Best Drone for Real Estate Photography: A Different Point-Of-View

Introduction

The use of camera drones has grown rapidly amongst real estate photographers. 
These cameras allow them to capture images from a different point-of-view giving their clients a better perspective of the property they want to buy. Real estate companies today, invest a lot in promoting their business. Camera drones truly provide them with a more inventive approach in advertisements. So the big question is: what is the best drone for real estate photography?

The concept of drones have been around for almost a century. It started when Nikola Tesla developed the first remote-controlled boat in 1898.

Then in 1915, he began conceptualizing a fleet of pilotless planes which lead to the production of the first set of drones in World War II.

This is the very same technology used behind today’s camera drones.
Thanks to the ingenuity behind these gadgets, photographers and photography hobbyists alike have access to unlimited creativity.

Best Drone for Real Estate Photography

With the advertising scene constantly evolving thanks to the innovations readily available in the market, the real estate industry has been quite competitive.

Dozens of real estate companies invest a great deal of their profits towards their marketing efforts and this includes acquiring the best drone for real estate photos and videos. Using a drone equipped with a high definition camera in real estate photography can really enhance the way properties are sold.

Clients are generally attracted to visual representation. Being able to see an overview of the property whether through photo or video, increases your chances in making a sale.

Some real estate agents use drones to give a virtual tour of the entire property. This definitely saves time and lessens the hassle for both parties, providing the clients with the ultimate buying experience in the comfort of their own homes. So what is the best drone for real estate photography? Let’s take a look at the top 5 drones in the market.

Created by Holy Stone, this is one of the newer models classified as a mid-range drone in terms of price and technology.

The drone itself is large and sturdy enough to withstand in-flight wind. It has a good range of over 500m and is equipped with a 2400mAh battery which allows the use to continuously fly the drone for up to 15-minutes.

The battery installed is replaceable, which allows the user to switch batteries during long shoots. The altitude hold mold of this drone is also very stable, giving the user a great overall flight experience.

The 720p camera installed features an adjustable tilt that can be controlled remotely. You may also use your smartphone to access the First Person View (FPV) feature of the drone.

The FPV application also supports Virtual Reality (VR) technology. The camera quality may not be exactly be up-to-par with its competitors but it will definitely get the job done.

In addition, this particular model is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS), gyroscope, barometer and one-key take-off and landing option which makes it highly user-friendly especially for beginners.

One disadvantage is the charge time. For a short coverage flight of 15 minutes, this model takes at least 3 to 6 hours to fully charge.

This 3DR Camera Quadcopter is basically an accessory for your GoPro. If you already have a GoPro (Hero 3, 3+ or 4) this drone is definitely the best fit for you. This quadcopter in particular is great for beginners because of its easy-to-maneuver control system. Many users noted how familiar the controls felt on the first use.

Flight time lasts about 25-minutes with a relatively quick charge time of 90-minutes. Additional battery packs may be purchased. Flight speed covers a maximum of 55 mph and has great altitude and position hold options.

Program-wise, the 3DR Camera Quadcopter is pretty convenient. It features various functions like: orbit mode and selfie mode make it easier to use especially for amateurs. It is also equipped with autonomous flying with an on-board GPS allowing automatic landing. However this unit does not have an obstacle avoidance feature, which would be quite problematic in some situations.

Overall, the 3DR Camera Quadcopter is an excellent choice, both professionals and beginners highly recommend this unit.

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is one of the top-of-the-line models best for professional use. It is equipped with a high-end Hasselblad camera capable of taking high quality photos and videos.

This particular model is highly portable. Users can fold the arms in which makes it easy-to-carry and pack away. Flight times with the DJI Mavic Pro 2 is longer than the previous DJI Mavic Pro. Thanks to the aerodynamic design of this model, it can stay airborne for up to 31 minutes, allowing the user to maximize the battery life with a quick 45-minute charge.

The DJI Mavic Pro 2 is equipped with multiple sensors, allowing obstacle avoidance on all sides, minimizing accidents and unforeseeable mishaps during the flight. It is easy-to-fly with the highly responsive control system.

Overall, this drone has been hailed as the king of the skies. The only downside would probably be the price, however with all the features and the quality of the output, this purchase is definitely worth it.

The Teeggi Drone is definitely one of the most affordable units in the market. It is a decent model with features that can match up to some high-end models. It is convenient to use and easy on the pocket.

The drone itself is equipped with a high-definition 1080P camera furnished with a gimbal stabilizer which is great for taking clear photographs and steady videos. The remote control range covers up to 300m for both flight and FPV distance. The Teegi Drone flight time ranges from 15 to 20 minutes with a 7.4V 1800mAH modular battery.

One of the notable features in this particular model is the point of interest function which allows the drone to continuously circle around a preset point. The Teeggi drone is also equipped with safety features like: auto return home during weak signals or low power, motor protection and two-way radio control.

The overall flying experience is up to standards with more expensive units, however this particular unit isn’t suitable for beginners. Novice fliers with flying experience have noted some challenges in controlling the Teegi Drone.

The Potensic Drone is a dynamic unit that can cater to both beginners and experts. It is a smart remote controlled drone with a highly advance GPS. The GPS installed allows precise positioning and smart return home with a simple click of a button. The unit is easy to assemble and provide great photo output.

