Best Drones For Real Estate Photography [Comparison Table]

The integration of drone use has become that much more prominent in modern times, and while we’ve gone over picks dealing mostly with information for hobbyists, we’ve got some for other practical uses.

There’s a lot of emphasis on just how common drones will become in our day-to-day life, and while we’re still quite a long way from getting delivery from drones, they can still be used for things relating to work.

best drone for real estate photography

Table of contents

5 Best real estate photography drones

5. DJI Phantom 4
4. DJI Air 2S
3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
2. Autel EVO 2
1. DJI Mavic 3

Drones for real estate, not words you’d expect in the same sentence right? How could these odd buzzing machines possibly be useful in the realm of reality? Quite simply, drones are capable of taking high-definition photos and videos of specific things at completely different angles.

For the first time, a realtor can capture a bird’s eye view of property they want to sell, or showcase creative close-ups and positions of the home in question. In a literal sense, drones can bring your photography/video to a whole new level.

Don’t worry, we’ve also taken lots of groundwork out of it for you. We’re going to list our drones for sale that function well for real-estate specific tasks, which will ultimately give you and your agency a brand new technological edge as you’ve never had.

 

8 Best Real Estate Drones

The best drones for real estate agents listed below belong to the ultimate aerial photography machines. We’re talking about some of the priciest options on the market, but ones that can effortlessly complete any and all tasks you put it up against.

So, if you’re in dire need of a professional-grade real estate drone, any of the following eight models ought to do the trick!

TABLE: What is the best drone for real estate agents?

ImageNameCameraRangeFlight TimeBest Offer
DJI-Mavic-Mini-table8. DJI Mavic Mini2.7K4km30minSee best offer
Parrot Anafi Table7. Parrot Anafi4K4km25minSee best offer
DJI Mini 2 drone6. DJI Mini 24K8km30minSee best offer
dji-phantom-4-pro-table-new5. DJI Phantom 44K7km27minSee best offer
DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone white background4. DJI Air 2S5.4K12km32minSee best offer
dji-mavic-2-pro-table3. DJI Mavic 24K8km30minSee best offer
Autel Robotics Evo 2 Drone2. Autel EVO 28K8km40minSee best offer
DJI Mavic 3 drone1. DJI Mavic 34K15km45minSee best offer

 

DJI Mavic Mini with Transmitter

Foldable drone for real estate photography

8. DJI Mavic Mini

Here comes the big boy. It doesn’t cost nearly as much as a professional drone but brings forth an exceptional performance that would put to shame even some of the priciest mainstream drones out there.  Mavic Mini is the name and it’s the newest drone by DJI. Let’s take a closer look at it and see what exactly makes it the best investment for up and coming real estate businesses!

Camera and Features

First stuff first – the camera! Obviously, the camera quality is of crucial importance for drones suitable for commercial work. Luckily, the folk over at DJI were well-aware of this when putting this thing together. Not only does it have hardware image stabilization but it also possesses a hefty sensor that shoots footage in 2.7K. Yes, I know, it’s not 4K… but the difference is really small and virtually invisible… Unless you have a giant 4K TV/monitor, that is.

In terms of features, DJI Mavic Mini will definitely amaze you. Not only is it extremely precise and accurate thanks to onboard GPS, but it also sports a handful of cinematic features such as Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, all of which fall under the QuickShots category. On top of that, Mavic Mini has intuitive editing capabilities which will allow your aerial videos to become works of art in a matter of minutes.

Specifications

DJI Mavic Mini weighs roughly 250 grams, meaning it doesn’t require FAA registration. In fact, DJI Mavic Mini is by far the best drone you can buy that doesn’t need FAA registration. It’s foldable and miniature, but don’t let its size fool you. DJI Mavic Mini possesses amazing flight time, reaching close to half an hour even during demanding flight routines. As for the range, you can expect around 4 kilometers, which seems to be the industry standard for these affordable models with exceptional cameras.

 

 

parrot-anafi-with-transmitter

7. Parrot Anafi

Next up, we have Parrot Anafi. This interesting foldable drone relies on one special thing that no other drone out there can boast with. It’s a camera. Well, technically, not the camera but the way it’s been mounted on this drone. Want to know more? Keep on reading…

Camera and Features

Parrot Anafi’s camera is nothing special. Sure, it’s one of the best cameras in the business, packing a mighty 4K HDR-capable sensor… but when it comes to the uniqueness factor, the camera really is nothing special. As hinted above, what’s special is the way it’s been mounted on the drone. Anafi’s camera takes up the entire front panel of the drone, and that positioning allows it to rotate straight up and straight down.

