Upcoming Nikon Z9 Sensor by TowerJazz (now Semiconductor)??

There has been ample speculation as to where the new Nikon Z9 sensor will be derived. Most assume it will be from Sony, in the form of some derivative of the recent A1's sensor. However, I don't think so. IMO, Nikon's new Z9 sensor is being designed completely in-house and will be fabbed by Tower Jazz (now Tower Semiconductor).

• Consider the fact that two of Nikon's newer cameras, the Z50 and D7500, already deploy sensors fabbed by Tower Semiconductor (06/04/20).

According to NikonRumors, Tower Semiconductor featured these two Nikon cameras in its own recent advertising website. Also, long time Nikon expert, Tom Hogan, similarly concurs that the Z9 sensor will most likely be manufactured by Tower Semiconductor:

• Recent Hogan article on Z9 (03/08/21). Hogan also clears-up the often-repeated fallacy that "Sony makes all Nikons sensors" ... no, they actually don't.

With this preamble in place, the reason I also venture out to speculate that the newly-announced Z9 will involve a revolutionary new sensor, designed in-house by Nikon (to be fabbed by Tower Semiconductor), is a convergence of three elements that have all come out virtually simultaneously during the past 1.5 months:

1. Nikon Signs Mutual-Equipment-Supply Agreement w/ Tower Semiconductor (Feb, 2021): Nikon and Tower have entered into a mutually-beneficial, reciprocal partnership where each company supplies parts, products, and business to the other;
2. Nikon Develops New 1000 FPS Sensor (Feb, 2021): Also last month, while Sony announced its new A1, sporting a 120 FPS sensor, Nikon announces a totally new 1,000 FPS sensor, with 110-dB high dynamic range (HDR) characteristics, and capabilities which appear way beyond the Sony's sensor. While the particular sensor described in this announcement is "square," likely being targeted for cell phones and such; obviously, the applications for Nikon Z cameras are implied;
3. Nikon Announces "Ground-Breaking" Z9 (March, 2021): Just this month, Nikon announces a new Mirror less Flagship Model. In Nikon's own words, "An unprecedented imaging experience ... Bringing together the most exceptional groundbreaking technologies, the Z9 delivers the best still and video performance in Nikon’s history."

Because of these recent, contemporaneous developments, it seems reasonable to conclude that the Z9 will not be an "also ran" mirrorless camera, but a "better than," new-level offering. It appears Nikon is making a paradigm shift for its future, developing its own sensors completely, utilizing its own innovations, rather than "personalizing" existing Sony sensor design offerings.

While all of this is speculation at this point, admittedly, the evidence does seem to be funneling in this direction. Therefore, the Z9 will quite possibly be another benchmark for Nikon, in a whole new way. If the facts ultimately pan out as speculated, then the advent of the Z9 should be exciting for those utilizing other brands as well.

Reason being, given the flexibility of the Z-Mount, even those already invested in "other glass" will be able to adapt their lenses—and still use them—on this more functional, durable, professional mirrorless body. IMO, very powerful, possibly industry-changing stuff here.

Time will tell ...