Sony Discontinues $9,000 Airpeak S1 Photography Drone: What You Need to Know

Sony Discontinues Airpeak S1 Drone: What You Need to Know

Almost four years after its initial reveal at CES 2021, Sony has announced the discontinuation of its Airpeak S1 drone, which was designed specifically for use with Sony’s mirrorless cameras. The announcement came from Sony Japan’s website on November 1st, where they detailed the timeline for the end of sales and support for this high-end drone.

Sales Timeline and Support Information

Sales of the Airpeak S1, priced at $9,000, will cease on March 31st, 2025. Furthermore, Sony will also discontinue sales of related accessories, including the drone’s gimbal, battery charger, and remote control, next year. For users still relying on the Airpeak S1, Sony will continue to provide replacement batteries and propellers until March 31st, 2026, along with inspections, repairs, and software maintenance lasting until March 31st, 2030.

Performance Features of Airpeak S1

Upon its launch, the Airpeak S1 boasted impressive specifications such as a top speed of 55.9 mph and flight times reaching 12 minutes while carrying a camera and gimbal. It was also able to maintain stable flight in winds up to 44.7 mph. However, despite these features, the Airpeak S1 faced challenges in the competitive drone market, particularly against rivals like DJI.

Improvements Made Over Time

In response to early criticism, Sony rolled out software updates aimed at enhancing the drone’s capabilities. These updates included advanced flight mapping functionality and autonomous return-to-home features. The introduction of a lighter camera gimbal and a larger battery allowed for increased flight times of up to 20 minutes, making it a more viable option for aerial photography and videography.

Signaling the End of an Era

Despite improvements, the trajectory of the Airpeak S1 seemed uncertain with the announcement of Sony’s ILX-LR1 61-megapixel full-frame drone camera in 2023, which was not compatible with the Airpeak S1. This indicated that the product may not have a future in Sony's lineup, a point that is now confirmed with the discontinuation announcement.

Conclusion

The Airpeak S1 drone served as an ambitious project aimed at professionals in need of high-quality aerial imaging. However, its inability to fully meet user expectations and compete with established brands eventually led to its downfall. For existing users, careful consideration should be given to ongoing support options as the discontinuation progresses.

While the Airpeak S1 will be missed by some in the photography community, it represents a learning experience for Sony as it ventures into the drone ecosystem.

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