Yep, Parrot Anafi can record straight up, which can result in awesome interior shots of that new house you got scheduled for sale. Of course, Anafi is a GPS-based drone, packing nothing but utmost precision and hovering accuracy. Additionally, it also has photography-based features that’ll make your life easier. If you want a great all-around model with a unique twist to its tale, Parrot Anafi is the obvious way to go.

Specifications

This little, mosquito-like, bugger has a solid set of specifications too. The range is basically identical to that of DJI Mavic Air and Mini, capping at up to 4 kilometers in clear and unobstructed areas. As for the flight time, it’s somewhere in between the two DJI models as it can fly around for cca 25 minutes.

 

 

DJI Mini 2 drone with controller

6. DJI Mini 2

Real estate drones come in all shapes and sizes. The big boys, primarily meant for exterior work, often require lots of space in your car and require quite a lot of time to set everything up the way it should be. But, did you know you can get roughly the same quality in a much smaller package; a package that can do both interior and exterior work?

Meet DJI Mini 2

Yep, DJI Mini 2 is the bees’ knees when it comes to portability and raw power! This bad boy won’t make too big of a dent in your budget but is able to do whatever you put it up against. How come? Well, it’s not just because of its performance in the flight range and duration departments, but because of DJI’s brilliant software tricks that will up your real estate game for sure!

DJI Mini 2 comes packed with all sorts of autonomous quick-shot functions, many of which can be used to create easy-on-the-eye interior shots. But, don’t let that make you think this bugger is all about indoors! If you opt for the Fly More Combo which gives roughly 6 miles of range and an hour and a half of battery life (three included batteries), you’ll be able to shoot detailed shots of the entire property, no matter how big it is.

Not an Impulse Purchase

It will set you back for around $600, 10% give or take depending on the stock, availability, and potential discounts. For that money, though, you’re getting a highly versatile drone that will pay itself off multiple times!  Make sure you buy the Fly More Combo, as it offers greater value than the base package. Thank us later!

 

 

dji-phantom-4-pro-with-transmitter_new

5. DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus

Here’s a proper heavyweight, yet another DJI model… but one that can still perform as good as the newest models. As the title implies, I’m referring to DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus. It’s the best version of the legendary Phantom 4 that’s available, and it’s already a well-known fact that it’s viable for all sorts of commercial scenarios.

Camera and Features

DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus is a massive drone, carrying a 1-inch 20MP sensor mounted via a 3-axis gimbal. This setup ensures a high-quality image, and buttery smooth footage, just like those in AAA Hollywood movies. The features of this bad boy are on point too, providing an intuitive array of flight modes that’ll make a pro aerial photographer out of you in no time!

Even though we’re talking about a relatively old drone here, it still packs quite the punch in the photography department, all thanks to the aforementioned 1-inch sensor and the ability to shoot 4K footage at 60FPS.

Specifications of this real estate photography drone

Specifications-wise, DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus comes equipped with the well-known OcuSync transmission system that can handle 1080p live streaming up to 8 kilometers. The same goes for the operating range, which handles more than 7 kilometers without even breaking a sweat. As for the battery duration, it all depends on your flight characteristics, your recording preferences, and the number of features you’re using. On average, though, you can still expect around 25 minutes of flight time.

 

 

DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone

4. DJI Air 2S

Next up, DJI Air 2S! It’s the all-new model from DJI’s Air lineup, delivering excellent value for money for both casual and commercial scenarios. It features the best of both worlds, Mavic Air 2 and Mavic 2 Pro. It’s compact, it folds nicely, and it has a massive sensor that delivers exceptional quality in both photo and video departments.

1-Inch Sensor

As mentioned above, DJI Air 2S boasts a great imaging sensor. It’s a 1-inch 20MP module that’s second to none in terms of image crispness and color quality. It can shoot 5.4K videos at 30fps which ought to give you plenty of room in post. You shouldn’t disregard post, that’s what’s making big waves in the real estate business!

This bad boy has digital zoom too, though I don’t recommend using anything above 2X. You ought to use this drone for commercial purposes and anything above that won’t look professional at all. Slow motion at 120fps is great too, especially if you know your way around video editing – you can make awesome effects with this option.

Great All-Around Specs

Specs-wise, DJI Air 2S will give you everything you’d expect from much bigger drones, at a compact form factor that’s capable of doing both indoor and outdoor sessions, just like the majority of models listed in our drones for real estate page.

Even if you’re a total noob with drones, you won’t be able to crash this bugger that easily… even indoor! That’s because it comes equipped with four-way obstacle avoidance sensors. Plus, it’s incredibly precise, but that’s what we’ve come to expect from high-end (or even hobby-grade) DJI drones.

 

 

dji-mavic-2-pro-with-transmitter

3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro

Last but not least, let’s talk about DJI Mavic 2 Pro. It’s the newest (well, it was, at the moment of writing this) high-end model by DJI that’s targeted at prosumers who want the very best performance. Commercial usage is a must with this little bugger, otherwise, I can’t really see any way of justifying the price tag.

