Canon has long used Sony sensors in a lot of PowerShot cameras over the years, but never has Canon used a Sony sensor in a DSLR.
“Canon will use Sony's new 46mp sensor as the 3rd party launch partner, maybe a little after Sony releases it in a camera of their own. Sony and Canon are partnering on many upcoming products – most recently the G7X being a prime example. Canon will use their own CFA / processing and will make a big point of colour accuracy.”
I have received this information a few times over the years, but nothing has never come to fruition, so I've never lent much credence to it. I would imagine joint ventures on something as expensive as sensor manufacturing would help lower costs for companies and perhaps customers as well. It's definitely possible, but I wouldn't write it in stone yet. If Canon does the manufacturing of the sensor can they put their own technology into a Sony sensor, such as Dual Pixel AF?
Remember the recent Canon interview with DPR.
Q: Canon released two cameras at Photokina – the EOS 7D Mark II and PowerShot G7X. One thing we’ve learned is that the sensor in the G7X is not made by Canon. Does this represent a new philosophy at Canon?
A: We select the best sensor, whoever the manufacturer is. That’s our policy.
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