Picture this – Your latest property listing gets 10x more views than usual. What’s the secret? Stunning aerial shots that make every home look like a million-dollar mansion could just do the trick.
To get the best results with your drone, make sure you’re familiar with key techniques. My Complete Guide to Real Estate Drone Photography walks you through everything you need to know.
In 2025, drones will be a real estate agent’s best friend. But with so many options, which one should you choose?
Don’t worry, I’ve done the legwork for you. Whether you are a new real estate agent, freelance drone photographer, or drone professional, my comprehensive list will cover all your needs.
Let’s dive into the 7 best drones with buyers lining up at your door!
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What Are the Best Drones for Real Estate Photography?
When choosing the right drone for real estate photography, I want to point out a few key factors that I consider with these exceptional drones.
Image and video quality
Flight time and range
Ease of use and portability
Advanced features (object tracking, obstacle avoidance)
1. DJI Mini 4 Pro (Best Overall)
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the most advanced mini drone for real estate photography. Weighing under 249 grams, it’s super portable and doesn’t need special permits in most places. If you’re using this drone for business whether you are a real estate photographer or freelance drone pilot, you do need special permits and register it with the FAA.
With 4K/60fps HDR video and a 34-45 minute flight time, you can capture stunning property shots without hassle. It is extremely easy to fly.
Key Benefits
- Under 249 grams – easy to carry and no special permits needed (unless using it for commercial or business purposes)
- 4K/60fps HDR video for sharp, vibrant property tours
- True vertical shooting for social media-ready content
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing for safer flights
- Up to 45 minutes of flight time if you upgrade to the Plus battery system
- 20 km video transmission range
- ActiveTrack 360° for smooth follow shots
Pricing
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is available for $759.00, which is remarkable given its advanced features.
DJI Mini 4 Pro Pros & Cons
Product Pros
Product Cons
2. DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Best for indoor FPV shots)
The DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo is ideal for capturing stunning real estate videos, both indoors and outdoors. With its advanced FPV capabilities, easy-to-use controls, and high-quality video output, it’s perfect for showcasing properties from unique angles, especially in tight indoor spaces.
DJI Avata 2 Key Features
- Immersive FPV Experience: The DJI Goggles 3 provides clear, real-time video feedback, letting you navigate through properties with precision and capture every detail.
- Smooth Indoor Maneuvers: The RC Motion 3 controller makes it easy to execute smooth turns and flips, perfect for navigating through hallways and tight spaces.
- High-Quality 4K Video: Capture sharp 4K/60fps video with a 155° wide-angle lens, ideal for showcasing spacious interiors and exterior landscapes.
- Improved Low-Light Performance: The upgraded image sensor captures clear footage even in dimly lit rooms, ensuring your indoor shots look professional.
- Built-in Propeller Guard: The integrated propeller guard adds safety and agility, allowing you to fly confidently indoors without worrying about accidental bumps.
- Turtle Mode for Quick Recovery: If the drone flips over during flight, Turtle mode automatically rights it, so you can quickly resume shooting.
Pricing
The DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo is priced at $1,199. Additional accessories such as extra batteries and memory cards can be purchased separately to enhance your filming sessions.
DJI Avata 2 Pros & Cons
Product Pros
Product Cons
3. DJI Air 3s (DJI RC-N2) (Best Mid-Range Option)
The DJI Air 3S is a compact drone that packs a punch for real estate photography. It features two main cameras, giving you more options for your property shots. With a long flight time and smart obstacle detection, it’s a great tool for both new and experienced drone pilots.
Key Benefits
- 46-minute max flight time
- Two cameras: wide-angle and 3x zoom
- 4K/60fps HDR video capability
- 48MP photos for detailed property images
- Obstacle sensing in all directions
- Vertical shooting for social media content
- Waypoint flight for planned routes
Pricing
The DJI Air 3S is priced at $1,099 on the DJI website, offering good value for its features and camera system.
