Sony has finally launched its first drone. The Airpeak S1 is the first model in the new Airpeak line which are technologically advanced drones, equipped with state-of-the-art sensing technologies. Airpeak S1 is designed to be used with mirrorless sized cameras, that are great for aerial filmmaking. Nevertheless, the price…
Sony’s first professional drone
Sony today announced their first-ever professional drone, the “Airpeak S1″1. An introductory model in the new Airpeak line, the S1 is the world’s smallest drone that can be equipped with a full-size mirrorless interchangeable-lens Alpha camera. “Sony is excited to launch our new drone business with the Airpeak S1,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Combining an extremely compact size with some of Sony’s most advanced imaging, sensing, AI, and robotics technologies, the S1 will allow content creators, storytellers, and commercial professionals to capture that which they’ve never been able to capture before”.
Combining extremely compact size with some of Sony’s most advanced imaging, sensing, AI, and robotics technologies, the S1 will allow content creators, storytellers, and commercial professionals to capture that which they’ve never been able to capture before.
Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc
Autonomous capabilities
The new drone utilizes a proprietary motor, propeller, control system, and sensing technology, allowing it to fly at extremely high speeds with very stable wind resistance. Additionally, the Airpeak S1 features an advanced remote controller that can support the production of high-quality aerial images and freely control the aircraft. It also includes obstacle detection, automatic flight control via sensing, and increased safety via cloud management of the aircraft and flight information.
Based on sensing technology
Stereo cameras equipped with Sony’s image sensors are installed in 5 locations (front, back, left, right, bottom) of the aircraft. Sony’s Vision Sensing Processor, which processes camera data at high speed and with low power consumption, and proprietary algorithms are used to accurately estimate the aircraft’s spatial position and orientation in real-time, enabling stable flight even in environments where GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) reception may be hindered, such as indoors or under bridges. The Airpeak S1 is also equipped with a unique high-performance flight control system that integrates all sensor information such as IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), direction, barometric pressure, and infrared ranging to optimize the propulsion device.
Advanced wind-resistance abilities
The new Airpeak S1 offers dynamic flying capabilities, including a maximum speed of 55mph (90km/h), a maximum angular velocity of 180°/s, and a maximum tilt angle of 55°. Propulsion technology using a combination of Sony developed key devices provides wind resistance in strong wind speeds up to 44.7mph (20m/s).
Flight stability and maneuverability
In addition to the lightweight, highly efficient, sturdy, and responsive proprietary 17″ propeller and brushless motor, the Airpeak S1 is equipped with an ESC (Electric Speed Controller) for optimal control of these components. A unique, high-performance flight control system integrates the propulsion device and all sensor information to ensure a stable flight and high maneuverability.
Designed for Sony’s Alpha and FX3 camera models
Users have the flexibility to choose the right Alpha system for their desired application to expand their filmmaking horizons. The Airpeak S1 is compatible with a wide range of camera bodies including the Alpha 7S series and FX3 for high descriptive capability with suppressed noise, the Alpha 7R series for ultra-high-definition, and the Alpha 9 series and others for distortion-free images. The Alpha 1, which can shoot footage in 8K, is also compatible. There’s an option to use your own camera and lenses as well.
Controllers
The new professional drone includes “Airpeak Flight,” an iOS and iPadOS compatible application that integrates the aircraft, transmitter, camera, and gimbal, allowing the operator to monitor status information such as flight distance and remaining battery power, and change various operations and settings on the screen. Airpeak S1 also includes a dual operation mode so that one user can operate the drone, while another user can operate the gimbal and camera simultaneously, all while checking the same image, even in complicated scenes. The FPV (First Person View) camera, which can be tilt-operated from the remote controller, is mounted on the nose of the aircraft and is useful for the operator to check the direction of the aircraft and the direction of travel.
“Airpeak Base”
The new drone includes “Airpeak Base,” a web application that allows the operator to manage equipment, create flight plans, and manage flight logs. In equipment management, information on the equipment used is automatically listed and managed based on the flight log. This allows the operator to check the condition of the aircraft before going to the field, minimizing on-set issues. Furthermore, with Airpeak Base, the operator can create advanced flight plans and automatically fly the aircraft along the same course repeatedly, as if the drone were on rails installed in the air. It is able to set the position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) and speed of the aircraft along the timeline, and specify the orientation of the gimbal and the timing of video or still image shooting. It can also draw smooth curves on the map. Reproduction flight is an automatic flight function that reproduces the flight route, gimbal, and camera movements based on the flight logs that have flown in the past.
Cloud synchronization
All aircraft information, including logs, can be uploaded to the cloud via the mobile app Airpeak Flight. Airpeak Base allows users to check the status of the aircraft and can provide notifications if necessary. Users can manage the status of all managed aircraft in one place before the flight. Past flight logs can be viewed on the logbook screen, and details such as in-flight errors can also be reviewed.
Additional services
“Airpeak Plus,” the cloud service that allows users to use the rich features of Airpeak Base, and “Airpeak Protect Plan,” a service plan to cover accidental damage to the product, will be available to customers. Further details regarding both services will be available on the Airpeak website before the related products and services go on sale.
Pricing And Availability
The new Airpeak S1 suggested retail price is approximately $9,000.00 and will ship with two pairs of propellers, a remote controller, two batteries, and a battery charger. A third-party gimbal made specifically for the Airpeak S1 will be sold separately. The Airpeak S1 will be available for pre-order and ship to customers in the fall of 2021. The drone is already listed on the B&H website so you can get notified when available.
Initial thoughts
Although Sony’s first drone looks promising (from a technology point of view), the price is pretty steep. Paying $9,000 for a drone not included cameras, lenses, and gimbal, is not so realistic these days, especially when you have so many solid options around you. In my personal opinion, it’s hard to see filmmakers using this drone in their productions. Yes, the Alpha cameras produce stunning images, but in that price range and within high-end production environments and demands, you might consider a more heavy lifting drone dedicated to lifting true cinema cameras. As for indie projects, the DJI options seem to be much more realistic in terms of the price. What are your insights about Airpeak S1? Is the price reasonable? Comment below.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Sony Airpeak Drone
- Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera
