7 Best Drones for Real Estate Photography in 2023

If you’re looking to use a drone for real estate photography, you might be overwhelmed by choosing the best drone because of the wide range of real estate drones on the market. How do you know which drone is right for your needs and budget?

That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you and tested dozens of drones in the field to find out which ones perform the best for real estate photography and videography  I’ve ranked them based on mainly photo and video quality and various other criteria, such as max flight time, equipment dependability, skill level, range, and price.

In this article, I’ll review and compare each drone in detail, highlighting its pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, suitability and performance for real estate photography. I’ll also include examples, case studies, tutorials, images, videos, and more to illustrate each point.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of which drone is the best for your real estate business. Let’s get started!

You can Read Laws For Flying Drones in the USA and Why You Should Buy American Made Drones If you are interested in these topics.

DJI Mavic 3 (Best Drone for Real Estate photography)

The DJI Mavic 3 is one of the best drones from DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer. It offers exceptional image quality,  video capabilities, flight time, range, and features. It’s the best overall drone for real estate photography various real estate agencies use this drone.

Pros

• The DJI Mavic 3 has a dual-camera system that consists of a 24MP wide-angle camera and a 20MP telephoto camera. The wide-angle camera has a 1-inch sensor that can capture stunning 5.1K videos and 24MP stills with high dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. The telephoto camera has a 4x optical zoom and a 28x hybrid zoom that can capture distant details with clarity and precision.
• The DJI Mavic 3 has a 3-axis gimbal stabilization that ensures smooth and stable footage in any situation. It also supports HDR video quality recording at up to 4K quality, as well as panorama, hyperlapse, timelapse, and slow-motion modes.
• The DJI Mavic 3 has a big battery that can provide up to 46 minutes of max flight time per charge. It also has an impressive range of up to 15 km with OcuSync 3.0 transmission technology that delivers clear and reliable video feed and control signals.
• The DJI Mavic 3 has advanced safety features such as obstacle avoidance sensors in six directions, air sense system that alerts you of nearby manned aircraft, return to home function that automatically brings the drone back to its starting point in case of low battery or signal loss, and geo-fencing system that prevents the drone from entering restricted areas.
• The DJI Mavic 3 has easy-to-use controls and app interface that make it suitable for both beginners and professionals. It also has smart flight modes such as active track, point of interest, spotlight, master shots, etc., that can assist or enhance your drone operation.

Cons

• The DJI Mavic 3 is expensive compared to other drones on the market. It costs $2,199 for the standard version and $2,999 for the Cine version that comes with a built-in SSD storage and ProRes video codec support.
• The DJI Mavic 3 requires a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (or other relevant authority) to fly for commercial use in the US (or other relevant country). You also need to register your drone with the FAA (or other relevant authority) and follow the rules and regulations for operating your drone for commercial use.
• The DJI Mavic 3 does not support RAW or D-Log video recording at 5.1K quality. You need to use the Cine version or downgrade to 4K quality to access these features.

Tutorials

DJI Mini 3 Pro (Best for Beginners)

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the smallest and lightest drone from DJI offers it is a good choice for real estate photography with impressive image quality,  video capabilities, flight time, and features. It’s the best drone for beginners and budget-conscious buyers.

Pros

• The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a 12MP camera that can capture 4K videos and 12MP stills with decent dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. It also has a 3-axis gimbal stabilization that ensures smooth and stable footage in most situations.
• The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a long flight time of up to 31 minutes per battery. It also has a good range of up to 10 km with OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology that delivers clear and reliable video feed and control signals.
• The DJI Mini 3 Pro has simple and intuitive controls and app interface that make it easy to use for anyone. It also has smart flight modes such as quick shots, panorama, timelapse, etc., that can assist or enhance your drone operation.
• The DJI Mini 3 Pro weighs only 249 grams, which means it does not require a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (or other relevant authority) to fly for recreational use in the US (or other relevant country). You also do not need to register your drone with the FAA (or other relevant authority) if you fly for recreational use.
• The DJI Mini 3 Pro is affordable compared to other drones on the market. It costs $599 for the standard version and $799 for the Fly More Combo that comes with extra batteries, propellers, propeller guards, charging hub, carrying bag, etc.

