While a ground war for the biggest and best camera company trudges on, the skies have long been dominated by DJI's drones. However, as we’ve covered in the past, Sony’s plans to release its first-ever professional drone with the Airpeak S1 have brought the camera battle to the skies—and honestly, prosumers and professionals alike should rejoice.
That day has come as the Sony Airpeak S1 is finally available to order online along with a price and an expected ship date. What a time to be alive!
Here’s everything we currently know about how much this new Sony drone will cost, when it will be available, and how you can snatch one for yourself (before you start sky wars with your DJI drone friends).
The Sony Airpeak S1 Is Here
Being promoted as the world’s smallest drone that can be equipped with a full-sized mirrorless camera, this new Airpeak S1 has obviously been designed to be the dream toy for any Sony fan.
Since its introduction, Sony camera-owners have been waiting patiently to take their favorite cameras to the skies as the S1 is set to be compatible with a wide range of Sony cameras including the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S series, the Alpha 7R series, the Alpha 9 series, the FX3, and others.
“We’re excited to now make the new Airpeak S1 drone available for purchase, and for the amazing set of possibilities this drone opens for cinematographers," said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony. "The drone’s compact size, new software features, and advanced imaging, sensing, AI, and robotics reflect the high quality the industry respects Sony for, and enables content creators and commercial professionals to capture images and video not possible before."
The S1 is also set to include a new “Airpeak Flight” iOS app for owners to monitor the drone from their screens. And there are plenty of new features for which we’ll undoubtedly get to see hands-on reviews and guides soon, including a new web app, dual operation mode, and some nifty drone/hybrid possibilities.
Sony Airpeak S1 Price
All right, not to bury the lede too far here, this new Sony Airpeak S1 is expected to retail at a suggested price of “around $9,000.” This suggested retail price will ship with “two pairs of propellers, a remote controller, two (2) batteries, and a battery charger. A third-party gimbal made specifically for Airpeak S1 will be sold separately.”
There will also be more S1 accessories available online as well as options to purchase an “Airpeak S1” subscription service for $300 over a 12-month period with an optional accompanying “Protection Plan” as well.
Sony Airpeak S1 Availability
As of the first of December, the Sony Airpeak S1 is now available just in time for what promises to be a very hot holiday season for all types of film and video hobbyists and professionals. Sony has also promised that any orders of the S1 will be set for an expected customer ship date of December 24, 2021—so you’re very likely to see plenty of these bad boys flying around come the new year.
Overall, this is indeed a new drone that we should all be excited about. If you’re not a Sony fan, that’s fine, as there are still several other quality drone options. However, as these wild camera and accessory rivalries move to the skies, so should the possibilities for even greater releases (and lower price points) in the future.
Some more features include:
- Use your own camera and lenses
- Supports Alpha Series & FX3 Cameras
- S1 gimbal required and not included
- 0-50 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds
- Wind resistance up to 44.7 mph
- Up to 55.9 mph maximum flight speed
- Up to 22 minutes of flight time
- 5 cameras & 2 IR Sensor Vision Systems
- Create and fly automated flight plans
- Obstacle avoidance and braking function
Price: $8,999.99
Now that the day is finally here, how do you feel about purchasing the Airpeak S1? Are you a day-one believer, or will you wait to see how your friends like it first?
Let us know in the comments below...
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Annie Johnson Kevin Scanlon
