4 Best Drone for Real Estate Photography 2023

Introduction to our Guide to the Best Drone for Real Estate Photography

You're reading our guide to the best drone for real estate photography!

The best way to sell property – regardless of whether it’s residential, commercial, or even industrial – is to show it off with a slew of pictures to accompany your listing. Not too long ago, this meant shooting staged interiors as well as the facade and back of the property.

But with a more competitive real estate scene in any sector, plain photographs just won’t do these days. Likewise, during the height of the pandemic, many realtors and estate agents stepped their game up by offering virtual tours of properties that potential buyers couldn’t visit in person.

More savvy agents know that good videos, walkthroughs, and even aerial site footage of a property piques the interest of buyers more than static stills. This is why many agencies and property developers have invested in drone technology to create the most amazing presentations to draw their buyers in.

But, as we are so fond of saying, drones are not made alike. Today’s list of the best drone for real estate photography will give you some ideas to help you make good choices as to what equipment to use in your work.

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Our List of the Best Drone for Real Estate Photography

1. DJI Mavic 3 – best for professional real estate photographers (editor's choice!)
2. DJI Mini 3 Pro – best for casual photographers
3. DJI Mini 2 – best for beginners
4. Raptor 8k Black Drone – best for photographers on a budget

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Best Drone For Hiking Comparison Table

Note: Prices are subject to change over time. Please click the links to check for current pricing.

Specifications	DJI Mavic 3 (Editors Choice!)	DJI Mini 3 Pro	DJI Mini 2	Raptor 8K Black Drone
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Camera	4K @ 120fps	4K @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps	8K @ 30fps
Flight Time	45 minutes	45 minutes	31 minutes	25 minutes
Range	12 km	12 km	10 km	8 km
Max Speed	72 kph	68 kph	57 kph	72 kph
Weight	2.5 lbs	0.74 lbs	0.55 lbs	3.6 lbs
Size	8.5 x 3.6 x 3.3 inches	5.5 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches	5.5 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches	17.7 x 16.5 x 9.8 inches
Features	ActiveTrack 4.0, 3D obstacle sensing, Smart Controller 2.0	QuickShots, 3-axis gimbal, OcuSync 3.0	QuickShots, 3-axis gimbal, OcuSync 2.0	Object avoidance, Follow-me mode, Return-to-home
Customer Reviews	4.5/5	4.9/5	4.8/5	4.4/5

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1. DJI Mavic 3 – Editor's Choice!

Best for Professional Real Estate Photographers

Key Features

• Compact quadcopter drone with its own carrying case;
• Easy to use remote controller;
• 5.1K video;
• Shoot modes include quick shot and Hyperlapse;
• Spotlight 2.0;
• ActiveTrack 3.0;
• OcuSyn 2.0 visual transmission;
• Omnidirectional Obstacle avoidance system;
• Three flight modes: cine, normal, and sports;
• Low-noise propellers;
• Intelligent battery system;
• Easy switching from one mode to another; and
• Maximum flight time of 46 minutes on a single charge.

The DJI Mavic 3 has proven itself to be  an excellent choice for professional real estate photographers thanks to greater battery power as well as enhancements to the device's camera and image stabilization features. Unlike most of the drones in its class, the Mavic 3 is easy to fly and its range of advanced features is something that professional real estate photographers and videographers will find useful.

Pricing

Click here to check current discounted pricing.

Money-back guarantee 

If you are not satisfied with the DJI Mavic 3 as the best drone for real estate photography, you can return it within 14 days after purchase to get your money back.

Where to Buy It? 

We recommend buying DJI Mavic 3 only from their official website. This way, you can avail DJI Mavic 3 discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.

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2. DJI Mini 3 Pro

Best for Casual Photographers

Key Features

• Weighs Less than 249 g;
• Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing (Forward/Backward/Downward);
• Record Up to 4K/60fps Video and 4K/30fps HDR Video;
• 34-min Max Flight Time;
• True Vertical Shooting;
• FocusTrack (ActiveTrack, Spotlight, and Point of Interest); 
• MasterShots; and
• Timelapse

Because of its compact size and light weight, it's best suited for casual real estate photographers. A more professional edition of the  DJI Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro offers a similar range of functionalities and comes within the same weight class. But while most of its features are the same as those of the Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro offers additional features like focus tracking, master shots, and an elegant timelapse, things that real estate photographers will surely love.

Pricing

Click here to check current discounted pricing.

Money-back guarantee 

If you are not satisfied with DJI Mini 3 as the best drone for real estate photography, you can return it within 14 days after purchase to get your money back.

Where to Buy It? 

We recommend buying DJI Mini 3 only from their official website. This way, you can avail DJI Mini 3 discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.

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3. DJI Mini 2

Best for beginners

Key Features

• Compact and foldable construction;
• Maximum flying time of 31 minutes per run;
• Video transmission of up to ten kilometers;
• Level V wind resistance, enabling it to withstand winds of up to 38 kilometers per hour;
• Ultra-clear 4K videos and high-resolution still imagery; and
• Intelligent modes and quick-shot mode.

