I have been reading quiet a few articles relating to Real Estate Photography and the equipment required. Sure there may be times when multiple strobes or other special equipment is needed but for 99 percent of jobs you simply need the following 4 items:
Digital SLR
Although you can use a top end camera costing many thousands, we have found from our experience the ability for the camera to capture a high dynamic range is what’s most important. This is where a lower resolution camera can sometimes work better because the photosites on the sensor are a little larger, enabling them to capture more light architecture and interior design photographer. The reason we require a high dynamic range is because taking internal shots inside a building typically provides lighting problems when the light coming through the windows and the internal lighting vary so greatly.
The camera I am currently using is a Nikon D40 6MP DSLR, this camera is providing our post processors with a lot less work than some of the more expensive units being used by the other photographers in our team. This is because most of the time I can get away with a single exposure capturing detail inside the room (with strobe) and outside through the windows. Usually 2 separate exposures are required, one for the internal exposure and one to expose the light coming through the windows. These two images are then combined in post processing to achieve the result.
Wide angle lens
A good wide angle lens makes the biggest difference between the agents own amateur photos and our professional shots. Yes they do make the room appear bigger than it actually is but it is important to capture the widest view to show as much of the room as possible.
The Nikkor 12-24mm is the lens I use, it is a little more expensive than some of the others available but most photographers will argue that the lens is where you should spend your money.
Strobe
We need a fairly powerful strobe to balance the internal exposure as much as possible with the light coming through the windows, especially on a sunny day when light is coming directly into the room. The strobe I use is a Nikon SB-800, the SB-600 would probably also be suitable but has a little less power. The strobe is used in TTL mode with the D40 and provides very good results. It needs to be angled to the roof so the lighting is reflected rather than aimed directly on the subject. I also use the little slide up plastic reflector to reflect a little more light forward.
Tripod
The tripod is hugely important as most internal shots are exposed at speeds you could not hand hold and it also allows for multiple exposures which can be later combined in post processing if the light between internal and window light can’t be balanced. A tripod with bubble levels is a great help in getting the camera square and keeping the walls straight in the frame. I use a Manfrotto 028B tripod which can extend up to around 7ft.