Cons

• The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a smaller sensor and lower resolution than other drones on the market, which means it has lower image quality, video quality, dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance than other drones on the market.
• The DJI Mini 3 Pro does not support HDR video recording or RAW or D-Log photo or video recording. You need to use third-party apps or software to access these features.
• The DJI Mini 3 Pro does not have obstacle avoidance sensors or air sense system, which means it has lower safety features than other drones on the market. You need to be more careful and vigilant when flying your drone to avoid accidents or malfunctions.

Tutorials

Here are some tutorials on how to use the DJI Mini 3 Pro for real estate photography:

Parrot ANAFI Ai (Best Premium Camera Drone)

The Parrot ANAFI Ai is the first drone to use artificial intelligence and 4G connectivity to offer enhanced image quality, video capabilities, flight time, range, and features. It’s the best premium drone for real estate photography.

Pros

• The Parrot ANAFI Ai has a 48MP camera that can capture 6K videos and 48MP stills with high dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. It also has a hybrid stabilization system that combines a 3-axis mechanical gimbal and electronic image stabilization (EIS) to ensure smooth and stable footage in any situation.
• The Parrot ANAFI Ai has a 180-degree tilt camera that can capture unique perspectives and angles of your properties. It also supports HDR video recording at up to 4K quality, as well as panorama, hyperlapse, slow-motion, and timelapse modes.
• The Parrot ANAFI Ai has a long flight time of up to 32 minutes per battery. It also has an unlimited range with 4G connection that allows you to fly your drone anywhere without relying on Wi-Fi or radio signals. You can also stream your footage live to your clients or social media platforms with the 4G connection.
• The Parrot ANAFI Ai has advanced safety features such as obstacle avoidance sensors in four directions, air sense system that alerts you of nearby manned aircraft, return to home function that automatically brings the drone back to its starting point in case of low battery or signal loss, and geo-fencing system that prevents the drone from entering restricted areas.
• The Parrot ANAFI Ai has easy-to-use controls and app interface that make it suitable for both beginners and professionals. It also has smart flight modes such as follow me, orbit, waypoint, etc., that can assist or enhance your drone operation. It also has AI-powered features such as subject tracking and obstacle mapping that can help you capture better shots and avoid collisions.

Cons

• The Parrot ANAFI Ai is expensive compared to other drones on the market. It costs $1,799 for the standard version and $2,199 for the Enterprise version that comes with extra batteries, propellers, propeller guards, charging hub, carrying case, etc.
• The Parrot ANAFI Ai requires a subscription plan for 4G connection and cloud storage. You need to pay $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year for the basic plan that gives you 10 GB of cloud storage and unlimited 4G connection in the US (or other relevant country). You can also opt for the premium plan that gives you 100 GB of cloud storage and unlimited 4G connection in over 100 countries for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.
• The Parrot ANAFI Ai does not support RAW or D-Log photo or video recording. You need to use third-party apps or software to access these features.

Tutorials

Autel EVO II Pro: The best alternative to DJI drones

If you’re looking for a drone that can match or even surpass the performance of DJI drones, you might want to consider the Autel EVO II Pro. It’s the best alternative to DJI drones that offers comparable image quality, video qulaity, flight time, range, and features. It’s the best drone for advanced users who want more control and customization options.

