Drone videography is becoming a norm in real estate listings. The global drone market is amounting to $4.3 billion in 2024. In addition, Statistica predicts the market will grow by 2.26% annually from 20204 through 2028. However, no matter how big the market is, you should aim to select the best drone for real estate videography.
Drone videography is a powerful tool for real estate agents. It showcases properties in a dynamic and immersive way. Furthermore, properties with high-quality drone photography sell 68% faster than those without.
But with a vast array of drones on the market, choosing the right one for your real estate videography needs is challenging.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect drone and elevate your property listings. You can also consider subscribing to our email list to receive top-notch tips on drone photography and videography.
Tips for Choosing the Best Drone for Real Estate Videography
Before diving into specific drone models, take a step back and consider your unique requirements.
Budget
High-quality drones come with a hefty price tag. That’s why you should consider your budget before planning to buy a drone for real estate videos.
You should not compromise quality by buying low-quality drones, as this will lead to poor footage. Drone prices range from $200 to over $1000.
Therefore, you should determine a realistic budget that aligns with your business goals and the frequency of use.
Skill Level
Before selecting the best drone for real estate videography, consider the skillset you need. You should ask yourself whether you are a seasoned pilot or a complete beginner.
If you are a beginner, consider buying beginner-friendly drones with automated flight modes and tutorials that will ease the learning curve.
Furthermore, there are thousands of YouTube tutorials on how to fly a drone. Therefore, you can consider honing your skills while implementing what you learn.
Portability
If you travel frequently between properties, size and weight are crucial factors if portability is a priority. You can aim for drones weighing less than 250g. In addition, the drone should also be foldable to fit in a backpack.
Image quality
For professional-looking videos, you should prioritize a drone with a high-resolution camera and a 3-axis gimbal for smooth, stabilized footage.
Even if you should sacrifice a few dollars for the quality, do it, instead of regretting the video quality later.
Flight time
You should aim for a drone with a flight time of at least 20-25 minutes to capture a property and its surrounding landscape comfortably. There are also other drones that take up to 55 flight minutes.
Safety features
Look for essential safety features like obstacle avoidance, return-to-home functionality, and geofencing.
These features allow you to have a successful drone flight without damage and interruption to other people.
Local regulations
Before buying a drone for real estate videography, you should first familiarize yourself with Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) regulations.
These regulations will show you all you need to have and do during your drone flight. Always ensure you have the licence to fly drones in your area. This will save you from being on the wrong side of the law.
Top Drones for Real Estate Videography
Now that you have a clearer picture of your needs in drone videography for real estate, let’s explore some of the top options.
DJI Mavic Air 2
This versatile drone balances portability, image quality, and affordability. The Mavic Air 2 boasts a compact design and a 4K camera at 60 fps. Its respectable 34-minute flight time makes it suitable for agents with a wide property to cover.
In addition, the drone has an obstacle avoidance feature and an HDR panorama for high-quality videography. Furthermore, the drone can transmit video up to 10km.
Its intuitive controls and automated flight modes make it a good choice for both beginners and experienced pilots.
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Weighing in at a mere 249 grams, the DJI Mini 3 Pro falls 250g weight limit. This lightweight champion offers a surprising amount of power, packing a 4K HDR camera with a gimbal for shake-free footage.
This drone’s 34-minute flight time allows for extended capture sessions. It also has tri-direction obstacle avoidance (backwards, forward, and downward).
Autel Robotics EVO II Series
For professional-grade results, consider the Autel Robotics EVO II series. These high-end drones offer exceptional image quality with various camera options, including 6K and 8K models.
Features like omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and a long flight time make them ideal for complex shooting scenarios. However, the EVO II series comes with a steeper price tag.
Skydio 2
The Skydio 2 stands out for its autonomous flying capabilities. This drone utilizes advanced AI to follow you or pre-programmed flight paths without needing a traditional controller.
This lets you focus on capturing stunning visuals while the Skydio 2 handles the piloting. It’s best fit if you are a beginner drone pilot.
