Drones provide a unique perspective by capturing stunning aerial views and perspectives of properties and their surrounding landscape. These images and videos can be used to create virtual tours, promotional materials, and eye-catching listing photos.
In this article, we will look at the three candidates for the best drone for real estate photography. Now let’s get into it.
My Experience
I’ve been flying drones recreationally and commercially for over 6 years. I have worked in a variety of commercial drone roles including real estate, 3D modelling tower inspections and building inspections.
Top 3 Drones for Real Estate Photography
Real estate photography requires a drone that can provide high-quality video, excellent image quality, and convenient features for capturing stunning aerial shots of properties whilst not being too big that it might collide with anything.
Here are the top picks for the best drone real estate photography:
1. DJI Mini 4 Pro – The Best Drone for Real Estate
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a compact and lightweight 249g drone that packs a punch when it comes to real estate photography. It offers the following features:
Key Features:
- Lightweight 249 grams
- 4k 60fps
- Omnidirectional obstacle detection
- 45 minute flight time
- 10-bit D log
- 20km (12 miles) range
PROS
- Long flight time – a whopping 45 minutes
- Compact and lightweight(249g)– great for travel and tight spaces
- Vertical gimbal mode great for Instagram reels and YouTube High-quality shorts
- High quality video- 4K 60fps
- Great safety features – omnidirectional sensors
- 2GB internal storage – Plus SD storage
- Can shoot in RAW – great detail for editing
CONS
- The price tag may be too high for some $1119 AUD/ $759 USD
- Can struggle in high wind
Released in 2023 the Mini 4 Pro has the latest drone technology. It’s rated as the best drone for real estate photography for those who want a reliable and compact drone for capturing stunning aerial shots of properties.
High-Resolution Video Capabilities
With its ability to shoot 4K video, you can capture stunning footage of properties and their surroundings. This high-resolution video ensures that your real estate marketing materials are of the highest quality, allowing potential buyers to get a detailed and immersive view of the property.
Its compact design allows for easy transportation and manoeuvring near buildings and trees, especially with its 360 omnidirectional sensors which prevent it from crashing into obstacles.
2. DJI Mavic 3
The DJI Mavic 3 is a top-of-the-line drone that offers a range of features and capabilities that make a best drone for real estate photography. Here are some key features of the DJI Mavic 3:
Key Features
- 45 minute flight time
- 20 metres per second horizontal speed
- 8GB internal storage (1TB in Cine version)
- Hasselblad Camera: 4/3 CMOS, Effective Pixels: 20 MP
- 5.1K 50fps video
- 4K 120fps
- Omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft
PROS
- Performs well in high wind
- High end image quality with Hasselblad camera(20MP 4/3 CMOS)
- 45 minute flight time
- Adjustable aperture great for low light conditions
- Can shoot RAW photos
- 20km flight range
- Omnidrectional obstacle avoidance sensors
CONS
- High price tag $2179 AUD/ $1428 USD(Mavic 3 Classic)
- Can’t turn the gimbal to shoot in vertical mode like the Mini 3 and 4
The Mavic 3 is capable of shooting top quality real estate videos with its 5.1k shooting capabilities as well as an incredible zoom on the second camera the tele lens. It controls well in high winds getting smooth footage and can produce superb images.
Advanced Flight Modes
The DJI Mavic 3 offers a range of advanced flight modes that make it an excellent tool for capturing captivating aerial shots for real estate photography. Some of the advanced flight modes available on the DJI Mavic 3 include:
- ActiveTrack allows the drone to automatically track and follow a subject, ensuring that you can capture dynamic shots of properties and their surroundings with ease.
- A hyperlapse takes many photos and stitches them together to create stunning time-lapse videos of properties, uniquely showcasing their features and beauty.
- The Waypoint mode allows you to set a specific flight path for the drone, ensuring that you capture the desired aerial shots of the property from different angles and perspectives.
- Follow Me mode makes the drone follow you as you navigate through the property, allowing for immersive and dynamic footage.
