Nikon is the clear winner when it comes to camera systems for professional real estate photography because it has a better dynamic range and usually better color depth. In this article, we will compare the Pros and Cons of both camera systems and explain why we still choose Canon over Nikon to do professional real estate photography.

Comparison

So in order for this to be the best comparison possible, we decided to do Pros and Cons of both the entry-level APS-C and Full Frame cameras that each of these camera systems offers. For the APS-C we recommend the Canon 60D or the Nikon D7000. For the Full Frame, we recommend the Canon 5D mkii or the Nikon D700 to start off with.

So although the Canon 60D has better megapixels than the Nikon D7000, everything else that really matters is a blowout. What is especially important to note is that the color bit depth and the dynamic range are significantly different. I know the numbers may seem minor but with one bit better in color depth and almost 2 stops better dynamic range, the Nikon D7000 will get better overall images specifically with the outdoor images and homes that have lots of hardwood accents.

Again, we see that the Canon 5D mkii pales in comparison to the Nikon D700. Even with the Nikon D700 only having 12.1 Megapixels, still, the overall quality of the images will be better for professional real estate photography using the Nikon D700 instead of the Canon 5D mkii.

Why do we use Canon?

If Nikon is clearly better for image quality than Canon then why do we use canon camera systems for professional real estate photography. Great question! In the world of professional real estate photography, we have also discovered a massive need for professional real estate videography and Nikon really suffers when it comes to the color reproduction on video. Wait, so even though Nikon has better dynamic range and normally better color bit depth, their video image quality is worse than that of Canon…I am confused. We are confused also. There is not much reasoning as to why when having a better camera system overall there is still a lack in the video aspect. The Nikon D700 does not even do video at all and it came out relatively close to the Canon 5D mkii so there seems to have always been a lag for Nikon and other camera systems to catch up to Canon in regards to video.

If the fact that Nikon suffers in video is not enough of a deal breaker than consider this, it’s all about the glass! Any professional photographer will tell you that the glass matters and for years Canon has just made better lenses than almost anybody else on the market. At the same time, the third party lens providers; Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss, etc., seem to be making their lenses for Canon first and then making them compatible for other camera systems afterward.

We try to offer our clients the best service possible and being able to quickly go from shooting professional real estate photography to capturing professional real estate videography is essential to that mix. This is why we currently and may always choose Canon over any other camera system.