This drone is best for real estate photographers who are just starting out with building their portfolio. The DJI Mini 2 is a compact, lightweight image-capture quadcopter drone that is equipped with OcuSync 2.0 video transmission technology which enables it to fly farther and longer than most drones while taking high-resolution footage at the same time. Weighing just a little less than 249g and foldable, it’s a drone that makes all the difference in terms of convenience, as well as performance.

Pricing

Click here to check current discounted pricing.

Money-back guarantee 

If you are not satisfied with DJI Mini 2 as the best drone for real estate photography, you can return it within 14 days after purchase to get your money back.

Where to Buy It? 

We recommend buying DJI Mini 2 only from their official website. This way, you can avail DJI Mini 2 discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.

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4.  Raptor 8K Black Drone

Best for Pro Photographers on a Budget

Key Features

• Increased flight time compared to similar models;
• Flight speed of around 12 meters a second;
• Tri-axis gimbal stabilizer;
• 720p maximum image resolution;
• Panorama mode; and 
• Built-in anti-collision system.

This drone is best for professional real estate photographers and videographers who need a pro-grade drone on a budget. The Raptor 8K Drone is a precision-engineered drone that can be safely used in or out of doors. This particular drone was crafted to have exceptional stability in flight, as well as high resolution imaging technology for clear, richly detailed footage.

Pricing

Click here to check current discounted pricing.

Money-back guarantee 

If you are not satisfied with the Raptor 8K Drone as the best drone for real estate photography, you can return it within 30 days after purchase to get your money back.

Where to Buy It? 

We recommend buying Raptor 8K Drone best drone for real estate photography only from their official website. This way, you can avail Raptor 8K Drone discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.

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Why Should You Get the Best Drone for Real Estate Photography?

Especially for developers, flying a drone over the property they want to sell allows them to gather images, identify primary landmarks, and show geographical features unique to the location to create striking visual maps and sales presentations.

But aside from this, using the best drone for real estate photography comes with the following benefits:

• It helps you show off the property's dimensions in the proper perspective  – While handheld cameras and smartphone cameras give a first-person look at a subject area, it cannot show the spatial relationships between objects within the vicinity. In which case, using a drone allows you to give prospective buyers an overhead view of the property, giving them the opportunity to see areas like the backyard and patio in the correct perspective. In turn, this gives them a more concrete idea about how much space they actually have;
• It presents the property in the right context – Shooting a property with a drone gives you the ability to show prospective buyers the actual physical condition of structures within the property and in the surrounding environs. It also shows whether or not a development is accessible by major roads, how close a property is to neighbors, and even show potential property issues in order to correct them before one moves in; and
• You can present features that cannot be captured with a conventional camera setup – Conventional photography cannot properly show potential buyers certain amenities or features that can be difficult to shoot unless you're willing to climb up the roof or, in the case of massive agricultural and industrial properties, areas like barns, stables, or warehouses that are located far from the property's main structure.

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Quick Pointers for Using the Best Drone for Real Estate Photography

Before you hit the activation switch on your drone, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that you do a great job with it:

• Staging is Always Important – To maximize the benefits of the best drone for real estate photography, staging is crucial. Staging property for a shoot shouldn't just be kept to the inside, but the exterior as well. And it isn't even a matter of just clearing the yard of any leaves, weeds, or debris: even items like the roof need to be clean as you'll be shooting the property from the air;
• Consider the Traffic – By traffic, we mean activities that could affect the shoot. These include both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, any workers within the vicinity, people at nearby waiting sheds or bus stops, and – especially for those shooting beachfront or waterfront property – any sunbathers or boats. Also determine which days of the week or the time of day when there are the least distractions;
• Pay Heed to the Weather Forecast – You won't get good results if you shoot on a day that is stormy, cloudy, or even overly sunny. All these could ruin a potentially good shoot, so make it a point to check the weather before you fly out and use the best drone for real estate photography;
• Choose a Focal Point – By this we mean highlighting the best – and / or  most scenic – zone in the property, essentially the one that can best catch a buyer's eye like a gorgeous garden, water feature, or even a leisure area;  and
• Make It a Point to Edit Your Footage Properly – What would be the point of expertly taken footage if you don't take the time to weave it into a cohesive promotional narrative. Be sure to have someone select the best points of your footage and splice these together into appealing promotional videos or montages.

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How Did We Choose the Best Drone for Real Estate Photography?

We took into the following factors into consideration during testing to vet the best drone for real estate photography:

• Ease of Use – We like drones that you can use right out of the box with instructions that are absolutely easy to follow. Drones that you can get into the air ASAP? Yes, please;
• Reliability – We looked at how reliable and durable these drones are in terms of flight time, image stability, image and video quality, audio clarity, and how well they hold up regardless of terrain and weather conditions;
• Features – We like the best drone for real estate photography that have features that people can use to make even the simplest shoot projects look absolutely cool and professional.
• Value for Money – We made it a point to consider items that were within a reasonable price range yet offer a whole range of features and functionality that can step up one’s game in terms of photography and video production.

