Using the best drones for real estate photography will not only enhance your work but also attract more real estate agents to collaborate with you. The demand for aerial photography and video footage of homes is on the rise, especially for high-end residential property listings. In this guide, we'll explore a range of drone models that are perfect for your real estate business.
DJI Air 3 | Best Value Professional Drone for Real Estate
The DJI Air 3 is my top pick among the best drones for real estate photography. It offers a perfect combination of prosumer specifications, long flight time, excellent transmission range, exceptional photo and video capabilities, and an affordable price. With its 48-megapixel sensor and two cameras, a 24mm f/1.7 and a 70mm f/2.8, you can capture stunning images with great low-light performance. The Mavic Air 3 also has an impressive battery life of up to 46 minutes, allowing you to complete your real estate photography projects effortlessly. Additionally, its 15km (9.3 miles) range makes it the best long-range drone in its price range.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro | Best Zoom Camera Drone for Real Estate Photography
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a popular choice among professional real estate photographers. While the DJI Air 3 offers similar features at a lower price, the Mavic 3 Pro offers some useful extra features. It boasts a Hasselblad sensor for stunning image quality, 5K resolution footage, and three lenses that provide a variety of perspectives. With its 43-minute flight time and up to 15-kilometer range, you can capture detailed shots and explore different angles. The Mavic 3 Pro is a great investment for those who require versatility in their real estate photography.
DJI Mini 3 Pro | Best Budget Drone for Real Estate Photography
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the perfect option for real estate photographers on a budget. Despite its affordable price tag, this drone offers excellent camera quality, good flight time, and impressive specs. It can shoot 4K video at 30fps, 2.7K video at 60fps, and 1080p at 120fps. The Mini 3 Pro is also incredibly compact and portable, weighing less than 250 grams. Its lightweight design allows you to legally fly it almost anywhere. Additionally, it has a dual battery case and charger for convenience during your shoots. If portability is essential to you, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is an excellent choice for your real estate photography needs.
DJI Mini 2 SE
Although the DJI Mini 2 SE is a relatively old model, it remains a reliable and affordable option for real estate photography beginners on a budget. With its compact and lightweight design, weighing under 250 grams, it offers ease of use and portability. Despite its small size, it still delivers stable performance even in windy conditions. The Mini 2 SE shoots 2.7K video at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, which is more than sufficient for real estate photography. With a flight time of 31 minutes and a range of 10 kilometers, it provides you with ample time and distance to capture stunning aerial shots.
Holy Stone HS720G | Alternative to DJI Real Estate Drone
The Holy Stone HS720G is an amazingly affordable drone that offers great specifications and capabilities for real estate photography. It's especially suitable for beginners or those on a budget who need a reliable drone. The HS720G is designed to be beginner-friendly, with easy connectivity to the app and intuitive smartphone navigation. It comes with a 120-degree field of view camera, electronic image stabilization, and a 2-axis gimbal. With its 12-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor, it records 4K video and captures high-quality images. The HS720G also offers tracking modes, waypoints, and programmable flights, giving you more creative control over your shots.
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ Drone | Another DJI alternative Real Estate Drone
The Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ Drone is an affordable option for real estate photographers, offering excellent 2.7K video transmission and a high-quality 6K video camera. With a flight time of approximately 40 minutes and a transmission range of up to seven miles, it provides you with ample time and distance to capture breathtaking aerial shots. The EVO Lite+ Drone features a pro 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor, a variable aperture lens of f/2.8 to f/11, and a 3X lossless zoom. It also offers various shooting modes and manual control options, allowing you to customize your shots according to your preferences.
Parrot ANAFI Ai 4G Robotic Drone
The Parrot ANAFI Ai 4G Robotic Drone is a professional-grade real estate surveying drone with extraordinary capabilities. Although it comes with a higher price tag, it offers unique features that consumer drones typically lack. With its 48-megapixel camera, electronic image stabilization, 4K video capabilities, and 6x lossless zoom, you can capture stunning images and videos. The ANAFI Ai is incredibly stable in flight, thanks to its 3-axis gimbal and two connected stereovision optical avoidance sensors. It's also connected to the 4G network, ensuring uninterrupted communication between the controller and the drone. Additionally, it offers advanced shooting modes and photogrammetry capabilities, making it a versatile and powerful tool for real estate photography professionals.
Autel Robotics EVO II Pro 6K Rugged Bundle V3
Despite having a 20-megapixel sensor, the Autel Robotics EVO II Pro 6K Rugged Bundle V3 is a solid choice for real estate surveying. It can shoot video at up to 6K at 30fps and 12-bit RAW stills, offering exceptional color reproduction. The EVO II Pro provides a range of shooting modes such as time-lapse, HDR, and burst shoot. With its variable aperture lens of f/2.8 to f/11 and maximum ISO of 44000, it delivers excellent low-light performance. It also offers an impressive flight time of up to 40 minutes and a transmission range of 15 kilometers. The rugged bundle includes spare batteries and propellers, making it a convenient choice for real estate photographers.
Do You Need a License for Real Estate Drone Photography?
Understanding the regulations and requirements for drone photography is crucial, especially for real estate professionals. While specific licensing requirements may vary depending on your location, it's essential to obtain the necessary certifications and licenses to ensure compliance with local laws. Some countries may require a certified drone license for commercial drone flights. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local flight restrictions and guidelines to ensure the safety and privacy of others. Prioritizing safety and adhering to legal requirements will set you apart as a responsible and reputable real estate drone photographer.
In conclusion, choosing the best drone for real estate photography is essential to elevate your work and attract more clients. Consider your budget, specific requirements, and the features offered by each drone to make an informed decision. Whether you opt for a high-end professional drone or a more budget-friendly option, these drones will undoubtedly enhance your real estate photography projects and help you capture breathtaking aerial shots.