Hi,
The next generation sensor will be 44x33mm, 3.7 micron pixels and allow for 6FPS. How do we know? Because Sony has released the specs...
The lenses are with 100% probability designed to match the new sensor. So when the new sensor arrives you just simply get a much better camera. I would think that Hasselblad will make some improvements to the camera, possibly working with DJI. Hasselblad could not design an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for the X1D. Such a device is almost necessary to speed up functions and it may be an absolute necessity to handle 100 MP at 6FPS, but perhaps also handling things like AF.
According to Ming Thein's writing the 100 MP sensor will simply replace the 50 MP sensor. There will not be a generation II of the 50 MP sensor. It does not make sense to develop two new sensors instead of one.
My guess is that all vendors would like to be on the forefront with the new sensor. It would probably be possible to put it in the present cameras, but power consumption would probably go up and the new sensor may not be fully utilized.
So what are the probable improvements?
- Higher resolution a 41% improvement in resolvable detail
- Somewhat increased microcontrast at a given print size. The pixel smears the projected image. A 3.7 micron sensor smears it over 3.7 over 13 square microns while a 5.2 micron sensor smears it over 27 square microns, it is as simple as that. But, it may take a very good lens to show that difference.
- Aliasing will be reduced (*)
- 6FPS instead of 3FPS (or so)
- Probably faster AF, if the sensor is designed for EVF systems.
- Possibly support for PDAF, if the sensor is designed for EVF system.
The new sensor will allow for higher image quality, but it is up to the photographer to realize that image quality.
(*) Regarding aliasing, it depends on pixel spacing, pixel aperture and lens. If the lens does not project an image with contrast at the pixel level, no aliasing will be seen. Else, the image will contain aliases that may be obvious or not. A part of the DPReview test image makes aliasing very obvious:
You can see obvious aliasing in the Canon 5DsR with it's 4.2 micron pixels. The X1D, having 5.4 micron pixels, combined with a very good lens shows extensive aliasing. The Panasonic G9 with it's 3.3 micron sensor has barely any aliasing, but obviously cannot resolv as much details as the 50 MP sensors. The Phase One IQ3100 MP sensor has some aliasing but less than the other larger formats sensors. It has 4.6 micron pixels and it may be limited by lens and/or shooting technique.
So, I see that the next generation X?D camera will offer major benefits in many aspects. I would believe that we will see an upgraded body and that it may be available with both sensors for a while. With the 100 MP sensor being more expensive and the 50MP sensor more affordable.
This is not really speculation, more an engineering way of reading what is in the cards.
Best regards
Erik
and the lenses will handle this resolution?
i think the X2D will take some time for releasing... before we have to wait on a new p1 product - p1 with sony are always faster ;-)
then might be a chance to see a newer version. actually i like this baby very much.