Congratulations Dave Koch, April 2025 PFRE Photographer of the Month! The theme this month was "Primary Bedroom".Dave Koch - Entry 1056 Peter Wingfield - Entry 1051 Paul-Dan Dragoman - Entry 1053Here's what Dave has to say:Thank you so much — this real ...
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
As a real estate photographer, you may opt for a mid-range DSLR camera, perhaps because you don't want to settle for a basic DSLR and want a little more robustness and controllability. The below review focuses on the best mid-range camera that will help you enhance your photos.
Quick Navigation
The camera market is flooded, and it can make things a little confusing when trying to find the right mid-range camera. Fortunately, below I have a review of the best mid-range cameras that will suit your
Here's a quick recap of the best mid range cameras listed in this article. In this table, I've also included an overview of their top features.
The unique features and versatility of the Panasonic G9 set it apart from all the models on my list, making it the best overall. It's based on the Micro Four Thirds system of interchangeable mirrorless cameras and contains all of the strengths and weaknesses associated with it.
It comes with solid photo and video recorder capabilities, thanks to the 20.3-megapixel quad size sensor with a 2x crop factor. However, the relatively small sensor naturally requires compromises in low light and dynamic range.
For photographers, it offers fast and accurate autofocus based on contrast detection, ultra-high frame rates of up to 60 frames per second, and excellent stabilization of approx. 6.5 steps. For video producers, it offers many different shooting options, including 10-bit 4K / 50p output, unlike Canon EOS Rebel SL3.
From the outside, it's clear that the Panasonic Lumix G9 is designed for enthusiasts and committed professionals. It comes with dual UHS-II-compatible SD card slots, ensuring you won't run out of space when capturing scenes.
It has headphones and microphone jacks, and a full-size HDMI port to enhance the use of an external microphone and monitor.
It has three dials and more shooting controlling buttons than any DSLR on the list, as well as a responsive pop-up window. This dial ensures you have better and direct control over the camera settings such as exposure, enhancing shooting performance.
In addition, it has a large yet exceptionally ergonomic and durable housing, similar to that of professional SLR cameras.
Although the Canon EOS RP features a full-frame sensor, it's impressively small, offering flexible shooting capabilities. It comes with autofocus for videos and can take up to 250 photos in a single upload.
The EOS RP is a little smaller and lighter than the Canon EOS Rebel SL3, weighing 1.32 pounds. This makes it a little easier to carry around when capturing scenes and use for an extended period without exhaustion.
On top, it comes with a 3-inch LCD screen which allows you to preview your scenes when capturing. The 0.39-inch OLED viewfinder is of great quality, and you won't lose the optical viewfinder if you're used to using it with a standard DSLR camera.
It is equipped with a new 26.2 Megapixel full-size CMOS sensor which produces more clear and sharper images than Panasonic Lumix G7. This sensor features fast two-pixel autofocus, improved low-light performance, and excellent dynamic range.
Besides, it's equipped with the new DIGIC 8 processor, allowing you to take very sharp pictures and record high-quality videos. It supports up to 4K, and although 24 frames per second was not an option at launch, Canon has sent a firmware update to enable the feature.
It means you can record at 25K at 25 frames per second or 23.98 frames per second and 1080P at 60 frames per second.
Besides, it comes with built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, making it ideal for remote controlling, image transfer, and wireless sharing. It supports geotagging, which allows you to tag your images using the data of your smartphone location.
If you want to pack something lighter and use it to record videos, the Sony ZV-1 is the second most lightweight on my list. It has an impressive point-and-shoot image with great creative features.
It allows you to take up to 410 photos in a single download. It also includes a 3-inch folding touchscreen that can be used for one-touch focus while recording video. You can still tilt the LCD at 180 degrees when capturing a selfie.