Camera and Features

Yep, DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a pricey drone. The full package will set you back for almost $2000, and that’s quite the hit to your budget, especially considering more budget-friendly solutions like the Anafi which feature similar performance.

It’s similar, that’s true, but DJI Mavic 2 Pro still does everything a tad bit better than other (read cheaper) drones on the market. For instance, it comes packing a powerful 1-inch Hasselblad sensor that features a 20MP HDR 4K capabilities. Yep, DJI Mavic 2 Pro is capable of recording 4K HDR content, at 60 frames per second, mind you. On top of that, you can also expect nothing but the smoothest flight, as well as a ton of safety and camera-centric features.

Specifications

Specs-wise, we’re looking at a proper beast here. DJI Mavic 2 Pro is the leading name in the industry, packing outstanding 8 kilometers of operating range that’s somewhat the same as the age-old DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus. Lastly, DJI Mavic 2 Pro’s smart battery can handle approximately 30 minutes of flight time, which is another industry-leading stat. If you want sheer power and the ability to capture professional-grade footage effortlessly, and money is not an issue, then DJI Mavic 2 Pro is the obvious way to go!

 

 

Autel Robotics EVO 2

2. Autel Robotics EVO 2

Next up – Autel Robotics EVO 2. DJI drones are excellent, there’s no doubt about that. They are the absolute dominant force on the drone market. But, you have to admit their dominance makes other brands of drones that much more charming.

Meet Autel Robotics EVO 2

Let’s take a closer look at one such drone! Meet Autel Robotics EVO 2! It’s the second generation of Autel’s foldable masterpiece, featuring an on-screen remote, smooth camera, and everything you can ask for in terms of software support.

Keep in mind, though, Autel’s software takes a bit of time getting used to, especially if you’re coming from DJI’s ecosystem. It’s not overly complex per se, but give it some time and it will serve you well. Waypoints, active tracking, lots of autonomous flight modes – everything is there, you’ll just have to look for it a bit longer, until you get used to the UI. Within the first month of using, it will feel right at home!

Orange Madness

Autel Robotics EVO 2 will leave you breathless with its specs sheet. Not only is it pinpoint accurate, it can also fly for up to 40 minutes in ideal conditions and without pushing the throttle too much. Make that closer to half an hour with typical use scenarios. Flight range is great too – 9 kilometers or 5.5 miles in FCC, and 5 kilometers or just above 3 miles for CE models.

Don’t let the 1/2-inch sensor discourage you. This orange bugger can still shoot impressive stuff. We’re talking 8K at 25 and 4K at buttery smooth 60FPS. If that’s not enough for you, you’ll have to look for much bigger drones that typically come at much higher price tags!

 

 

DJI Mavic 3 drone

1. DJI Mavic 3

Finally, DJI Mavic 3! The all-new drone by DJI has finally been unveiled, and you can buy the ultimate Fly More Combo version for roughly $3,000. That’s quite a steep price tag for a foldable drone, but it all makes much more sense once you realize just what exactly this bugger comes equipped with. No matter what sort of tasks you need it to do, you can rest assured DJI Mavic 3 will get it done… and with style!

Crème de la Crème of Drone Tech

As a brand-new drone, it comes as no surprise to see DJI Mavic 3 equipped with the latest and greatest drone tech available. Up to 15 kilometers of transmission range, roughly 40 minutes of flight time, and a sophisticated camera module with two sensors. The Hasselblad packs quite the punch with its 4/3-inch CMOS sensor capable of shooting 4K at 60FPS and even 120fps slow-mo… Yep, in 4k! The second one is a smaller ½-inch CMOS, serving as a tele camera with 15 degrees FOV and 4x digital zoom.

Most importantly, though, it’s still fairly compact and has the same weight as its predecessor. There are two version available – Standard and Cine. They’re basically identical, but the latter has ProRes support. Not sure if that’s something you’ll need for your real estate business, so I can’t really advise you to spend extra money for it. The base model will be fine for most use cases, just saying.

The Best Drone For Real Estate Photography?

Let’s define what makes good drones for real estate agencies! First and foremost, they need a good gimbal and camera combo – that goes without saying! Next, they need to have precise hover, plenty of smart flight modes, but remain small enough to be viable for indoor use. Long range is an important factor too, since you never know just how big of a property you’ll work on next.

Wait, it seems as though we’re basically describing DJI Mavic 3. The Fly More Combo fits the description perfectly. That said, if you’re not worried about overspending and you want the best drone that money can buy right now, they don’t come any better than DJI Mavic 3! The all-new DJI flagship will be viable for years to come, meaning it’s a one-time investment that’s bound to give you quick ROI.

