Buying used DSLR to take photos for rental

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Buying used DSLR to take photos for rental

Josh L.
Huntington Beach, CA · Member since 2014 · 105 posts · 23 votes

I'm looking through Craigslist to buy a used DSLR so that I can take better photos when I list a place for rent. But, I'm not a camera guy so I really don't know what to look for except that I need a DSLR camera in order to get photographs with the whole room and not just a corner of a room.

I won't take enough photographs to justify the expense of buying a new DSLR camera. But, I'm worried about buying a used DSLR camera that will be a lemon. Is there anything I need to know or look out to know if that camera will be a lemon?

I found a used Nikon D40 on Craigslist for $100+, which seems like a good price compared to what other Nikon D40s go for. But, at that price, there seems like there's got to be a catch. And, I'm a camera newbie, so I don't know if I'll catch it.

According to the seller, the camera was lightly used and the body is in good condition. The seller is a graphic designer, and the camera was properly stored. It comes with the kit lens, but the seller warned that the kit lens has difficulty autofocusing in low light. How do I verify if its really in good condition? If the lens has that problem, does it mean its already broken?

The Nikon D40 is an older model and only has 6 megapixels compared to newer DSLR cameras which have double digit megapixels. Will 6 megapixels be enough for real estate photography?

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Walt Payne
Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
12y

@Josh L. HDR is usually done using software. You take 3-7 pictures at varying exposures. Some capture the light areas, some the dark. The software then merges them together. Some Smartphone software does this for you. Newer (hence more expensive) cameras can do this for you with higher quality. Smartphones can do a quite adequate job for what you want. Not professional photographer quality, but most people would not see the differences online.

I mentioned HDR because you wanted to show interior features while showing the view. This usually involves a big difference in the amount of light between the interior and exterior parts of the picture.

Also, the lens used will effect what you can fit in the picture. And to get this kind of shot right really requires a tripod. In other words, if you don't have or want to get a smartphone, put a listing on Craigslist for an amateur photographer for $50 (to be paid after you accept the pics) and save yourself a lot of hassles. There is more to what you want to do than just buying a camera.

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  • Paul Timmins
    Specialist · Rockland, MA · Member since 2010 · 7k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    @Josh L.

    Consider using your smart phone. Adjust setting for max quality remember the computer shows only 98 DPI.

    Use the video feature to take a 1-2 minute narrated video showing the features. Step outside transmit it to YouTube put the url in the ad. People like video clips its your chance to show the best features.

    Paul

    0Reply
  • Chris Adams
    Contractor · Valparaiso , IN · Member since 2013 · 604 posts · 327 votes
    12y

    iPhones can take panoramic pictures, or I use a digital camera with a wide angle lends.

    Here is a panoramic photo from my iPhone. If I spent more time playing around with it I think I could get better pictures.

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  • Jarrett Harris
    Calumet City, IL · Member since 2014 · 312 posts · 49 votes
    12y

    You don't need an DSLR to take rental photos. Although I do have one, and have used it to take the photos I posted on Zillow, it is not necessary. Your phone with a steady hand a good lighting will do just fine. The greatest advantage to the DSLR is much better clarity and resolution in low light. But like I said your phone will be fine.

    0Reply
  • Josh L.
    OP
    Huntington Beach, CA · Member since 2014 · 105 posts · 23 votes
    12y

    I don't have a smart phone either... It seems like it'd cost even more money to buy a smart phone because of those monthly fees.

    Also, I think the selling point of my rental is the view. But, I couldn't really get a good shot of the view with a point and shoot camera. I want to showcase the view, to show the view while simultaneously showing that this view is from inside the rental.

    From what I've read, it seems like I'd need to do some photo-editing to accomplish that. But, could a smart phone do that too?

    0Reply
  • Walt Payne
    Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
    12y

    @Josh L. I happen to be an amateur photographer. What you want to do involves what is called HDR (high dynamic range) photography. The easiest way to do that is with a smartphone and an inexpensive app. I could do it better with my equipment, but most people don't have the money or time to go that way.

    0Reply
  • Josh L.
    OP
    Huntington Beach, CA · Member since 2014 · 105 posts · 23 votes
    12y

    Are there examples side by side of what a HDR camera would shoot vs smartphone for real estate photography?

    0Reply
  • Walt Payne
    Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
    12y

    @Josh L. HDR is usually done using software. You take 3-7 pictures at varying exposures. Some capture the light areas, some the dark. The software then merges them together. Some Smartphone software does this for you. Newer (hence more expensive) cameras can do this for you with higher quality. Smartphones can do a quite adequate job for what you want. Not professional photographer quality, but most people would not see the differences online.

    I mentioned HDR because you wanted to show interior features while showing the view. This usually involves a big difference in the amount of light between the interior and exterior parts of the picture.