Unlike the Canon EOS RP, it comes with a right-hand grip and a front tally lamp for enhancing one-handed shooting. The 20.1-megapixel BIONZ X image processor and CMOS sensor is a major advancement in the mid-range imaging segment, offering you a wide dynamic range.
It excellently details the photos and videos, with excellent color rendering, fast autofocus, and outstanding low light shooting. It offers great midrange features like 4K HDR, S-log2 and 3, ultra-slow-motion, and an ND filter.
Thanks to its weight of 0.7 pounds, you can carry it in the pocket and shoot for an extended period without exhaustion or your wrists hurting.
It features a real-time eye-tracking capability that enhances subject tracking to improve the focusing speed and enhance focusing accuracy. It also comes with a micro-HDMI port which allows you to use the camera in conjunction with a monitor or external recorder.
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II blends video capabilities with apt skills, allowing you to take great photos and videos. With high-resolution performance, it can capture up to 305 photos with a single upload.
If you're looking for something compact and lightweight that delivers top-notch performance, this is one distinguished, as it weighs 1.1 pounds only. It features a sleek design which makes it feel great in hand.
It has a flip-up screen, so if you're used to the side-tilt system, it is not the case.
It comes with a 32.5 Megapixel CMOS sensor, more impressive than the 26.2 Megapixel in Canon EOS Rebel SL3, significantly enhancing resolution and clarity.
Also, this sensor enhances low noise and adept sensitivity, making it suitable for shooting in different conditions. It offers 5481 points for fast, smooth, and precise focusing for both video and photo.
It also supports Eye AF Servo, which helps focus on the eyes of the subject when capturing portraits. Like the Canon EOS RP, it features a 3 inch LCD screen with 180 degrees tilting capability, facilitating front-facing
Video is another fun because while the device doesn't run at 4K at 60 frames per second and plays only 30 frames per second, it supports 1080P at 120 frames per second, so you can record fluid stuff in slow motion.
It comes with in-built Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity which allows you to pair it with your smartphone, allowing you to share movies and photos online.
The Sony Alpha A6100 is an outstanding mirrorless camera that suits both video and still applications. This powerful DSLR camera has a 420-image battery that will last you an hour or two and can allow video recording check for an hour.
The design is sophisticated and modern, featuring a 3-inch touchscreen LCD that tilts 180 degrees when taking front-facing pictures. Although the frame is made of plastic, it doesn't look cheap or low quality.
With a resolution of 24.2 megapixels, the Bionz X processor matches the performance and caliber of a high-quality Sony DSLR and delivers superb images.
The processor is fast enough to offer cartoon speeds of 11 FPS, a clear advancement for a basic camera that delivers around 3-5 frames per second.
However, it lacks some of the key features like the weatherproof housing or the rugged design. With a maximum continuous shooting speed of 11 fps, it allows a 14-bit output for better color and tonal scale.
Although it is 0.9 pounds heavier than the Canon EOS M6 Mark II, it weighs 2.03 pounds which is a good weight for a mirrorless camera.
It features 425 incredible focus points that leave no angels untouched. It comes with an integrated technology that follows the animal and human eyes all by itself.
Unlike the Canon EOS RP, it comes with QR encoding technology, which allows you to transfer photos quickly and easily, making the entire sharing process effortless.
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is an excellent camera in the mid-range segment, ideal for taking quality photos and videos. It has good built-in autofocus technology and takes up to 350 photos on a single charge in real-time.
If you're looking for a compact SLR camera, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 sleek form factor might suit you best. The ports are on the side and include a 3.5mm microphone port to enhance microphone attachment when shooting videos.
Unlike the Panasonic Lumix G7, it comes with a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor, allowing it to capture UHD 4K video and high-resolution stills. It preserves the details well, ensuring the colors are vivid, and with the two-pixel autofocus, the camera can capture and shift focus very quickly.
On the other hand, you may have problems with the video, as the 4K video is 30 frames per second. You can instantly lose the two-pixel autofocus functionality, and the resulting video quality becomes slightly below average.
