Sony Sensors Coming to Canon DSLRs? [CR1]

[Canon Rumors]

<p>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.</p>
<p><em>“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.”</em></p>
<p>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?</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7079726133/photokina-2014-canon-interview-mirrorless-in-the-very-near-future" target="_blank">Remember the recent Canon interview with DPR</a>.

</strong><strong>Q:</strong> 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?

<strong>A:</strong> We select the best sensor, whoever the manufacturer is. That’s our policy.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

 

[jonjt]

I'll wait until I see what the 5D mkIV offers, before I lend any weight to this.

 

[Ryan85]

As long as canon continues to make very good cameras like the 1dx, 5d3, 6d,7d2, 70d and great glass I don't care what sensor they use

 

[Ryan85]

If 46mp happens it will be nice in a way. But those will be huge raw files to work with. Especially with stacking photos. But for landscapes and heaven Photoshop usage it'll be nice

 

[ahsanford]

If Canon did this, DXO would implode from having no one left to pick on.

- A

 

[Ryan85]

If Canon did this, DXO would implode from having no one left to pick on.

- A

Lmao good point

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

If Canon did this, DXO would implode from having no one left to pick on.

- A

They might have to start testing cameras rather than sensors.

 

[Marauder]

I think it would be a mistake for them to surrender chip design--both for Canon and for the users. There needs to be MORE sensor competition--not less.

 

[jrista]

I think it would be a mistake for them to surrender chip design--both for Canon and for the users. There needs to be MORE sensor competition--not less.

+1, totally agree! Canon just needs to actually compete on the larger format sensor front. I really hope they do next year...

 

[SPKoko]

If this rumor is true, the right strategy for Sony would be to agree to sell their best and latest full frame sensors to Canon and Nikon with the condition that they are not used in full frame mirrorless cameras, only in traditional DSLRs. That would be a win-win situation for all the companies: Canon and Nikon could use the best sensors currently available in their cameras and Sony would keep the full frame mirrorless cameras market only for them without any competition while at the same time they would take a share of Nikon's and Canon's benefits.

However, it would be a short-term win for Nikon, Canon and the consumers in general, as Sony would get a monopoly in sensors, and we all know that monopolies are never good for anyone...

 

[Ryan85]

If Canon did this, DXO would implode from having no one left to pick on.

- A

They might have to start testing cameras rather than sensors.

+1

 

[Ryan85]

If Canon did this, DXO would implode from having no one left to pick on.

- A

They might have to start testing cameras rather than sensors.

+1

 

[Lurker]

I think it would be a mistake for them to surrender chip design--both for Canon and for the users. There needs to be MORE sensor competition--not less.

Competition is good for the consumer and will exist as long as consumers choose to support the competition.

 

[Tavery]

I am new to the forum. Besides including Sony sensors, my hope is Canon includes includes Intel's RealSense in their forthcoming DSLR cameras too.

 

[hoodlum]

I think it would be a mistake for them to surrender chip design--both for Canon and for the users. There needs to be MORE sensor competition--not less.

Samsung is becoming the new competition for Sony sensors.

 

[dash2k8]

If this were true, I think it's a good thing for us. Canon sensors have been lacking in innovation for a while while Sony sensors have made huge advancements in what's possible. I like it.

 

[Don Haines]

yes.... wait until the tech has matured to the point where the average user can't tell the difference... put lots of research into things like DPAF and bring it to market.... move your sensors to a more modern fabrication line... and throw it all away to let the competition control your destiny...... not bloody likely!

 

[wickidwombat]

If Canon did this, DXO would implode from having no one left to pick on.

- A

They might have to start testing cameras rather than sensors.

i think thats beyond their ability

 

[Marsu42]

I think it would be a mistake for them to surrender chip design--both for Canon and for the users. There needs to be MORE sensor competition--not less.

+1, but Canon needs to do something in the high res department. But if they cannot compete themselves, limited competition is better than no competition at all.

I just talked to a well-off landscape photog still shooting mf film scans as he finds they are better than a 20mp dslr for what he does. When I told him about the upcoming Sony ~50mp cameras, he was thrilled and nearly ready to dump all his Canon gear right away. As a wildlife photog, this isn't my world, but there you are.

 

[bellorusso]

well, this will be the end for Canon.