 

How are drones changing the real estate industry?

Instead of asking “are drones changing the real estate industry” we are going to be focusing on how are they doing so. Why? Because it does not take an expert to realize just how much drones are being used in this industry. They’re becoming a common sight to see and soon enough we will not even be able to imagine what the industry looked like before them.

So, how exactly are drones changing the real estate industry? Well, it seems as though the most efficient weapon in this entire story aren’t drones but the interne.t Nowadays, most real estate purchases start off with a Google search… and that’s where drones come into play. As you all know, high-end drones are capable of capturing flawless Ultra HD videos and images in an outright professional manner. This helps real estate agents sell properties much quicker with an effective new tool in their arsenal.

Imagine a boring real estate website with multiple pictures, lengthy descriptions, and all that ordinary stuff… Now imagine a website filled with dramatic drone footage whirling around the property, capturing its essence from all possible angles. Going inside, giving you a class A tour through the entire building… Which website do you like more? Yup, that’s how drones are changing the real estate industry!

READ LATER:10 Long range drones / Drones for kids

 

Are drones a must-have for real estate agents in 2021?

Quite frankly, the answer to the question above works for this one too. As I’ve explained, drone videos in the real estate industry are all the craze. Companies are investing in professional drone photographers, real estate agents are getting their own commercial licenses… and all that because of one simple reason – customers love it!

Believe it or not, the biggest key in having an above-average sales record in real estate is the online presentation of properties. When you combine a good online sales pitch with a breathtaking drone video, you got yourself a winning combination. But, beware – getting a proper drone for real estate and the necessary license can be quite expensive. Not only will you have to pass the Part 107 test but you’ll also have to get an insurance policy that covers drone piloting for real estate photography. It’s not cheap, oh no… But is it really a must-have?

Well at this point, even though I’d like to say it is, it’s not. Sure, investing in drone photography will get you a higher conversion rate, but your traffic will remain the same. As a matter of fact, investing in drone photography will make your business future-proof and will definitely pay off in the long run… But it’s not a real must-have. You can still do your business without drones and rely on conventional conversion methods such as charm, solid online presentation and second to none communication skills. In the end, what I’m trying to say that it’s totally up to you; a matter of personal preference.

 

What are the benefits of using drones for real estate business?

You’re probably thinking of investing in drone photography in the near future but you’re not yet sure whether or not it’s a good investment. You need some cold hard evidence, and I’m here to provide you with just that!

drones-for-real-estate-comparison

drones-for-real-estate-comparison2

Example of what you can achieve with the best drones for real estate photography.

Create compelling tours

Indoor drone videos are quickly becoming the most common sight to see online. Needless to say, they possess a certain degree of glamor which is highly appreciated by the customers. But, not all drones are suitable for indoor use so make sure you have that in mind when purchasing one.

Portray astonishing nature surrounding the property

If you’re dealing with luxury and exotic properties, perhaps drones will improve your business even further. If there’s one thing drones excel at, it’s capturing the beautiful nature from a completely different perspective. Use this to your advantage and create astonishing aerial shots of nature surrounding the luxurious property. With a well-done piece of art, you’ll be set to make a deal.

Use the opportunity

You’re not late… Even though drones have taken over real estate pretty quickly, most of the industry is still coping with the transition from their old conventional ways. That’s why you should use this opportunity and invest in drone photography, the sooner the better.

 

 

5 Tips for drone pilots in real estate

  1. The high end is your friend!

    If you’re buying a drone for commercial purposes make sure you don’t buy an overpriced one. This, however, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy an expensive model. Not by a long shot… This only means you should stick to the most popular brands such as DJI, Yuneec, Autel Robotics and so on…

  2. Camera is of utmost importance!

    I don’t even need to tell you that the camera is really important – it basically dictates your how your end product will look like. That’s why don’t go cheap on the camera. Most professional aerial photographers are mounting bulky, professional-grade cameras on their drones to ensure the optimal image quality. Be one of them!

  3. Gimbal is no joke either!

    Gimbals are basically anti-vibration systems. They remove the jelly effect that’s extremely annoying to watch. Most low tier and several middle-tier models suffer from this because they don’t have gimbals. To ensure your videos are as smooth as possible, make sure you get a drone that can not only lift heavy professional cameras but a 3-axis gimbal stabilization system as well.

  4. Smart flight modes are awesome!

    Most high-end drones come with autonomous and smart flight modes. They allow you to concentrate more on taking the perfect aerial shots by guiding your drone through the designated route.

  5. Experiment with different image settings

    If you are not satisfied with the quality of your aerial shots, perhaps it’s not the drone’s or camera’s problem… Perhaps the problem is in your image settings. I’m sure all of you have taken more than a few photos on your phones. I’m also sure you’re aware that even the most basic phones have image settings… Well, so does your professional camera! Experiment with these settings and capture aerial shots in the good old trial – error manner. You’ll get a hang of it… eventually.

