Sony has announced that it will discontinue sales of the Airpeak S1 camera drone, with the final sales date set for March 31, 2025.
Additionally, most of the drone’s accessories will be phased out over the next year, although Sony plans to keep replacement batteries and propellers available until March 31, 2026.
Inspections, repairs, and software maintenance for the drone will continue through March 31, 2030. The Airpeak S1 was first introduced in a virtual presentation at CES 2021.
Designed to capture high-quality footage, it was compatible with Sony’s full-frame mirrorless Alpha cameras, delivering 12 minutes of flight time when carrying a camera and reaching speeds up to 55.9 mph.
However, with a base price of around $9,000, excluding accessories, the Airpeak S1 received mixed to unfavorable reviews, with many finding its performance underwhelming given its premium price tag.
The Airpeak S1 holds the title of the world’s smallest drone capable of carrying Sony’s full-frame Alpha mirrorless cameras.
Initially, the drone faced a few limitations, such as a short battery life of just 10 to 12 minutes and the lack of remote control over certain camera settings.
However, recent firmware updates and product enhancements have addressed these issues.
Using the Airpeak S1 offers significant advantages for creators. For example, the FX3 camera, often used in professional filmmaking, boasts up to 409,600 ISO sensitivity and over 15 stops of dynamic range in S-Log3.
The a1 model captures 50MP stills and 8K video, while the a7R IV delivers an impressive 61MP stills—the highest resolution among full-frame cameras.
These models, along with a variety of Sony and Zeiss lenses, provide extensive creative possibilities for both industrial and creative professionals.
