Can a dSLR sensor be replaced with one that belongs to another model?

Question

My D7200 sensor needs replacement due to scratches and I've called a repair center (not a certified Nikon repair center) and they have offered me a reasonable price (about 200 USD). However, I've been concerned that the new sensor that they put into my camera would not be a genuine D7200 sensor (which is made by Toshiba) so I'm asking this question to find if it would even be possible to replace the sensor with one that does not belong to this model at all.

For instance, can they put a D5200 sensor in a D7200 or a similar case? Or does the camera only support the genuine sensor?

Answer 1

It is very, very unlikely that any such different-model swap would work, because the other electronics in the camera are tied intimately to the sensor. In the case of very similar models (one generation to the next, say), it's possible that all of that could be swapped in and still physically fit, but even that seems unlikely as improvements (and cost-saving measures!) often change the form factor as the design evolves.

There is certainly no market for knock-off or third-party fake sensor modules (as one might find with, say, power supply bricks). The market and margins just don't make that worth it.

So, I think it's likely you're getting what they say.

On the other hand, I'd urge you to be cautious about fetishizing one particular sensor make, model, or generation. All sensors in models of this level are of exceptional quality, and it's incredibly rare that there's an actual photographic situation where the minute differences between A+++ and A++++ actually have a visual (let alone artistic) impact on the results.

Answer 2

Sensor replacement, as done by a regular/authorized service center, will very likely be a module replacement - an assembly made of the sensor, a PCB, and some mounting hardware will be replaced as a unit.

Replacing a sensor as an actual component in that assembly would require someone (professional or enthusiast) very skilled in component level electronics repair. We are talking at least 0.25 Rossmanns of skill here. Theoretically, such a technician could fit a lower or higher grade of the same component (IF that component is sold binned/graded), or a reclaimed component from used or defective hardware. Also, they could indeed fit a similar but not identical part using the same pinout and protocol, or even make wiring changes (or a new PCB) to accomodate a part different in pinout but identical in protocol. Someone that skilled would probably proudly offer that service honest and above board.

This leaves the possibility of the spare part being a reclaimed assembly from an otherwise broken or discarded camera (hopefully not: stolen camera!), or a factory reject (which a reputable camera maker is unlikely to give away or sell intact, so it would be, excuse the pun, a half-inched sensor), or a sensor that another repairman swapped out as suspect or defective. In the first case, as long as that is done transparently, it would actually not be a bad deal. The second case would be worst, you would get bad quality and potentially own stolen property.

Theoretically, someone could also undertake to refurbish sensors that were swapped due to damage to the optical filters (IF that assembly allows economically replacing them).

Answer 3

Replacing camera sensor won't be possible. Even if it is, the amount of precision required to re-install the new one will not be possible to achieve with your unauthorised repair shop.

You're better off keeping those 200$ with you!