    Also, the lens used will effect what you can fit in the picture. And to get this kind of shot right really requires a tripod. In other words, if you don't have or want to get a smartphone, put a listing on Craigslist for an amateur photographer for $50 (to be paid after you accept the pics) and save yourself a lot of hassles. There is more to what you want to do than just buying a camera.

    1Reply
  • Jarrett Harris
    Calumet City, IL · Member since 2014 · 312 posts · 49 votes
    12y

    @Josh L.

    If you don't already have a smart phone then I wouldn't purchase one if you don't really need it. Yes you are right, you'll have to pay for the required data plan with your chosen service provider. Don't over think this. Almost any digital camera with at least 3 mega Pixels will due. Just over $100 for the used D40 ain't bad. (does that include a lens?) But you could also just get any old point and shoot model for about $70-80 bucks and be done with it. Remember no matter how many mega pixels the camera has, sites like Zillow and Craigs list will always compress and down convert the resolution so your photos don't choke their site.

    0Reply
  • Jeff Blanchard
    App Designer · Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 124 posts · 31 votes
    12y

    Two options I use:

    • DX-format Nikon w/ 12 mm lens (when I have time)
    • Android phone using 'photosphere' app when I don't -- or when I just can't capture "all of the room" well enough with the wide-angle lens on the Nikon

    The latter is a lot cheaper of course, and it totally adequate for pics in a web listing.

    0Reply
  • John Moore
    House Flipper · East Stroudsburg, PA · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 205 votes
    12y

    You might look into the Kodak Z i 12 used it might cost you about $90.00 and I believe it might be one to consider. As mentioned many people llike the video, which can be put onto social media pages without much effort. Check it out on You Tube it is pretty impressive Food for thought As mentioned above, smart phones do quite well and I have been utilizing mine and they do work quite well and they also offer other features you could utilize. Hope I've helped and not provided additional confusion.

    0Reply
  • George P.
    Property Manager · Livonia, MI · Member since 2011 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    12y

    i am an avid photographer and have a strong opinion when it comes to photography. so excuse me if i come out too strong.

    you dont need a DSLR because you would not know how to use it. if you said something like "i have a small digital camera now, but would like to get something better", that would be different. getting one (even at $100) and using the "auto feature" is a waste.

    i dont like smartphone pictures (obviously), but that's better than no pictures

    pointless to tell you what to look for when shopping for a DSLR (like actuations) because you would not use even 10% of the capability of the camera. the kit lens is ok for what you need, btw.

    get a small canon camera and use it instead. or nikon. they are awesome

    0Reply
  • Phillip Dwyer
    Real Estate Agent · Henderson, NV · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 550 votes
    12y

    I mostly agree with @George P. . I'm less than an amateur, but do take a lot of rental photos. I think you should find the camera with the widest lens possible within your budget up to the point where you don't have to worry about the rounding effects of a fisheye lens. HDR is over-rated and too complex for what you'll be doing. Start simple and work your way up.

    You have to look at the big picture too. How many houses are you shooting? How often? What's the price range? What is your competition doing? It's quite possible that hiring this out may be your best bet.

    0Reply
  • Mark Forest
    Real Estate Investor · Fenton, MI · Member since 2008 · 946 posts · 153 votes
    12y
    Originally posted by @Josh L.:
    I don't have a smart phone either... It seems like it'd cost even more money to buy a smart phone because of those monthly fees.

    Good for you. I am glad to see someone else who has not bought into the "gotta have hype." I do fine with my cheap Trac Fone. Maybe you are worrying for nothing. Are you sure the site you are posting to will display a fancy picture?

    0Reply
  • Walt Payne
    Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
    12y

    @Phillip Dwyer I am with @George P. about there being more to it than just buying a DSLR camera. Putting aside the HDR capability, a simple decent quality point and shoot is the best camera for most people to use for this purpose.

    HDR is considered over-rated by those who don't understand it's practical application, or who have seen some of the surrealistic stuff done with it and not liked it. Difficult? I have seen pre-teens doing some great HDR photos. If you had said more work than it's worth, I might have accepted that as a reasonable opinion. But difficult? Not even a little bit.

    I am not saying HDR is necessary for this, BUT, it is if you want to get a very bright area and a dark area to show up together on one picture.

    0Reply
  • Walt Payne
    Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
    12y

    @Mark Forest I have a smartphone because I need it for work. But I am of the philosophy that if what you have does what you need, then don't upgrade just because there is something new. That applies to both technology in general and software. I agree that to buy something just because other lemmings are buying is not wise.

    At the same time, failing to properly evaluate the advantages and uses of something just because you are technophobic is also not wise. We need to keep a balance.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Chicago, IL · Member since 2013 · 136 posts · 32 votes
    12y

    Get a Canon T3, but honestly you dont need a dslr. Use your phone or a cheaper point and shoot camera.

    0Reply
  • Phillip Dwyer
    Real Estate Agent · Henderson, NV · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 550 votes
    12y

    @Walt Payne I've seen some really great use of HDR photography for real estate. I guess my thoughts have been tainted by all the crappy shots I've seen with HDR. Too many people take it too far with HDR resulting in unrealistic looking photos.

