Just as an aside...
If the premise of the thread is that any company that makes their own sensors has a large competitive advantage over ones that don't, then it's especially odd that Samsung had such a bad experience with NX line. Goodness knows that Samsung can make chips like few others out there.
I think it is nonsensical suggestion ,Nikon currently sells many many more cameras than Sony fact. Sony's sensor fabrication business is far more valuable to the company than the camera division also a fact . Bottom line if Nikon sells a million of these FF cameras what business in its right mind would refuse to sell a million FF sensors to a customer , bottom line is you pay them for what you want and they make it
From a real life usage perspective the differences between the Sony sensor in my A7rIII and the Sony sensor in the D850 is miniscule try actual RAW sample shots to easily confirm this.. Also worth noting is that the Sony image sensor division is a separate entity called Sony Semiconductor Solutions.
--
Jim Stirling
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” John Adams
+1
You can give the post a +100, (or even +1000 if you like).
But it does not change the (apparent) FACT they won't sell their latest/greatest.
I am VERY UPSET that Panasonic is (apparently) being prevented from improving the FZ with the new (PD and faster-writing) sensor.
I gave James Stirlings post a +1 because I agreed with what he said and I also believe it is the actuality of what happens in respect of Nikon. I've read much the same from other posters.
I couldn't give a hoot about Panasonic as I don't use their cameras. But if you are so upset re Panasonic contact them and complain to them direct and see what they say. But for Nikon this is a non issue. Thank you to Mr Stirling for wording his response so well and so clearly.
It is not just Panasonic. It limits anyone who relies on Sony for their sensors.
Now I admit there is nothing to prevent any other company to design/build/SELL and equal, (or BETTER), technology sensor. But currently it simply seems that Sony does indeed have the best (sensor) technology. And I assume there is no legal "requirement" that they "must" sell to others.
But the fact remains they are taking advantage of that to be able to offer the highest performing cameras, with there latest technology sensors.
This first applied to their newest 1"-type, (that Sony uses in RX100-"V"/"VI" and RX10-"IV"), but now ALSO includes their FF in the A9.
So this may have had a direct impact on Nikon if that was the reason they dropped their announced DL series, and affects them NOW as they strive to compete with FF/DX when Sony can (legally) remain 2-years ahead by restricting the sensors available to them when the A9 is the current SOTA.
I have stated (5-6 years ago) that Sony has a "technical" advantage because they have historically been an "electronics" company vs conventional cameras companies that have always been "mechanical" based. So the fact is that Sony is fully staffed w/ "electronic" engineers vs Nikon staffed w/ "mechanical" engineers.
hence your negativity in every single comment. The A9 is an excellent camera no questions asked. However here in the UK it has had a price reduction and on constant promotion with free extended warranties, battery grip, trade in bonus and a free Rotolight . Not a sign of a camera setting the heather on fire .