Rumors are emerging from credible sources in the Sony and Fujifilm communities regarding a new, 180MP medium-format sensor in development at Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS). While there has been no official announcement, it appears this new sensor is already in development, with rumors suggesting it may be announced relatively soon.
This is not Sony's first foray into ultra-high-resolution medium-format imaging. In fact, just a short while ago, in early 2024, Sony announced a massive 247MP BSI CMOS Sensor, diagonal ~64.84mm, Type 4.1, aimed at industrial applications. This new sensor boasts some incredible specifications, including 16-bit A/D conversion, up to 24 dB PGA amplification, and all-pixel readout at 5.3 fps. While this new sensor is aimed at medium-format applications, Sony has already demonstrated a capability for ultra-high-resolution imaging with this new sensor, a fact many are hoping will translate to consumer-level cameras in the future.
The rumored 180MP sensor appears aimed at a more traditional 44×33mm medium-format camera size, or approximately 55mm diagonal, 4:3, ~1452mm², 0.79 crop factor. This would equate to approximately 112MP on a full-frame camera, a huge jump from the 61MP maximum on Sony's A7R series, or approximately 47MP on an APS-C camera, something already possible with today's technology. For a bit of perspective, Canon's 250MP APS-H sensor would equate to approximately 675MP in a medium-format camera.
Why This Matters
Medium format users: Companies like Fujifilm (GFX series), Hasselblad, and Phase One might be able to access even greater levels of detail for studio, landscape, or commercial shoots.
Full-frame enthusiasts: A 100MP+ Sony full-frame camera, like a future A7R VI, now seems well within the realm of possibility, keeping Sony competitive with others while catering to pros that need massive files for billboards, fine art prints, or cropping.
Challenges ahead: More pixels mean trade-offs, like heat buildup, noise at base ISOs, slower readout speeds, and massive file sizes that will put a lot of pressure on current workflows. Fast readout, perhaps with partial stacking, will be crucial for this sensor to be useful.
Rumor mills suggest that this is an inevitable step in Sony's sensor development pipeline, not a surprise announcement.
With a steady climb in sensor resolution and Sony's expertise with tiny pixels from smartphones to 1-inch sensors, a 180MP medium format sensor feels like a "when," not an "if." There are no announcements yet on a timeline, pricing, or final sensor specifics, such as global shutter, stacked sensor, or readout capabilities.