    0Reply
  • Mark Forest
    Real Estate Investor · Fenton, MI · Member since 2008 · 946 posts · 153 votes
    12y
    Originally posted by @Walt Payne:

    At the same time, failing to properly evaluate the advantages and uses of something just because you are technophobic is also not wise. We need to keep a balance.

    I am hardly a "technophobe.” I just can’t see paying hundreds of dollars a month just to be connected to the hot device of the day. I see tenants who gladly pay $400.00 a month phone bill to cover the parent and kid. Why? So the little boy can text others about how much he hates his teacher? Before paying all these outrageous bills people need to STOP and ask themselves if they really need it. What are the benefits to me? Will it increase my wealth? From what I see most of it is superfluous, and not worth the high fees. Maybe if everyone felt that way the costs would come down!

    0Reply
  • Walt Payne
    Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
    12y

    @Mark Forest I wasn't calling you one. Your reasons sounded valid. I was just commenting on the need to balance perspectives.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Central Valley, CA · Member since 2012 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    12y
    Originally posted by @George P.:
    i am an avid photographer and have a strong opinion when it comes to photography. so excuse me if i come out too strong.

    you dont need a DSLR because you would not know how to use it. if you said something like "i have a small digital camera now, but would like to get something better", that would be different. getting one (even at $100) and using the "auto feature" is a waste.

    i dont like smartphone pictures (obviously), but that's better than no pictures

    pointless to tell you what to look for when shopping for a DSLR (like actuations) because you would not use even 10% of the capability of the camera. the kit lens is ok for what you need, btw.

    get a small canon camera and use it instead. or nikon. they are awesome

    I don't think this is too strong and it's good advice. My husband is a professional photographer and journalist. People seek his advice about cameras all the time. For some people it makes more sense to buy a camera with ease of use (and affordability). If all we're talking about is online rental images, then a decent point and shoot camera is more than adequate and the price is right. Learning to use a DSLR for rental photos is way overboard unless you like playing with and learning to use electronic toys.

    0Reply
  • Walt Payne
    Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
    12y

    @Phillip Dwyer Absolutely. But it is not the technique, but rather the flawed application of the technique.

    0Reply
  • Josh L.
    OP
    Huntington Beach, CA · Member since 2014 · 105 posts · 23 votes
    12y

    In case I wasn't clear, I already have a point and shoot camera. And, I've taken pictures with them but I don't think they're as good as they should be.

    But, if I didn't have a point and shoot camera, I'm a bit confused why people would recommend spending $80 to get a point and shoot camera instead of spending $100 for a used dslr camera and its kit lens?

    With the way Craigslist is finally adding more features, it seems like photos are more and more important. If somebody is looking through the gallery, then the photo becomes even more important. And, it seems like you can add bigger and more photos now on Craigslist than what you could do a couple of years ago on Craigslist. At the same time, isn't Craigslist blocking you from adding a link to a youtube video of your rental?

    My point and shoot pictures aren't really congruent with how I'm trying to position my rental. I'm trying to sell the view, but the that pictures from the inside aren't that great where the view looks a lot better when you see it in person. Although, the pictures of the outside view look better but I want to clearly separate my place from other places that might also have a view from the outside but no view from the inside.

    I'm trying to position my place as 'light and airy' but the rooms look dark, especially when I'm trying to show a view in those pictures. When I talk about the living room's wall of windows, I want a picture of that. Or, when I talk about how huge the master bedroom is, I want to showcase that in a picture.

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  • Josh L.
    OP
    Huntington Beach, CA · Member since 2014 · 105 posts · 23 votes
    12y

    @Walt Payne How much would it cost and how much time to take two HDR photos? It seems like you're suggesting its a lot if most people don't do it. If the costs aren't that high, then I'd consider it be a worthwhile expense if it means that it will get rented faster. Will any cheap tripod work?

    I did think about hiring a photographer, but there's still some stuff that will need to be changed over time. I don't want to pay a photographer if I can't reuse those photos every time it gets listed. The biggest issue is that they're building a park in front, and its still unclear how it will impact my views. Right now, there might be clear views but what if there's a couple of poles or trees that are in that view after he takes those photos?

    0Reply
  • Walt Payne
    Real Estate Investor · Sebastian, FL · Member since 2014 · 812 posts · 432 votes
    12y

    @Josh L. It is not a matter of how long it would take to do the job, it is the time to learn HOW to do the job. Using a DSLR is not hard, using it in a way that you aren't just using it like a point and shoot anyway takes time, training and practice. I or someone familiar could do the whole process in less than an hour, but without that training and experience your pics will not improve just because you get a DSLR. Think of it like a car. Will buying a high performance race car make you able to win the Daytona 500, or would you do just as well with a Ford Focus if you have no training or experience?

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