The Sony Airpeak S1 drone is a revolutionary device that has captured the attention of drone enthusiasts and professionals alike. It is a high-end drone designed to capture stunning aerial footage easily. Sony has recently released an update for the Airpeak S1, making it even better.
Sony’s flying Alpha camera, the Sony Airpeak S1, has a new RTK tracking system and a better battery to compete with the DJI Inspire 3.
Sony Airpeak S1 (Photo courtesy of Sony)
Sony has revealed three distinct updates for its professional Sony Airpeak S1 drone, following closely after DJI’s new Inspire 3 (opens in new tab). RTK (Real Time Kinematic) kits are among them. This positioning system, a significant new component of the new Inspire 3, enables exact positioning in the air.
This article will discuss the improvements the Sony Airpeak S1 has received with the update and how it will enhance the user experience.
Key Improvements
The Sony Airpeak S1 update has several key improvements that make it a better drone. The addition of is one of the most significant changes a new “Intelligent Flight” mode. This mode allows users to choose from several preprogrammed flight patterns, making capturing smooth and professional-looking footage easier.
Another improvement the update brings is the addition of new obstacle avoidance sensors. The Sony Airpeak S1 now has five sensors that help it avoid obstacles. This makes it easy for it to find and avoid obstacles. It makes it easier for users to fly drones in crowded or challenging environments.
The update also brings improvements to the camera system. The Sony Airpeak S1 now supports the Sony Alpha 7S III and FX3 cameras, which offer better low-light performance and higher dynamic range. Users can now capture even more stunning footage in low-light conditions.
Finally, the update improves the Airpeak Base, the software that controls the Airpeak S1. The new version of the Airpeak Base features an easier-to-use interface that makes it easy for users to control the drone and access its features.
Improved User Experience
The improvements that the Airpeak S1 has received with the update will enhance the user experience in several ways. Firstly, adding the new “Intelligent Flight” mode will make it easier for users to capture smooth and professional-looking footage. It is beneficial for users who are new to flying drones or those who want to capture footage quickly and easily.
The new obstacle avoidance sensors will also improve the user experience, as users can now confidently fly drones in challenging environments. It benefits users who need to capture footage in crowded or complex situations, such as in urban areas or at events.
The improved camera system is another feature that will enhance the user experience. The Sony Alpha 7S III and FX3 cameras offer better low-light performance and higher dynamic range, which means that users can capture even more stunning footage in a broader range of lighting conditions.
Finally, the Airpeak Base software improvements will make it easier for users to control the drone and access its features. The new user-friendly interface will help users to get the most out of the Airpeak S1 and make it easier to customize their drone’s settings.
Other Features of Sony Airpeak S1
The enhanced LBP-HM1 battery pack and the new Gremsy PX1 gimbal are the other new features of the Airpeak S1. Flight periods are increased to 20 minutes with this lighter and more powerful battery pack (note that this is with a 61-megapixel A7Rv). Because of how much it costs, the Airpeak is not on our list of the best video drones, but it might be.
The overly complicated naming system of the Airpeak ARS-S1, or S1 for short, is one way to tell that it is a Sony product. Despite having just one drone, it already has a name and a character code! Its ability to transport a full-frame Alpha series camera made it substantially lighter than any other drone at the time.
Operators will also need to be familiar with the Alpha series. The drone is compatible with cameras like the Sony A7 IV, A7R V, and A7 IV, as well as different lenses (24, 35, 40, and 50mm).
Sony Airpeak S1 Cost
The Sony Airpeak S1 is a $9,000 drone. This price only covers the drone itself, not the camera or gimbal. Because of its high price, most prosumers can’t afford it. This makes it clear that the S1 is for high-end cinematographers who work on movie sets or other professional projects.
Sony Airpeak S1 (Photo courtesy of Sony)
Sony is wise to focus on two key growth areas in the drone market: making movies and mapping (driving maps). Many protectionist legal moves, especially in the US, have made it hard for government organizations to buy Chinese drones. We told you that because of these rules, the government of Florida had to stop using $200 million worth of drones.
But some parts still need to be prepared. RTK gives excellent positioning precision down to a centimeter. This is why the 3D Dolly on the DJI Inspire 3 works, and Sony talks about repeatable flight paths.
On the other hand, Sony’s news focused on business uses, like inspection, where these features are just as important, and more government contracts are up for grabs. For some, the missing piece is adding image positioning data to photos taken. This is very important for 3D mapping tools, but you can add information through a mobile app in the summer.
Once this feature is in place, the motorized shutter will make it possible to create maps quickly. This was given on cameras, but it wasn’t shown on drones. It’s available on the Mavic 3 Enterprise, but until then, most surveys used the Phantom 4 RTK.
The LBP-HM1 battery pack can be switched out without shutting down. When it ships in May, it will cost 45,000 Yen, about $300 or £270. The RTK kit, on the other hand, will cost 540,000 Yen, which is about $4000 or £3250. The Gimbal PX1 is already on the market and costs around $4,000.
Final Thoughts
The Sony Airpeak S1 drone has always been a high-end drone designed to capture stunning aerial footage easily. The recent update has improved it, with several key improvements enhancing the user experience.
Adding the new “Intelligent Flight” mode, improved obstacle avoidance sensors, and a better camera system are just a few of the improvements the update brings. Upgrades to the Airpeak Base software also make it easier for users to handle the drone and use its features.
The Sony Airpeak S1 is an even better drone for professional photographers and filmmakers who want to take amazing aerial footage. If you want a high-end drone, consider the Sony Airpeak S1.