DJI Air 3s Pros and Cons
Product Pros
Product Cons
4. DJI Mavic 3 Pro (Best for Zoom Capabilities)
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a top-notch drone that real estate pros will love. It’s got a killer zoom feature that sets it apart from other drones. With its three-camera setup and long flight time, this drone can capture amazing property shots that’ll make listings pop.
Key Benefits
- Three-camera system with Hasselblad quality
- Impressive 24-200mm optical zoom range
- 43-minute max flight time for longer shoots
- 20MP photos and 4K video capabilities
- Advanced GPS for stable flights
- 28 km max flight distance
- Foldable design for easy transport
Pricing
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro costs $2,199.00, which reflects its high-end features and pro-level performance.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro Pros and Cons
Product Pros
Product Cons
5. Autel Robotics Evo II Pro (Best for Long Range and 6K Video)
The Autel Evo II Pro 6K is a powerhouse drone that’s perfect for real estate photographers and videographers. It boasts a Sony 20-megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of stunning 6K Ultra HD videos. With its advanced obstacle avoidance system and impressive 40-minute flight time, this drone combines top-notch imaging capabilities with reliable performance.
Key Benefits
- 6K Ultra HD video with 20MP Sony sensor
- Adjustable aperture (f/2.8 to f/11) for creative control
- 360° obstacle avoidance with 19 sensor groups
- 40-minute maximum flight time
- 9 miles (12km) transmission range
- 6.4″ Smart Controller SE included
- 12-bit DNG support for flexible post-processing
- Hyper-Lapse and HDR video capabilities
Pricing
The Autel Evo II Pro is priced at $2,099.00, reflecting its professional-grade features and capabilities like the 6k resolution video.
Autel Robotics Evo II Pro Pros and Cons
Product Pros
Product Cons
6. Autel EVO Lite+ (Best for Low-Light Shots)
I’ve found the Autel EVO Lite+ to be another affordable drone for its capabilities. This drone packs a powerful 1-inch CMOS 20MP camera that captures stunning 6K/30FPS video, perfect for showcasing those sprawling estates or cozy urban condos. With its adjustable aperture and impressive 40-minute flight time, you can capture all the angles you need in one go.
Key Benefits
- 6K/30FPS video capability for crystal-clear property tours
- Adjustable f/2.8-f/11 aperture for creative control in various lighting conditions
- HDR mode for balanced exposure in high-contrast scenes
- Moonlight algorithm for crisp nighttime shots of properties
- The 7.4-mile transmission range for expansive rural properties
- Dynamic Track 2.1 for smooth, automated follow shots
- Ultra-wide angle obstacle avoidance for safer flights around buildings
Pricing
The Autel EVO Lite+ is priced at $1,149, offering professional-grade features at a competitive price point for serious real estate photographers.
Autel EVO Lite+ Pros and Cons
Product Pros
Product Cons
7. DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC) (Best Budget-Friendly Choice)
The DJI Mini 3 is a compact, lightweight drone that’s perfect for beginners and travelers. It packs a punch with its 4K HDR video capabilities and extended flight time, all while staying under the 249g weight limit that keeps it regulation-friendly in many areas.
Key Benefits
- Ultra-lightweight design under 249g
- Up to 51 minutes of flight time with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus
- 4K HDR video with 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor
- True Vertical Shooting for social media-friendly content
- QuickShots for easy cinematic footage
- 10km transmission range with DJI O2 technology
- Panorama mode for wide-angle and 180° shots
- Return to Home (RTH) function for safety
Pricing
The DJI Mini 3 with DJI RC is priced at $549-$1,100. That price listed comes with the amazing built-in screen in the controller itself.
DJI Mini 3 Pros and Cons
Product Pros
Product Cons
What Is Drone Photography in Real Estate?
Drone photography in real estate is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as drones to capture high-quality images and videos of properties from above.