Also, it doesn't support slow-motion videos. So if you're planning on recording a lot of videos, consider something like Panasonic Lumix G9.
However, if you are looking for a compact SLR camera and are considering it primarily for
The built-in Bluetooth and WiFi enhance pairing with a tablet or smartphone for remote camera control and image sharing.
If you're looking for a mid-range camera that offers recording versatility, the Panasonic LUMIX G7 is a great choice for you. It can take high-resolution photos and 4K video at 30 fps, and you can click up to 360 frames in one download.
The device is very compact and easy to carry, and the handle might even look a little smaller if you have big hands. It comes with a foldable 3.0 inches LCD screen which allows you to preview your recording.
The body design consists of six customizable buttons and exposure control dials which gives better control of the shooting experience. Although it is less appealing than the Canon EOS Rebel SL3, the four-thirds sensor of the 16 MP micro Vivo MOS is quite powerful, creating a relatively good dynamic range.
It features an adept DFD autofocus functionality, which facilitates subject tracking accuracy and improves the focusing speeds, ensuring sharp imagery even when shooting in trying situations.
Although it records images up to 4K at 30 frames per second, to get 60 frames per second, you need to calculate the resolution using 1080P. Also, it doesn't support 120 frames per second, and so if you want to record in slow motion, this camera is not for you.
Like the Canon EOS M6 Mark II, it comes with built-in WiFi connectivity to facilitate remote camera control and wireless file sharing.
If you like Canon mid-range cameras, the Canon PowerShot GX7 Mark III is the biggest competitor to the Sony ZV-1 as you can achieve up to 320 images in a single download.
It has a design very similar to Canon EOS M6 Mark II mirrorless cameras. Its dimensions are almost exactly the same as the Sony ZV-1 but approximately 2mm thinner. The 3-inch screen is shaped like a top cover, so plugging in a microphone can block your view.
It comes with a 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor paired with a DIGIC 8 processor, allowing it to achieve high-resolution stills of 20 frames per second.
Like the Canon EOS Rebel SL3, it features built-in WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity to facilitate file sharing and camera remote control with a mobile device, specifically using the camera control application from Canon.
When it comes to video shooting, it can record at 4K speeds of up to 30 frames per second and 1080P at up to 120 frames per second. Unlike the Panasonic Lumix G7, it allows you to record slow-motion videos and also time intervals if you like.
Unfortunately, it does not support RAW or HDR video shooting. It features physical control rings and exposure compensation dials, allowing you to have better control of the shooting settings.
Besides, it comes with an in-camera battery charging which allows you to charge via a USB port from a computer, outlet, or a power bank.
The Ricoh GR III is a camera you always have with you, whether you're traveling or shopping, ideal for documentary and everyday real estate
In a small package, it contains almost everything that today's best crop sensors offer, except, of course, the option to change lenses. It has a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor that achieves dynamic range and impressive low-light noise level.
An 18mm f/2.8 prime lens is attached to the housing, which is very sharp and virtually distortion-free. However, you can't zoom in as it limits you to a wide-angle view, making it less versatile.
Its autofocus system is accurate and fast enough, and there are excellent points of focus. The controls are well placed, and the touchscreen LCD interface is excellent for easier camera settings and recording preview.
Although the finish is very solid, the camera is still small and light, weighing 0.6 pounds. Typically, it is the most lightweight on my list and suitable for carrying around and shooting for an extended time without exhaustion or your wrists hurting.
The main downside is the lack of weather resistance, but also battery life needs improvement. Like the Panasonic Lumix G7, it features built-in wireless connectivity, including WiFi and Bluetooth LE, ensuring effortless pairing to your tablet or smartphone for fast image sharing.
It has a short start-up time of around 0.8 seconds, making the operation seamless. Also, it comes with the Type-C USB port, which facilitates in-camera battery recharging and file transfer.
