On the same week that DJI unveiled a huge upgrade to its enterprise drone lineups by way of the new DJI Dock 3 for its DJI Matrice 4D and 4TD drones, there’s a Sony Airpeak S1 deal that makes this non-Chinese drone (and great DJI alternative) even more appealing.
The Sony Airpeak S1 is one of the most powerful professional drones on the market today. It stands out for its compatibility with Sony’s Alpha Series and FX3 Cameras. Flying these high-end cameras through the air is critical for a range of uses, from making Hollywood films to detailed map-making. It’s also got a high-performance flight system built for commercial applications that’s capable of withstanding harsh conditions.
And perhaps to make it even more attractive (especially in light of the new DJI Dock 3), there’s a deal for shoppers. Between now and March 7, 2025, purchasing an Airpeak S1 through B&H Photo gets you an extra incentive: a free Amimon Transmitter for CONNEX Mini HD Video Link. That’s pretty impressive, considering the transmitter is pegged at a $749 value.
The B&H Sony Airpeak S1 deal: what you get
For a limited time through March 7, B&H is sweetening the deal on the Sony Airpeak S1 ($8,999). It’s doing so by bundling it with the Amimon CONNEX Mini Transmitter (Air Unit). This device is the heart of the CONNEX Mini video downlink system. It delivers zero-latency 1080p60 performance with a line-of-sight range of up to 1,600 feet. At just 2.1 ounces, it’s ideal for drones carrying compact mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic GH4 or high-end cinema rigs like the Sony FX3.
Included in the free gift:
- CONNEX Mini Transmitter (Air Unit)
- Two antennas
- Power cable
- Micro-HDMI cable
Note: The receiver (Ground Unit) is sold separately.
What makes this drone so special?
The Airpeak S1 is Sony’s bold entry into the professional drone market. It’s been positioned as a top-tier alternative to Chinese-made drones like those from DJI. Given the increasing push to restrict Chinese-made drones, particularly for government and industrial use, the Airpeak S1 is more relevant than ever.
Key Sony Airpeak S1 specs
- Max Speed: 55.9 mph (fastest in its class)
- Max Angular Velocity: 180°/s
- Max Tilt Angle: 55°
- Obstacle Avoidance: Vision sensors and LiDAR for stability
- Flight Time: Up to 22 minutes (without payload)
- Gimbal Compatibility: Gremsy Gimbal T3 ($2,199 required for use)
- Camera Compatibility: Sony Alpha Series & FX3
This drone, which first was announced in 2021 at CES, initially targeted professional photography and video production. But it didn’t take long for the surveying and industrial application side of the drone industry to pick up on the drone. Besides not being made in China, it stands out for its robust flight control, advanced obstacle sensing and seamless integration with Sony’s high-end cameras.
In April 2023, Sony rolled out even more upgrades which addressed some early issues with the initial drone, like short flight times. That was by way of the new LBP-HM1 Battery, which can now fly for up to 30 minutes without a payload (up from 22 minutes). Sony also launched the Gremsy Gimbal PX1 for Airpeak, which is 40% lighter than the initial GBL-T3 from Gremsy, which is also key in reducing flight times).
Sony’s April relaunch also rolled out even more features to appeal to industrial applications like mapping or inspections. That included a RTK GNSS system for Airpeak S1 with high-precision positioning capability.
The full cost breakdown
If you’re considering purchasing the Sony Airpeak S1, here’s what you’ll need:
- Sony Airpeak S1 Drone: $8,999
- Gremsy Gimbal T3 (required for camera use): $2,199
- Sony Camera (Alpha Series or FX3): Sold separately
- Lenses: Sold separately
That means the base setup — before adding a camera and lenses — is already at $11,198. Given the investment, the free CONNEX Mini Transmitter is a welcome bonus, adding professional-grade video downlink capabilities without additional cost.
Why this Sony Airpeak S1 deal matters
With the U.S. government increasingly scrutinizing the use of Chinese-made drones, the demand for American-made and allied-nation drones has never been higher. While DJI still dominates the market, the Airpeak S1 is a powerful alternative, offering a secure, professional-grade option for filmmakers, surveyors and enterprise users who need to future-proof their operations against potential bans.
There are a number of pieces of legislation floating around there that seek to ban DJI drones. For example, there’s Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s Drones for First Responders (DFR) Act. That act would impose a new, 30% tariff specifically on drones made in China in its first year. The tariffs would grow in size until 2030, upon which the DFR Act would completely ban the importation of drones that contain critical components made in China.
And of course, tariffs on Chinese imports are making Chinese-drones more expensive anyway.
The Sony Airpeak S1 is made by, well, Sony, which is a Japanese company. It’s not subject to those tariffs and restrictions. Companies hiring you for a job might demand you use a non-Chinese made drone, which makes the Sony Airpeak S1 an attractive pick to fly for high-paying contracts. That’s alongside other enterprise drones from American drone companies such as Freefly, Inspired Flight and Ascent Aerosystems.
But for those considering making the jump to the Sony Airpeak S1 in particular, now is an excellent time to buy given the B&H deal. The promo period runs through March 7.
Learn more about the Sony Airpeak S1 deal over at B&H Photo, and score your free CONNEX Mini Transmitter.
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