Tony Northrup believes the Sony A7sIV is coming this year :)
Tony Northrup listed his BOLD predictions for 2026:
- Sony: Sony A7S IV (video-centric hybrid; likely ~24MP, proper EVF, improved cooling, possible 6K)
- Sony: FX3 update/FX3 Mark II (expected to share the A7S IV’s updated sensor and cooling system)
- Sony: RX100 series revival (new RX100; built-in flash; likely drop EVF and flip screen; improved AF; around $1,500)
- Sony (wishful): Entry-level full-frame “A5” priced below $1,500 to compete with Canon/Nikon
His most confident Sony prediction is the arrival of the A7S IV. The A7S III is now about five years old, which is ancient by Sony standards, yet it remains one of the most trusted hybrid video cameras on the market. He emphasizes that reliability is the reason people still use it: rock-solid autofocus, zero overheating drama, and predictable performance in the field.
The A7S IV, in his view, doesn’t need radical specs. He argues Sony should abandon the ultra-low megapixel approach and move to something closer to a 24MP sensor, giving users more flexibility without sacrificing video performance. A modest jump to 6K video, improved processing, and an updated body with a proper viewfinder would be more than enough to keep the A7S line dominant. This isn’t about spec chasing — it’s about refining what already works.
An FX3 refresh follows naturally
In the same breath, he predicts an update to the FX3. His assumption is simple: Sony will reuse the same updated sensor and cooling system from the A7S IV. This fits Sony’s usual strategy of spreading sensor development across multiple bodies. The FX3 II wouldn’t need flashy changes — just improved thermal handling, incremental AF improvements, and continued focus on professional reliability.
The RX100 comeback: Sony reads the room
One of his more interesting predictions is the return of the RX100 line. He sees compact fixed-lens cameras as one of the hottest segments right now, driven by nostalgia, the ‘90s digicam aesthetic, and a growing rejection of smartphone photography. People want something small, simple, and separate from their phones — and the RX100 concept fits that perfectly.
He expects Sony to simplify the design. That means dropping the pop-up EVF and the flip screen, keeping either a basic tilt screen or a fixed one, and focusing on fast autofocus and a built-in flash. This wouldn’t be a vlogging camera; it would be a “take it to a party and photograph your friends” camera. He estimates a price closer to $1,500, positioning it well below luxury compacts like the RX1R III, which he openly criticizes as wildly overpriced for what it offers.
The missing piece: an entry-level full-frame Sony
This is where prediction turns into strong wishful thinking. He argues that Sony desperately needs an entry-level full-frame camera — often referred to as an “A5” — priced below $1,500. Right now, Sony pushes buyers in that range toward APS-C bodies that feel outdated and cramped for professional use, while Canon and Nikon both offer compelling full-frame options at similar prices.
He doesn’t claim this will definitely happen in 2026, but he makes it clear that Sony is falling behind strategically if they ignore this segment much longer. If Sony wants to maintain dominance among new photographers and hybrid shooters, they can’t rely forever on older APS-C designs to fill that role.
Sony’s bigger picture: safe, calculated dominance
Overall, his Sony outlook is not about bold experiments or radical new categories. It’s about Sony doing what Sony does best: refining sensor technology, extending platforms across multiple bodies, and capitalizing on trends once they are clearly proven. Unlike other brands, Sony doesn’t need to gamble — they already sit in a position of strength.
If he’s right, 2026 won’t be a “shock” year for Sony. Instead, it will be a year where long-standing gaps finally get filled, overdue updates arrive, and Sony quietly reinforces why so many professionals and enthusiasts continue to rely on their ecosystem.
Do you agree that Sony should play it safe in 2026 — or do you think it’s time for a truly disruptive move?