 

Our Thoughts

You might never have thought drones could be part of an industry like real estate, but the truth is they’re an almost seamless fit. People will appreciate the unique angles of detailed photographs taken from a drone’s point of view, and it’s impressive when any business utilizes modern technology. You don’t have to be a hobbyist to make full use of drones.

 

Drones hidden on December 2021

3. Hubsan Zino

Hubsan Zino with Transmitter

Hubsan has been fairly consistent in the drone game. They’re known for creating stellar models over the course of the last few years, with H501S and H109S leading the charge. Their newest models, Hubsan Zino and Hubsan Zino Pro, are bringing forth even better technology, packing powerful hardware at an aggressive price point!

Camera and Features

Hubsan Zino has a fully-fledged 4K camera with hardware stabilization. For those of you who aren’t that familiar with drone tech, hardware stabilization ensures smooth footage no matter the conditions, and the 4K resolution means an extra sharp image with plenty of details.

Zino is among the most precise drones out there, courtesy of dual positioning systems, GPS and GLONASS. On top of that, Zino is a safe little bugger too, featuring failsafe (loss control and low battery) as well as automatic return to home. There’s also a whole array of smart capturing features like orbiting, image tracking and panorama. Zino really is a great aerial photography drone, and that’s just what real estate agents need these days.

Specifications

Hubsan Zino is powered by potent brushless motors that give it quite the speed. They’re power efficient, don’t worry, allowing Zino to 20 to 22 minutes of flight time. Range-wise, the Pro version can reach 4 kilometers which is more than enough to meet the needs of the real estate industry. Best of all, Hubsan Zino will set you back for $350 to 450, depending on which version you opt for. But, no matter which one you choose, you can rest assured it will do everything you want without breaking a sweat.

2. Upair Two

upair-two_with_transmitter

Affordable drone for real estate

Remember Upair One? It was one of those DJI Phantom copycats that actually did a fairly good job at a reasonable price tag. Well, Upair, the company behind that drone, is coming back with the second generation. It’s called Upair Two, and delivers a unique aerial photography solution that you’ll either love or hate.

Camera and Features

Let’s start off with the aforementioned unique aerial photography solution. Upair Two doesn’t have just one camera, nor two cameras. It has three sensors – the first one is 3D, the second one shoots in 4K, and the third one shoots 16 megapixel still images. It’s quite the hardware, you have to admit, but the end results won’t disappoint you either.

Of course, Upair Two’s cameras have hardware stabilization, plus the drone itself carries quite a few camera-centric features. On top of that, Upair Two also features GPS, visual positioning, and the usual set of features that make it a safe, precise flyer. It still resembles DJI Phantom drones, but it’s safe to say the unique camera module helps differentiate it from DJI’s models.

Specifications

Unfortunately, Upair Two won’t sweep you off your feet when it comes to technical specifications. It does run on smooth, potent brushless motors, but the overall level of optimization isn’t the greatest. Even though it sports a bulky 5100mAh LiPo battery, it can handle up to 24 minutes of flight time. That’s solid at best, but nothing to write home about, really. Last but not least, Upair Two is not one of those long-range drones that you can use to shoot miles and miles (literally) of footage. It goes only up to a kilometer. It’s good enough for real estate, but just won’t be able to cut it for work that demands more coverage.

 

DJI Mavic Air With Transmitter

Here we have another DJI drone! This time around, we’re talking about an older model, Mavic Air. It came after the original Mavic Pro and brought forth a more affordable price tag but retained an exceptional, professional-grade camera alongside a feature set you’d come to expect from DJI drones!

Camera and Features

Let’s start off with the camera. DJI Mavic Air boasts with a fully stabilized (3-axis gimbal, of course) 4K camera that’s capable of recording astonishing aerial footage. It’s colorful, shoots at a high bitrate, and also supports ND filters if you want to take your aerial footage to the next cinematic level.

Features-wise, DJI Mavic Air sports backward and forward obstacle avoidance, GPS, failsafe, return to home, and a whole bunch of camera-centric features that help it make the most out of its onboard 4K camera. For real estate agents, DJI Mavic Air represents the best price/performance ratio currently available on the market. If you’re looking for a well-capable drone but you don’t want to spend too much, then look no further than DJI Mavic Air!

Specifications

DJI Mavic Air fares quite well as far as the main numbers are concerned. We’re talking about a drone that can handle approximately 20 minutes of flight time. Not too much, I know, but the Fly More Combo comes with three batteries (and we warmly recommend you get the combo package) which means roughly an hour of flight time straight out of the box. Furthermore, the Fly More Combo also comes with the controller that gets roughly 4 kilometers of flight range. More like 2.5 and 3 kilometers in dense areas with obstacles, but it’s still great nevertheless.

