Sony FX3 II and A7S IV: Everything We Know About the New 16MP Partially

The Sony rumor ecosystem is buzzing with excitement — and for good reason. Sony Alpha Rumors recently published, alongside an explanatory YouTube video, what could be the most important leak of the year for filmmakers and videomakers: the first technical details of a new full-frame 16-megapixel partially stacked sensor, reportedly designed for the upcoming Sony FX3 II and possibly, down the line, a Sony A7S IV.

Why 16MP and Not More?

At first glance, jumping from 12MP on the original FX3 to 16MP might seem like a modest step. But the design logic is deeply cinematic: more megapixels don't always mean better video image quality. With 7.2μm pixels, this new sensor would offer 41% greater light-gathering capacity per pixel compared to the 5.1μm pixels on the Sony A7V, potentially making it the new king of low-light video.

Moreover, a 16MP sensor has enough vertical resolution to record the full sensor area in a 3:2 ratio, allows better use of anamorphic lenses, and can deliver a RAW output close to 5K, which can then be oversampled down to 4K.

DCG-HDR Technology: A Qualitative Leap

Perhaps the most interesting detail isn't the megapixel count but how this sensor handles dynamic range. Instead of using the DGO technology found in the Sony A7V, the new sensor would employ DCG-HDR, a technology first used in Sony Lythia mobile sensors. The difference is significant: while traditional multi-frame HDR captures separate exposures and merges them (creating ghosting artifacts on moving subjects), DCG-HDR captures data from a single frame using two gain settings simultaneously, eliminating those artifacts in both photos and video — even with the electronic shutter engaged.

What About the 33MP Rumor?

It's worth clarifying that conflicting information has been circulating. Earlier rumors pointed to the FX3 II featuring a 33MP partially stacked sensor similar to the one in the Sony A7V, but the Sony Alpha Rumors source indicated those specs floating around online are likely false. For a cinema-focused camera like the FX3 II, larger pixels are more valuable than more pixels: better low-light performance, less rolling shutter, more accessible high framerates, and lower processing load.

When Is It Coming?

The FX3 II announcement is anticipated for March or April 2026, and Sony has already registered a new camera under code WW847606, whose declared primary innovation is precisely a new low-resolution partially stacked sensor. As for the A7S IV, the situation is more uncertain: the source does not confirm its imminent existence, and there's a possibility the "S" line could be on hold for a while.

What This Means for You

Whether you're a filmmaker, wedding videographer, professional content creator, or simply an image enthusiast, this sensor represents a very serious bet by Sony on pure cinematic performance. This isn't about the megapixel race — it's about clean image quality, real dynamic range in video, and flexibility when shooting in challenging light.

The coming months will be decisive. CP+ 2026 is already underway and the market is waiting for Sony's response to competitors like the Canon C50 and Nikon Zr, which offer attractive propositions at lower price points.