Understanding Real Estate Drone Photography (Plus Tips On How To Get The Best Shots)

Using great photography is crucial for enhancing any real estate listing, as it’s how you attract a buyer’s attention. However, if you want your listings to really shine, you need to consider including aerial photos shot with a drone.

In fact, 68% of listings that feature aerial shots perform better than those that don’t. And over 80% of sellers would rather work with brokers and agents who use drones.

You can either buy a drone and shoot aerial photography yourself or you can hire professional real estate photographers to do the work for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what drone photography is, discuss the benefits of aerial photos for real estate properties, and provide some expert tips on getting drone photography right. We’ll also include the top five drones for real estate to choose from.

What Is Drone Photography?

Drone photography in real estate refers to using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, equipped with high-resolution cameras to capture aerial images and videos of a property.

This technology has transformed how real estate professionals can showcase listings by providing unique perspectives that traditional ground-level photography can’t achieve.

Below is a real estate listing from RE/MAX that includes stunning drone photography to showcase the property’s features from an aerial perspective:

What Are the Benefits of Drone Photography for Real Estate Professionals?

Now that you know what drone photography is, let’s take a closer look at the benefits it provides for brokers and agents:

✅ Enhance your real estate listings

Including aerial photography in your real estate listings improves your chances of getting more viewings and closing deals. In fact, listings featuring drone aerial photography are 65% more likely to have more in-person showings.

Drone photography creates visually striking images that can make listings stand out on multiple listing service (MLS) platforms, websites, and social media. These shots can captivate buyers and encourage them to learn more about the property.

✅ Give buyers a holistic view

97% of home buyers expect holistic and high-quality drone photography in the listings they view online. Drones can capture images from various altitudes and perspectives, providing buyers with a full view of the property, including its layout and surroundings.

For large properties, especially those with extensive land, drone photography helps capture the entire property size and scope in one frame, which can be challenging to achieve with ground-level photography.

Drones can also create wide-angle or 360-degree views of a property, giving potential buyers a better sense of the space’s proportions and panoramic views.

✅ Improve your real estate marketing

Homes marketed with aerial videography and images typically command higher listing prices. Properties that are well-represented visually often attract more interest, leading to better offers.

Drone photography also helps properties sell faster. Homes advertised with drone photos typically sell 68% faster than other properties.

Using drone photography showcases professionalism and innovation in your marketing approach. Brokers and agents who use advanced tools like drones may attract more high-end clients and listings.

✅ Provides context of surroundings

Drones can capture surrounding streets, parks, schools, and local attractions, often essential in a buyer’s decision-making process.

For homes situated on hills or near bodies of water, drones can clearly represent the property’s elevation and surrounding landscape, which may be difficult to showcase otherwise.

✅ Cost-effective results

Drones can capture photos and videos quickly and efficiently, saving time compared to traditional aerial photography, which may require renting a helicopter or airplane. We will take a look at the cost of drones later in this article.

While this type of photography requires the upfront cost of purchasing a drone, it’s usually more affordable than traditional methods, offering a cost-effective way to enhance the visual appeal of your property listings.

How to Choose Your First Drone for Your Aerial Photography

You now know how effective drone photography can be, but how do you find the right drone for your specific needs? In this section, we’ll guide you through what you should consider when purchasing your first drone for real estate photography:

➡️ Camera quality

The main decision you need to make when purchasing a drone is the quality of its camera. Here are some specifications to look out for:

Resolution: A high-resolution camera (at least 12 megapixels) is essential for capturing crisp, detailed images. For real estate photography, drones with 4K video capabilities are ideal for providing high-quality virtual tours, which we will discuss later in this article.

Stability: Look for drones with a three-axis gimbal—a feature that minimizes shaking and movement—for steady images and videos, especially when shooting in windy conditions. This ensures smoother, more professional footage.

Field of view: A wide-angle lens is ideal as it can capture more of the property in a single shot, which is especially useful for larger homes or extensive properties.

➡️ Flight time

The next aspect you need to think about when purchasing a drone is how long it’ll last while you’re shooting your property images and videos.

