So I just watched a review on the Sony NEX-7, which is 24MP in APS-C size.... I am a Canon user and I immediately think about the announced Canon Powershot G1X with almost APS-C sensor but at a lower resolution.
One question suddenly springs to mind :
Why has there not been a full-frame but low resolution sensor?
I have no knowledge of imaging sensors manufacturing, but I asked myself, "Would it make sense to create a cheap full frame sensor that is very low resolution?"
I figured it somewhat would make sense. For starter, great ISO performance, secondly, greater control of DOF.
These are not available to consumers without spending a significant amount into top-level photographic gears.
For example, if I create a full frame sensor that is 10MP in resolution, would it be cheap to manufacture? If not, what are the reasons that make full frame sensors so expensive? Would it still be expensive to manufacture such sensor if I make its resolution very low, like 10MP or even 8MP etc?
I know it is a theoretical question, but if Canon can offer a Powershot compact camera with full-frame sensor at 8MP for below $1000 (USD), I would definitely buy it!