The Nikon Z50 is an ideal camera for trying conditions, is balanced, easy to use, and offers a good user experience. Compared to the Panasonic Lumix G9, it offers the best ergonomics, having a bigger sensor, but it's smaller and lighter.
It comes with a 20.9 megapixel APS-C which has an outstanding performance, helping you achieve excellent image quality and the ability to shoot in difficult conditions.
On top of the sensor, it features an EXPEED-6 image processor, which enhances the performance speed, enabling it to achieve a speed of up to 11 frames per second. Autofocus works perfectly in all circumstances except for quick operations, thanks to the 209-point eye-tracking functionality.
You can use an in-camera trimming tool to fine-tune your videos and photos. Also, the special effect settings and creative picture controls help you combine your shots with a special look.
In the video applications, it lags behind the others in my list, and although you can use it to record 4K / 30p, it applies a 1.5x crop, which is a big limitation.
It comes with an in-built Bluetooth and WiFi functionality, compatible with the SnapBridge application, allowing you to control the camera remotely and transfer files wirelessly using your tablet or smartphone.
Bigger than the 3 inches LCD in Canon PowerShot GX7 Mark III, the 3.2 inches LCD touchscreen features a 180 degrees tilt, making it ideal for selfies.
Also, the body features a magnesium alloy construction, making it weather resistant and ideal for working in trying conditions, unlike Ricoh GR III.
When thinking of getting a mid-range camera, you expect it to perform way better than a smartphone camera or a beginner camera. Usually, different cameras come with different specifications, and the performance depends on these specs.
The following features can help you choose a camera that can perform well in real estate interior and exterior
| Cameras | ISO | Pixels | Weight (Pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS RP | 100-40000 | 26.2 | 1.32 |
| Canon EOS M6 Mark II | 100-25600 | 32.5 | 1.1 |
| Sony Alpha A6100 | 100-32000 | 24.2 | 2.03 |
| Canon EOS Rebel SL3 | 100-25600 | 24.1 | 2.17 |
| Panasonic Lumix G7 | 100-25600 | 16 | 1.59 |
| Sony ZV-1 | 125-12800 | 20.1 | 0.7 |
| Panasonic Lumix G9 | 100-32000 | 20.3 | 3.35 |
| Ricoh GR III | 100-102400 | 24 | 0.6 |
| Nikon Z50 | 100-51200 | 20.9 | 0.9 |
| Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III | 125-12800 | 20.1 | 0.8 |
The camera sensor size is one of the most important features you should consider, especially if you will be shooting interior photos in poor lighting. The sensor is the electronic hardware inside the camera body that is responsible for capturing light.
The sensor is covered with photoreceptors known as pixels. Usually, cameras come in three sensor sizes: full-frame, APS-C, and micro-four-thirds. The full-frame sensor is the largest, while the micro-four-thirds is the smallest. As a result, the full-frame sensor has a larger surface area for collecting light than the rest.
That means the full-frame camera can capture more light and take brighter photos when using the same shutter speed and ISO settings. If you're taking interior photos in bad lighting, it is advisable to go for a full-frame camera such as the Canon EOS RP.
In cameras, megapixels generally mean the number of pixels on the camera sensor. Just like in other measurements, 1 megapixel equals 1 million pixels. Since a digital image is made up of pixels, the megapixels of the camera can be directly linked to the resolution of the resulting image.
However, keep in mind that megapixels are about the number and not the size of the individual pixels. Generally, a camera with higher megapixels can take images with higher resolution that can be displayed on larger screens or printed on large print materials without looking pixelated.
This comes with a disadvantage of file size, as cameras with higher megapixels take photos with larger file sizes. As a result, if you want images for large-format printing, consider going for a camera with higher megapixels, such as the Canon EOS M6 Mark II.
When going for the mid-range camera, there are chances you don't have advanced camera gear such as a tripod. That means you might need to shoot handheld for an extended time. This makes it important to consider the weight of the camera.