 

 

2. Autel Robotics EVO

Autel Robotics EVO with Transmitter

Here’s one good real estate drone that’s not made by DJI. Yep, as the title suggests, we’re talking about the amazing EVO, courtesy of Autel Robotics. The folks over at AR definitely know what they’re doing, having experienced great success with their X-Star Premium model. That said, let’s see what sort of stuff have they prepared for us in EVO!

Camera and Features

Camera-wise, Autel Robotics EVO can go toe to toe with the best of them, packing a powerful 4K camera that’s mounted on a 3-axis gimbal. That gimbal does its job very well, efficiently stabilizes the footage without too much of an impact on battery life.

Autel Robotics has done a good job with the features too. Autel Robotics EVO features precise navigational systems, potent brushless motors, and a comprehensive failsafe system that ensures the drone’s safety no matter the occasion. Camera-based stuff is plentiful too, allowing Autel Robotics EVO both intuitive and advanced flight modes.

Specifications

7 kilometers is what you can expect from Autel Robotics EVO as far as range goes. Yes, that includes operating range and Livestream range, both of which are important for real estate scenarios. True, you won’t need the full range for real estate stuff, but it’s always nice to know you won’t be getting any signal breakups anywhere near your location. As for the battery, EVO does a wonderful job with up to half an hour of flight per session.

Drones hidden on January 2020

13. Hubsan H109S

If you are looking for a premium model for a moderate price tag, then Hubsan has some good news for you. Their H109S drone has a premium performance for just the fraction of the price. It’s a great looking quadcopter that works over 5.8Ghz frequency and, of course, possesses the FPV feature that you can effectively use for your real estate business.

In addition to that, you will also have the benefits of GPS (10 Drones with GPS), headless mode, altitude hold and even automatic return to home. As you can see, it has a nice set of features, but the good news is that the fun doesn’t stop there. You see, the H109S is equipped with a full HD camera and a 5.8Ghz transmitter working on Android 4.2. The specs are not to be taken lightly either. It can fly around for approximately 30 minutes and charges up for under an hour, making its battery among the best ones in this price range. If flight time is high on your list of priorities when buying a drone, you should take a look at our list of 10 Drones With Long Flight Time.

This entire Hubsan H109S package will allow you to do your job seamlessly without having to worry about your new business gadget running out of juice all the time. With that being said, I believe you realize how it managed to snatch a spot on this list.

 

12. XIRO Xplorer

XIRO Xplorer is a mighty looking drone with a ton of features under the hood. It sports a bulky black frame with green accents, giving an overall sleek design that is going to catch quite a few eyes.

If you didn’t know already, it comes in 2 versions, G and V. The G versions come with a solid 3 axis motorized gimbal while the V version comes with a full HD FPV ready camera. Xiro Xplorer V is featured on our list of Best Drones With Camera. Among the features, there are follow me (10 Drones with follow me feature), circle around me and selfie shots. Don’t worry as there will be plenty of time for selfies as this little fella can last up to 25 minutes on a single charge.

Moreover, its maximum range hovers around 500 meters, allowing you to roam freely around the property without having to worry about your drone getting out of range. All things considered, whichever version of XIRO Xplorer you opt for, you will not be disappointed!

11. Upair One – Drones For Real Estate

If you are into affordable drones that try to mimic the appearance of DJI’s Phantom series, then UPair One is the model you should be checking out. With its unique U shaped design, it is able to provide you with more stable shots and recordings, allowing you to achieve the optimal results for your real estate photos.

It is equipped with a smart battery with 5400mAh. It’s not that good when it comes to keeping it in the air though as you will only get around 18 minutes of flight time per charge. Still, probably the best thing about this drone is its awesome controller. Not only does it look futuristic and feels quite good in hands, but it also has a 7-inch LED display for FPV purposes.

And finally, it’s time to say a thing or two about its range. Don’t worry, the UPair One is quite good in this department. With around 800 meters of flight range and roughly 300 less for FPV, you won’t find many models with such good specs in this price range.

 

10. DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

DJI’s Phantom lineup is one of the big-name standards in drone fleets. From some entry models to outright professional setups, they’re used frequently by enthusiasts for a variety of purposes. As for realty, you’ll find a lot of great use from the Vision+, another Quadcopter which boasts airtime stability. One thing you’ll find is that wind conditions have a big effect on drone performance, and those without measures to stabilize during tend to fall off and crash.

Fortunately, the Vision+ does have stability (its 3-axis gimbal) and captures video in high definition, making it one of the better quadcopters for real estate video. You can get an exact picture of what it sees with an FPV (first-person view) link, and this Phantom can stay in the air for about 23 minutes.