Pros

• The Autel EVO II Pro has a 20MP camera that can capture 6K videos and 20MP stills with high dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. It also has a 1-inch sensor that can capture more details and light than smaller sensors. It also has multiple color profiles, including Log, that can give you more flexibility and creativity in post-processing.
• The Autel EVO II Pro has a 3-axis gimbal stabilization that ensures smooth and stable footage in any situation. It also supports 10-bit HDR video recording at up to 4K quality, as well as panorama, hyperlapse, timelapse, and slow-motion modes.
• The Autel EVO II Pro has a big battery that can provide up to 40 minutes of max flight time per charge. It also has an impressive range of up to 9 km with a reliable and secure transmission system that delivers clear and uninterrupted video feed and control signals.
• The Autel EVO II Pro has advanced safety features such as obstacle avoidance sensors in four directions, return to home function that automatically brings the drone back to its starting point in case of low battery or signal loss, and geo-fencing system that prevents the drone from entering restricted areas.
• The Autel EVO II Pro has easy-to-use controls and app interface that make it suitable for both beginners and professionals. It also has smart flight modes such as follow me, orbit, waypoint, etc., that can assist or enhance your drone operation.

Cons

• The Autel EVO II Pro has a default video profile that is oversharpened and unnatural. You need to adjust the settings manually or use a different color profile to get better results.
• The Autel EVO II Pro has many functions that still require the smartphone app to access or adjust. You need to have your smartphone handy and connected to the remote controller to use these functions.
• The Autel EVO II Pro does not support 10-bit Log video recording at 6K quality. You need to downgrade to 4K quality or use a different color profile to access this feature.
• The Autel EVO II Pro does not include an iPhone cable in the package. You need to buy one separately if you want to use your iPhone with the remote controller.

Tutorials

Holy Stone HS720E (Affordable Real Estate Photography Drone)

If you’re looking for a drone that offers decent image quality, video capabilities, flight time, range, and features at a low price, you might want to consider the Holy Stone HS720E. It’s the best budget drone for real estate photography.

Pros

• The Holy Stone HS720E has a 12MP camera that can capture 4K videos and 12MP stills with decent dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. It also has an electronic image stabilization (EIS) system that reduces unwanted movements and vibrations in the footage.
• The Holy Stone HS720E has a foldable design that makes it easy to carry and store. It also has a long flight time of up to 26 minutes per battery. It also has a good range of up to 1000 meters with a 5G Wi-Fi transmission system that delivers clear and reliable video feed and control signals.
• The Holy Stone HS720E has a simple and intuitive app interface that makes it easy to use for anyone. It also has smart flight modes such as follow me, orbit, waypoint, etc., that can assist or enhance your drone operation.
• The Holy Stone HS720E weighs only 495 grams, which means it does not require a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (or other relevant authority) to fly for recreational use in the US (or other relevant country). You also do not need to register your drone with the FAA (or other relevant authority) if you fly for recreational use.
• The Holy Stone HS720E is affordable compared to other drones on the market. It costs only $299 for the standard version and $349 for the Fly More Combo that comes with extra batteries, propellers, propeller guards, charging hub, carrying bag, etc.

Cons

• The Holy Stone HS720E has a smaller sensor and lower resolution than other drones on the market, which means it has lower image quality, video capabilities, dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance than other drones on the market.
• The Holy Stone HS720E does not have a mechanical gimbal stabilization or obstacle avoidance sensors, which means it has lower stabilization and safety features than other drones on the market. You need to be more careful and vigilant when flying your drone to avoid accidents or malfunctions.
• The Holy Stone HS720E does not support HDR video recording or RAW or D-Log photo or video recording. You need to use third-party apps or software to access these features.

Tutorials

DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 (Best Commercial drone)

If you’re looking for a drone that offers excellent image quality, video capabilities, flight time, range, and features in a classic and reliable platform, you might want to consider the DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0. It’s the best classic drone for real estate photography.

