From smartphones to TVs, Sony is known for its impressive range of electronic products.
Now, the tech giant is turning its attention to drones, launching a new spin-off brand called Airpeak.
Airpeak is said to be the industry’s smallest class of drone that can be equipped with Sony’s Alpha mirrorless camera system.
Sony hopes its new drones will support the creativity of video creators, and is even seeking collaborators to participate in the Airpeak project.
Airpeak is said to be the industry’s smallest class of drone equipped with Sony’s Alpha mirrorless camera system
Airpeak was unveiled by Sony at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week.
Sony explained: ‘Airpeak will support the creativity of video creators to the fullest extent possible, aiming to contribute to the further development of the entertainment industry as well as to improved efficiency and savings in various industries.
‘Airpeak will also promote this project to enable drone-use with the highest level of safety and reliability in the environments where this has been difficult in the past.’
The model shown off at CES features a quadcopter design, with two landing gear extensions that retract upwards during flight.
The drone can be equipped with Sony’s Alpha mirrorless camera to capture high quality, full frame aerial photos and videos.
Sony said 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.’
While details on the drone remain sparse, Sony has shared stunning footage of an Airpeak drone in action
Sony’s Alpha mirrorless cameras range in price £449 – £4,800, indicating the drone system could be pretty pricey
While details on the drone remain sparse, Sony has shared footage of the Airpeak drone in action.
In the video, an Airpeak drone fitted with an Alpha camera can be seen flying alongside Sony’s Vision S car prototype, capturing footage of the futuristic vehicle in action.
Sony is yet to announce how much the drone will cost, or when it will be available to purchase.
The model shown off at CES features a quadcopter design, with two landing gear extensions that retract upwards during flight.
However, it’s likely to have an eye-watering price tag, given the price of Sony’s Alpha cameras alone.
The Alpha mirrorless cameras range in price £449 – £4,800, indicating the drone system could be pretty pricey.
Following the launch at CES, Sony is now seeking professional collaborators to participate in the project, and plans to launch a new business targeted for professional photography and video production in the spring of 2021.
HOW CLOSE IS A NEAR MISS BETWEEN AIRCRAFT AND DRONES?
Near miss is a common term used to describe encounters between different airborne vehicles.
Governed by Airprox, there is no specific distance stated, instead it is gauged by the opinions of the pilot, air traffic controller and the drone operator.
Earlier this year a ‘near-miss’ report was filed between a police drone and two fighter jets travelling at 520 mph.
Governed by Airprox, there is no specific distance stated, instead it is gauged by the opinions of the pilot, air traffic controller and the drone operator
The Devon and Cornwall officer was convinced there would be a collision as the military jet came into view.
The Airprox board reported the 13lbs device was flying at an altitude of around 300ft when the pilot heard a fast jet approaching.
The F-15 pilot, who was flying at an altitude of 500ft, could not see the drone but the drone pilot said the risk of a collision was ‘high’.
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