There are several models of the DJI Mavic 3 to choose from. I have created a breakdown of each model here. In short, the Mavic 3 classic or the original Mavic 3 will be more than good enough for real estate professionals. If you’ve got a bit more cash to spend then the DJI Mavic 3 Pro has a few extra features.
3. DJI Air 3
The last on the list for the best drone for real estate photography is the DJI Air 3 which has great camera quality and has the latest drone technology like intelligent flight modes. Here are some key features of the DJI Air 3:
Key Features
- 1/1.3″ CMOS Medium Tele & Wide-Angle Dual Primary Cameras
- 45-Minute battery life
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
- DJI O4 20km HD Video Transmission
- Dual-Camera 48MP Photos
- 4K/60fps HDR Videos
PROS
- Great 45 minutes of flight time
- Duel camera 48MP photos
- Great 20km range
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensors
- Can shoot in D Log – great video colour
- 4K 100fps video resolution
CONS
- Minimal aperture adjustment
- Can’t turn the gimbal to shoot in vertical mode like the Mini drones
- Price tag may be high for some – $1699 AUD/ $1090 USD
With its superior image quality and intelligent flight modes, the DJI Air 3 provides real estate photographers with a reliable and versatile drone for capturing stunning aerial shots of properties.
Intelligent Flight Modes
The DJI Air 3 offers a range of intelligent flight modes that enhance the capabilities of the drone and provide real estate photographers with greater control and flexibility. Some of the intelligent flight modes available on the DJI Air 3 include:
- Point of Interest you can set a specific point of interest for the drone to orbit around, allowing you to capture dynamic footage of the property from different angles and perspectives.
- With the Follow Me mode, the drone can automatically follow you as you navigate through the property, ensuring that you capture engaging footage for your real estate marketing videos.
- The Waypoints mode allows you to pre-set a flight path for the drone, ensuring that you capture the desired aerial shots of the property from different angles.
The DJI Air 3 is a great multipurpose drone with a long battery life and an impressive camera. Its size is in between a Mavic 3 and Mini 4 Pro and it handles well in high winds which puts it in third place for the best drone for real estate.
Tips for Getting the Best Shots with Your Drone
Aerial photography offers a unique perspective for capturing stunning aerial shots of properties. Here are some tips to help you get the best shots with your drone:
- Experiment with different angles and perspectives to highlight the property’s key features and create visually appealing
- Before taking off, plan your flight path and angles, and check ahead for the best time of day to shoot the property. Create a shot list focusing on the property’s strengths and the neighbouring.
- Post-processing is essential to get crisp, clear, and stunning images. Use photo editing software to enhance the colours, contrast, and sharpness of your photos.
Choosing the Right Time of Day
Choosing the right time of day is crucial for capturing stunning aerial shots with your drone. The lighting conditions can greatly impact the overall quality and mood of your photos. Here are some tips on choosing the right time of day for real estate photography:
- The golden hour refers to the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sunlight is soft and warm, casting a beautiful golden glow on the landscape. This is often considered the best time of day for photography as it provides flattering light and stunning colours.
- The midday sun can create harsh shadows and intense highlights, resulting in unflattering and flat-looking photos. Try to avoid shooting during this time or find shaded areas that provide more even lighting.
- Overcast days can provide diffused and soft lighting, making them ideal for capturing evenly exposed and balanced photos. The clouds act as natural diffusers, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more even lighting situation.
By choosing the right time of day, you can capture real estate photos with beautiful lighting and maximize the visual impact of your shots.
Using Different Angles and Perspectives
One of the advantages of drone photography is the ability to capture unique angles and perspectives that showcase the property’s features in a visually appealing way. Here are some tips for using different angles and perspectives with your drone:
Bird’s-eye View
Capture shots from directly above the property to provide a comprehensive view of the layout, boundaries, and surrounding areas.
Low-level Shots
Fly the drone close to the ground to capture eye-catching shots highlighting the property’s landscape design, pools, or outdoor amenities.
Wide-angle Shots
Use a wide-angle lens or camera setting to capture expansive views that showcase the property and its surroundings.