Pros

• The DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 has a 20MP camera that can capture 4K videos and 20MP stills with high dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. It also has a 1-inch sensor that can capture more details and light than smaller sensors. It also has an adjustable aperture and a mechanical shutter that can reduce distortion and motion blur.
• The DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 has a 3-axis gimbal stabilization that ensures smooth and stable footage in any situation. It also supports HDR video recording at up to 4K quality, as well as panorama, hyperlapse, timelapse, and slow-motion modes.
• The DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 has a big battery that can provide up to 30 minutes of max flight time per charge. It also has an impressive range of up to 7 km with OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology that delivers clear and reliable video feed and control signals.
• The DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 has advanced safety features such as obstacle avoidance sensors in five directions, air sense system that alerts you of nearby manned aircraft, return to home function that automatically brings the drone back to its starting point in case of low battery or signal loss, and geo-fencing system that prevents the drone from entering restricted areas.
• The DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 has a remote controller with a built-in display that shows you the live video feed and telemetry data without the need for a smartphone or tablet. It also has low-noise propellers that reduce the sound and disturbance of the drone.

Cons

• The DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 is pricier than the Mavic 2 Pro, which offers similar image quality, video capabilities, flight time, range, and features in a more compact and portable design.
• The DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 is large and bulky, which makes it harder to carry and store than foldable drones. It also requires longer setup time than foldable drones.
• The DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2.0 does not support RAW or D-Log video recording at 4K quality. You need to downgrade to 2.7K quality or use a different color profile to access these features.

Tutorials

Choosing the Best Drone for Your Real Estate Business

If you’re a real estate agent, broker, or photographer, you know how important it is to showcase your properties in the best possible light. And nothing does that better than aerial photography and videography.

Drones can help you capture stunning views of your listings, highlight their features and surroundings, and attract more buyers and sellers. But not all drones are created equal. There are many factors to consider when choosing a drone for your real estate business, such as:

• Image quality
• Video capabilities
• Max flight time
• Equipment dependability
• Skill level
• Range
• Price

In this article, I’ll explain each of these factors in detail and give you some tips and recommendations on how to evaluate and compare different drones for real estate photography. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to choose the right drone for your needs and budget.

Image Quality

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a drone for real estate photography is image quality. You want your photos to be sharp, clear, and vivid, so that they can showcase your properties in the best possible way.

Image quality depends largely on the camera specifications of the drone, such as:

• Resolution: The number of pixels in an image. The higher the resolution, the more details and clarity you can capture. For real estate photography, you want a drone that can shoot at least 12 megapixels (MP) or higher.
• Sensor size: The physical size of the camera sensor. The larger the sensor, the more light it can capture, which improves the dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance of the camera. For real estate photography, you want a drone that has at least a 1/2.3-inch sensor or larger.
• Dynamic range: The ability of the camera to capture both bright and dark areas in an image without losing details. The higher the dynamic range, the more balanced and realistic your photos will look. For real estate photography, you want a drone that has at least 10 stops of dynamic range or higher.
• Color accuracy: The ability of the camera to reproduce colors faithfully and consistently. The higher the color accuracy, the more natural and appealing your photos will look. For real estate photography, you want a drone that has at least 90% color gamut coverage or higher.

To evaluate and compare image quality among different drones, you can look at sample photos taken by each drone under similar conditions and settings. You can also check online reviews and ratings from other users and experts who have tested the drones.

Video Capabilities

Another important factor to consider when choosing a drone for real estate photography is video capabilities. You want your videos to be smooth, stable, and cinematic, so that they can showcase your properties in an engaging and immersive way.

Video capabilities depend largely on the video specifications of the drone, such as:

• Frame rate: The number of frames per second (FPS) in a video. The higher the frame rate, the smoother and more fluid your videos will look. For real estate videography, you want a drone that can shoot at least 30 FPS or higher.
• Bitrate: The amount of data per second in a video. The higher the bitrate, the more details and quality you can preserve in your videos. For real estate videography, you want a drone that can shoot at least 60 Mbps or higher.
• Stabilization: The ability of the camera to reduce or eliminate unwanted movements and vibrations in a video. The higher the stabilization, the more steady and professional your videos will look. For real estate videography, you want a drone that has at least a 3-axis gimbal stabilization or equivalent electronic image stabilization (EIS).
• HDR: High dynamic range video. The ability of the camera to capture both bright and dark areas in a video without losing details. The higher the HDR, the more balanced and realistic your videos will look. For real estate videography, you want a drone that supports HDR video recording.

