Best Camera for Virtual Tours
Virtual tours have become more popular and in-demand especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Buyers are able to experience a self-guided tour right from the phone or computer. Why is this important? Not only is this great for the buyer, but by adding a virtual tour to the listing, your listing will rank higher in searches and result in more traffic.
If you’re reading this you’re likely a real estate agent or a photographer looking to create virtual tours for your clients. Either way, I want to help you minimize the countless hours of research needed to get the right camera and give you my top 3 suggestions.
The 3 cameras I’ll be suggesting are ones that I found consistently showing quality results and work with software most realtors are familiar with. The first camera will be budget-friendly, the second will be a higher-end camera, and lastly the overall best camera I recommend.
Ricoh THETA SC2 Business Edition (Budget Camera)
Specs:
Still images: 5376×2688 Image resolution
(pixels)4k Video Resolution
Memory: 14GB
Room preset for interior photos
Ricoh released a new product this year the Theta SC2 Business Edition. This camera was specifically designed for those who are looking to take shots of interiors. This means residential and commercial properties. A big problem that occurs with interior images is maintaining a bright room while still being able to see through the windows. We want to be able to capture the views from the window while maintaining a bright interior.
The “Room” preset fixes this problem. You are able to get clear views from the window and get a clear bright interior shot. Although a small memory if you’re shooting 1 to 2 properties per day you can just upload the photos on your computer daily and clear the memory for the next project.
Auto +0.1 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
I’d recommend this product for those just getting into virtual tours and who want an easy-to-use camera. It’s also super compact which will make it easier to carry around.
You can purchase this camera from Ricoh’s website for only $329.95
2. Matterport Pro2 3D Camera (High-End Camera) - $3395
If you’re looking for a beast machine that will take the highest resolution for 3D tours then the Matterport Pro2 is for you.
This camera will ensure high quality even when users are zooming into the photo. Matterport cameras also retain accurate colors and lighting with each photo. It also has a battery life of 8 hours which can last you multiple shoots per day. This camera is great for high-ticket residential homes and commercial properties.
Matterport also has onboarding videos to get you started quickly and shooting 3D photos. If you have a higher budget then I recommend you invest in Matterport’s Pro2 3D camera.
You can purchase the camera with a $300 discount by using our link here ——>
3. Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB (Overall Best)
Ricoh’s newest camera the Theta Z1 has shown to be every photographer’s favorite real estate 3D camera and for a good reason too.
Specs:
Weight: Approx. 182 g
Image Resolution: 6720x3360
Video: 4k Resolution
Microphone: 4CH
This camera was released in May 2021 and the biggest upgrade is the memory storage. It is now able to store 51GB which means you don’t have to worry about having multiple shoots per day or how many images you’re taking.
The camera quality has been shown to be the best quality in its price range. The images are sharp and have accurate colors. Like the SC2 camera, a great benefit it how small and compact the camera is. You can easily carry this around from room to room.
THETA Z1 EV:+0.1 HDR - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
This is the camera we use because of its versatility and the high-quality images we are able to capture. This camera is perfect for our clients who selling luxury residential real estate.
You can purchase this camera on their website:
Conclusion
If you’re a real estate agent or a beginner photographer then the Theta SC2 Business Edition is great for you. It’s at a budget-friendly camera and still delivers quality images for your properties. This camera works perfectly for common virtual tours software as well such as Ricoh Tours, Matterport, and Kuula.
The Matterport Pro2 3D Camera is for luxury commercial and residential spaces. I’d recommend this for those who have enterprise clients or commercial real estate. This camera is starting 3995.
The Ricoh Theta Z1 is overall the best camera for virtual tours because of price, images quality, ease of use, and works with popular virtual tour software. If you’re a real estate agent looking for the best camera for your high-end listing then this camera is for you. If you’re an experienced photographer looking to expand your services and create high-quality virtual tours for your clients then purchase this camera.
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