Battery life: You should look for drones with a flight time of at least 20 to 30 minutes on a single charge. This allows enough time to capture multiple shots and videos without needing to recharge frequently.

Extra batteries: Consider whether the drone you’re purchasing comes with or supports additional batteries to extend flight time during a single shoot.

➡️ Ease of use

When you’re getting started with drone photography, you don’t want a piece of equipment that is complex and difficult to use. Look out for these features:

Beginner-friendly controls: Many drones come with beginner modes that make them easier for first-time users to operate. Features like automatic takeoff and landing, hover mode, and obstacle avoidance are helpful for those new to piloting a drone.

Remote control features: Check whether the drone offers a user-friendly remote control with features such as return-to-home (RTH) and follow-me mode. These functions make managing flight paths and controlling the drone easier while focusing on getting the best shots.

➡️ Regulatory compliance

In the U.S., any real estate professional using a drone for commercial purposes must obtain the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification to shoot footage. Choosing a drone that complies with the FAA’s weight limits (under 55 lbs) and has GPS tracking to meet regulatory standards is also essential.

➡️ Portability

Another important aspect of the drone you choose is how portable it will be. You don’t want a clunky piece of equipment that is difficult to transport.

Foldable design: If you’re moving between properties frequently, consider drones with foldable arms for easier transport.

Carrying case: Many drones come with protective cases or backpacks that help you transport and protect the drone and its accessories.

➡️ Durability and build quality

A drone can be an expensive upfront investment, so you want it to last for years to come. For this reason, you need to choose a durable and high-quality model. You should also consider:

Weather resistance: Look for durable drones that withstand light wind, rain, or dust. The design of some drones allows them to withstand various weather conditions, improving their overall dependability.

Repair options: Check whether replacement parts—such as propellers, batteries, or cameras—are readily available. Since drones can be prone to accidents, replaceability is an important factor.

➡️ GPS and intelligent flight modes

Drones with GPS provide better stability and accurate positioning, which is essential for high-quality real estate photography. GPS also allows the drone to return to you automatically if it loses connection or runs low on battery.

Additionally, features like point of interest (POI) or waypoint flying, where the drone can be programmed to follow a specific route or circle properly, are beneficial for capturing dynamic shots. Automated modes help you streamline your photography and reduce manual effort.

➡️ Range and transmission

When purchasing your drone, you also need to think about its range and transmission:

Transmission distance: Drones with a longer transmission range (preferably two to five miles) enable you to capture aerial shots of larger properties or surrounding neighborhoods.

Live feed transmission: Some drones provide live HD video streams directly to your smartphone or controller. This feature helps you see what the drone captures in real-time, enabling you to adjust angles as you operate the equipment.

➡️ Software compatibility

The last factor you must consider when choosing a drone is whether it’s compatible with editing software that allows for editing, also known as post-production enhancements.

Some drones come with proprietary software, while others integrate with third-party tools like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.

Some drone models offer real estate-specific tools or apps, such as 3D mapping or automated property tour creation, which could be beneficial for creating interactive listings.

The Top 5 Drones for Real Estate Aerial Photography

To help you choose a suitable drone for your needs, we’ve created the list below of the best models for real estate:

1. DJI Air 2S

The DJI Air 2S strikes the perfect balance between portability, camera quality, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for real estate professionals.

Specifications

Camera: 1-inch CMOS sensor, 20 MP photos, 5.4K video at 30 fps, 4K video at 60 fps.

Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes.

Range: 7.5 miles (12 km).

Intelligent Flight Modes: FocusTrack, MasterShots, QuickShots, and Hyperlapse.

Price: Around $999.

Why it’s great for real estate

The drone’s one-inch sensor ensures crisp images, even in low-light conditions, and the 5.4K video resolution allows for highly detailed property tours.

Intelligent flight modes like FocusTrack and MasterShots automate the process of capturing smooth and professional footage, perfect for showcasing properties.

2. DJI Mini 3 Pro

This compact and lightweight drone is perfect for real estate agents and brokers who need to move between properties frequently.

Specifications

Camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, 48 MP photos, 4K HDR video.

Flight Time: Up to 34 minutes.