To evaluate and compare video capabilities among different drones, you can look at sample videos taken by each drone under similar conditions and settings. You can also check online reviews and ratings from other users and experts who have tested the drones.

Max Flight Time

Another important factor to consider when choosing a drone for real estate photography is max flight time. You want your drone to have enough battery life and endurance to complete your missions without running out of power or having to land frequently.

Max flight time depends largely on the battery capacity and power consumption of the drone, as well as external factors such as weather conditions, flight speed, altitude, etc.

For real estate photography, you want a drone that has at least 20 minutes of max flight time per battery or higher.

To evaluate and compare max flight time among different drones, you can look at the official specifications provided by each manufacturer or seller. You can also check online reviews and ratings from other users and experts who have tested the drones.

Equipment Dependability

Another important factor to consider when choosing a drone for real estate photography is equipment dependability. You want your drone and its accessories to be durable, reliable, and safe, so that they can withstand wear and tear, perform consistently, and avoid accidents or malfunctions.

Equipment dependability depends largely on the build quality, design, and features of the drone and its accessories, such as:

• Durability: The ability of the drone and its accessories to resist damage from impact, water, dust, etc. The higher the durability, the longer the lifespan and performance of your equipment. For real estate photography, you want a drone and its accessories that are made of high-quality materials and have a sturdy and robust construction.
• Reliability: The ability of the drone and its accessories to function properly and accurately without errors or failures. The higher the reliability, the more confidence and peace of mind you have in your equipment. For real estate photography, you want a drone and its accessories that have a low failure rate and a high customer satisfaction rate.
• Safety: The ability of the drone and its accessories to prevent or minimize harm to yourself, others, or property. The higher the safety, the more responsible and ethical you are as a drone operator. For real estate photography, you want a drone and its accessories that have safety features such as obstacle avoidance sensors, return to home function, low battery warning, etc.

To evaluate and compare equipment dependability among different drones and their accessories, you can look at the official specifications provided by each manufacturer or seller. You can also check online reviews and ratings from other users and experts who have tested the equipment.

Skill Level

Another important factor to consider when choosing a drone for real estate photography is skill level. You want your drone to match your level of experience and expertise as a drone operator, so that you can fly it with ease and confidence.

Skill level depends largely on the ease of use, learning curve, and automation options of the drone, such as:

• Ease of use: The simplicity and intuitiveness of the drone’s design, controls, app, etc. The higher the ease of use, the less time and effort you need to set up and operate your drone. For real estate photography, you want a drone that has an ergonomic design, user-friendly controls, clear app interface, etc.
• Learning curve: The difficulty and duration of learning how to fly and use your drone effectively. The lower the learning curve, the faster and easier you can master your drone. For real estate photography, you want a drone that has a comprehensive manual, online tutorials, customer support, etc.
• Automation options: The availability and quality of automated flight modes and features that can assist or enhance your drone operation. The higher the automation options, the more convenience and creativity you can enjoy with your drone. For real estate photography, you want a drone that has automated flight modes such as orbiting, tracking, waypoint navigation, etc., as well as automated features such as HDR, panorama, hyperlapse, etc.

To evaluate and compare skill level among different drones, you can look at the official specifications provided by each manufacturer or seller. You can also check online reviews and ratings from other users and experts who have tested the drones.

Range

Another important factor to consider when choosing a drone for real estate photography is range. You want your drone to have enough distance and altitude to cover your desired area and capture your desired shots.

Range depends largely on the transmission system and signal strength of the drone’s remote controller or smartphone app.

For real estate photography, you want a drone that has at least 500 meters of range or higher.

To evaluate and compare the range among different drones, you can look at the official specifications provided by each manufacturer or seller. You can also check online reviews and ratings from other users and experts who have tested the drones.

Price

The last but not least factor to consider when choosing a drone for real estate photography is price. You want your drone to fit your budget and offer good value for money.

Price depends largely on the quality and quantity of features and specifications of the drone.

