According to reliable sources, a Sony 16 megapixel sensor prototype has been spotted being tested in the wild. Now, just after that, speculation started that the 16 MP partially stacked sensor is expected to be used in Sony Cinema camera lineup, like the upcoming rumoured FX3 Mark II camera. At the very same time, it can also be integrated into future models of the Sony A7S IV. That is the Sony A7S Mark IV camera, which is also rumoured to arrive sometime in 2026. Already, it has been delayed a lot, but people are still waiting for its update.
With the 16 MP rumour, we are going to explore what other updates we have related to the prototype, which has been reported by the reliable sources of the rumour mill, as well as the other set of information we have related to these upcoming Sony Cinema cameras.
What We Know About the New Sony 16MP Partially Stacked Sensor
Even before we begin discussing the camera, let’s discuss the sensor. The sensor is not new. It has been reported earlier,16MP partially stacked sensor is a homegrown sensor from Sony, fully stacked. Have a look at the core specifications of the sensor
Here’s a breakdown of the rumored key specifications:
- Resolution: 16 megapixels (full-frame)
- Sensor Type: Partially stacked CMOS
- Video Capabilities: Near 5K recording with oversampling to 4K for superior image quality
- Readout Speed: 240fps—double that of the Sony A7V’s 120fps
- Autofocus: 120fps compatible two-point PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) system using all pixels
- Stabilization: Active image stabilization with minimal crop impact
- HDR Technology: DCG-HDR (Dual Conversion Gain HDR) for enhanced dynamic range in both stills and video
- Pixel Pitch: 7.2μm for exceptional low-light performance
Obviously, it has some recording limitations due to the limited 5K capability, not even stretching up to 6K. So I do have some serious doubts about whether that is going to be used inside the Sony FX3 Mark II or the Sony A7S IV
Sony’s Strategy and Limitations
We have the Sony FX2 camera, which does use a 33-megapixel CMOS sensor, but its recording capability remains stuck to 4K 60p, and we are not able to access 4K 120p in FX2. Now, with the help of the 16MP stacked CMOS sensor, Sony can push 4K recording up to 240 frames per second, despite the resolution limitation. So it would be quite interesting to see whether the Sony FX3 Mark II will use the new 16MP stacked CMOS sensor, which can push the 4K capturing speed up to 240fps, or if they are going to unlock the 7K 30fps recording capability of the 33-megapixel partially stacked sensor
As of the announcement on December 16, 2021. Sony Develops World’s First 1 Stacked CMOS Image Sensor Technology with 2-Layer Transistor Pixel
Sony does have an upper hand in sensor tech, but over the past 3 to 4 years, what we have seen is that they are pushing sort of limited updates in their camera. Like in the Sony A7V, we do not have any option to access open gate or 6K / 7K recording as we have in Nikon Z6 III or ZR or even Canon R6 III. Even in a pro Cinema camera like FX2, open gate recording is completely locked, and we do not even have an option to record 4L at 120p.
Release Timeline and What It Means for Creators
We discussed the release timing of the Sony FX3 Mark II camera as well as the Sony A7S Mark IV camera. Just before that, I must tell you that there is also one more camera which is rumoured to arrive—the Sony A7R VI. We covered the rumour in detail in our previous post, and you can look at that article to get more details.
Between the Sony FX3 Mark II and the Sony A7R VI, either of these cameras can arrive in the first half of 2026, likely in the second quarter of 2026. We may have the announcement of the next Sony cinema-style camera, and it can be anything for now, since there are multiple rumors related to the arrival of the Sony A7R VI as well as the Sony FX3 Mark II. So we are not putting any confirmation mark over any camera body name. As for the Sony A7S Mark IV, it is expected to arrive sometime in late 2026 or in the first half of 2027. This is the initial set of information we have related to the upcoming Sony cameras.
Pricing? Expect FX3 II around $3,500-$4,000, A7S IV maybe $3,000 if Sony undercuts to compete.
For creators, this could be a game-changer: Affordable 4K 240fps, HDR video that pops, and stabilization that lets you run-and-gun without gimbals. But if Sony locks open gate behind paywalls, it’ll frustrate. We’ll watch the leaks—stay tuned for updates. If this sensor delivers, Sony might reclaim video crown from Nikon and Canon.
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The article “Sony 16MP Partially Stacked Sensor in FX3 II and A7S IV – Latest Sony Rumors February 2026” was written by thenewcamera.com team on 1:35 pm, Friday, 20 February 2026, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). | You can also follow us on Our Official Social Media Handles FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM >see more Sony Alpha Rumor Latest Camera News
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