Matt argues Sony’s strategy is to create one advanced sensor and deploy it across 4–5 camera bodies—hybrid, cinema, and vlogging versions—before investing in the next-gen chip. This approach keeps sensor output high across divisions while spreading R&D costs.

Since the A7S III / FX3 sensor is now five years old, he believes Sony is finishing work on a completely new sensor platform meant to power multiple 2026–2027 releases:

• A7S IV (hybrid)
• FX3 II (cinema)
• ZV-E1 II (vlogging)
• Possibly an FX model with global shutter or 8K from the A1 sensor

Based on previous five-year product cycles (A7S II → A7S III), he expects FX3 II and A7S IV to appear between late 2026 and 2027, using Sony’s next-generation stacked sensor.