resolution: 20 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 6 fps

  • ✚ Comes with a multi-selector (Joystick)
  • ✚ Has Dual SD Card slots
  • ✚ Provides a separate Starry Sky shooting mode
  • ✚ Built-in EVF and flash
  • Minor update to the Mark II
Rating

Olympus Mark III is the best camera for architectural photography as with it, you can achieve gorgeous results. It’s compact and doesn’t weigh much. Plus, multi-selector (Joystick) will help you quickly select the AF area while looking through the viewfinder.

It operates smoothly due to compact M. Zuiko PRO lenses. With this small camera, you will be able to move and react fast and easily. This camera guarantees the best image stabilization work that will help you shoot very sharp handheld photos and videos.

This mirrorless camera for beginners is dustproof, splashproof, freezeproof and has Magnesium Alloy weather-sealed construction. Besides, it provides 121 Point Cross-type on-chip Phase detection, contrast-detection AF, Starry Skies shooting mode and Dual SD Card slots.

7. Sony a7R III

Long-lasting
sony a7r iii camera for architectural photography

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: 36 x 24 mm| Resolution: 42 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10 fps

  • ✚ Photo and video camera with hybrid AF
  • ✚ Reliable 42MP full-frame sensor
  • ✚ 10fps image capture with tracking
  • ✚ Tilting LCD
  • High-priced
  • Touchscreen control is limited
  • No XQD card slot
Rating

This camera for real estate photography has a wide range of light transmission. The information stored in RAW images allows you to improve the result of processing. 693 phase sensors cover 93% of the frame area. When paired with 425 contrast zones, you get high-quality results even in the fully automatic mode of the focusing system. The camera accurately recognizes the main subject in the frame.

This best camera for interior photos stands out with high sensitivity. It focuses quickly at any time of the day and supports sensitivity of up to -3 EV. This camera will become your essential photography gear when you're shooting architecture.

8. Nikon D850

Outstanding dynamic range
nikon d850 camera for architectural photography

Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 36 x 24 mm| Resolution: 45.7 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7 fps

  • ✚ High resolution
  • ✚ Great dynamic range
  • ✚ Amazing ISO performance
  • ✚ Speedy AF
  • Lacks AF illuminator
  • No built-in flash
  • Slow Wi-Fi
Rating

The new 45MP back-illuminated sensor accounts for a stunning level of detail and low noise at high ISOs. The camera has a wide dynamic range typical for Nikon photography cameras. If you take RAW photos with the Nikon D850 RAW, it will be easy for you to process them. You can edit over- or underexposed photos without quality loss.

The model has a comfortable grip and a touchscreen display. You can shoot from extremely low points or hold the camera over your head. The improved touch interface allows you to choose the focus point, navigate through the menus and camera settings.

9. Canon EOS 5DS R

Ultra-high resolution images
canon eos 5ds r camera for architectural photography

Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 36 x 24 mm| Resolution: 50.6 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 17 fps

  • ✚ High resolution
  • ✚ Durable, weather-sealed
  • ✚ Great autofocus
  • ✚ Dual memory card slots
  • High-priced
  • Fixed LCD
  • Wireless options are limited
Rating

The camera comes with a 50.6MP full-frame CMOS sensor, which allows you to take photos with a high level of detail. Thanks to the high resolution, users can crop images without compromising on image quality. Thus, when using the 1.3x and 1.6x crop shooting modes, you will get files at 30.5 and 19.6 megapixels.

The camera performs well in low light thanks to fast focusing. The 61-point autofocus system accounts for increased accuracy.

The Canon EOS 5DS R comes with CompactFlash and SD card slots, allowing you to backup your files automatically. This leads to easier image sharing and expanded storage. Compared to entry level DSLRs, the Canon EOS 5DS R is expensive. However, this device is worth the money.

