DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

Sony may be preparing to launch their own drone

Feb 3, 2020 by John Aldred 3 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Historically, Sony has jumped onto just about every bit of consumer tech (and even led the way sometimes) as soon as it appeared on the market. Anything that looked like it was going to be wildly popular, they wanted a piece of that pie. So it’s surprised me that they haven’t jumped right into the drone market already.

According to Sony Alpha Rumours, though, it appears that Sony might be getting ready to do just that after they’ve spotted a new patent, dated October 2019. At least, they say there’s a new patent, they haven’t actually linked to the registration so everybody else can have a read. So, it may end up being nonsense. Update: The patent is here!

The original patent for Sony drones was published back in 2018, and SAR didn’t link to that one, either. But they show images of what appears to basically be a stunted cube with propellers that unfold, and a removable touchscreen LCD screen cover on top to fly the drone and control the camera. The new patent also shows some level of gesture control.

It’s interesting, though, how far drones have come in just the last couple of years. In terms of technology, regulation, and even general acceptance. To the point where attitudes towards the idea of Sony taking to the skies have changed completely.

In 2018, Sony Alpha Rumours said…

[I]t makes a lot of sense for Sony to do this. They have the sensor technology, the autofocus technology and lens technology from the Alpha series. And why not use an E-mount on the drone similar to the DJI Zenmuse? That would be nice :)

Today, they say…

I don’t know if Sony should really adventure in this market where DJI is currently having a big momentum…

Maybe they’re right. Maybe DJI does have the skies sewn up. Even if Sony did decide to enter the market, the amount of cost and effort it would take to even catch up to DJI, let alone overtake them, would be pretty insane. And then there’s a lot more drone regulation now around the world than there was even just two years ago. So, it would be a challenge, to say the least.

That being said, if any company had the resources to do it well, it would be Sony. I think Sony jumping into the drone market might actually present DJI with some serious competition. They may be the only ones out there who could give them some real competition, too. Sure, there are plenty of other drone manufacturers out there, but if they offered any kind of real substantial competition, DJI wouldn’t have a ~70% market share.

And, ok, so DJI is still innovating, without having any serious competition, but how much more quickly might that happen if they did?

[via Sony Alpha Rumors]

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

Fujifilm may launch a new mirrorless camera by the end of May. Could it be the X-T100? Canon preparing for global EOS R5 & R6 event on July 9th as teasers appear around the world Canon preparing to announce 400mm f/8 RF mount lens? Leaked code shows Instagram may soon launch voice and video calls

Filed Under: news Tagged With: dji, drones, patent, sony, Sony Drone

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

« How to edit in Lightroom using the “Dark Mode” technique for more contrast and drama
Canon already working on an RF 70-200mm f/2.8 Mark II lens with internal zoom? »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • SpaceX shares unique view of Earth in latest video
  • Get ready to photograph two total solar eclipses this year
  • How I started (and succeeded) photographing space from my backyard
  • Insta360’s new teaser says they’re entering the gimbal market
  • Users report blurry photos from Samsung Galaxy S23/S23+ cameras

Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy