Ever since the introduction of drone photography in real estate, the industry has become more transparent in depicting homes. With more high-definition pictures and footage being captured from innovative angles, drones are your best option to showcase not only your listing but the entire neighborhood, which could leave prospective homebuyers smitten. If you are planning to purchase a drone for real estate videos or photographs, ensure the device meets the following criteria:
A good quality camera that will provide you professional real estate photographs and cinematic footage.
Sufficient battery life that won’t interrupt your drone photography session.
Flight modes that click automatic shots.
Now that you know the criteria for the shortlist, here are the recommended drones to consider. Looking to start with drone photography and videography but don't know where to start? We have curated the top tips for using drones in real estate for you.
The following drones for real estate video and photography will suit all real estate needs and budgets.
1. DJI Mavic Mini
Source: DJI.com
DJI, a Chinese tech company which rules the drone photography market with its innovative lineup of flying cameras. Let’s start with DJI Mavic Mini, a powerful yet compact drone that can capture breathtaking real estate footage. Coupled with the DJI Fly app, this foldable model will be your creative companion to offer a bird’s eye view of the listing.
Key Features
The camera is good with hardware image stabilization and a hefty sensor that shoots in 2.7K.
DJI Mavic Mini is a feature-rich model that is exceptionally precise thanks to its GPS.
Under its QuickShots category, it possesses several cinematic features like Dronie, Helix, Circle, etc.
Weight: At 250 grams, DJI Mavic Mini is one of the best drones that doesn’t require FAA registration.
Flight time: Almost 30 minutes
Range: 4 kilometers approximately
Price: DJI Mavic Mini is available for $399, making it one of the best budget drones available.
2. Upair 2
Source: uavadvisor.com
Upair is back with a second-generation drone, after its first one that did a decent job at a reasonable price. It offers unique solutions for drone photography in real estate that you cannot hate.
Key Features
With 3 sensors, one 3D, one 4K, and the third one that shoots at 16 megapixel still images, Upair Two is unique in its aerial photographic abilities.
Its GPS-assisted intelligent flight ensures that you will never lose the drone. It flies back automatically when the battery is low and follows you on your path.
Flight time: The aircraft can handle up to 24 minutes of flying time.
Range: At a range of 1 km, it’s perfectly suited for your real estate photography needs.
3. Parrot Anafi
Source: gvgseating.co.in
What makes Parrot Anafi interesting is the way its camera has been mounted on the drone. It has been built to withstand challenging situations, including extreme temperatures and bad weather.
Key Features
Parrot Anafi boasts of a camera that’s one of the best in the business, packaging a powerful 4K HDR-capable sensor. Stabilized on 5 axes, the sensor clicks clear images withstanding the vibrations associated with drones.
The camera takes up the entire front panel, which allows it to record straight up and down, resulting in fantastic interior shots.
The flight mode tab can be accessed from the FreeFlight 6 app.
Weight: Parrot Anafi is compact at 320 gms with unfolded dimensions of 175x240x65 mm.
Flight time: Almost 25 minutes
Range: 4 kilometers in unobstructed areas.
Resistance: Parrot Anafi can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from +40°C - 10°C and wind gusts of 80 km/h.
4. DJI Air 2S
Source: gsmarena.com
DJI Air 2S is the ultimate drone for creators on the move. This all-in-one powerhouse can record real estate listings in stunning detail. DJI Air 2S is a good drone photography investment that will provide you more than just good-looking real estate photos.
Key Features
DJI Air 2S is integrated with a 1-inch camera sensor for up to 5.4K UHD video
It is equipped with 4-way obstacle avoidance detection and APAS 4.0- an autopilot system that automatically avoids and flies around obstacles.
DJI introduces a new feature called Mastershots through this model, for pilots to generate professional-grade footage that’s ready to be shared on social.
Flight time: intelligent battery with 31 minutes of flight time.
Range: 12 kilometers with an O3 transmission system.
Price: DJI Air 2S is priced at $999.
5. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Source: techradar.com
This newest model by DJI is for drone photography in real estate for consumers who won’t settle for anything but the best. This pricey model is high on performance and is meant for real estate and commercial use.
Key Features
If you are wondering why you should go for this exorbitantly-priced drone when the market is rife with good, affordable ones, you might be right in thinking so. However, if you are a photography geek, you’ll realize that DJI Mavic 2 Pro does everything better in drone photography than its cheap counterparts. The dynamic 1-inch Hasselblad sensor features a 20MP HDR 4K camera.
With Hyperlapse, the aircraft shoots solid aerial shots and auto-processes them, saving you immense time on the editing table.
Mavic 2 Pro has been designed after hours of research to minimize noise, reduce power consumption, and expand propulsion.
Flight time: DJI Mavic 2 Pro’s smart battery can fly for 30 minutes.
Range: This beast can do 8 kilometers of operating range.
