If you’re in the real estate industry, virtual tours are probably a part of your everyday job. While a standard camera can get the job done, it might not give prospective buyers a real-life perspective of a property from all angles. That’s why you should think about investing in a 360-degree camera for real estate virtual tours.
To that end, these cameras record the entire 360-degree perspective of a given scene. In doing so, the viewer can see a house from various angles and get a comprehensive view of a property. If you want to up the level of your virtual tours, here are some of the best 360-degree cameras for real estate.
Before we get to the 360-degree cameras though, here are some other articles that may interest you –
- Check out the best 360-degree cameras for motorcycles.
- If you’re looking for a camera for adventurous activities, take a look at the best GoPro alternatives with 4K recording instead.
With that out of the way, here are all the best cameras for real estate photography.
1. Kodak Orbit360
Resolution: 4K | Screen: For mode selection only
360 cameras are generally small and compact but the Kodak OrBit 360 takes it to the next level. The camera looks like a small cube and comes with two lenses on either side. You can record 360 videos in up to 4K which can then be viewed in VR. This makes it one of the best 360 VR cameras in its segment. While it’s not specifically made for real estate, you can use it for that purpose too.
A big advantage of getting the Orbit360 is that you get a ton of accessories in the box. These include a tripod and multiple mounts for all your virtual tours. While the Kodak Orbit360 is a great 360 camera for beginners, it has some downsides too.
For starters, there’s no screen on the camera to view the feed. You only get a tiny 1-inch display for settings. Then, there’s the fact that the camera doesn’t perform well in low-light situations as per the reviews. It also offers a steep learning curve, which isn’t ideal for novice users.
2. Ricoh Theta SC2
Resolution: 4K | Display: For mode selection only
If you’re just starting out with 360-degree virtual tours, the Ricoh Theta SC2 is a good 360 camera for beginners. It’s a handy camera that can fit into your pocket. As such, the device is a godsend for those who must carry a 360-degree camera to multiple locations.
Another advantage of the Ricoh Theta SC2 is that it gets a dedicated night mode. Correspondingly, the device will be able to shoot virtual tours under artificial lighting conditions. Unsurprisingly, the product has received rave reviews, with users reporting that the camera fared well in 3D house tour projects and interior designing projects.
There are two downsides to this product, though. The first one is that the HDR on the camera doesn’t seem to work well. If there’s a bright sky or light coming out of a window, the exposure will be blown out. Another issue is that if you have an iPhone, the app disconnects from the camera frequently so it’s a task to reconnect it once again. If these issues seem bothersome to you, consider spending slightly more on the options that follow.
3. Pergear Trisio Lite 2 8K Virtual Tour Camera
Resolution: 8K | Display: Nil
The Pergear Trisio Lite 2 looks quite unassuming when you see it for the first time. It has a rather outdated design, no display, and a slightly bulky chassis. However, all the magic is happening on the inside thanks to Pergear’s superior processing algorithms for real estate photography.
You get 8GB of onboard storage on the camera. But, the brand has skimped out on a display so there’s no viewfinder. Due to the lack of display though, there’s ample space for large sensors and even a CNC motor to adjust lenses based on ambient lighting. You even get a large battery that provides up to 200 minutes of runtime.
As per the reviews, most users who are using the Pergear Trisio Lite 2 for virtual tours in real estate are happy with the camera’s output. Buyers state that the camera punches well above its weight and can even compete against 360 cameras that are more than double the price.
4. Insta360 X3 360-Degree Camera
Resolution: 5.7K | Display: 2.29-inch touchscreen
If you’re eyeing a 360-degree camera for real estate tours and then some, then the Insta360 X3 is an excellent choice. The main highlight of the X3 is that it comes with a spacious display that comes in clutch to frame clips when you’re recording. The display also comes in handy when you’re vlogging.
That’s not all, as the camera is loaded with useful features like the ability to record time-lapses in 8K resolution, a 72MP photo mode, and the brand’s 360 horizon lock. It also has this neat little trick where you can hide the selfie stick in the video so it would appear as though the camera is floating in the air. Pretty cool! Since the camera is waterproof, you can take it underwater without hesitation as well. You also get a large ecosystem of accessories with the device that will elevate your experience.
No matter what your use case is, the Insta360 X3 is a great option. It’s not specifically meant for real estate photography, but it does the job. The battery life is rated only at 75 minutes though so if you’re tied up with a long project, you might feel that the device is a bit limiting.
5. GoPro Max
Resolution: 5.6K | Display: 1.7-inch touchscreen
The GoPro Max goes head-to-head with the Insta360 X3 in terms of both features and price. While both cameras record footage at the same resolution, the Insta360 X3 beats the GoPro Max in terms of frame rate. On the upside, just like the Insta360 X3, you can use the GoPro Max with just a single lens if you want the traditional GoPro look.
Since the GoPro Max isn’t particularly meant for real estate usage, it doesn’t make much sense to get it unless you really want to live stream or you’re already invested in the Go Pro ecosystem for accessories.
6. Ricoh Theta Z1 360 Degree Camera for Real Estate
Resolution: 4K | Display: For mode selection only
If you don’t have a fixed budget and want the best image quality for your real estate virtual tours, the Ricoh Theta Z1 should be your go-to option. Most realtors use the Theta Z1 due to its professional output. Along with the large sensors, the processing algorithms of the Ricoh Theta Z1 make it a good option.
The brand claims to have superior HDR processing and improved noise reduction. This is helpful to capture better images of windows and outdoor regions in the house. Most reviews for the Ricoh Theta Z1 say that it captures good levels of detail which is essential for real estate tours. The camera also lets you capture in RAW if you prefer editing your photos.
FAQs for 360-Degree Cameras for Real Estate
A 360-degree camera has two lenses instead of just one. It captures images from both lenses and then stitches them together for one complete 360-degree image.
No, panoramas are different since they capture only a 2D image. A 360 camera captures the scene just like how you would see it in 3D.
Create Virtual Tours For Your Clients
The real estate industry is picking up in terms of tech. So, it only makes sense to get a 360-degree camera for real estate if you want to capture some stunning 360 shots from various angles and perspectives. Depending on your budget and usage, you can pick the one that’s best for your business.
Last updated on 17 May, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
Read Next
4 Best 360-Degree Cameras for Motorcycles
Moto vlogs are a popular content genre and if you're planning to venture into it, there are two ways to record videos -- using an action camera or using a
6 Best SD Cards for 360 Degree Cameras
360-degree cameras are decidedly fun to use, and the best part is that they also double up as action cameras.
The 360-Degree Camera of the Essential Phone
The Essential Phone, from the founder of Android Andy Rubin, is finally here with its incredible design and majestic features.
Get a 360 Degree ( Swivel ) View Of Photos in Picasa Albums
You’ve probably heard of Picasa Web Albums, the cloud extension to Google’s famous Picasa software.
5 Best Budget 360 Cameras Under $500
360 cameras provide a fresh perspective to the content you record.
Create Interactive Tours of Your Shops with Google Business Photos
Panoramic sweeps of the country side have helped us become couch travelers.
Top 6 Moto 360 3rd Gen Watch Bands That You Can Buy
It goes without saying that the Moto 360 smartwatch is a looker.
Top 2 Ways to Use Virtual Background in Google Meet
Video calling usage is on the rise.
DID YOU KNOW
The film which used in NASA’s Apollo 11 moon missions was manufactured by Kodak.
I was following closely till I saw Ricoh Theta SC2. Terrible image quality full of chromatic aberration. I know because I own one.
Don’t mislead people, there are a tone of other cameras and brands that give good results.