Essential Drone Gear for Real Estate Videography
While the drone is the star of the show, don’t forget about these essential accessories to elevate your real estate videography.
- Extra batteries. You should have spare batteries to ensure you can capture a property from all angles without running out of power.
- Neutral density filters. These filters help to control the light entering the camera sensor, allowing smoother footage in bright conditions.
- Landing pad. This provides a safe and stable platform for take-off and landing, especially on uneven terrain.
- Editing software. You should also invest in video editing software to enhance your footage and create polished final videos.
Mastering Real Estate Drone Videography
Once you have your drone and gear in hand, it’s time to hone your skills. I have for you some tips for capturing stunning real estate videos that have worked for me several times.
- Plan your shots
Before heading out, scout the property and plan your flight path. You can consider the property’s unique features and how you want to showcase them. List them according to priority before you take off.
- Favor stable footage
A smooth and stabilized footage is crucial for a professional look. Therefore, you should utilize the drone’s gimbal and practice flying to minimize shakiness.
- Shoot during golden hour
The golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most flattering natural light for capturing the property and its surroundings.
- Vary your shots
Don’t get stuck in a rut! Incorporate a variety of shot types, such as aerial overviews, establishing shots of the neighbourhood, reveal shots, and close-up details of architectural features.
- Pay attention to weather conditions
You should avoid flying in high winds, rain, or fog, as these conditions can affect image quality and flight safety.
- Respect privacy
You should be mindful of privacy laws and avoid capturing footage of neighbouring properties without permission.
- Practice makes perfect
The more you fly your drone, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. Therefore, take time to practice in safe, open areas before filming a property.
The Future of Drone Technology in Real Estate
The drone technology is constantly evolving, offering exciting possibilities for the future of real estate videography. Some of the trends entering the drone market are as follows.
- Automated flight paths. There are more advanced autonomous flight modes, allowing for complex cinematic shots with minimal pilot input.
- Longer flight times. With advancements in battery technology, drones with extended flight times will become more commonplace, enabling even more comprehensive property captures.
- Object recognition and tracking. Drones with the ability to recognize and track objects will open doors for innovative real estate videos.
Drone for Real Estate Videography: Final Thoughts
A drone is now a valuable investment for real estate agents and videographers. However, choosing the right drone for real estate videography is your starting point for success.
That’s why you should invest in a high-quality drone that captures the essence of your properties, giving you a competitive edge against other agents.
With the right tools, knowledge, and a dash of creativity, you can showcase properties in a way that truly captivates potential buyers. Don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for more tips on drone videography.
Drone for Real Estate Videography: FAQs
- Do I need a license to fly a drone for real estate videography?
The regulations for drone usage can vary depending on your location. In Kenya, you should register your drone with the KCAA and have a valid drone pilot’s licence.
- Can I learn to fly a drone for real estate videography with no prior experience?
Absolutely! Many drones on the market, particularly those geared towards beginners, offer user-friendly features like automated flight modes and tutorials. Consider starting with a drone that has good obstacle avoidance and return-to-home functionality to ease the learning curve.
However, you should practice flying in a safe, open area before attempting to capture footage of a property.
- What are some safety precautions to take when flying a drone?
Safety should always be your top priority when operating a drone. Here are some key precautions:
- Always maintain a visual line of sight with your drone.
- Never fly in restricted airspace, near airports, or close to crowds.
- Be aware of weather conditions and avoid flying in high winds, rain, or fog.
- Respect privacy laws and avoid capturing footage of neighbouring properties without permission.
- Invest in a landing pad for safe take-offs and landings, especially on uneven terrain.
- How much editing is typically required for drone footage?
While modern drones capture high-quality footage, some basic editing can go a long way in enhancing your videos.
- Color correction and grading to achieve a consistent visual style.
- Trimming and cutting to remove unwanted footage.
- Adding music and sound effects to create a more immersive experience.