The camera mounted is an optimized high definition 1080P unit with an adjustable wide-angle lens. Providing an optimum PFV experience. The Potensic drone also has a longer control distance of over 300m. It’s high-capacity removable 7.4V 2,500mAH battery allows a 15-minute flying time. It is also equipped with a LED lighting system that allows you to fly the unit at night.

The application with the Potensic drone allows you to easily share photos or video taken on social media. The overall user experience of the Potensic drone is unquestionably good being one of the more affordable models, users have definitely given it excellent feedback.

One major con is stability, being light weight the drone is not stable enough to fly on a windy day.

Best Drone Brands

Holy Stone
The Holy Stone was founded in 2014 and since then has manufactured dozens of innovative drone designs. Their research and design team is committed to creating high-quality drones that are user-friendly and easy to fly especially for first-timers.

3DR
3DR started out as a manufacturing company founded in 2012 by Chris Anderson and Jordi Munoz. Over the years they have turned into software enterprise providing solutions to various companies. They have recently ventured into the drone business after a boom in the industry.

DJI
DJI is a Chinese company in Shenzhen whose vision is to support creative and commercial technology. With offices all over the globe, DJI is redefining the industry in filmmaking, agriculture and energy infrastructure with the help of various lines of businesses under its scope.

Teeggi
Teeggi another Chinese-owned company established in 2014 has been a manufacturer for various automated toys, amusement machine and sporting equipment ever since. Recent products focused on drones and other items and accessories within the same line of business.

Potensic
Potensic is a Chinese company under the Shenzen Deepsea Investment corporation that specializes in integrated enterprise and research and design of high-quality electronic products. Potensic currently has two branches; one in the US and one in China. 

What Do You Need To Know Before Buying A Drone

Before actually purchasing a drone for your real estate business or personal use, it would be best to educate yourself further. Reading reviews would entice you to choose the most expensive ones or even invest in starter models but at the end of the day the goal is for optimum usage and user experience.

When buying a drone, think about what your main purpose would be. Would the investment be worth it? When you have finally decided that it would be cost-effective to actually buy a drone than hire a professional to take the photos for you, here’s a list of other things you would need to know:

1. Drones Are Not Easy to Fly
   People may think it’s as simple as using a remote controlled car or playing a video game, but in reality drones are quite difficult to maneuver. Even high-end units like the DJI which are equipped with safety features and obstacle avoidance are quite tough to control. There are many beginners who have invested a lot of their money on high-end models and end up crashing them because they are inexperienced fliers. It is always advisable to train with a non-camera model until you do get the hang of it. There are options to rent one of these smaller drones for practice.
2. There Are Different Types of Drones
   There are three categories of drones. You have your Ready-to-Fly (RTF), Bind-and-Fly (BNF) and your Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF). The RTF doesn’t require any extra assembly or set-up. All you need to do is charge up the battery and you’re good to go.
   
   The BNF is completely assembled but it doesn’t come with the controller. You would either need to purchase a controller separately or use one you may already have. This type of drone is good for novice users who have multiple units.
   
   The ARF are basically drone or quadcopter kids. They don’t come with a transmitter and would require assembly. Before actually buying an ARF, be sure you are willing to commit in building the kit from scratch. Be sure to read the description thoroughly before buying.
3. Learn the Laws
   Each country has a specific law for drone use. Most countries require you to register your drone before you can actually fly them. Along with registration comes the rules and regulations of drone usage which may include the following:
   
   - Have your drone insured.
   - Do not fly close to government facilities.
   - Do not fly over private property without permission.
   - Stay far from airports and other aerial facilities.
   - If questioned by authorities, show your registration.
   
   Once you have familiarized yourself with the local laws, you are ready to fly your drone with ease.
4. Join a Community
   New hobbyists often learn through experience and through mentorship.
   Join an online forum or find a group in your area. Being able to exchange questions with other beginners or getting advice from expert users will be able to make a difference in your overall experience.
5. Choose Your Drone
   After intensive research, you are finally ready to purchase your first drone. Remember not to base your choice on the price, expensive things may not always be the perfect fit. Instead, apply what you have learned, read and researched on. 

FAQ

Are there any places that offer training for drone flying?

Yes. There are many hobby shops and private instructs that offer certified flight training. You may also want to check with your local distributor as some companies offer free training as their post-sales service. Training is vital for business owners who are aiming to get their COA and FAA Airman Certificate.

Do all drones have to be registered?

Most drones equipped with cameras are duly registered for they weigh above the minimum requirement of 0.55 pounds. Be sure to complete all registration before flying to avoid any trouble with local authorities.

What is a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization?

The Certificate of Authorization (COA) is a document that provides authentication of a pilot’s authority to fly a drone. You would need to acquire this should you be flying your drone for business purposes. The certification takes 60 to 90 days.

Conclusion

Marketing your properties with images from drones are the best fit for any real estate businesses in particular. With this innovation, the marketing game has definitely went up a notch.

There is no more affordable way to get a the best images than through the these top picks.

With 80% of the sale rate of these properties being dependent on visual representation, giving the best output for your clients to see is the best investment step you can take. Go ahead and buy a camera drone for your real estate business today!