When it comes to the pricing, it runs for about $500 USD depending on the vendor, but be warned, heavy collisions may break it and DJI doesn’t exactly have the best warranty policies.

 

9. 3DR Solo

While the price here will vary based on what accessories you purchase, as there are multiple kits with different accessories, the 3DR series is another reliable brand focusing on image capture.

The 3DR comes with a camera gimble and allows users to take pretty great selfies and landscape shots. With the added stability of a quadcopter, you also get consistently better images. The pricing here would also include memory cards to compensate for heavy photo use, as the like can chew up GB’s quick. Considering as a realtor you probably want to get many shots on multiple locations, that’s a nice backup.

Other nice features allow you to stream high definition straight to your compatible smartphone. Imagine if you will, giving interested parties a live feed of a property through perspectives they’ve never seen. A pretty engaging way to go about selling homes. Additionally, whether you find it relevant, they boast it is the world’s first “smart drone.” Aside from this, if we had to list a negative it would be a prompt lack of a comprehensive manual. Many will agree this is the best drone for real estate photography

 

8. Yuneec Q500+ Typhoon

Like DJI, Yuneec has a fleet line that’s well regarded and tested amongst enthusiasts. It’s Typhoon model is no exception. Starting at about $700 USD if you get one of its mid-tier packages, the Typhoon is ready to go with built-in camera gimbal. This can be moved, but the fully rotating camera gives realty agents lots of flexibility when taking shots of a property in question. While you can take it off, the built-in camera (5 best drones for GoPro camera) is capable of taking 1080p definition shots, so it’s really a matter of preference.

Some other nice features include a display screen on the transmitter to see exactly what you’re doing, and a “follow me” accessory which signals the drone to return to the transmitter’s location. Speaking of location, the Typhoon is a heavy hitter in terms of both sky-life and distance. It scales well past 5000 feet in travelling and lasts for about 20-30 minutes depending on use.

If ever a realtor needed to take sky shots of a neighborhood, here’s your chance. Typhoon is an exceptional model for that use and will surely serve you appropriately during your working hours.

 

7. DJI Phantom 3 Pro

With another DJI listing, it’s important to emphasize this one is intended for professional work. The assumption of this particular model is the user is experienced with drones and knows their way around a camera. Those that can utilize it to its fullest will get the best performance.

That doesn’t mean it’s without convenient features. For instance, you have the option to use your tablet or smartphone in place of the radio transmitter, in case the latter breaks, or just over your preference. The Phantom 3 also sports stability, which again, is important when taking photos, as any motion, in general, will cause unwanted blurriness or loss in resolution. Something the Phantom 3 also addresses in relation to this is indoor stability. You can do things like host live tours or take unique images with the drone without needed someone physically there.

The Phantom 3 generally includes all necessary equipment, including things like battery, SD card, additional propellers, and other gear. The kit will determine the price, but you can usually find vendors selling it for $800 or more. Lastly, it captures pictures in 4k resolution, which is a lot stronger than the typical 1080p. Of our listing, it then might be one of the best quadcopters for real estate photography.

 

6. DJI Mavic Pro

The Mavic Pro is another one of DJI’s masterpieces. This foldable drone is extremely lightweight and small, making it fly really fast. With its top speed clocking it at over 40mph (cca 65km/h), I believe it’s pretty obvious that we’re looking at a speedy little devil here. But the speed is not the only awesome thing about Mavic Pro…

It also has a 4K camera and features both GPS and GLONASS positioning systems, allowing you to have a pinpoint accuracy no matter what altitude you’re living at. Mavic Pro, just like some of the other drones featured on this list, has obstacle avoidance sensors that improve the overall flight safety. This is especially important while flying it near objects which is of crucial importance in the real estate business since you will be next to rooftops all the time. DJI Mavic Pro can be connected with most of modern-day FPV Goggles without any issues, which means it’s one of the best drones for FPV Goggles.

Combine all of that with more than 7 kilometers of range (yup, 2 kilometers more than any other drone made by DJI), 27 minutes of flight time and you will understand why it’s such a popular choice among drone enthusiasts nowadays. And who could blame them – DJI Mavic Pro has everything a good drone needs to have: powerful specs, useful features, transportability and a great camera.

 

5. DJI Phantom 4

Here we are, 3rd Phantom on our list. Phantom 4 is the newest model in series, and it comes with many improvements when compared to predecessors. I won’t go too much in-depth with technical characteristics, instead, let’s go through what matters most for real estate agents.

