What camera do you use for interiors?

Question

I want to up my game. I have a photography and art background, so I'm not looking to hire anyone, but I want to do better than compact cams or a phone with a wide attachment lens. I know I can get an DSLR with a wide prime lens, but it seems a silly to spend $1000 or more when I would rarely use it for anything other than CL ads for my rentals.

So, is there any camera people are using other than an interchangeable lens DSLR or viewfinderless with a wide prime? What would be considered an optimal focal length? (obviously 35mm equivalent)

So, is there any camera people are using other than an interchangeable lens DSLR or viewfinderless with a wide prime? What would be considered an optimal focal length? (obviously 35mm equivalent)

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Johann Jells

I use my phone and the photos come out just fine.  I'm not a photographer but when I compare my photos I think mine are better then most.  The phones take pretty good pictures so in my opinion I wouldn't spend the money.

Johann Jells · Answer

It looks like there's no compact wider than 24mm, which it turns out I already have in a Fuji F500 I retired due to a couple of dust spots on the sensor. I might be best off just Photoshopping it's pics than buying anything new. Brings me full circle to a college job I had in a photofinisher spotting large prints by hand with a brush.  I mean LARGE, like some were 4' x 8', spots were 1/4" diameter!

Johann Jells · Answer

Thanks @Jeremy Miller it does seem to be all about the lens rather than camera, the lens will cost more!

Jeremy M. · Answer

@Johann Jells to actually answer your question....I use a Canon SL1. I don't know that I'd buy one specifically for that but I have one anyway and I love it. It's a great little camera that's traveled around the world with me. Very little post processing needed when you get the lighting right and I have great photos. Grab your favorite pancake lens and you're good to go!

Lauren C. · Answer

Hi @Johann Jells I'm in a similar boat. I have a rental finishing renovation soon and would like to take nice photos for the listing. I have an old Lumix GH2 and am looking to maybe rent a wide lens as my current one just doesn't cut it.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a wide angle lens that works on a panasonic? I know some would require an adapter.

Although I did just do a quick google search for professional real estate photography and the prices are $100-$200. Not bad so that may be an option.

Johann Jells · Answer

You've made a lot of false assumptions, and not read my OP. I have a photography background, have advanced flash equipment, tripod, and am proficient in Photoshop.  I was just out of it long enough that when digital came along and after buying an early DSLR (Olympus 2500L) my opinion was the best camera was one I had with me and I bought only compacts.  I don't know what phone you have, but mine has a 28mm equivalent lens. On the other hand you're right about this stuff being viewed mostly on phones rather than 27" monitors.

One of the main benefits I see from a DSLR besides extra wide angle would be using flash bounce off the ceiling, perhaps multiple flash using slaves. Even a compact with a hotshoe would work. People want a place to look bright, not dark and dingy. I was just reviewing an ad I posted yesterday and think I need to adjust the gamma of a shot to make it brighter.

Alexander Felice · Answer

just use your cell phone.

a dslr will be hardly better for your usage. You won't have a tripod, off camera flash, or post processing.

DSLR will offer more flexibility, and precision, but quality will be hardly noticeable especially as screen size decreases (cell phones/laptops). You won't notice the difference in megapixels and you won't have done enough to tighten the gap between what you have and the potential in a DSLR.

also a DSLR won't teach you proper lighting or composition so you wont' get those benefits either.

your cell phone camera is about 21mm focal length, which is nearly ideal for wide angle photography anyway.

Greg Hamer · Answer

@Johann Jells maybe they are prone to failure, but for a $100 do you care?  Lenses don't go bad.  Just use the body and buy a new one once it craps out.

I dunno, that's how I feel about it.  Electronics are (unfortunately) just incredibly disposable and easy to upgrade.

Johann Jells · Answer

That's not a bad idea, resolution is nearly irrelevant in what I want. A search shows D80 bodies for only $100!  I guess a trip across the river to B&H would be smart.

What camera do you use for interiors?

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