Price: At $2000, this is one of the priciest drones out there but offers a power-packed performance.
6. Holy Stone HS720 Foldable GPS Drone
The Holy Stone 720E is a large, sturdy drone, with a battery pack that provides over 20 minutes of flying time. Like other Holy Stone drones, the 720ehas GPS and compass features, providing a very stable flying experience. The combination of the upgraded camera with a stable flight allows the user to take some incredible videos and photos!
This drone is equipped with a high-resolution 4K UHD camera that allows for stunning aerial photography and videography while ensuring a smooth and stable footage thanks to its shock absorption technology.
With its 5G FPV transmission capability, this drone provides real-time live video streaming in high definition, allowing you to experience a first-person view of the drone's flight.
You can enjoy a longer flying experience as this drone has a flight time of up to 26 minutes, giving you ample time to capture breathtaking aerial shots and explore the surroundings.
Powered by a robust brushless motor, this drone delivers impressive speed, agility, and stability, ensuring a dynamic and thrilling flight experience.
The drone's GPS assistance enables intelligent flight modes, including precise waypoint navigation and automatic return to home functionality, enhancing safety and convenience during your aerial adventures.
With optical flow positioning, this drone can accurately sense its position and maintain stability even in environments with limited GPS signals, making it suitable for indoor flights or areas with obstacles.
Experience a customized flight experience with this drone as it offers various flight modes and features, including GPS follow me mode, allowing the drone to track and capture your movements autonomously for captivating aerial footage.
7. Hubsan Zino Pro 4K
The Hubsan Zino Pro offers a 4K camera on a 3-axis stabilized, rotating gimbal, flight time similar to the DJI Mavic Air, a bunch of flight modes, and4KM connectivity. One of the best features is the ability to remove the camera lens and install new lenses with ND filters built-in.
Key Features
This drone is equipped with a 4K camera that enables you to capture breathtaking videos in ultra-high definition, ensuring crystal-clear and highly detailed footage.
The camera of this drone is equipped with a 3-axis gimbal stabilization system, which helps in eliminating unwanted vibrations and ensuring smooth and stable video recordings even during dynamic flights.
With its GPS-based navigation system, this drone can accurately determine its position, allowing for precise and autonomous flight control, making it easier for you to navigate and explore the surroundings.
Enjoy longer flight sessions with this drone as it offers up to 23 minutes of flight time, giving you ample opportunity to capture stunning aerial shots and explore your surroundings.
Experience the freedom to fly further with a maximum control distance of 4 kilometers, allowing you to explore vast areas and capture unique perspectives from a distance.
The headless orientation control mode of this drone simplifies flight control, eliminating the need to adjust the drone's position relative to the pilot's orientation, making it easier to fly and control.
Utilize the active track subject tracking modes of this drone to effortlessly capture dynamic shots, as the drone intelligently recognizes and tracks the subject of interest, ensuring smooth and engaging footage.
With the automatic return home failsafe feature, this drone can automatically return to its takeoff point or a designated home point in case of low battery or lost signal, providing added safety and peace of mind.
Reach impressive speeds with this drone, as it can fly at a top speed of 22 mph, allowing you to capture fast-paced action and cover larger distances in a shorter amount of time.
8. DJI Mavic Air 2
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is the first consumer drone to provide AirSense - an alert system that gives drone pilots situational awareness - along with anextensive array of features. This drone is one of the highest tech portable drones in the market and is capable enough for real estate photography. It hasthe longest flight time of a Mavic drone ever created and is the only one that is capable of shooting 4K footage at 60 fps.
The drone used for real estate photography offers features specifically designed for capturing stunning aerial shots:
It provides a still image resolution of up to 48 megapixels, allowing for highly detailed photos of the property and its surroundings.
The drone can record videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, providing cinematic and immersive footage for property walkthroughs.
With a maximum flight time of 34 minutes, it ensures sufficient time to capture various angles and showcase the property's exterior and surroundings.
The drone has a maximum speed of 42 miles per hour (in sport mode), enabling efficient coverage of large properties and capturing diverse aerial views.
Its foldable and portable design makes it convenient for real estate professionals to transport and use it for capturing aerial shots at different locations.
Intelligent flight modes, including waypoint navigation and follow me mode, assist in effortlessly capturing dynamic shots and creating smooth flight paths.
The drone's 8K hyper-lapse capability allows for creating captivating time-lapse videos that showcase the property's surroundings and changing lighting conditions.
Equipped with APAS 3.0 obstacle avoidance system, it ensures enhanced safety during flights around the property by intelligently detecting and avoiding obstacles.
9. Phantom 4 ProV2.0
The Phantom 4 Pro V 2.0 is the most sought option for aerial photography. It provides professional aerial shooting and comes with the same chassis as the Phantom 4 but offers significant improvements. The Phantom 4 ProV2.0 comes with multiple automated flight and camera modes.