Phantom 4 comes with a 4K camera, it’s slightly better than the camera in Phantom 3 model which was great anyways. You are able to receive live feed from camera on your Android/iOS device. DJIs app is improved and now it’s easier to use for non-tech guys. When it comes to flight time, newest Phantom has nothing to hide. This is the best battery DJI has ever produced, in real conditions it will give you 23-25 minutes of flight time. Don’t get fooled by marketing tricks where some claim it can fly for 30 minutes or even more… 20+ minutes is great result, and when you have extra batteries you have nothing to worry about.

The collision avoidance system is a feature we haven’t seen on drones before. Well, Phantom 4 is able to avoid obstacles and in fact, this works very well. Be careful, it avoids only objects located in the front of it, you’re not covered on sides. All in all, amazing drone that deserves your attention. From time to time DJI gives us some coupons so stay tuned because we always share it with our readers. Do you think this is the best drone for real estate agents?

 

4. Yuneec Typhoon H

So far, DJI remains the market leader. But Yuneec’s latest offering, the Typhoon H, may well change that. The company’s newest drone isn’t just different or stacked with unique features (which it very much is). It’s also far more powerful than any other drone in its price range. The first and obvious difference you’ll notice is Typhoon H is hexacopter while all other drones on this list are quadcopters.

6 rotors are always better than 4 rotors. Especially when we’re talking about expensive flying machines with even more expensive cameras flying around. Even if one motor burnout, you can still land safely. To be honest, motors burnout isn’t something that often happens to drones in this price range, I just wanted to notice it so you’re informed about that aspect too.

Same as DJI Phantom 4, Yuneec H comes with collision avoidance, follow me mode and many other amazing features. The H also features retractable rotor arms, which cuts down on the size of the transport case and makes it roughly the same size as a typical quadcopter when stowed. It’s needless to say that Yuneec H has a great camera, supported by 20+ minutes of flight time and advanced controller this drone is pure joy to fly.

 

3. Yuneec Tornado H920

If you are a professional aerial photographer with a ton of professional equipment who is just getting into photographing for real estate businesses, then you should definitely take a closer look at the H920 by Yuneec.

It’s an expensive model, that’s for sure, but it has a lot of means of justifying its huge price tag. This little fella can fold its wings and landing gear, making it easier to transport from point A to point B. Moreover, its frame is built with carbon fiber, allowing it to have maximum endurance and low weight. It comes with an ST24 transmitter with a dedicated 7-inch Android tablet that serves for FPV and OSD purposes. The best thing about this drone is its capability of lifting heavy payloads. We are talking about approximately 7kgs of weight that this beast can lift up in the air. That’s what makes it so popular. It can, without any issues, carry your professional photography equipment. You do not even have to worry about it crashing down together with the drone as it has the ever-so-popular failsafe feature that returns it to its takeoff location if its low on battery.

With all that being said, this monster of a drone is an outright champion not just when it comes to real estate but virtually all other commercial uses. It incorporates everything you might need and fits it into a magnificent package that will serve you justice if you opt for it.

 

2. DJI Inspire 2 – Best drone for real estate photography

DJI’s second Inspire model has caused quite the stir on the market, and it had every right to do so. Why? Well, not only does it feature significant improvements over its predecessor performance-wise, but it also sports a couple of handy features that could not be seen with the Inspire 1.

Let’s start off with the specifications. Just like the Phantom 4 and Mavic Pro, Inspire 2 also has 5 to 7 kilometers of the lag-free range that will satisfy all your voyeur needs. Likewise, the battery life has also been significantly booster, all the way from 15 to whopping 27 minutes. That means great news for people who want to buy it for commercial purposes and cannot be satisfied with anything less than 25 minutes of flight time.

Moving forward, it’s important to add that Inspire effectively shoots in 5.2K resolution which is, at the moment, the highest available resolution from a default drone package (straight out of the box). The stabilization and image quality are nothing short of brilliant and DJI made sure to finely poise it even further by adding useful photo modes with the aid of GPS.

Of course, the price is still a big issue for casual users. As the package suggests, DJI Inspire 2 is meant for professionals and as such, it is priced the way it is.

 

1. DJI Phantom 4 PRO

So, here we come. #1 drone on our list of UAVs for the real estate industry. The newest model in DJI’s Phantom series has just gotten a Pro version. With a couple of well-placed improvements, it plans on taking the market by storm just like the regular model did.

So what exactly does the PRO version has to offer? Well, it has received additional obstacle sensors along with a mechanical shutter on the 4K built-in camera. It’s able to shoot videos in 4K at amazing 60PFS, but in addition to that, it can also shoot slow-motion videos at full HD, allowing you to control its versatility with an intuitive controller that comes with the packaging.

Much like all other models in their Phantom series, DJI made sure the Phantom 4 PRO has all the benefits of awesome specifications, allowing it to par greatly against its competitors. For instance, it has 7 kilometers flying range and can stay up in the air for roughly half an hour, making note of the slight advantages over the regular version.

Larry Haller