Generally, cameras come with different weights depending on the sensor size and the overall construction quality. If you are taking photos handheld, consider getting a lightweight camera such as the Ricoh GR III.
On the other hand, if you are taking exterior photos using a tripod in windy conditions, consider getting a heavier camera, such as the Panasonic Lumix G9. Typically, the heavier weight of the camera can help make the tripod more stable.
If you are taking real estate interior photos in bad lighting, you might need to use longer exposures to allow sufficient light to enter for the production of brighter photos. Usually, camera movements, even when pressing the shutter button, can cause shakes and image blurring.
Fortunately, you can overcome this issue by getting a camera with WiFi and Bluetooth support, such as the Canon Rebel EOS SL3. This allows you to set up the camera and use a remote shutter release to capture the photos, minimizing the chances of camera shakes.
Additionally, you can use wireless connectivity to link the camera to your mobile device and transfer files. This can help you relieve storage space in case your SD card runs out of storage space in the midst of a photo shoot.
Whether you are shooting videos or photos, you might need to monitor the scene to get the right composition. Although this is easier with the viewfinder, it can be challenging when the camera is not at your eye level.
For instance, if you are shooting above a crowd with the camera raised high, you might not be able to look through the viewfinder. Fortunately, most cameras come with an LCD screen that you can use to monitor the scene. A camera such as the Sony ZV-1 comes with a tiltable LCD screen.
This allows you to position the camera at varying angles and still monitor the scene. A touchscreen LCD is also an added advantage, as you can conveniently change the camera settings without struggling with the buttons and knobs.
The battery life of a camera simply refers to how long the battery can last on a single charge. Although the battery life can vary depending on the usage, some cameras can take more shots than others under the same shooting conditions.
In most cases, full-frame cameras use more power due to the large sensor that needs to be powered. Also, mirrorless cameras tend to have shorter battery lives than their DSLR counterparts due to the electronic viewfinder that requires powering.
If you are taking real estate photos in remote places where there might be no power connection, consider getting a camera with a longer battery life, such as the Sony Alpha A6100.
The number of memory card slots is one of the features that most photographers overlook when choosing a camera. As a real estate photographer, you might want to take your photos in RAW format so you can retouch them in a photo editing program such as Adobe Lightroom.
Usually, RAW images have large file sizes and can quickly fill up your SD card storage. This can be a challenge if your SD card runs out of space in the midst of a photo shoot or video recording.
Luckily, you can avoid such a scenario by getting a camera with dual memory card slots, such as the Panasonic Lumix G7. This allows you to double the storage space or free up space in one memory card as you use the other.
Focusing can be challenging for beginners and exhausting for professional photographers. If you are not fast and accurate enough, you might capture photos with soft spots, especially when shooting a moving subject. This can make the viewers focus on other elements in the image rather than the main subject.
At the same time, the camera autofocus system can miss the focus, especially when shooting in badly-lit interiors. Fortunately, you can avoid these hassles by getting a camera with an advanced autofocus system, such as Canon EOS RP.
Generally, professional cameras are superior to both entry-level cameras and mid-range cameras because they are more expensive and come with more features. On the other hand, mid-range cameras are more advanced than entry-level cameras as they are designed for experienced photographers, not beginners.
Yes, there are mid-range lenses for mid-range cameras you can equip with a mid-range camera. Normally, lenses can be mid-range depending on the features, construction quality, aperture, and lens coatings, not the focal length.
Technically, you can increase the ISO in a mid-range camera. The ISO in your camera helps to increase the camera's sensitivity to light. Increasing the ISO tends to introduce image noise. In mid-range cameras, the sensors might not be good enough to allow you to increase the ISO without introducing image noise.
It's clear there are great mid-range camera options in the market, but choosing one that will suit your needs might be challenging. Although you might be having a personal preference in mind, any option from the above list will fit your