The drone is equipped to capture stunning real estate footage in 4K resolution at a smooth 60 frames per second, ensuring high-quality videos that showcase the property's details effectively.
With its long transmission range, the drone provides a reliable HD live view, allowing real estate photographers to remotely monitor and frame their shots with precision, even from a distance.
The adjustable aperture feature enables the drone to adapt to different lighting conditions, ensuring optimal exposure for capturing the exterior and interior shots of properties, regardless of the time of day.
Utilizing the draw mode, real estate photographers can easily plan and execute precise flight paths for the drone, ensuring smooth and consistent footage as it seamlessly navigates through various angles and perspectives.
The drone's automated modes for cinematic shots allow real estate photographers to effortlessly create visually appealing videos by utilizing pre-programmed flight patterns, giving their footage a professional and polished look.
For enhanced safety and maneuverability, the drone incorporates multi-directional obstacle sensing and avoidance technology, enabling it to detect and avoid potential obstacles such as buildings, trees, or power lines, ensuring a smooth and accident-free flight.
With the inclusion of a mechanical shutter, the drone is capable of capturing high-speed shots, enabling real estate photographers to freeze motion and showcase property features such as swimming pools or outdoor amenities in crisp detail, enhancing their marketing materials.
10. Editor's Choice: DJI Inspire 2
DJI Inspire 2 drone is designed with all advanced features, so it is the first choice of most filmmakers and in-depth pocket buyers. Its extended support towards aerial photography with impressive stability as easy control functions makes it suitable for high-end drone users. Professionals advise this device for cinematographic results due to its classic recording functionality. It is designed with a highly durable structure that can lift huge weight with decent speed and its advanced obstacle avoidance system makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor flights.
The drone is designed to be compatible with 5.2K gimbal cameras, allowing real estate photographers to capture incredibly detailed and immersive footage of properties, showcasing every aspect with clarity and precision.
With its advanced CineCore 2.0 image processing capabilities, the drone ensures exceptional image quality, providing real estate photographers with the ability to achieve stunning visual results in their aerial shots.
Supporting CinemaDNG and ProRes recording formats, the drone enables real estate photographers to capture footage in professional-grade formats, offering flexibility in post-production editing and ensuring the highest level of image quality.
Featuring a dual-battery design, the drone ensures extended flight time, allowing real estate photographers to cover larger properties or multiple locations without interruptions.
The drone's impressive acceleration capabilities allow it to reach a speed of 50 mph in just 4 seconds, enabling real estate photographers to quickly capture dynamic shots or swiftly maneuver between different areas of a property.
With a maximum velocity of 58 mph, the drone provides a fast and efficient means of capturing footage, ensuring that real estate photographers can cover large areas quickly while maintaining stability and control.
Equipped with advanced obstacle sensing technology, the drone enhances safety during flight by detecting and avoiding obstacles in its flight path, providing real estate photographers with peace of mind and minimizing the risk of accidents or collisions.
Featuring a 2-axis stabilized FPV camera, the drone allows real estate photographers to capture immersive first-person-view footage, enabling them to navigate and frame shots with precision, providing a unique perspective for showcasing properties.
BONUS TIP
FPV Cinewhoop is an innovative style of drones for real estate videos and photos that is small, stable, and safe. With ducts protecting the propellers, it is designed to be operated in tight spaces, making it ideal for interior drone photography in real estate.
Now that you have the recommended list go ahead and pick one among the above drones that suits your budget and requirements to capture gorgeous real estate photos that provide a bird’s eye view of the listing. If you don't have a drone for cinematic footage, a 360-degree camera like Insta360 One R or One X(V2) with an extended selfie stick will give you near equivalent cinematic footage. If you want to know about the best 360-degree cameras in the market, click here to check out our article on them.
Once you are done clicking real estate pictures and videos using drones, they need to go through a post processing before being uploaded to your listings. Luckily, Styldod can help you in the editing and turn them around in 48 hours at unmatched prices. Use our image enhancement, occupied to vacant, object removal, and day to dusk services to give your images a stunning avatar. We also create immersive single property videos from the photos. Do write to us at help@styldod.com if you’d like to know more about our photo enhancement and video services.
Styldod is a design-tech company that aims to simplify real estate marketing and help agents present homes in their most favorable light online by reimagining and automating the listing photography process. Having begun as a virtual staging company, today, Styldod has affordable and best-in-class products and services for every facet of real estate marketing and photography. Styldod’s suite of services include virtual staging, image enhancements, floor plans, virtual renovation, 3D renders, 360 degree virtual tours, and Matterport virtual staging, to name a few. We're trusted by over 10,000 realtors from all over the US and from companies like ReMax, Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams. Know more about us at https://www.styldod.com.
Ann is a thriller-loving Economics major who chose to follow her passion for writing and became a Content Writer at Styldod. A big Jeffrey Archer fan, Ann loves books, films, and everything else that gets her creative juices flowing.
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