Two approaches, one goal
Whether you are a dealership, automotive photographer or private seller, the goal is the same: get vehicle photos that inspire trust and trigger purchases. Two main solutions are available: professional photo studio and AI generation.
Each approach has its strengths and limitations. This comparison helps you make the best choice for your situation.
Image quality: close match
Quality is the number one criterion for most users. Here is what each solution offers:
- Professional studio: perfectly controlled lighting, no background retouching needed, flawless quality for high-end catalogs
- Generative AI: photorealistic backgrounds, faithful vehicle preservation, sufficient quality for online listings and marketing materials
For web usage (listings, social media, website), the quality difference is hard to perceive. Studio retains an advantage for large format prints and premium advertising campaigns.
Cost: decisive advantage to AI
Financially, the difference is most striking. The cost comparison per vehicle is clear:
- Professional studio: 100 to 500 euros per vehicle (studio rental, photographer, retouching)
- On-location photographer: 50 to 150 euros per vehicle
- AI with Car Scene: about 1.35 euros per generated photo
For a dealership with 50 vehicles in stock, switching from studio to AI represents savings of several thousand euros each month.
Speed and flexibility
Time is a critical factor, especially for professionals managing rotating vehicle stock:
- Studio: booking required, vehicle transport, 30 min to 1h session per vehicle, retouched photo delivery delay
- AI: photo taken on-site with smartphone, result in under 30 seconds, available 24/7
AI offers unmatched flexibility: you can process a new vehicle immediately, without waiting for an appointment or transport.
Background variety
An often underestimated advantage of AI is the ability to test different backgrounds on the same photo:
- Studio: one set per session, changing background requires a new session
- AI: showroom, mountain road, urban setting, luxury parking... change background in one click
This flexibility allows adapting visuals to the distribution channel: showroom background for the website, nature setting for social media, urban mood for premium listings.
When to choose a studio
The professional studio remains relevant in specific situations. Choose studio for prestige vehicles, national advertising campaigns or large format printed catalogs where maximum image quality is essential.
When to choose AI
AI is the optimal choice for the vast majority of common uses. Choose AI photography for online listings, daily vehicle stock management, social media and digital marketing. The value for money is unbeatable and execution speed allows putting vehicles online as soon as they arrive.
