Sony updates the development status of its forthcoming drone, Airpeak. The drone is being tested in challenging flying conditions and environments. Furthermore, Sony emphasizes that Airpeak will work best when paired with the Alpha cameras, FX3, and G-Master lenses. Read the update below. 

Sony’s Drone – Airpeak

Sony meticulously continues developing its drone. In continuation with the wind-tunnel tests which showed extremely wind-resistance capabilities of Airpeak, now the ability to fly in challenging environments is demonstrated.  In case you are less familiar with the Airpeak project, we can clear things up by saying it’s Sony’s ambition to penetrate into the drone business. Read our article regarding Airpeak:

• Sony is Developing its own Filmmaking Drone Called Airpeak
• Sony Unveils Airpeak: “The World’s Smallest Drone to Carry Alpha Camera”
• Airpeak (Sony’s Drone): A Development Status Update
• Sony Shows Off Airpeak’s Wind-Resistance

Field testing

As stated by Sony: “We have continued with field testing Airpeak in different environments, and in this issue would like to share video footage from field testing in Okinawa’s Iriomote Island. The footage was recorded using the recently announced 35mm Alpha E-mount FE14mm F1.8GM lens, and taking advantage of the ultra-wide-angle lens, we were able to capture the dynamic natural landscape of Iriomote Island, which is covered mostly by subtropical jungle with tricky flying conditions”. Sony says that the drone was flown through a mangrove forest to test how it would operate in situations where it could be difficult to pick up GNSS signals. The data and information delivered from testing help Sony sharpen and improve flight safety and stability.

For high-quality movie shooting, or for shooting in low lighting conditions such as inside buildings or tunnels, we recommend using the α7S III or FX3. 

Sony

Field Testing at Iriomote Island, Okinawa:

Payload

Sony says that: “Airpeak will be designed to have a payload that can accommodate a variety of equipment. This includes being compatible with a range of 35mm Alpha E-mount lenses for the Alpha mirrorless camera. Customers will be able to select the lens that best suits their photography conditions and requirements”. 

Cameras that ideal for Airpeak

Sony elaborates on the most efficient gear to be utilized with Airpeak. As stated by Sony: “For high-quality movie shooting, or for shooting in low lighting conditions such as inside buildings or tunnels, we recommend using the α7S III or FX3. For high-resolution panoramic aerial photography, or zooming in on part of a subject for inspection, we recommend the α7R IV, a powerful camera with the photographic capability of approximately 61.0-megapixel photography. We are also planning to make Airpeak compatible with α1 and α9 II”. 

Lenses ideal for Airpeak

As for lenses, Sony plans for Airpeak to be compatible with a variety of prime lenses, including G Master series products such as FE14mm F1.8GM and FE24mm F1.4GM. According to Sony: “We also intend to adapt Airpeak’s capability to be compatible with future releases in the Alpha series, and hope to keep you posted”.

Airpeak will be designed to have a payload that can accommodate a variety of equipment. This includes being compatible with a range of 35mm Alpha E-mount lenses for the Alpha mirrorless camera. Customers will be able to select the lens that best suits their photography conditions and requirements.

Sony

Summary

It seems that the Airpeak project is taking off (literally) slowly, but surely. The drone is aimed at both industrial and cinematography applications. It supposed to be a tough drone, yet compact, and with the ability to carry a mirrorless camera and even telephoto lenses. Unfortunately, the most interesting factor has not released yet, and this is the price. Sony didn’t mention any price tag. Of course, you are welcome to guess it in the comments section below.

Product List

• Camera: Sony FX3. Price: $3,898 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/NKkqPV” ]
• Camera: Sony α7S III. Price: $3,498 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/9WL54E” ]
• Camera: Sony α7R IV. Price: $2,998 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/zaNY90″ ]
• Camera: Sony α1. Price: $6,498 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/e41VyQ” ]
• Lens: FE14mm F1.8GM. Price: $1,598 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/DVyX9a” ]
• Lens:  FE24mm F1.4GM. Price: $1,398 [maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://adorama.rfvk.net/rna6ky” ]