360° virtual tours have become a must-have for real estate listings. They let buyers explore properties remotely, qualify leads before showings, and make listings stand out. Here's how to create tours that agents actually want to pay for.
Equipment You Need
The Camera
The Ricoh Theta Z1 is the industry standard for real estate virtual tours. Its 1-inch sensors produce significantly better image quality than consumer 360 cameras.
- Ricoh Theta Z1: $999 - Best quality, our recommendation
- Ricoh Theta X: $799 - Good alternative, touchscreen
- Insta360 X3: $449 - Budget option, acceptable quality
Accessories
- Monopod: A must-have. The monopod disappears in the nadir (floor area)
- Remote trigger: So you can leave the room during capture
- Extra batteries: The Z1 drains quickly
Camera Settings
For the Ricoh Theta Z1, these settings work well for most interiors:
- Mode: HDR (for balanced exposures)
- ISO: Auto (let the camera handle it)
- White Balance: Auto or 5500K
- Image Format: RAW+JPEG (RAW for flexibility)
Positioning the Camera
Where you place the camera determines the quality of your tour.
Height
Position the camera at eye level—approximately 5 feet from the floor. This gives viewers a natural perspective as if they're walking through the space.
Location Within Rooms
- Center of the room: Works for most spaces
- Major transition points: Doorways, hallway intersections
- Near features: Capture fireplaces, built-ins, views
- Avoid corners: Creates a cramped feeling
Distance from Walls
Stay at least 2-3 feet from walls. Too close and the walls look distorted. In small rooms, center positioning is even more critical.
How Many Shots?
Quality over quantity. Here's a typical shot list:
- Living areas: 1-2 shots each
- Kitchen: 1-2 shots
- Bedrooms: 1 shot each
- Bathrooms: 1 shot each
- Hallways: 1 shot per major hallway
- Outdoor spaces: 1-2 shots (patio, backyard)
- Garage: 1 shot if notable
A typical 3-bedroom home needs 12-18 shots. Don't over-capture—agents don't want viewers clicking through 50 nearly-identical positions.
Best Practices
Prepare the Space
- Turn on all lights (including lamps)
- Open blinds for natural light
- Clear clutter—it shows up everywhere in 360
- Close toilet lids
- Hide trash cans
Leave the Room
Use the remote trigger and exit the room before capturing. No one wants to see you standing in the corner of every shot.
Mind the Nadir
The nadir (floor directly below camera) is tricky. Using a monopod minimizes this area, but watch for:
- Tripod shadows
- Your feet in frame
- Clutter on the floor
Check Your Work
Review shots on the camera or phone app before moving to the next room. It's easier to reshoot immediately than to return to the property.
Common Mistakes
- Camera too low: Creates a child's-eye view. Keep it at adult eye level.
- Too many captures: Overwhelming tours with 40+ positions frustrate users
- Mixed lighting: Close blinds in rooms with harsh direct sunlight
- Forgetting mirrors: You (or your equipment) will appear in reflections
- Pets in frame: Cute, but unprofessional. Remove pets from the space
Workflow Tips
- Capture 360s after your regular photos (space is already prepped)
- Work systematically room by room
- Name files or note shot locations as you go
- Check image quality on your phone between shots
- Upload to processing platform same day
A quality 360 tour adds significant value to your photography package. It's becoming expected for mid-range and luxury listings. Master this skill and you'll stand out from photographers who only offer static images.