Best Drones for Real Estate Marketing 2023 – find out which drones are best for real estate photography. DJI and Syma drone brands are reviewed in this article.
Successful real estate agents understand the need to stay abreast with the latest trends in real estate marketing. A major trend that is changing the face of the industry is the use of real estate drones. The devices allow professionals to capture stunning images of the exterior and interior of a property. This makes it easier to capture the imagination of potential buyers when they view real estate listings.
As any experienced realtor knows, the key to generating online leads is to make captivating ads. Drone real estate videos help realtors achieve this objective. Here’s all you need to know about using drones for real estate, including the five best drones designed to make quality marketing videos.
Top 5 drones for real estate marketing
1. DJI Phantom 4 Pro
The latest addition to DJI’s long line of drones, the Phantom 4 Pro is one of the most popular UAVs for aerial photography. It facilitates professional aerial shooting with 4K ultra HD video at 30fps and comes with the same chassis as the Phantom 4 but offers several improvements. The changes include the lightbridge, which now operates in 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz for better reliability.
It incorporates a new 4K camera with an advanced sensor. It has three stereo cameras and two infrared sensors for obstacle avoidance. A powerful system named FlightAutonomy reinforces obstacle avoidance for secure flights.
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro comes in two versions: the Pro version with a remote controller and smartphone or tablet support. On the other hand, the Pro+ (Plus) version comes with a remote controller that has a built-in 5-inch screen. DJI has released an Obsidian Edition that retains all the features of the original version except its color. The drones are delivered in matte gray, obsidian color that will delight professionals.
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is currently in Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian version, which changes nothing in terms of configurations but just the color.
Key features
– Camera with a 1-inch 20MP sensor
– Mobile app
– Controller with a 5-inch screen
– Obstacle sensors
– Lightbridge HD video transmission system
Pros and cons
- Capable of sensing obstacles
- Quality aerial shooting with 4K ultra HD video at 30fps
- Smartphone or tablet support
- Does not support third-party apps
Check it out: https://www.dronesforsalereview.com/quadcopters/dji-phantom-4/
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2. DJI Mavic Air
DJI continues to deliver incredible drones. Their newly developed Mavic Air is an excellent choice for realtors. This foldable and ultra-portable drone inherits the best features from the Mavic range. It offers impressive flight performance and high-end features to let you explore without limits.
While this drone has a small frame, it folds even smaller for transport. Autonomous flight functions, high-tech obstacle avoidance and 4K video capture result in smooth, stable images.
Features
– Shoots in 4K UHD at 30 frames per second
– 32.0MP sphere panoramas
– Dedicated remote controller
– Intelligent Flight lithium battery
Pros and cons
- 21 minutes of flight time per charge
- Lightweight and compact foldable design
- Fly by phone
- DJI GO editor allows instant photo editing and sharing
- Poor radio signal quality
- No log curve
Check it out: https://www.dronesforsalereview.com/quadcopters/dji-mavic-air/
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3. DJI Inspire 2
If you really want to improve the quality of your real estate videos, there is no better option than the Inspire 2. As part of DJI’s range of professional drones (rather than mainstream drones, such as the Phantom 4 Pro and Mavic Air), all the features of the Inspire 2 are designed for professional aerial photography.
The drone has two cameras, a first for DJI. The main camera captures 5.2K video at a bit rate of 4.2Gbps. An integrated SSD makes it possible to process and store all this data. Incredibly, the Inspire 2 can reach speeds up to 66,487 miles per hour and heights of 3 miles above sea level with a range of 25 minutes.
The DJI Inspire 2 may seem like an overkill for most real estate professionals, but it is still an option for those who really want superb results.
Key features
– CineCore 2.0 image processing
– Dual battery design
– 2-axis stabilized FPV camera
– Two cameras
– Advanced obstacle detection sensors
Pros and cons
- Compatible with 5.2K Gimbal cameras
- Supports CinemaDNG and ProRes recording
- 25 minutes flight time
- Comes with integrated SSD for data processing
- RAW image files require significant editing
Check it out: https://www.dronesforsalereview.com/quadcopters/dji-inspire-2/
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4. DJI Phantom 3
DJI constantly releases new drones but this does not mean that their old models are useless. The Phantom 3 is still one of the best drones available for real estate videos. Better still, the release of so many new DJI models means that the price of the Phantom 3 has dropped
You still get a high-performance drone that takes 2.7K HD video. It has a number of intelligent flight modes, including autonomous GPS assisted flight. The DJI Phantom 3 is a good option for those who want to shoot their own videos without breaking the bank.
Key features
– GPS assisted flight features
– 8GB micro SD card
– 3-axis stabilized camera
– Follow Me mode
– Point of Interest mode
Pros and cons
- 25 minutes flight minutes
- 720p HD real-time view via smartphone
- Intelligent battery
- Relatively noisy
Check it out: https://www.dronesforsalereview.com/quadcopters/dji-phantom-3/
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5. DJI Inspire 1
Like the Phantom 3, the Inspire 1 has seen a significant price drop with the release of new DJI drones. However, it is still a high-quality drone in every respect. It has a 4K camera, a 3-axis gimbal and intuitive controls, including intelligent flight modes.
