Sony has unveiled its Airpeak drone at CES 2021. Sony has been teasing a drone for quite some time and now we finally at least know what it looks like and what sort of cameras it can carry.
Sony’s Airpeak brand which will be officially launched in Spring 2021, is a new business that is targeted squarely at professional photography and video production. It is interesting to see Sony try and tackle the highly competitive drone sector, especially given DJI’s dominance.
Above you can watch Sony’s quick intro to Airpeak at CES 2021.
Above you can see a BTS video of the VISION-S road test in Austria, shot by Airpeak. The camera being used is the α7S III.
This is not a small drone
From the video released by Sony, it is clear to see that whatever the first Airpeak drone is, it isn’t a small, compact drone that has an in-built camera.
The drone uses a folding arm design that is similar to what DJI does with the Inspire and Inspire 2.
While not listing any official payload capacity Sony does state that the Airpeak is able to carry an Alpha mirrorless camera. Judging by the lens and camera being shown in the promotional video it is safe to assume that the payload capacity will be at least 1.25kg.
Sony goes on to say that Airpeak will be the industry’s smallest class of drone that can be equipped with a Sony Alpha camera system.
Above you can see what the interface screen and controller for the system looks like.
The drone looks like it takes two quite large batteries to power it.
There is no indication of what safety features the drone may or may not have. Above you can see what looks to be another camera on the top of the drone which could well be there to allow for another view if the drone is being flown by two operators.
Sony’s marketing line is that Airpeak ‘Is capable of dynamic filming and precise, stable flight, and aims to contribute to the world of entertainment while also pursuing new possibilities for creative expression‘.
There is no further information available about payload capacity, price, flight time, or anything else.
What do you think about Airpeak? What would it have to have and how much would it have to cost for you to consider it?
