Today, Sony made its debut in the professional drone category with the Airpeak S1 drone, the world’s smallest drone that works with Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras.
The drone boasts impressive flight speeds and stability in high winds. Add automatic flight control via sensing and enhanced safety with cloud management and the Airpeak S1 isn’t just revolutionary—it’s a game changer. Here’s everything we know about Sony’s new Airpeak S1 Drone.
Key Features of the Sony Airpeak S1 Drone:
Sony wasn’t messing around when it decided to enter the professional drone category. The Airpeak S1 packs impressive features into its lightweight frame. The Airpeak S1 is speedy, wind resistant, and sturdy, with a 17-inch propeller and brushless motor. It also includes an electric speed controller for optimal and intuitive controlling.
Image sensors, including Sony’s Vision Sensing Processor, ensure the Airpeak S1 stays out of harm’s way. The drone’s key features also include:
- Maximum speed of 55.9 mph
- Maximum angular velocity of 180°/s and attitude angle up to 55°
- Sony-developed propulsion device and flight-control system
- Flying time of up to 22 minutes without payload
- Stability in winds up to 44.7 mph
- Landing gear with open/ close legs
- Detachable propellers ensure fast, easy replacement and transport
- Sony’s stereo cameras and vision sensing processor provide algorithm for real-time 3D spatial awareness
- Comes with an obstacle-braking function
- The world’s smallest drone in its class to carry Alpha series full-frame mirrorless cameras
- Works with Airpeak Flight mobile app for controlling, camera, and in-flight gimbal
- RCR-VH1 remote controller for aircraft and camera operation also available
Advanced flight-performance features
The Airpeak S1 builds upon the brand’s legacy of functionality and power. The drone flies at up to 55 miles per hour with a flying time of up to 22 minutes. Plus, with an angular velocity of 180°/s and attitude angle up to 55°, this versatile drone captures the precise images creators are hoping for. Built-in sensors and stability in winds up to 44.7 miles per hour ensure the drone doesn’t just capture beautiful content, but makes it home safely.
Alpha mirrorless camera compatibility
Speaking of beautiful content, the drone’s ability to work with Sony’s wide range of Alpha cameras guarantees your content will be high quality. Perhaps most important for Sony Alpha creators, the Airpeak S1 is compatible with the Alpha 7S series, the Alpha 7R series, the Alpha 9 series, and the new Alpha 1. With flying, camera, and gimbal controls available through the Airpeak Flight app or the RCR-VH1 Remote Controller, users have multiple ways to nail that perfect shot.
In conclusion, it’s fair to say this drone will be shaking up the industry. The Sony Airpeak S1 drone is currently available for pre-order.
Updated on April 18, 2023
At NAB 2023, Sony announced the release of the RTK Real-Time Kinematic Kit designed for the Sony Airpeak S1 Drone. The kit includes a Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System, which is comprised of a base station that feeds GNSS signals to the Airpeak remote. This is then relayed to dual receiving antennas on the Airpeak. The Sony RTK Real-Time Kinematic Kit allows for precise hovering (down to the centimeter) to create accurate point cloud data and 3D models. This type of technology will greatly benefit industrial work such as inspections, construction, and surveying. Dual operating is even possible for those who need to connect a second remote controller to the base station.
The Sony Gremsy Gimbal PX1 for Airpeak S1 Drone will also come as a welcome addition for those looking to create cinematic aerial shots. This gimbal allows you to mount any Sony Alpha series camera to your drone to capture even more content. It also has an open port design to remove battery and memory cards without removing camera from gimbal. And for those in need of increased battery life, Sony has released its 3838mAh Lithium-Ion Enhanced Battery, which allows a flight time of up to 30 minutes without a payload.