Three versions are available: Inspire 1, Inspire 1 PRO and Inspire 1 RAW. The drone remains the same; it is the camera pods that change. The X3 camera allows you to shoot in 4K at 30 frames per second and at 360 degrees, the Zenmuse X5 allows you to mount a photo lens in micro 4/3 format and the Zenmuse X5R is capable to film in uncompressed 4K thanks to its 500GB hard drive.
Three nacelles are sold separately, so you can use the Zenmuse X5, X5R or Z3 on an Inspire 1 equipped with an X3. Like the Inspire 2, this drone is designed with professionals in mind rather than consumers. This means that it is a little harder to fly than Phantom and Mavic drones.
Key features
– DJI Lightbridge
– Unobstructed 360 degrees shooting
– Wireless HD video transmission
– 3-axis stabilization gimbal
Pros and cons
- Ideal for high-level shoots
- Comes with a ready-to-fly aerial system
- The camera has a low encoding bit rate
Check it out: https://www.dronesforsalereview.com/quadcopters/dji-inspire-1/
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Real estate drone selection tips
The market is filled with dozens of real estate drones from which to choose. The above-mentioned options are some of the best when it comes to real estate video making. Investing in one of these high-end drones to make professional-quality real estate videos will have the effect of increasing traffic to your ads and closing sales much faster.
Avoid simply buying an old drone to make your real estate videos. It is essential to invest in a high-quality quadcopter with an exceptional camera and autonomous flight modes for the best possible sequences.
The autonomy of the drone is an important parameter. Having a long battery life allows you to go further and enjoy flights for longer. The vast majority of drones are equipped with rechargeable batteries (removable). This allows you to buy several batteries to enjoy an extended flight time when capturing images of multiple residential properties.
Return to Home function
The Return to Home function is a flight mode that you can trigger to return the drone to its point of origin. This feature is particularly useful when you lose the signal between your drone and the remote controller. Not all real estate drones are equipped with this innovative feature. The Follow Me mode enables the drone to automatically follow you and film you walking around the property.
Video quality
The video quality of the drone is an element that will depend directly on the price. The low-end units are either not equipped with a camera or come with a low-resolution camera (480p). On the other hand, mid-range drones can capture video in HD and 4K formats with 30 frames per second. The high-end semi-pro UAVs can capture images in 4K in 60 FPS. The professional UAVs can produce RAW image files.
Obstacle detection
When you have a UAV with a high-end camera, it is important that the device is equipped with a quality obstacle detection system to avoid coming into contact with objects. Collision can result in a fall and potentially the total destruction of the drone. The majority of high-end devices are equipped with obstacle detection sensors to avoid this kind of problem.
Additional considerations
Drone sequences can quickly turn a boring video tour into something captivating. Autonomous flight characteristics allow you to program a drone to follow the exact route you want while its 3-axis gimbal maintains the stability of the footage. These features translate into a professional quality video.
With autonomous flight functions, you can also program your drone to cross an entire property taking pictures of key features. This allows you to create a seamless video rather than footage that cuts from one piece to another. By using a drone to take outdoor pictures, you can show off different features of the property, such as landscaping and outdoor pools.
Include drone videos with all your real estate listings and a pledge of quality. This will help boost your brand’s reputation. Your brand will evolve as customers know they can expect high-quality images and properties from you.
back to menu ↑Drone brands and prices
The best selling drone brands on the market include DJI, Walkera, Parrot, Syma and Yuneec. The famous Mavic Pro from DJI is a folding drone capable of filming in 4K, which can be carried everywhere and is full of technology. Then comes the DJI Spark which is cheaper than the Mavic Pro but it is good midrange drone, perfect for beginners.
Parrot offers a number of popular drones, including the Bebop 2 that can film in Full HD. The drone is affordable but offers decent features for capturing images. When it comes to prices, real estate drones are available for prices ranging from $500 to $5,000.
The Wingsland S6 can be controlled via the WiFi network of your smartphone up to a distance of 100 meters (without obstacle). You can use this drone to shoot in different modes. These include slow-motion mode without compromising on the quality of images. This drone is lightweight and transportable everywhere and you will begin learning in a reliable and fun to pilot.
back to menu ↑Real estate drone regulations
Make sure the area where you want to fly is not prohibited. Before flying your drone you must ensure you do not break any rules. For this reason, it is vital to focus on the properties you are filming and avoid compromising the privacy of homeowners in the neighborhood.
back to menu ↑Reasons for buying a drone for real estate marketing
The link between good real estate photography and earning more money has been clear for years. Simply put, investing in professional quality photography results in more online traffic and a much faster sale. Becoming known as a real estate agent who uses high-quality images in your ads can do wonders for your overall branding.
Video content filmed by drones is becoming more popular. In fact, a recent study on the use of drones in the workplace has shown that drones are perhaps the most important real estate technology since the introduction of the Internet.
They are just effective. There’s no better way to capture high-quality photos whether indoors or outdoors, including landscape plans and the entire neighborhood than with a drone. As mentioned above, using high-quality photos and videos in your real estate listings increases traffic and translates into faster sales.
