umut_h_toprak wrote:
This may be a bit unrelated to this particular announcement, but I am still curious to hear what others think.
We seem to have hit a dynamic range ceiling some years ago.
We are also close to the diffraction limits of the full frame format in terms of resolution, if I am not mistaken.
Regarding fps, I'd say we are already at a usable limit for all genres apart from those involving fast action.
Autofocus still has some room to improve, but I feel it is already more of a lens challenge than body at this stage.
Where do you see the field going in the next few generations? Global shutter seems like a likely next step but it could become harder to convince people to continue investing in bodies at some point. I'd probably be at that point a long time ago if I were a landscape or macro shooter.
Interesting point. At the very least, I expect that the number of camera generations between what I would regard as a worthwhile upgrade will increase, just as it has for ‘phones (I went from an iPhone X to 15 Pro, for instance).
For wildlife, particularly BIF, I have an A1. The A1 II AF is undoubtedly better, but I did not feel compelled to upgrade, whereas the combination of global shutter and AF improvements would, for me, be worthwhile. But after that?
Similarly, I still use our A7R IV with landscapes and architecture (rather than Leica M) if I feel inclined to have autofocus or wish to use lenses for which there is no real Leica counterpart (e.g. 12-24mm GM). But if I were to replace the A7R with another Sony, it would be more for form factor reasons (e.g. the A7CR or follow-on) rather than IQ (although I would be interested to try the latest AF too). I suspect you’re right about the limits of full frame; would significantly more than 60mp really make sense? Possibly not, unless something else significantly changes, too. For landscapes, the more likely next step for me — for IBIS / low light capabilities more than resolution per se — is an X2D II (or III).
So, aside from moving from the A1 (original) to one with global shutter + better AF, I am sceptical that there will be game-changing improvements — in full frame, that would enable me to do something significantly different — over the next few years. (Which I really don’t mind; what I already have is incredible.) Even moving to MF would be more of an indulgence than a fundamental change, although I do feel that the larger dimensions give the lens designers significantly more room for manoeuvre.
In other words, camera manufacturers may need to start thinking in terms of less frequent upgrades (either longer between versions or customers spending longer with a given product).
May 10, 2026 at 02:23 AM
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