Sony Z5ii Camera Review: Why the IMX410 Sensor is Still Dominating in 2025

While the BSI IMX410 sensor in the Z5 shows notable advancements over the Z5’s older IMX157 (also found in the a7ii), this seven-year-old technology has clearly reached its limits. The sensor’s potential has been fully tapped, leaving little room for differentiation—today’s competing models essentially repackage the same IMX410 with different lens mounts and minor tuning variations.

Sony Z5ii Camera Review: Why the IMX410 Sensor is Still Dominating in 2025
Sony Z5ii Camera Review: Why the IMX410 Sensor is Still Dominating in 2025

The irony is palpable when comparing the 2018 a7iii at ¥15K with the upcoming 2025 Z5ii at ¥10K—their static image quality remains virtually identical. Should Sony continue pushing marginal upgrades while rivals like Canon, Panasonic, and OVT struggle to introduce compelling alternatives, we might witness the IMX410’s remarkable endurance stretching well into 2030.

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By WMCN

34 thoughts on “Sony Z5ii Camera Review: Why the IMX410 Sensor is Still Dominating in 2025”
  1. It’s interesting to see how even a great sensor like the IMX410 can start to show its age after so many years. I wonder if Sony will focus more on lens improvements rather than sensor tech for future Z series models. The price drop compared to older models is pretty significant, but I hope that doesn’t come at the cost of quality. It’ll be tough for competitors to differentiate themselves if they’re all using the same base sensor.

  2. It’s interesting to see how even a great sensor like the IMX410 can hit a wall after so many years. I wonder if Sony is holding back on new tech to keep their higher-end models competitive, but it seems unfair to charge more for what’s essentially the same thing. Still, the Z5ii might have some tricks up its sleeve with those lens mount tweaks. Time will tell if it really stands out.

  3. It’s interesting how Sony’s older sensors are still holding up well, but I can see why newer models might feel like incremental updates rather than breakthroughs. I wonder if this will push Sony to innovate more quickly or stick with what works for now.

    1. That’s a great observation! Sony’s legacy sensors like the IMX410 indeed continue to deliver impressive performance, and it makes sense that newer models focus on refinements rather than radical changes. Personally, I think this balance allows them to maintain reliability while gradually incorporating innovations. Thanks for sharing your thoughts—it’s always insightful to hear readers’ perspectives!

  4. It’s interesting how the IMX410 has stuck around for so long, but I can see why it’s still relevant despite being outdated. I wonder if Sony could have pushed more innovation into the Z5ii instead of just repackaging old tech.

    1. Absolutely, it’s a valid point! While the IMX410 is impressive for its time, it’s clear Sony could have explored more cutting-edge innovations. At the same time, the sensor’s longevity speaks to its reliability and performance, which might be why they chose to repurpose it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts—it’s always great to hear different perspectives!

  5. It’s interesting how Sony is still relying on such an old sensor tech. I guess it makes sense cost-wise, but it feels like they could push more innovation especially at higher price points. The comparison to the a7iii really highlights the stagnation. Looking forward to seeing if future models can finally bring something new to the table.

  6. It’s interesting how Sony managed to extract so much performance from the IMX410 over the years, but I can see why they’d want to push for something new soon. For budget-conscious buyers though, it still offers solid value despite being outdated tech.

  7. It’s interesting how Sony’s older sensors can still hold their ground, but I wonder if the price drop on newer models will push more people to upgrade. The fact that they’re just repackaging the same tech makes me think twice about investing in the Z5ii. Still, it’s impressive that the IMX410 has lasted this long in terms of performance. I hope future updates bring more than just cosmetic changes.

  8. It’s interesting how Sony managed to keep the IMX410 relevant for so long, but I can see why they’re ready to move on. For budget-conscious buyers, though, it’s great that this tech is still offering solid performance despite being outdated.

  9. It’s interesting how Sony managed to keep the IMX410 relevant for so long, but I can see why it’s starting to feel outdated compared to newer sensors on the market. For budget-conscious buyers, though, it still offers solid performance at a great price point.

  10. It’s interesting how Sony managed to keep squeezing performance out of the IMX410 for so long, but I can see why they’d want to move on soon. For budget-conscious buyers, though, it still offers solid value despite being an older tech.

  11. It’s interesting how Sony managed to keep the IMX410 relevant for so long, but I can see why it’s starting to feel outdated next to newer sensors. For that price drop from the a7iii to the Z5ii, though, it might still be worth considering if you’re loyal to the brand.

  12. It’s interesting to see how the IMX410 has stuck around for so long, but I can definitely see why it’s still relevant despite being outdated tech. For budget-conscious buyers, it makes sense that Sony would stick with something reliable rather than invest in entirely new sensors.

  13. It’s interesting how the IMX410 has stuck around for so long, but I can see why it’s still relevant despite being outdated. For budget-conscious buyers, it makes sense that these older sensors are repackaged into newer models, but I hope we’ll start seeing more innovation soon.

    1. Absolutely, there’s something to be said for the reliability and cost-effectiveness of proven technology like the IMX410. While innovation is always exciting, repurposing these sensors ensures accessibility for those who need solid performance without breaking the bank. Here’s hoping the industry strikes a balance between legacy support and cutting-edge advancements! Thanks for sharing your thoughts—great point!

  14. It’s interesting how the IMX410 has stuck around for so long, but I can see why it’s still relevant despite being seven years old. I wonder if Sony could’ve pushed more innovation into the Z5ii instead of just repackaging an old sensor.

    1. Absolutely, it’s a valid point! While the IMX410’s longevity speaks to its reliability, there’s no denying that pushing more innovation could’ve made the Z5ii even more compelling. Still, sometimes classic tech finds its niche by excelling where it matters most. Thanks for sharing your thoughts—always great to hear different perspectives!

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