Sony talks about the future of the Alpha business: New sensors coming and more “innovative” lenses!
Sony published a new corporate report that is highly interesting
1) New sensor tech is coming!
Sony has made it clear that it is currently working on a newly commissioned advanced process technology. This will enable the production of the new multi-layer stacking (three layers). In addition, the global shutter sensor technology for mirrorless cameras is to be improved.
Here is their official text about this:
An additional trend that is expected to drive further evolution of characteristics is increasing density. Higher density is realized by process node adaptation through a newly commissioned advanced process technology, and by multi-layered stacking (three layers), which has been achieved through the evolution of the I&SS segment’s strengths in stacking technology. The segment will aim to achieve further business growth by harnessing these two technologies to increase the value of its sensors.
With regard to image sensors for interchangeable-lens cameras, in particular, the segment’s global shutter technology has garnered strong interest within the industry, and it is promoting further development through close collaboration within the Group.
The article about the new Sony 3-layer stacking sensor can be read here on SAR.
2) New innovative lenses coming!
Lenses such as the new Sony 50–150mm f/2.0 GM are optical masterpieces and something that no other company has attempted before. Sony made it clear in its presentation that we can expect more of the same:
The segment plans to enhance the expressive capabilities of increasingly diverse creators through initiatives such as advancing imaging technology through the development of proprietary sensors with the I&SS segment and expanding its lineup of innovative lenses,
3) Business goal in the Entertainment business:
In terms of business figure targets, the segment (Entertainment, Technology & Services) aims to increase the share of the highly profitable Area Expansion and Business Growth/Generation categories by 10 or more points from FY2024 to FY2027, accelerating the shift in its business portfolio. By FY2027, the segment aims to see an operating income margin of 10% and FCF of 160 billion yen.
Our reader and tech expert George M told me this:
My interpretation of these documents is that Sony is choosing to stick to its 24-26 mid term plan that we have previously seen but is now confirming investments into the next phase. Sony Entertainment is actively pursuing the development of new proprietary sensors, which on it’s own doesn’t mean much if it were not for the fact that Sony I&SS states that it’s working on a newly greenlit “advanced process technology” that uses three-layered stacking and that it is further developing global shutter sensors.
This is amazing news and we can likely expect to see products begin to arrive in the next couple years (fingers crossed for 2027). Additionally, Sony says that it is “Pivoting imaging business products like cameras and services toward content creation”. I think this means we can expect these new global shutter cameras to become available at “content creator” price points.
My take:
Yesterday I published an article about the Sony FX lineup manager saying hat we just need a little patience—Sony has some big upgrades and surprises on the way. Their business plan already confirms that new sensor technologies, including 3-layer sensors and global shutters, are in development. This makes me think that by the second half of next year we could see cameras with truly innovative sensors, offering performance that will be unique and unmatched by the competition.
I also really like Sony’s ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries with new lens designs. If their track record is anything to go by, we’re in for some exciting releases—I honestly can’t wait to see what’s coming!