It provides a comprehensive view of the property, its surroundings, and unique features that might not be visible from ground level.
This technique has become increasingly popular in the real estate industry, offering a new perspective that can highlight a property’s best attributes and give potential buyers a better understanding of its layout and location.
How Can Drone Photography Benefit Your Real Estate Business?
Do you just have that feeling that maybe you as a real estate agent are trying to find ways to increase attention to your home listings? In my opinion, investing in a quality drone can really attract that audience that you so badly desire.
Drone photography can significantly enhance your real estate business in several ways.
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention-grabbing listings | Aerial shots make your listings stand out, attracting more potential buyers. |
| Showcasing property features | Highlight large lots, landscaping, or proximity to amenities that may not be apparent in traditional photos. |
| Faster sales | Comprehensive aerial views can help pre-qualify buyers, reducing wasted viewings and potentially speeding up the sales process. |
| Competitive edge | Especially useful for luxury or unique properties, drone photography can set your listings apart from the competition. |
| Versatility | Beneficial for various property types, from sprawling rural estates to urban properties with rooftop features. |
| Marketing tool | Drone footage can be used in virtual tours, social media, and other marketing materials to create a more engaging presentation of the property. |
Remember, while drone photography is a powerful tool, it should complement, not replace, traditional real estate photography and good business practices.
Buyers Guide: How We Conducted Our Research
As I researched to find the best drones for real estate photography, I determined what users are actually looking for.
- Pricing: How much did each drone cost?
- Features: What were the best features of each drone?
- Negatives: What was missing from each drone?
- Support or refund: Do they offer customer support, warranties, or refund policies?
- Real estate-specific uses: How well does each drone perform for property photography and videography?
My list covers the overall best drones to purchase for real estate photography and much more.
Using drones in real estate listings is just a small piece of the pie in an overall larger landscape of what drones can be used for.
Conclusion
So there you have it – my top picks for real estate photography drones in 2025. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, there’s something here for everyone.
Read also – Best Budget Drones for Real Estate Photography if you just want to test the waters in drone photography.
Don’t stress too much about getting the “perfect” drone. Focus on learning to use it well. With practice, even a basic model can take amazing shots. And as you grow, you can always move up to fancier gear. The most important thing is to get started and have fun with it. Your listings will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Drones for Real Estate Photography
Do I need a license to fly a drone for my real estate business?
Yep, you’ll need to get your wings before taking to the skies! The FAA requires a Part 107 certificate for commercial drone use. It’s not too tricky – just study up, pass a test, and you’re good to go. Remember, it’s all about keeping everyone safe while you capture those amazing aerial shots.
What features should I look for in a drone for real estate photography?
Look for a drone that’s like a flying Swiss Army knife! You’ll want crisp 4K video, GPS for steady hovering, and some nifty auto-pilot modes to make your life easier. Don’t forget about battery life – longer flight times mean more shots per outing. And if it folds up small, that’s a bonus for on-the-go agents!
How can I improve my drone photos for real estate listings?
Time to level up those aerial pics! First, incorporate HDR to balance those tricky bright skies and shadowy areas. Wide-angle lenses are your friend for showcasing entire properties.
And here’s a pro tip: plan your shots for “golden hour” lighting. Oh, and don’t forget to practice smooth movements – jerky footage is a big no-no!
Are there any restrictions on where I can fly my drone for real estate shots?
Absolutely! Think of the sky as having invisible fences. You’ll need to steer clear of airports, crowded areas, and some government buildings. There are handy apps that show these no-fly zones. Always check local laws too – some neighborhoods might have their own rules. When in doubt, it’s better to ask permission than risk a hefty fine!
What’s the average cost of a good drone for real estate photography?
Expect to spend $600-$1000 for a solid beginner setup, including extra batteries. Pro-level drones run $1000-$7000 for magazine-worthy shots.
DJI offers great options at various price points with user-friendly features. Remember, it’s an investment – better shots can lead to quicker sales!