Range: 7.5 miles (12 km).

Intelligent Flight Modes: QuickShots, Hyperlapse, Panorama, and Spotlight.

Price: Around $759.

Why it’s great for real estate

Despite its small size, the DJI Mini 3 Pro offers impressive 4K HDR video and 48 MP photos, ideal for capturing the intricate details of properties.

It also offers a long battery life and intelligent flight modes, making it a cost-effective yet powerful tool for real estate photography.

3. Autel Robotics EVO Lite+

The Autel EVO Lite+ offers the best flight time in this category, up to 40 minutes, making it ideal for larger properties or multiple shoots in a single session.

Specifications

Camera: 1-inch CMOS sensor, 20 MP photos, 6K video at 30 fps.

Flight Time: Up to 40 minutes.

Range: 7.4 miles (12 km).

Intelligent Flight Modes: SkyPortrait, Dynamic Track 2.1, and HDR video.

Price: Around $1,249.

Why it’s great for real estate

Its one-inch sensor ensures high-quality photos and videos, even in low light, while 6K video resolution provides exceptional detail for virtual property tours.

The EVO Lite+ is also packed with intelligent flight modes like SkyPortrait, which can automatically take cinematic shots of properties.

4. DJI Mavic 3 Classic

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic stands out for its Hasselblad camera, delivering exceptional image quality thanks to the large 4/3 CMOS sensor. This allows for a greater dynamic range, perfect for capturing high-quality images of properties in various lighting conditions.

Specifications

Camera: 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, 20 MP photos, 5.1K video at 50 fps.

Flight Time: Up to 46 minutes.

Range: 9.3 miles (15 km).

Intelligent Flight Modes: Advanced RTH, ActiveTrack 5.0, and MasterShots.

Price: Around $1,599.

Why it’s great for real estate

The long flight time of up to 46 minutes and its intelligent flight modes, like ActiveTrack and MasterShots, make it a great option for real estate professionals aiming to create impressive property showcases.

5. Parrot Anafi USA

While on the higher end of the price spectrum, the Parrot Anafi USA is ideal for real estate professionals dealing with high-end or specialized listings.

Specifications

Camera: 32x zoom, 21 MP photos, 4K HDR video.

Flight Time: Up to 32 minutes.

Range: 2.5 miles (4 km).

Intelligent Flight Modes: Automatic RTH, Geofencing, and Follow Me.

Price: Around $7,000.

Why it’s great for real estate

Its 32x zoom allows for incredibly detailed shots, even from a distance, making it ideal for capturing details on larger properties or intricate architectural features.

The 4K HDR video quality ensures premium footage, and its rugged design means it can handle more extreme shooting conditions.

Here’s a quick overview of the models discussed above so you can compare them:

Model	Camera	Flight time	Range	Average price
DJI Air 2S	20 MP, 5.4K video	31 minutes	7.5 miles	$999
DJI Mini 3 Pro	48 MP, 4K HDR video	34 minutes	7.5 miles	$759
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+	20 MP, 6K video	40 minutes	7.4 miles	$1,249
DJI Mavic 3 Classic	20 MP, 5.1K video	46 minutes	9.3 miles	$1,599
Parrot Anafi USA	21 MP, 4K HDR video, 32x zoom	32 minutes	2.5 miles	$7,000

9 Expert Tips on Getting Real Estate Photography with Drones Right

Once you’ve purchased your first drone, you need to know how to use it to capture amazing shots to enhance your listings and attract more buyers. Here are our expert tips:

💡 Plan your shots

Visit the property in advance to pinpoint key locations that will enhance your drone footage. Consider features like the home’s layout, the landscape, outdoor amenities, and any surrounding landmarks. It is important to have a clear plan of what you want to capture ahead of time.

Additionally, lighting can drastically affect the quality of your drone photos. Aim to shoot during the golden hours—just after sunrise or just before sunset—when the sunlight is soft and creates a warm atmosphere. This time also minimizes harsh shadows that can occur midday.

💡 Master your settings

Always shoot your photos in RAW format rather than JPEG to retain more image data. This allows for greater flexibility during post-processing to adjust exposure, contrast, and white balance without losing image quality.

