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R8 predicted specs: Full frame at $1499

Started 1 month ago | Discussions thread
SafariBob
SafariBob Veteran Member • Posts: 3,850
Re: Sensor manufacturing cost

Llop wrote:

Sensors are made on fixed size wafers such as 300mm. Twice the area, twice the cost.

Twice the variable cost actually (probably a bit more as the yields are lower, you have 2x probability of defects in the larger chips/sensors)

The fixed costs (R&D, tooling) are a relevant percentage and are spread across all chips manufactured, therefore the overall cost difference is not so large (assuming comparable amounts are required for full frame, APSC or m43 or...).

And then the price is a different question, as long as you are covering costs, price it as high as the market allows you. If people are willing to pay more for full frame, price it higher (even if the costs were equivalent). Little competition? Again price it higher. Want to earn market share? Lower it.

A relatively good comparison would be the automotive industry: very high upfront/fixed costs in design and getting ready to manufacture spread across all the cars made.

My impression is that most fixed cost is priced in on a relative, percentage basis. Mid range Lenses are about $1-2 pr gram, Apple laptops $1-2 pr gram and I would expect affordable cars to be about $15 pr kg.

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