If you are looking for ways to take your real estate photography to the next level, drones are the way to go.
Drones let you show off properties in ways that traditional photography just can’t.
From sweeping aerial shots that showcase the full scope of a home to unique angles, drone photography has come a long way in the field of Real Estate.
As of 2024, you are spoiled with choices when it comes to choosing a drone for real estate photography.
That’s why we have come up with this handy guide. After testing multiple drones in various conditions we came up with a list of the top 8 drones that did pretty well.
Let us dive right in and determine which one is best suited to your specific use case in the wild world of drone real estate photography.
Top Drone Models for Real Estate Photography
When it comes to choosing the right drone for real estate photography, here are a few key factors to consider:
- Image and video quality
- Flight time and range
- Ease of use and portability
- Advanced features (e.g., object tracking, obstacle avoidance)
- Regulatory compliance (e.g., FAA regulations in the US)
With those criteria in mind, we came up with these eight drone models
1. DJI Mini 4 Pro
Source: DJI
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a proven beast among real estate professionals.
Simply for its ability to streamline high-quality property visualization. The DJI Mini 4 Pro strikes a perfect balance between portability, exceptional image quality, affordability, and a valuable suite of features. This rare combination makes it a sought-after tool for real estate professionals.
The Mini 4 Pro boasts a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing high-resolution 24-megapixel photos and stunning 4K/60fps videos. This translates to crisp aerial imagery and detailed property tours that leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.
Whether highlighting the sprawling backyard or showcasing the architectural grandeur, the Mini 4 Pro won’t disappoint you – ever.
Specifications of DJI Mini 4 Pro
| Specifications | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
| Takeoff Weight | < 249 g |
| Dimensions | Folded (without propellers): 148×94×64 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (with propellers): 298×373×101 mm (L×W×H) |
| Max Flight Time | 34 minutes |
| Max Flight Distance | 18 km |
| Operating Temperature | -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS + Galileo + BeiDou |
| Camera Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP |
| Photo Format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) |
2. Autel Evo II Pro
Source: Autel Robotics
The Autel Evo II Pro is a powerful and feature-rich drone that gives the DJI models a run for their money. It boasts a 6K camera capable of capturing stunning aerial visuals, as well as an impressive flight time of up to 40 minutes. The Evo II Pro also comes equipped with advanced features like object tracking, 360-degree obstacle avoidance, and the ability to capture high-resolution panoramic shots.
Specifications of Autel Evo II Pro
| Specifications | Autel Evo II Pro |
| Takeoff Weight | 1191 g |
| Max Flight Time | 40 minutes |
| Operating Temperature | 14-104°F (-10-40°C) |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS |
| Camera Sensor | 1″ CMOS, 20MP |
| Photo Format | JPEG/DNG |
3. DJI Air 2S
Source: DJI
For photographers on a tighter budget, the DJI Air 2S is an excellent option. Despite its more affordable price point, this drone still delivers impressive 20MP photos and 5.4K video. It also includes features like advanced autopilot modes, object tracking, and a maximum flight time of 31 minutes. The compact and lightweight design of the Air 2S makes it a highly portable choice for real estate photography.
Specifications of DJI Air 2S
| Specifications | DJI Air 2S |
| Takeoff Weight | 595 g |
| Dimensions | Folded:
180×97×77 mm (length×width×height) Unfolded: 183×253×77 mm (length×width×height) |
| Max Flight Time | 31 minutes |
| Max Flight Distance | 18.5 km |
| Operating Temperature | 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F) |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS+GLONASS+GALILEO |
| Camera Sensor | 1″ CMOS, Effective Pixels: 20 MP |
| Photo Format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) |
4. DJI Air 3
Source: DJI
DJI Air 3 is a great choice for real estate professionals looking for a drone that’s easy to use, takes great pictures, and is affordable.
The Air 3 is small and folds up, so it’s easy to take with you to appointments. It can also fly for a good amount of time, which means you can capture all the aerial shots you need for a property in one go, saving you time.
The DJI Air 3 has a camera that takes high-quality photos and videos, even when the lighting isn’t perfect. This means you can create sharp, clear images of properties that will help potential buyers see all the important details and get a good feel for the layout and surrounding area.
Specifications of DJI Air 3
| Specifications | DJI Air 3 |
| Takeoff Weight | 720 g |
| Dimensions | Folded (without propellers): 207×100.5×91.1 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (without propellers): 258.8×326×105.8 mm (L×W×H) |
| Max Flight Time | 46 minutes |
| Max Flight Distance | 32 km |
| Operating Temperature | -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS + Galileo + BeiDou |
| Camera Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP |
| Photo Format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) |
5. DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Source: DJI
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro reigns supreme as the undisputed Zoom champion for real estate photography. Its versatility, exceptional image quality, and stable flight performance empower professionals to capture captivating visuals that elevate property listings and virtual tours.
The Mavic 3 Pro distinguishes itself with a groundbreaking zoom camera system, offering a distinct edge over competitors.
