After a tease last month, the Nikon D850 specs have been announced and the first thing I asked was
Is that a Sony Sensor?
Here’s why…
- Pretty sure only Sony can make a backside illuminated, full-frame sensor unless Nikon has developed the technology independently of Sony’s BSI development
- Sony bought Toshiba’s sensor division and they were the other big tech in sensors.
- Where did Nikon get a factory to make a BSI sensor? They do have a sensor lithography department, but also recently announced extraordinary losses there.
If that is a Sony sensor, it is really interesting because it’s a higher res than the a7R II sensor with a low-pass filter. And, there’s no way Sony is gonna let Nikon have better tech, so what will the a7R III or whatever have?
Again, I’m not sure if it’s a Sony and have no information indicating it is, other than looking at the just-released spec sheet and speculating.
Nikon might have developed this tech independently and even though the D5 ($6496.95 on Amazon) and D500 and D810 and D800 sensors are Sony it’s possible this is Nikon. If it is a previously-unknown Sony, we can guess what the A7R III will have.
Combining speed and resolution is always a good thing and we can guess Nikon shooters are engaged in this launch. For another take on the D850, see my friend Dan’s story on Shutterbug. He attended a pre-launch event and published hands-on photos.
My daily shooter is Sony A1 with a vertical grip and various Sony lenses attached like the FE 20mm F1.8. Find more gear recommendations in our shop. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.