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Conclusion to our Guide on the Best Drone for Real Estate Photography

The items presented in today’s listicle review were carefully tested by our team of experts to ensure that readers will have a sterling selection to choose from when  it comes to the best drones for filming. 

Please note that, in the interest of getting authentic high-quality products, we recommend that you shop for these best drone for real estate photography through their official websites where you may also get great discounts for multiple purchases. Beware of purchasing from marketplace sites claiming to be resellers so to avoid issues with refunds and returns in the future!

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FAQ

What’s the minimum resolution I need to look for in a drone for real estate photography?

A high definition camera is one of the hallmarks of a good drone for videography, particularly one that shoots at 1080p. More advanced models can go as high as 4K high definition.

Is a shot list necessary when using a drone to shoot promotional material?

Yes, having a pre-planned shot list allows you to manage your time better and get the shots that you need without spending hours outdoors.

Can Drones Fly In Strong Winds?

Drones are capable of flying in windy conditions, but the extent to which they can do so depends on the drone's design, stability mechanisms, and ability to resist wind. Flight time, stability, and control accuracy may be compromised in strong winds. Most consumer-grade drones can safely fly in winds up to 15-25 mph, while more advanced drones can handle higher speeds. Always adhere to the manufacturer's advice and exercise caution when flying a drone in strong winds to ensure safety and protect the drone from damage.

What happens if a drone goes out of range?

If a drone ventures beyond its range and loses connectivity with its remote controller, the operator may lose control. Many drones, such as those by DJI, include an automatic “Return-to-Home” (RTH) feature that activates upon connection loss, allowing the drone to navigate back to its launch location or an assigned home spot using GPS data. To safeguard against crashes or flyaways, it's crucial to correctly set up the RTH function and ensure the drone has a stable GPS signal.

Is it illegal to fly a drone over private property?

Flying drones over private property is subject to local, state, or national legislation and can raise privacy concerns. Drone operators should generally refrain from flying over private property unless they have the property owner's permission, as this respects privacy rights and helps avoid legal issues. Certain jurisdictions may have explicit regulations governing drone flights over private property, while others might rely on existing privacy laws. It's crucial to consult local laws and guidelines and secure permission from property owners when needed to prevent trespassing and respect privacy.

What are the regulations regarding no-fly zones and how do they apply to drones flying over my house?

No-fly zones are restricted airspace areas where drone flights are either limited or entirely prohibited to ensure safety, security, and privacy. Regulations regarding no-fly zones vary by country and region. They typically include areas around airports, military installations, government buildings, critical infrastructure, and wildlife reserves. Some jurisdictions may also enforce no-fly zones over densely populated areas, large gatherings, or private properties.

To determine if your house is within a no-fly zone, consult local aviation authorities or use drone-specific apps and websites that provide maps of no-fly zones. Drone operators are responsible for adhering to these regulations and must avoid flying in restricted areas. Failure to comply with no-fly zone regulations can result in fines, legal action, or the confiscation of the drone. Always check local laws and guidelines to ensure you understand the regulations regarding no-fly zones in your area.

Is it illegal to fly drones over houses?

The legality of flying drones over houses depends on local, state, or national laws and regulations governing drone flights. In many jurisdictions, it is generally advised that drone operators avoid flying over private property without the owner's consent to respect privacy rights and prevent potential legal issues. Some areas have specific rules about drone flights over private property, while others rely on existing privacy laws or trespassing regulations. It's important to consult local laws and guidelines, obtain permissions from property owners when necessary, and adhere to any restrictions to ensure compliance and maintain privacy.

How much does a Drone Survey Cost?

The cost of a drone survey can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the project, the type of drone used, the expertise of the drone operator, and any additional services like data processing and analysis. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for small-scale residential projects to several thousand dollars for large commercial or industrial projects. Some drone surveying companies may charge an hourly rate, while others may provide a fixed quote based on the project's specific requirements. To get an accurate estimate of the cost, it's best to contact a professional drone surveying company and provide them with the details of your project for a customized quote.

Can drones see inside your house through walls or curtains?

Generally, consumer drones cannot see through walls or curtains, as their cameras are limited by visual line-of-sight and are not equipped with advanced imaging technologies such as thermal or radar imaging.

Is flying a drone in a residential area allowed?

The regulations for flying a drone in a residential area vary depending on the local, state, or national laws governing drone flights. In many cases, drone operators must follow specific guidelines to ensure safety and respect for privacy when flying in residential areas. This can include altitude limits, maintaining a certain distance from people or property, and avoiding flying over private property without permission. It's essential to consult local laws and guidelines and adhere to any restrictions to ensure compliance and maintain safety and privacy in residential areas.

How much does a drone roof inspection cost?

The cost of a drone roof inspection varies based on factors such as location, size and complexity of the roof, and the drone service provider's fees. Prices can range from $100 to $500 or more.

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If you've read all the way through this best drone for real estate photography guide, we are grateful. We have reviewed all these products in detail, feel free to check them out;

• DJI Mavic 3 Reviews
• DJI Mini 3 Pro Reviews
• DJI Mini 2 Reviews
• Raptor 8k Black Drone Reviews