The remarkable 24-200mm optical zoom lens empowers seamless transitions between expansive establishing shots encompassing the entire property and detailed close-ups of architectural intricacies or captivating landscaping elements. This eliminates the need for multiple drone placements or cumbersome ground-level photography for crucial details.
The Mavic 3 Pro resides in a higher price tier compared to some alternatives. If budgetary limitations are a primary concern, the DJI Air 3 offers exceptional value with impressive image quality and enhanced portability.
Specifications of DJI Mavic 3 Pro
| Specifications | DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
| Takeoff Weight | 958 g |
| Dimensions | Folded (without propellers): 231.1×98×95.4 mm (L×W×H)
Unfolded (without propellers): 347.5×290.8×107.7 mm (L×W×H) |
| Max Flight Time | 43 minutes |
| Max Flight Distance | 28 km |
| Operating Temperature | -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS + Galileo + BeiDou |
| Image Sensor | Hasselblad Camera:
4/3 CMOS, Effective Pixels: 20 MP Medium Tele Camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP Tele Camera: 1/2-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 12 MP |
| Photo Format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) |
6. Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
Source: Autel Robotics
When it comes to Drones for Real Estate photography/videography, the Evo Lite+ is an underdog.
With a maximum flight time of 40 minutes, the EVO Lite+ allows for comprehensive property capture in a single flight. This eliminates the need for frequent battery changes, streamlining your workflow. Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, the EVO Lite+ captures stunning 20MP photos and 6K video footage. This results in crisp visuals with vivid colors and exceptional details.
The EVO Lite+ boasts a moonlight algorithm designed for capturing clear and detailed nighttime footage. This can be particularly valuable for showcasing properties that feature captivating evening lighting or outdoor entertainment areas.
The Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ stands tall as a compelling alternative for real estate drone photography. It delivers exceptional image quality, extended flight time, and valuable features like obstacle avoidance and adjustable aperture, at a potentially more competitive price point.
Specifications of Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
| Specifications | Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ |
| Takeoff Weight | 835g |
| Dimensions | Folded: 210×123×95mm
Unfolded: 433×516×95mm |
| Max Flight Time | 40 minutes |
| Max Flight Distance | 24 km |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C ~ 40°C |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Camera Sensor | CMOS: 1 inch
Effective pixels: 20M |
| Photo Format | JPG?8-bit? / DNG(10-bit) / JPG+DNG |
7. DJI Mini 3 Pro
Source: DJI
DJI Mini 3 Pro has emerged as a compelling option for those who are budget-conscious or new to drones.
Simply because it doesn’t compromise on the “must have” features while keeping it easy on the pocket.
An added advantage of the Mini 3 Pro is its compact size. You can fold it and fit it into a backpack or carrying case. This you’re always prepared to capture those amazing aerial shots when you arrive at a property.
It boasts a powerful camera system that captures high-resolution 4K videos and 48MP photos with excellent detail and clarity.
Specifications of DJI Mini 3 Pro
| Specifications | DJI Mini 3 Pro |
| Takeoff Weight | <249 g |
| Dimensions | Folded: 145×90×62 mm
Unfolded: 171×245×62 mm |
| Max Flight Time | 34 minutes |
| Max Flight Distance | 18 km |
| Operating Temperature | -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS + Galileo + BeiDou |
| Camera Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP |
| Photo Format | JPEG/DNG (RAW) |
8. Parrot Anafi Ai
Source: Parrot
Anafi Ai has a foldable and lightweight drone, making it easy to transport to and from photoshoot locations.
The Anafi Ai has a built-in photogrammetry feature, which allows you to capture a series of images that can be stitched together to create a 3D model of the property.
While not the absolute top-of-the-line, the Anafi Ai can capture high-quality photos and videos in RAW format, which allows for more flexibility in post-processing.
Specifications of Parrot Anafi Ai
| Specifications | Parrot Anafi Ai |
| Takeoff Weight | 898 g |
| Dimensions | Folded: 304 x 130 x 118 mm
Unfolded: 320 x 440 x 118 mm |
| Max Flight Time | 32 minutes |
| Max Flight Range | 22.5 km at 14 m/s without wind |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 40°C |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo |
| Image Sensor | 1/2’’ 48MP CMOS |
| Photo Format | JPEG, DNG |
Final Thoughts
Beyond the models mentioned above, consider these factors when selecting a drone for real estate photography:
Budget: Drones range in price from affordable options like the DJI Mini 3 to high-end models like the Mavic 3 series. Determine your budget upfront to narrow down your choices.
Image Quality: High-resolution cameras with large sensors will capture sharper images with better low-light performance.
Flight Time: Longer flight times allow for more comprehensive aerial coverage of the property.
Portability: If your work involves traveling, consider a compact and foldable drone like the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro.
Choose the model that best fits your budget and needs. Remember, this is just the first step. By keeping at it and learning new things, you’ll improve your skills and reach your goals.
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