lsupremo Loc: Palm Desert, CA

I'm thinking of getting a drone for taking real estate photos.

Are there any inexpensive drones for only this application?

What specifications would I need?

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I've been researching drones because I want to buy one, and in this process, I've learned a few things. For an application like taking real estate photos, IMO, you need two basic features: GPS which helps with stability in a wind, and sharp pictures. Your best bet if you don't want to spend a lot of money is a DJI Spark which is amazingly stable in wind for it's size, and it has an excellent camera that will take video and stills. For sure, you're not going to get those features on a cheap drone. DJI makes a quality product!

I am going to buy a cheap drone (under $100) so I can learn to fly it without the possibility of destroying an expensive one. lol! Then when I'm more confident of my skills to properly control it, I'll probably spring for a DJI Mavic Pro, but haven't completely ruled out a Spark. I love the Spark's size and the fact that it takes great pictures too. I'm more interested in stills than video. BTW, the camera gimbal on the Spark has a more limited movement compared to a Mavic Pro, but for what I'd want to do, that's not a problem. For good video, because the camera gimbal on the Mavic Pro can move the camera side to side, IMO, it's the best one of the two if you're more interested in video.

There are all kinds of drone review videos on this subject on YouTube. I would be interested in what you decide to do.

eta: I just want to add that I'm no expert and am just expressing my opinion from what I've learned so far. There are other drones out there that cost less than a Spark that might do the job you want it to do. I'm certainly not through learning about the different ones. It's just that the DJI drones come highly recommending by a friend of mine who flies them, and the DJI drones seem to be very popular with professional photographers, especially the Mavic Pro because it's so compact compared to a Phantom drone.

lsupremo Loc: Palm Desert, CA

Thanks for your input, it's probably a good idea to learn to fly first so I don't crash my big buck one it seems like I'd need to do what I want.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I think I'd have "heart failure" crashing a more expensive drone. lol! I know the DJI drones are very rugged, but still....

I was watching some drone videos today on the best drones of 2017 for under $100, etc. There are many that can take a lot of abuse, that are advertised and demonstrate that they're good for beginners to learn on. I commented on one video that was reviewing a Syma drone. I asked the person about a drone to learn on, and he said any of the Symas would be good. So, I'm looking at the Syma X5UW drone. It has a 720P camera and costs generally under $70.00

lsupremo Loc: Palm Desert, CA

Thanks for the tip, maybe I'll ask Santa for one.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

A friend of mine just bought the DJI Phantom 4 for this purpose. He hasn't nailed down any jobs yet, but he does photography for realtors now and is trying to incorporate drone pics and video into his prices. It took him a long time to decide on either the Phantom 4 or the Mavic Pro. He also studied for his Part 104 FAA license and took the test since you'll need that to use your work professionally. You don't need that for just being a hobbyist.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Thank goodness as an amateur, I don't need to get a license! Whew! lol!

My friend, Earl, DOOK on UHH, has the Phantom 4 Pro+. He takes great videos, but strictly amateur since he's retired.

Earl forwarded a great YouTube video link to me yesterday giving tips on drone video. I've subscribed to this guy's channel. He uses the Phantom drone.

https://youtu.be/Wo-QaHGD6eA