Entry level gear guide

Start shooting. Stop overthinking.

You don't need the most expensive kit to start. Here are three proven setups — Sony, Canon, and Nikon — with honest prices and a breakdown of exactly how fast each one pays for itself.

Sony Real Estate Kit
Total approx. cost: ~$2,625
Camera
Sony A7 III
~$1,100
Lens
Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
~$550
Drone
DJI Mini 4 Pro
~$850
Check eBay or Facebook Marketplace
Tripod
K&F Concept Aluminum Tripod
~$50
Ball head included
Video / Gimbal
DJI Osmo Mobile 7
~$75
How fast does it pay for itself?

Based on typical real estate photography pricing — your market may vary.

New Photographer
Photos $150 Drone $50
Avg job: $200
14 shootsand the kit has paid for itself
Growing Photographer
Photos $200 Drone $75
Avg job: $275
10 shootsand the kit has paid for itself
Established Photographer
Photos $250 Drone $100
Avg job: $350
8 shootsand the kit has paid for itself
Canon Real Estate Kit
Total approx. cost: ~$1,835
Camera
Canon EOS RP
~$620
Lens
Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM
~$240
Drone
DJI Mini 4 Pro
~$850
Check eBay or Facebook Marketplace
Tripod
K&F Concept Aluminum Tripod
~$50
Ball head included
Video / Gimbal
DJI Osmo Mobile 7
~$75
How fast does it pay for itself?

The most affordable of the three — it pays off the fastest.

New Photographer
Photos $150 Drone $50
Avg job: $200
10 shootsand the kit has paid for itself
Growing Photographer
Photos $200 Drone $75
Avg job: $275
7 shootsand the kit has paid for itself
Established Photographer
Photos $250 Drone $100
Avg job: $350
6 shootsand the kit has paid for itself
Nikon Real Estate Kit
Total approx. cost: ~$2,575
Camera
Nikon Z5
~$750
Lens
Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm F2.8
~$850
Drone
DJI Mini 4 Pro
~$850
Check eBay or Facebook Marketplace
Tripod
K&F Concept Aluminum Tripod
~$50
Ball head included
Video / Gimbal
DJI Osmo Mobile 7
~$75
How fast does it pay for itself?

Based on typical real estate photography pricing — your market may vary.

New Photographer
Photos $150 Drone $50
Avg job: $200
13 shootsand the kit has paid for itself
Growing Photographer
Photos $200 Drone $75
Avg job: $275
10 shootsand the kit has paid for itself
Established Photographer
Photos $250 Drone $100
Avg job: $350
8 shootsand the kit has paid for itself