Canon Actively Testing Third Party Sensors [CR2]

[Canon Rumors]

<p>Usually around the time of a DSLR announcement, there’s talk about Canon using a third party sensor in the camera. We have always dismissed those rumors and sure enough, the announced camera comes with a Canon sensor.</p>
<p>We’re being told that Canon is actively testing a third party full frame sensor in a DSLR. Along with the third party sensor, they’re testing the same camera with Canon made sensor.</p>
<p>After <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/canon-develops-aps-h-size-cmos-sensor-with-approximately-250-megapixels/">Canon’s recent development announcement of a 250mp sensor</a>, it’s obvious Canon is not getting out of the sensor business altogether, but I suppose it’s possible that some non flagship products could see a third party sensor. We don’t know the business advantages of using a third party sensor, but we’d imagine it would lower the cost of development.</p>

 

[Chaitanya]

they should have done this a long time back.

 

[dolina]

Sony sensor please!

 

[pj1974]

This is a CR2... interesting... I really like a lot about Canon's sensors... however yes, in some aspects there are benefits that some other sensors do have.

I just know that having a monopoly is generally a negative thing for consumers in the long term...

Let's see... I think Canon could pull out some amazing technology from their R&D yet...

Paul

 

[Maximilian]

It's good to hear that they're doing so.

Whatever they chose, they do it knowing all the facts.

(I cannot imagine, them not doing such comparissons in the past - at least rev.eng. sensors for improving their own development)

 

[Random Orbits]

I hope that Canon continues to develop its own sensor technology. It may not be the best decision in the short term, but I think it's the right call long term. With Sony buying Toshiba's sensor business, who is left? Nikon and Pentax are held hostage by when/how Sony/Toshiba makes its best sensors available. Wonder why Nikon is still using a 36 MP sensor and not the newest round of sensors found in the A7 series? Canon still lags in low ISO DR (gap is closing very slowly), but at least it has the freedom and capability to introduce something new and different (i.e. 50 MP sensor).

 

[tcmatthews]

According to CanonWatch part of the rumor is the desire to sell off its sensor fab. Sensor fabs are expensive and can only turn a profit at volume. Perhaps Canon has decided to go fabless. I doubt it.

More than likely this is a transitional thing. I think the DISC chips need a major architecture upgrade to push high-speed serial devices (USB3, etc) and 4K video. Or they cannot meet expected demand and need a fab upgrade. So some cameras will get 3rd party chips in the transition. Many of us have been wanting a Fab upgrade and going to 3rd party could increase Time to Market of cameras while transitioning.

Also Canon could continue to develop its own sensor technology and have others manufacture it.

 

[Canon Rumors]

According to CanonWatch part of the rumor is the desire to sell off its sensor fab. Sensor fabs are expensive and can only turn a profit at volume. Perhaps Canon has decided to go fabless. I doubt it.

More than likely this is a transitional thing. I think the DISC chips need a major architecture upgrade to push high-speed serial devices (USB3, etc) and 4K video. Or they cannot meet expected demand and need a fab upgrade. So some cameras will get 3rd party chips in the transition. Many of us have been wanting a Fab upgrade and going to 3rd party could increase Time to Market of cameras while transitioning.

Also Canon could continue to develop its own sensor technology and have others manufacture it.

I received the same email about the sensor thing, though what I posted came from someone else. I'm not sure about selling or splitting off the sensor fabrication. Sony is splitting off the business, so there must be a good reason to do it for them

 

[pedro]

Is it likely to see that in an upcoming 5DIV/x?
Maybe they even equip the 1DXII with one of these...;-)

 

[luminaeus]

It could be the light meter. That's also a sensor, after all.

 

[sanj]

BUT BUT BUT..... There is nothing wrong with Canon sensors.......

 

[JohanCruyff]

Canon is already using third party sensors on various G models.

Their 1" sensors rank approximately as good as Canons' Full Frame ones, according to the indisputable DXOMark.

 

[keithcooper]

Of course they are testing other people's sensors... seems pretty obvious?

It fits in with some of the comments from 'interviews' that Canon give every so often

I too received several emails about the same stuff - suggests someone decided it was a slow rumours day ;-)

 

[TeT]

Would hate to give up the higher ISO Low Light performance for a cheaper sensor in the 6DII for.. READY here it comes

5 stop bump when I take pictures in the dark in my closet at 100 ISO... ;D (did I miss anything)


an improvement is always welcomed. Time will tell if that is what we get.

 

[Don Haines]

Of course they are.....

and it is a good bet that everyone else is testing everyone else's sensors too....

It's called, "know your competition"

 

[Dylan777]

Of course they are testing other people's sensors... seems pretty obvious?

It fits in with some of the comments from 'interviews' that Canon give every so often

I too received several emails about the same stuff - suggests someone decided it was a slow rumours day ;-)

It's part of R&D and there is nothing wrong with that. I doubt Canon would use 3rd party sensor in their pro level bodies.

 

[George D.]

I'd say is there any intention Canon to be using next generation Foveon/Sigma. Note Sigma SD1 is 46Mp APS-C dSLR... Sony is also moving towards the direction, has released a foveon-like patent in June.

 

[MintChocs]

It might not surprising given the flatline of growth in most countries. Cheaper to buy in than to invest plus you get to shut up all the moaners on the forums! ;D

 

[tomscott]

Well Canon are making advancements.

The 7DMKII sensor has a lot of improvements over the 5DMKIII, colour noise is a lot lower! Grain is also very natural. The sensor has a lot of good improvements but because it hasn't surpassed what sony is doing its been left in the dark.

That 50mp sensor is impressive along with its crop variant in the 7D, the DR might not be as good but its certainly surpasses normal usage its not often I push the 5DMKIII that hard and the 7D and 5DSr seems like it betters the 5DMKIII in all areas but very high ISO. Im content tbh I'm not worried cannon has everything I need right now. I think it also does for a lot of people but because there is better on the market people are tempted.

Sony aren't currently a genuine alternative for me if they continue down the same road, the first sony mirrorless camera I bought as I was interested was rebranded as a different branch within a year. With the variety of subject I shoot sony doesn't have a product that is suited to them all, more general shooting. You can't use them for fast action and rely on them like the 7D and 1D series the A6000 doesn't even touch either, you cant rely on them in low light because of focus unlike the 5DMKII, A7RII can't currently replace my 5DMKIII for that etc etc So wedding, event sport (motorsport) and wildlife my main subjects sony doesn't offer a stable platform for any of them. If you are shooting generally, portraits, documentation, street etc its a really completing alternative. But for how long? Until they change the direction like the possibility of dropping their DSLR line.

Canon has all my areas covered and until they don't… Then I will have to think about it.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

I'd say is there any intention Canon to be using next generation Foveon/Sigma. Note Sigma SD1 is 46Mp APS-C dSLR... Sony is also moving towards the direction, has released a foveon-like patent in June.

Sigma calculates the resolution of Foveon sensor using a different mathematical ... Each pixel is counted three times, once for each color.

In fact the 46 megapixel Foveon sensor has only 15 megapixel.