Originally posted by Rondec It is odd the D7200 tests so much better. I suppose Nikon gave Sony specific tweaks to implement in the sensor to maximize dynamic range, as the D7200 tests even better than the K5 in this respect and really close to full frame levels (it is quite a bit worse than full frame in SNR).
Are you sure it is a Sony sensor? Nikon was using the Toshiba 24MP in the D5200 and D7100. Nikon does in fact design its own sensors. Renesas has fabricated the sensors for the D700, D3, D3s, D4, D4s, Df, D3100, & D3200. Toshiba fabricated the D5200, D7100, and possibly the D5500 and D7200. Sony makes the D610, D750, D810, & D7000. Sony fabricated the sensor for the D3x, but it was a Nikon design.
People seem to think there is some special deal between Nikon and Sony. I think it goes back to when Nikon leased fabrication from Sony for the D3x.