To avoid blurry images caused by drone movement, use a fast shutter speed (around 1/1000 or higher) and keep the ISO low (ISO 100 or 200) to minimize graininess in the photos.

💡 Pay attention to composition

Most drones have an option to display a grid on the screen, which makes it easier to place the horizon or important elements along the grid lines and creates more visually appealing images.

Focusing on symmetrical compositions or leading lines, such as pathways, driveways, or fences, can guide the viewer’s eye through the photo, creating a sense of depth and drawing attention to key features.

💡 Use intelligent fly modes

Leveraging the right fly modes on your drone can enhance the photos you shoot. Let’s unpack some of them:

Point of interest (POI): Most modern drones have intelligent flight modes like POI. These modes allow the drone to automatically circle a specific point, such as the home, to capture smooth and consistent 360-degree shots without manual input.

Orbit and follow me modes: Using orbit mode to fly the drone in a circular path around the property creates dynamic shots. Follow me mode is also useful if you’re showcasing more than just the property, like moving around outdoor spaces or nearby landmarks.

QuickShots: These automated flight patterns can create dynamic video clips with minimal effort. Use this feature to easily capture shots that zoom in on the property, pan around it, or pull away for a wide view.

💡 Capture multiple angles and heights

You’ll want to vary the heights at which you shoot, starting with low-angle shots to capture the property’s details. Then, gradually raise the drone for higher shots to showcase the entire lot and its surroundings, giving prospective buyers a sense of scale and layout.

Focus on unique elements of the property such as outdoor BBQ areas, pools, or expansive landscaping. Make sure these features are prominently displayed from a bird’s-eye view.

💡 Leverage post-processing

Use professional editing software for photos to enhance your final results, allowing you to adjust lighting, contrast, sharpness, and color balance to make your images pop.

For larger properties or landscapes, you can use software that enables panoramic stitching to combine multiple shots into a single wide-angle image. This is especially useful for showcasing expansive estates or beachfront properties.

💡 Consider safety aspects

Avoid flying your drone in high winds, rain, and extremely cold conditions, as this can affect stability and battery performance. Calm and clear weather conditions are ideal for stable, high-quality shots.

Use drones with obstacle avoidance systems to prevent crashes, especially in areas with trees, power lines, or surrounding buildings. This is especially important when flying in tighter spaces, like urban settings.

💡 Use videos to create virtual tours

Another way you can use your drone is to capture footage to create virtual tours. Over 90% of buyers are more compelled when a listing includes a virtual tour, and 95% of home buyers are more likely to call agents about these properties. Additionally, homes with virtual tours spend up to 31% less time on the market.

When capturing video for virtual tours, fly the drone slowly and steadily to avoid jerky or sudden movements. Use the gimbal stabilization we discussed earlier to maintain a constant speed and produce smooth footage.

For a complete property tour, integrate drone footage with interior walk-through videos. Start with an aerial shot to establish the property’s location and size, then transition into an indoor walkthrough to show more detailed features.

💡 Optimize for online viewing

When uploading drone videos to websites or real estate platforms, ensure you compress them properly without losing quality. Many platforms have size restrictions, so export your videos in formats like MP4 with a balance of quality and file size.

Ensure that your drone photos and videos look good on mobile devices, as 60% of home searches occur on smartphones. Choose photo and video formats that load quickly and maintain quality across screen sizes.

How to Fly Your First Drone

Below, we’ve curated some videos and guides to help you get started with piloting your drone for the first time:

What to Do Once You’ve Mastered Drone Photography

Once you start capturing amazing drone footage and including it in your listings, you’re sure to start getting more deals rolling in. But how do you manage all these deals and ensure nothing falls through the cracks?

With robust transaction management software like Paperless Pipeline, you can manage all your real estate transactions on one automated platform to make sure everything goes smoothly.

With our system, everyone stays on track, and documents never go missing. It’s the perfect solution to streamline your brokerage’s processes and close more deals—without needing paper files and documents.

Visit our website for a free 14-day Paperless Pipeline trial to experience how simple transaction management can be.