Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

My business partner and I are looking to purchase a drone for our real Estate Photography business. We currently shoot stills and provide "video tour" videos made from our still shots. We want to expand our services into the drone photo option and are looking to invest in our own, rather than contracting out that service. Suggestions please.

Thank you-

Boobarf

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

These links should help.

Cheap -
https://uavcoach.com/cheap-drones-for-beginners/
https://www.dronethusiast.com/cheap-drones-guide/
http://www.dronesglobe.com/affordable/
https://smallbiztrends.com/2016/07/best-cheap-drones.html

The Best -
https://www.lifewire.com/best-drones-4055554
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/337251/the-best-drones
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-drones/

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Nothing out there beats the DJI Mavic Pro right now, at any price. Its $999. But its size, portability, flight time, features and resolution are all perfect for RE purposes.

The Watcher

The OP should find this interesting. I just purchased the DJI Phantom 3 standard at Walmart for $399. Over the last month I've watched the price go from $499 to $488 to $449 back up to $488 and down to $399. I decided it was time to go for it. It would be a excellent entry level drone for real estate photography. Youtube has lots of videos showing this drone in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW6g_lmZ44I

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

I am a real estate photographer, and I have resisted buying a drone for years, but researched them heavily. I have the budget and business to spend $25K on the big Amazon babies so money is not the issue.

There are 2 issues to consider: 1) Demand for this photography, and 2) Quality of Image.

Considering the above 2 criteria, by far the best choice is the DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus. It has the large DSLR censor to take 22MB photos for superb detail. Previous models are nothing more than cell phones, and agents complain that the quality does not match interior photos.

With the huge expense and effort to become licensed and insured, I market my work at $250. Real estate agents I find are very cheap, and this price point turns many away. For 2017 I only broke even generating about $1800 — something to consider. Is it worth it? Or would it be worth my time to sub out the work and do the editing.

A far more effective option for me is the 30’ Manfrotto industrial tripod to which I mount a high end DSLR and shoot images using the AEB mode. Agents do not want photos of 5 competing roofs and neighbor’s properties in their images. The Tripod costs $406, and pricing multiple image aerial packages at $50, I have made money.

Personally I think the drone is just a fad, it is not worth the prices we have to charge, but having the capability and license will give you a leg up over other photographers projecting yourself as a complete player in the market.

Just as one should stay from cropped censor cameras, stay away from cheap drones that are on sale for poor quality of image and lack of business. The Phantom 4 Pro Plus has the big censor, 4K video quality, and 60 FPS low light response. Anything else is just a crappy cell phone pic.

nikonboy Loc: Apple Valley, MN and Pine Island, Florida

You may be aware that the FAA requires a Part 107 Certification if your drone work is to be used in any commercial manner. The cost for the test is $150. If you do not have a current aviation background it is easier to take a course for another $150 that will bring you up to date on the current airspace and regulations that the test covers. I used this outfit: https://remotepilot101.com/ and was very happy. They currently charge $149 for their course.

I understand that because of the intense competition in real estate that some will report you to the FAA if you attempt to sell drone work without the Part 107 license. But some like to live on the wild side.

As far as which one to get, DJI has the lion's share of the market, and their best drone for photography is the Phantom 4 Pro, without a doubt. As has been described above. It has the largest sensor, a mechanical shutter, and takes amazing photos, speaking from experience. As far as making money with it, I haven't had a great deal of success, but you may do better.

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

I am not trying to berate the drone. But I am saying know your market and make sure there is a market before you lay out $2K for this toy. I am a little disappointed, but I am not marketing the drone right. Commercial real estate is where it is at--plants, businesses, shopping centers, farm acreage. Then there is practice practice practice. At first I was scared to death to fly the Phantom being in heavily forested areas. Just the thought of trying to make a couple of hundred dollars and hanging up an expensive toy in the high trees made me very nervous. You will need to practice "Point of Interest" flying whereby you circle your business, plant, home at a certain radius and elevation.

I found the FAA certification test very difficult. Had I not purchased the on-line practice course and tutorials, I could not have passed it. Most pilots cannot pass it either. So do not take this test lightly. It is a $10,000 fine for flying the drone commercially or selling photography taken by the copter. Even then I see idiots saying they are licensed pilots advertising drone photography for weddings, events, and such which is illegal. You do not fly over people.

A safe and legal alternative is the Manfrotto tripod. After agents see the photography taken with elevated tripods, they no longer want the drone expense. Attached are 4 photos taken with the tripod. I sell the aerial package for $50.00. And so I lose a drone package sale here and there. This is a repeat business trying to generate referrals, and agents appreciate your trying to deliver value economically. A drone is good where it makes sense for commercial properties, large properties, and community developed planned amenities.

So basically I use the drone capability as another tool in my bag. It shows the agents that you are a serious player dedicated to their business and not just a hobbiest. If they do not want the drone photography, perhaps they want a head shot, a family portrait, or a floor plan. For Real Estate video work, I will tell you drone photography is impressive. We are trying to project professionalism, and every capability helps. I find a 3 minute video that I can send to interested parties to be the most valuable tool that I can offer to sell my services. You can give the agent or broker all the "bull roar" but pictures & video are going to sell your work.

Here is a link that might help you and give you ideas about marketing your work.

https://vimeo.com/235470784

TomasV Loc: Haddon Heights, NJ

The Part 107 test is not crazy hard. But you do have to study it. @Brent Rowlett, if most pilots couldn't pass it, then they must be pretty bad pilots. Although I do have to agree with the tripod idea too, pictures look amazing!

Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

Thank you Watcher!

Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

Thank you Jerry

Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

I’m really liking the idea of the high reach Tripod. Looks like it really gives the view that a client is looking for without the expense and risk of drone loss.

The Watcher

The OP should find this recent topic interesting.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-482757-1.html