10. Fujifilm X-T30

Convenient controls
fujifilm xt30 camera for architectural photography

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm | Resolution: 26 MP | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 20 fps

  • ✚ Durable body
  • ✚ High-quality image
  • ✚ Accurate autofocus
  • ✚ Well put together
  • No photo stabilizer
  • No articulating screen
Rating

The Fujifilm X-T30 is a great architecture camera that comes with a 26.1MP BSI APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor, which accounts for high image quality. With an integrated X-Processor 4 quad-core CPU, the device supports high resolution in all shooting conditions.

The camera shoots with 4:2:2 10-bit output thanks to the HDMI port. With it, you can take great real estate photos since this model has a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and an updated touch screen.

You can activate the SR Auto mode, which helps you select a shooting mode. Photographers can control the Fujifilm X-T30 wirelessly, via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth V.4.2.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
canon 90d camera for architectural photography image
Canon EOS 90D
OUR CHOICE
  • High image quality
  • Durable battery
  • Optical viewfinder
CHECK PRICE
nikon z6 camera for architectural photography image
Nikon Z6
DURABLE
  • High-resolution
  • Stylish
  • Compact
CHECK PRICE
sony alpha a6600 camera for architectural photography image
Sony Alpha A6600
STYLISH
  • Ergonomic
  • Weather-sealed
  • Capacious battery
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose a Good Camera for Architectural Photography?

how to choose the best camera for architectural photography

To select a camera that allows you to take great images, you need to consider several main aspects that affect the quality of the shooting. When choosing the best camera for architectural photography, focus on these parameters.

Image Stabilization

High-end digital cameras for photography support optical image stabilization. This allows you to avoid taking blurry images. Since holding a camera with a long-zoom lens is not an easy task, most modern models come with this option.

Price

You will surely find the models for every budget. Of course, a larger and more modern cameras for real estate photography cost over $1800, whereas the budget models will cost you $700 or so. It is better not to go from one extreme to the other. Choose the mid-price camera priced at $1200. Having the most necessary functions, these cameras will surely satisfy your needs.

Adaptability

A good camera for architectural photography has one of the most important features – adaptability. The device can be fitted with wide and ultra-wide-angle lenses that broaden the functionality of the camera. Every photographer, experienced or amateur, knows that the performance of the camera greatly depends on lenses and their characteristics.

Ergonomics and Handling

choosing the best camera for architectural photography

When choosing a camera, pay attention to its ergonomics. A camera should fit comfortably in your hand. Don’t buy an expensive camera if it causes discomfort during shooting.

WI-FI & Bluetooth

It’s better to select a camera that supports a Wi-Fi connection. It allows you to transfer your images to a smartphone for further manipulations. Since not every photographer needs this option, think about the connectivity options that you need to use. If your camera supports a Bluetooth connection, you will be able to quickly share photos on social networks.

FAQ

  • • What is the best camera for architecture for beginners?

We believe that the best cameras for architecture photography are the Canon EOS 90D, Nikon Z6 and Sony Alpha A6600.

  • • How can I take high-quality architecture images?

You should understand how to adjust the camera settings properly. Pay attention to exposure, lighting, and camera angles. Besides, you can enhance your photos and improve their quality during post-processing.

  • • What is the difference between DSLR and mirrorless cameras?

A DSLR is a digital camera. The light is reflected from the lens up to an optical viewfinder with mirrors and interchangeable lenses. When looking in a DSLR through the viewfinder, you see directly through the lens. With a pixel-free optical viewfinder, you get a clear view.

A mirrorless camera comes with interchangeable lenses. Such cameras either come without a viewfinder or have an electronic one. Though these models are often lighter and smaller, more advanced devices are quite heavy.

  • • Which camera is better, with a cropped sensor or a full-frame one?

When choosing the best camera for interior photos, consider several aspects, including your budget, goals, device parameters. Crop-sensor cameras are suitable for photographers on a budget. Full-frame devices come with a larger sensor but have a lower depth of field.

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