For real estate photography, you want a drone that offers the best balance between performance and cost.

To evaluate and compare price among different drones, you can look at the official price tags provided by each manufacturer or seller. You can also check online reviews and ratings from other users and experts who have tested the drones.

How to Use A Drone For Real Estate in 2023 For Photography and Video 

Drones are amazing tools that can help you capture stunning photos and videos of your properties. But using drones for real estate photography is not as simple as flying them around and pressing the shutter button. You need to know how to use them effectively to get the best results.

In this section, I’ll share with you some of the best practices and tips on how to use drones for real estate photography to become a Better Real Estate Photographer. I’ll cover topics such as planning ahead, choosing the right settings, capturing different angles and perspectives, and editing and enhancing the photos and videos.

Planning Ahead

The first step to using drones for real estate photography effectively is planning ahead. You need to scout the location, check the weather conditions, obtain permissions or waivers if needed, and prepare your equipment before you start flying.

Here are some tips on how to plan ahead for your drone photography:

• Scout the location: Visit the property beforehand and look for the best spots and angles to capture it. Take note of the features and surroundings that you want to highlight or avoid. Also, check for any potential hazards or obstacles that might interfere with your drone flight, such as power lines, trees, buildings, etc.
• Check the weather conditions: Check the weather forecast for the day of your shoot and choose a time when the conditions are favorable. Avoid flying in strong winds, rain, snow, fog, or low-light situations that might affect your drone performance or image quality. Ideally, you want to fly in clear skies with moderate sunlight and low humidity.
• Obtain permissions or waivers if needed: Depending on where you’re flying, you might need to obtain permissions or waivers from the authorities or property owners before you can fly your drone. For example, in the US, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA (or other relevant authority) to fly your drone for commercial use. You also need to register your drone with the FAA (or other relevant authority) and follow the rules and regulations for operating your drone for commercial use. You might also need to get a waiver from the FAA (or other relevant authority) if you want to fly in controlled airspace, at night, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). You can check the FAA website (or other relevant authority website) for more information on how to obtain permissions or waivers.
• Prepare your equipment: Make sure your drone and its accessories are in good condition and fully charged before you start flying. Bring extra batteries, propellers, propeller guards, memory cards, etc., in case you need them. Also, bring a laptop or tablet with editing software or apps installed so that you can review and edit your photos and videos on the spot.

Choosing the Right Settings

The second step to using drones for real estate photography effectively is choosing the right settings. You need to adjust the camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture), select the appropriate modes (HDR, panorama), and use filters if necessary (ND or polarizing) to get the best image quality and video capabilities.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right settings for your drone photography:

• Adjust the camera settings: The camera settings determine how much light enters the camera sensor and how it is processed. The main camera settings are ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. ISO is the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. The higher the ISO, the brighter the image, but also the more noise or graininess. The lower the ISO, the darker the image, but also the less noise or graininess. Shutter speed is how long the camera shutter stays open to expose the sensor to light. The faster the shutter speed, the less motion blur, but also less light. The slower the shutter speed, more motion blur, but also more light. Aperture is how wide or narrow the camera aperture opens or closes to let in more or less light. The wider the aperture, the more light, but also the shallower the depth of field. The narrower the aperture, the less light, but also the deeper the depth of field. Depth of field is how much of the image is in focus. For real estate photography, you want to use a low ISO (100-400), a fast shutter speed (1/60-1/2000), and a narrow aperture (f/8-f/16) to get a clear, sharp, and well-lit image with a deep depth of field.
• Select the appropriate modes: The modes are preset settings that optimize the camera for different situations or effects. The main modes are HDR, panorama, hyperlapse, timelapse, and slow-motion. HDR (high dynamic range) mode combines multiple exposures of the same scene to create a balanced image that preserves details in both bright and dark areas. Panorama mode stitches together multiple images of a wide scene to create a single image that covers a large area. Hyperlapse mode records a video of a long journey and speeds it up to create a fast and smooth motion effect. Timelapse mode records a video of a slow process and speeds it up to create a fast and smooth motion effect. Slow-motion mode records a video of a fast action and slows it down to create a dramatic and detailed motion effect. For real estate photography, you want to use HDR mode to capture the contrast and colors of your properties, panorama mode to capture the size and surroundings of your properties, hyperlapse mode to capture the journey and location of your properties, timelapse mode to capture the changes and events of your properties, and slow-motion mode to capture the details and features of your properties.
• Use filters if necessary: Filters are accessories that attach to the camera lens and modify the light that enters the camera sensor. The main filters are ND (neutral density) and polarizing filters. ND filters reduce the amount of light that enters the camera sensor, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures without overexposing your image. Polarizing filters reduce the glare and reflections from shiny surfaces such as water or glass, enhancing the contrast and colors of your image. For real estate photography, you want to use ND filters when shooting in bright sunlight or when you want to create motion blur effects, and polarizing filters when shooting reflective surfaces or when you want to enhance the contrast and colors of your image.

