Originally posted by Stavri I think that's not what he meant at all...He said ALL other camera makers get sensor from their SECOND category....
(from Sony's president of imaging 2014)
When we make sensors we put them in several categories. [At any given time] one category of sensors is reserved purely for Sony cameras - we don’t sell them to other companies. Like the sensor in the A7S. But once we’ve enjoyed this advantage we might sell them on later, after some time has passed. This is the second category. The third category of sensors is completely generic - the sensors are created for use internally and to sell externally, to anybody. China or Taiwan or wherever.
No one said that. All he said is: We have a category of sensors (let's call it
Special) where we keep for ouselves. After "we've enjoyed the advantages of these sensors" (
meaning that the sensors in the Special category have "advantages" over the ones from other categories) we distribute them to other camera manufacturers...
Here's a simple diagram:
"Special" Sensors (reserved for Sony only).......--->(delayed: months-years)............--->all cameras
"Regular" Sensors...........--->.(no delay)............---->.all cameras
I don't find Sony's explanation very believable. In the case of the A7s sensor, which other maker would want to use that? I don't think any other companies make dedicated FF video cameras, and it's resolution is too low for a camera designed to be a stills camera. I think they are putting a positive spin on it when they say it's a Sony exclusive. The same with the one-inch sensor they use for the RX100/10.
I think that from the sensor department's point of view, there are indeed three categories.
1) Mainstream sensors that they know they can sell and develop without a specific camera in mind. APS-C and FF 24mp sensors would be an example.
2) Custom order sensors that a particular maker requests. These are more expensive and probably good business. 36mp FF for Nikon, 50mp MF sensor
3) Custom order sensors from Sony's camera division. These might be good business or might be just annoying of they are pressured to sell them at a steep discount and can't find another buyer.
Ultimately, if a customer wants a sensor made and they are prepared to pay for it, Sony will make it for them. They may be dominant in the market, but they are not alone. Samsung and Toshiba can both produce competitive sensors. Sharp has also just produced a video-oriented one-inch sensor that I believe Canon is using in their new stills/video camera. Sony will be conscious to protect their market share.
So if Ricoh is prepared to pay for a top-class sensor, they'll get it. And based on cameras like the 645z, the K-3 and the new lenses, they don't seem to be going the cheap route for their higher-end models.