Overhead Shots
Fly the drone at an angle to capture overhead shots that showcase the property’s architecture, landscaping, or unique features.
Experimenting with different angles and perspectives allows you to create visually captivating shots that stand out and grab the viewer’s attention.
How to Get Work in Real Estate Photography
Real estate photography is a competitive field, but with the right approach, you can find work and establish yourself as a skilled photographer. Here are some tips on how to get work in real estate photography:
1. Get Yourself a Drone or Camera
Invest in the DJI Mavic 3 or Mini 4 Pro, rated as the best drone for real estate. Otherwise, get yourself a high-quality camera and learn how to take shots from different angles and perspectives.
2. Market Yourself Online
Create a professional website and online portfolio where you can showcase your work and attract potential clients. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share your photos and engage with the real estate community.
3. Network with Professionals
Attend industry events, join real estate associations, and connect with real estate agents, developers, and brokers. Building relationships with professionals in the industry can lead to referrals and potential job opportunities.
4. Offer your Services
Reach out to real estate agents and offer to capture professional photos of their listings. Emphasize the value that high-quality photography can bring in attracting potential buyers and selling properties faster.
5. Develop your Skills
Continuously improve your photography skills by taking courses or workshops specific to real estate photography. Learning how to properly stage a property, use lighting effectively, and edit photos will make you a more valuable asset in the real estate photography industry.
Consider joining online communities or forums where you can exchange tips and advice with fellow photographers.
Conclusion
To capture stunning aerial shots for your real estate listings, you need a drone that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. After thorough research, we have curated a list of the 3 best drones that are perfect for real estate photography.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is our top pick for the best drone for real estate with its small size, long battery life and 4k camera with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. The DJI Mavic 3 offers advanced flight modes and stunning footage.
These drones are the ultimate tools for showcasing properties from breathtaking angles. So why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your real estate photography with these exceptional drones?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Drone Accessories do I Need?
One of the best accessories to get for your DJI drone is the fly more kit which comes with extra propellers, 2 extra batteries, a carry case, a charging hub and ND filters.
Also, the 65W DJI car charger is essential to charge your batteries whilst on the move.
Do I Need a Licence for Real Estate Photography?
In the U.S., the FAA mandates a Part 107 license for commercial drone use, including real estate photography. Compliance with these regulations is essential for professionals aiming to integrate aerial shots into their marketing strategies responsibly and legally.
In Australia, individuals using drones for commercial reasons such as real estate photography need to acquire a Remote Pilot License (RePL) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Moreover, they must ensure that their drones are registered and comply with the operational regulations provided by CASA.
What is the Average Cost of a Real Estate Drone?
The average cost of a real estate drone can vary depending on the brand, model, and features. Professional-grade drones used by commercial drone photographers can range from USD 500 to USD 5000 or more.
DJI is an industry leader and offers a range of drones suitable for real estate photography purposes.
Which Drone do Realtors Use?
Realtors often use DJI drones for their real estate photography needs. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is rated as the best drone for real estate. Realtors will also use the previous model the Mini 3 Pro.
These drones offer advanced features, high-quality cameras, and long flight times, making them ideal for capturing stunning aerial shots of properties whilst being on the cheaper side of the price scale.
How Much Should I Charge Real Estate Agents for Drone Photography?
The pricing for real estate drone photography can vary depending on various factors, including the size and location of the property, the complexity of the shoot, and the number of shots required.
Most professional drone photographers charge an hourly rate ranging from $50 to $500 per hour, depending on their experience and service level. Some photographers also charge per photo or offer packages based on square footage.
Things to also factor in are how long was the drive, fuel, software for editing, how much you’ve spent on training and whether are spotters needed.
I'm Matt, a writer and drone photographer with over 6 years in the field. I specialize in all things drones – from buying guides and editing tips to monetization strategies. My goal is to help enthusiasts and professionals alike navigate the exciting world of aerial photography and videography, sharing insights that turn drone passion into expertise and opportunity.