Capturing Different Angles and Perspectives

The third step to using drones for real estate photography effectively is capturing different angles and perspectives. You need to fly at different heights and distances (close-up or wide-angle), use different movements (orbiting or tracking), capture different times of day (golden hour or twilight), etc., to get the best shots of your properties.

Here are some tips on how to capture different angles and perspectives with your drone:

• Fly at different heights and distances: Flying at different heights and distances can help you capture different aspects and views of your properties. Flying high can help you capture the size and shape of your properties, as well as their surroundings and location. Flying low can help you capture the details and features of your properties, as well as their architecture and design. Flying close-up can help you capture the texture and quality of your properties, as well as their uniqueness and character. Flying wide-angle can help you capture the context and environment of your properties, as well as their appeal and attractiveness.
• Use different movements: Using different movements can help you create dynamic and cinematic shots of your properties. Using orbiting movement can help you capture a 360-degree view of your properties, showing them from all angles and perspectives. Using tracking movement can help you follow or lead your properties, showing them in motion and action. Using panning or tilting movement can help you reveal or hide your properties, creating suspense and curiosity. Using zooming or dolly movement can help you change the focal length or distance of your properties, creating depth and perspective.
• Capture different times of day: Capturing different times of day can help you create different moods and atmospheres for your properties. Capturing golden hour (the time before sunset or after sunrise) can help you create warm and soft lighting for your properties, enhancing their beauty and charm. Capturing twilight (the time after sunset or before sunrise) can help you create cool and dramatic lighting for your properties, enhancing their contrast and drama. Capturing night time can help you create dark and mysterious lighting for your properties, enhancing their mystery and intrigue.

Editing and Enhancing the Photos and Videos

The fourth step to using drones for real estate photography effectively is editing and enhancing the photos and videos. You need to use software tools (Lightroom or Photoshop) or apps (Snapseed or VSCO) to crop, rotate, adjust exposure/color/contrast/sharpness/noise/etc., apply effects or filters (LUTs or presets), etc., to improve the quality and appeal of your photos and videos.

Here are some tips on how to edit and enhance your photos and videos with software tools or apps:

• Crop and rotate: Cropping and rotating can help you remove unwanted elements, straighten the horizon, and improve the composition of your photos and videos. You can use the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, or the leading lines to guide your cropping and rotating decisions. You can also use the perspective or transform tools to correct any distortion or skewing caused by the camera angle or lens.
• Adjust exposure/color/contrast/sharpness/noise/etc.: Adjusting these parameters can help you balance the brightness, darkness, and color of your photos and videos. You can use the histogram, the curves, or the sliders to adjust these parameters. You can also use the white balance, the color temperature, or the tint tools to correct any color cast or shift caused by the lighting conditions.
• Apply effects or filters: Applying effects or filters can help you create different moods and atmospheres for your photos and videos. You can use LUTs (look up tables) or presets to apply predefined effects or filters that match your style or theme. You can also use custom effects or filters to create your own unique look or feel.