Upgrading a Sensor

[Chazs]

So, when is a manufacture going to make a camera that has an upgradable CMOS sensor? Suppose you have a camera that has absolutely every feature you desire in a camera (the 20D may come close). Also, suppose that miniaturization allows 10-12-14-16 megapixels on an APS-size sensor. Wouldn't it be nice to send the camera in to get a new sensor and firmware upgrade for a couple hundred bucks, instead of thousands for an entirely new camera? That's what I'd like to see at the PMA.

[Longwatcher]

It is called a medium format camera back, which is as close as you are going to get.
There is a possibility that someone will make a 35mm size digital back for film cameras, but given the potential cost, I would bet against it.

The problem is that it is not just the sensor. It is also the software and hardware designed to go with that particular sensor. The camera body itself is only a small percentage of the cost (like probably less the $50 to make the body and controls for the rebel XT)

So I look at it as buying a sensor with a camera body thrown in for free.

[steven]

I agree with Longwather, the sensor is only one part of the whole package.
The processors that capture the image and convert it into digital, the memory that these processors use and on and on.
To replace "just the sensor" I think you would really be replacing just about everything but the body of the camera.

[Cadwell]

Old news. Kodak did it. With the DCS 14 I think.

[S230]

Labor cost more to replace the sensor. Even if it's available let's say for $100 for the Rebel to upgrade. Labor would probably cost close to $300 to replace it. By the time an upgrade is available, new model is probably available and can use the current one (ie. the Rebel) as backup unit.

[tim]

I think a large part of why the 20D is less "noisy" than the 10D is the digic II processor. If you replaced that, the memory, and the sensor, it's probably be cheaper to replace the entire thing.

[Hellashot]

We talked about this a couple of weeks ago:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56151

[Chazs]

We talked about this a couple of weeks ago:


Ooops. Great minds think alike...mine is just a few weeks slow. ;)