EB-1 wrote:
Unfortunately Nikon is still stuck on the same resolution they had in 2017 with the D850.
Who knows when and if they will get a better resolution sensor made eventually.
And with primes you are so often too close or too far, so youi want more resolution for cropping.
I'm really hoping for more and better tele zooms.
EBH
Everyone concentrates on sensors when it comes to why Nikon is lagging Sony so badly. It is true that Nikon is a couple of generations behind when it comes to sensors. But Sony is willing to provide Nikon more current sensors just as they always have. Sony will not manufacture anyone a custom core analog design despite the Nikon myths. But does allow modifications above that level.
However, Sony is not willing to provide Nikon or any other camera company with the processors that Sony manufactures to optimize sensors for Sony’s cameras.
Nikon like all the other Sony camera sensor customers have been forced to use Fujitsu ARM processors. These are not able to keep up performance wise with high resolution stacked sensors. That is one of the primary reasons for Nikon's lower RAW performance numbers. Nikon does keep pushing the Fujitsu processors through frequent updates, but there are limits. Given the current state of the processor industry Fujitsu is not willing to prioritize the camera industry. This is creating a huge problem for camera manufacturers as they consequently remain behind Sony and the future is looking to be even worse. This problem is the reason for the delay in the next generation Z9/Z8 cameras among others like the Leica M12.
The industry sees a more advanced processor supplier as an extesential need at this point. They are all trying to port a Qualcom processor to replace the Fujitsu. So far, no one has been successful in that effort. Maybe Sony will relent and sell some customers a processor some day. But for now this problem is giving Sony an increasingly obvious advantage.
Do you have any evidence or sources that supports your claim that Sonys processor are so so far ahead of everyone else? Feels like conjecture on your part. The A7rVI is a brand new camera, with state of the art tech. The Nikon Z9/Z8 are 5-6yrs old now, you’re comparing tech thats generations ahead.
Also keep in mind, there isnt a single Sony Mirrorless E-Mount camera that does internal RAW, and this new magic A7RVI and the flagship A1II, only do 8K30 whereas the inferior processor of the Z8/Z9 does 8K/60 internal RAW video
The processor issue is absolutely not conjecture. It is well known by engineers involved in the industry. It is absolutely what has been holding up the Z9/Z8 next generation cameras. As you pointed out they are pretty old releases at this point. This has been hurting Nikon profitability in public ways now.
This issue has slowed the release of other manufacturers products as at this point. Also not conjecture on my part.
I think that issue will become more broadly known over the next year. Thom Hogan recently has been exposed to the issue and published an incomplete reference to the problem on his site. Take a look at that for a little more insight.
Jun 01, 2026 at 10:09 AM
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