Real estate photography hype is currently all about the use of drones since it allows users to capture photos and film properties from unique angles that weren’t previously possible. I remember starting out as an agent in 2014 and someone suggested I hire an airplane pilot to shoot some photos for an assignment (crazy right?). Those days are thankfully long gone because drones are so much more affordable and easy to buy.
For the best real estate photography, one needs a safe, high-quality, and intelligent drone. This article aims at giving you the insight into the best DJI real estate drones for all levels.
DJI Mavic Air 2 – Review
DJI Mavic Air 2 is regarded as one of the best real estate drones available. The drone takes portability and power to another level. It offers various advanced features while very compact. It allows the user to have excellent shooting alongside quality images since it makes aerial masterpieces available for the average user. The drone has a smart flight system, and it is safer, hence upping the user’s game through the creative shooting process.
DJI Mavic Air 2 allows the user to master various types of aerial shots using its 4K/60fps video. It is also equipped with a D-Cinelike profile, which enables it to store more information. Additionally, the drone is equipped with HEVC video codec that can record more data about the image.
DJI Mavic Air 2 – Pros & Cons
Pros
- 1/2 inch CMOS sensor capturing 48 mega pixel images
- Flight time of 30-35 minutes per battery
- Weighs 570 grams / 20.1 ounces
- Will enable you to capture HDR Panorama whole image capture
- Allows safer flight with updates on local fly zones
- Its signal is extremely reliable allowing for a smooth flight
Cons
- 4K 60FPS not available with camera tracking mode
- “Follow Me” modes are only limited to 1080p
- No side obstacle avoidance so be extra careful panning
DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo retails at $988
DJI Mavic Mini – Review
DJI Mavic Mini is another amazing real estate drone that allows the user to play around in the sky. This is my favorite drone because it fits in my carry-on luggage and I fly all over the world with it. The drone comes with a DJI Fly phone application that will enable you to enjoy flying even if you are a total noob. Mavic mini is designed to be light as a smartphone hence making it extremely portable, safe, and lowest in the weight class of drones. It has such an easy and clean UI/UX that my mom is a pro using this drone.
DJI Mavic Mini is also equipped with a 360 degrees propeller guard that increases its fly safety. It is also equipped with advanced sensors that allow it to hover easily. Additionally, the DJI Fly app has various creator templates that will enable you to edit and create fantastic videos.
Moreover, DJI Mavic Mini has a dedicated remote controller that allows you to maintain HD videos feed up to a distance of 4km away. With this drone, complex shots become more comfortable to take using its quick shot mode.
DJI Mavic Mini – Pros & Cons
Pros
- 2.7K gimbal-stabilized video and 12MP aerial images
- Battery lasts about 23-30 minutes of flight time
- It is extremely portable at 249 grams / 8.78 ounces
- Very easy to use for first time flyers with entry level price
Cons
- Return to Home beeping can get annoying and can’t turn off
- No collision detection so be extra careful
- Uses micro-USB charging instead of USB-c
- Material feels like cheap plastic (but is surprisingly durable)
DJI Mavic Mini Fly More Combo retails at $399
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 – Review
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is the best high-end real estate drone since it is equipped with high-level imagery and visionary intelligence. The drone features a one inch CMOS sensor that allows you to take photos and videos at 4K/60fps and 20MP. It is also equipped with OcuSync 2.0 HD transmission that provides for reliability and stable transmission and obstacle avoidance for safety.
The drone has a fantastic gimbal cameral that allows for perfect shooting. The drone’s camera can be optimized to an f/2.8 lens to ensure detailed images consistently. Additionally, DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 allows for robust flight performance since it will enable you to switch between flight modes. If you can afford to ball out, this drone will definitely get your offering memorandums to stand out.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 – Pros & Cons
Pros
- 1-inch 20 MP CMOS sensor gimbal camera
- Super fast with 45 mph max
- 11 miles max flight distance
- 4dB (60%) quieter than V1 on takeoff and landing
- Short charge time of about 58 minutes per battery
- High quality videos C4K, 2.7K, FHD
Cons
- Doesn’t have a remote controller screen (DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0)
- Can’t use drone with 3rd party apps
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 retails at $1379
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum – Review
This is a great real estate drone even though it is a bit of an older model. DJI Mavic Pro Platinum has a high-quality camera that can take shots at 4K/30fps. The drone is sleek and compact with a 30-minute flight time coupled with 60% noise power reduction.
Furthermore, the drone has a max speed of 40 mph with the safety of Flight Autonomy technology to sense obstacles up to 15 meters away to allow the drone to bypass, brake, or hover. Trust me, this is extremely useful. I crashed my Mavic Mini once in Peru because I didn’t have this obstacle avoiding feature.
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fly range of 4.3 miles / 7 km
- Video streaming of 720p HD long range (1080p short range)
- FlightAutonomy senses and avoid obstacles up to 49 feet (15km) away
- 1/6th the size of Phantom 4 but still flies up to 25-27 minutes
Cons
- Not very durable and fragile gimbal
- High price especially for first time drone purchase
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum retails at $1425.
DJI Spark – Review
This is another mini drone that has a lot of DJI features like intelligent flight. The drone is ultra portable and unleashes aerial creativity to users. It is among the best DJI real estate drones in terms of affordability and portability.
DJI Spark allows you to seize every moment with its ideal aerial companion. The drone features various qualities aimed at increasing your flight experience, especially if you are a beginner. It has a 2-axis gimbal and a 12MP camera for capturing quality images.
Additionally, DJI Spark is equipped with new flight modes, vision-based navigation, and streamlined controls, making it safe and reliable. This a fantastic mini drone that quickly enhances the aerial experience.
Moreover, DJI Spark allows for intelligent and safe flying using its built-in GPS, enabling the drone to return home and land at the launch site. Like the others, it is incredible that when the battery is low, the drone will automatically return home if it loses connection to the controller.
DJI Spark has an active track feature that allows it to recognize objects with varying sizes and shapes and autonomously track them when in motion. It also has various control modes, including the gesture mode, tap fly mode, and quick shot flight modes.
DJI Spark – Pros & Cons
Pros
- Small and Portable (300 grams / 10.58 ounces)
- 1/2.3 inch camera sensor with 12 mega pixels
- Can fly 30 meters (98 feet) above ground
- Entry level drone and affordable for first time flyers
Cons
- Short flight time (10-15 Minutes)
- You probably need to buy extra batteries and controller
- In my opinion, DJI Mavic Mini is better overall
DJI Spark Fly More Combo retails at $567
Conclusion
As you can see from my reviews and property photos, drones have changed the game for the real estate industry. I hope this review helps you decide which drone is best for you and your situation. Whether you are a baller looking for high-end drones or if you are a young broker looking to start off with a mini drone, you will certainly get a solid ROI along with some fun times flying around town.
Before you go, check out my other list sharing the 10 Best Books for Real Estate Agents