Sony's $9,000 Pro Drone Shipping Christmas Eve

Sony AirPeak S1: Availability and Pricing Details

It's understandable if the AirPeak S1 drone wasn't immediately recalled; the unveiling of this professional-grade drone by Sony occurred over a year ago. Following an initial announcement in November 2020, further details regarding Sony’s inaugural professional UAV were shared during the all-virtual CES event in January, with a formal “launch” taking place in June.

Communication regarding the drone has been limited since then. However, Sony has now announced that the AirPeak will be released in 2021, meeting the deadline. Pre-orders for the product are now being accepted, with shipments expected to begin on December 24th.

Cost Breakdown of the AirPeak S1

As expected, Sony’s offering doesn’t come at a low price point, carrying a suggested retail price of $9,000. This package includes the quadcopter, engineered to accommodate Sony’s high-quality mirrorless cameras, along with two propeller pairs, two batteries, a charger, and a remote control.

It’s important to note that compatible cameras, lenses, and the necessary gimbal for these cameras are available for separate purchase. The gimbal itself has a price of $2,200. Additionally, a subscription to “Airpeak Plus” – offering cloud storage, geofencing capabilities, and other features – is available for $300 annually.

Sony's Position in the Drone Market

Currently, Sony isn’t directly competing with DJI, which holds approximately 70% of the global drone market share. The company’s strategy is evident: to leverage the success of its imaging technology by creating a specialized platform designed specifically for its cameras.

The AirPeak S1 demonstrates compatibility with a range of Sony cameras, including the Alpha 1, Alpha 7S, Alpha 7R S, Alpha 9, and FX3 models, among others.

• Key Features: Designed for Sony mirrorless cameras.
• Price: $9,000 (drone package).
• Gimbal Cost: $2,200.
• Airpeak Plus Subscription: $300/year.