No idea but it needs a faster read out speed to compete with R6II and Z6III . If Sony makes that partially stacked sensor in the Z6III that could be one option but 33mp not 24mp. Sony needs a great entry level twin card slot camera to compete with the Z5II, which is doing very well in sales. I am not sure how Sony could do this whilst also competing with the Z6III and R6II. Especially on price, where Sony is already the most expensive. They could almost do with two new full frame, twin card slot cameras but I don't think that will happen.
Maybe they will drop it on the press like they did with the RX1R-III, no warning, just <Sony waves hand> Here you go!
I thought it could be the tarrif stuff that is delaying release dates and release info. I'm hoping for some new features like an increased megapixel count, pre-shot, faster burst mode and faster read/write speed. I'm quite happy with my A7iv, but I'd like a second body. Price is important, if its too expensive for what it offers over the A7iv, I'll probably consider another body or just make do with what I have.
Not sure you will get all of your wish list as it will hurt the A1 sales. I think 33mp is about right and still higher than the Z6III and R6III. Read out speed has to be improved, which forces them to come away from using the same sensor in two models ,which they have done so often in the past. Sony's biggest problem is if they bring out a camera which is better than the Z6III in almost every way it will be expensive. Leaving the amazing value for money Z5II on its own for price and spec (canon has the R8 but only one card slot). The Z5II is selling very well, it's a camera with no real completion in its price bracket. I would love to see Sony come out with a A7IVa, so the same camera with the new AI AF and maybe A9III grip but same lcd as the IV and price it closer to the Z5ii. At the same time come out with a kick ass A7V at a higher price point. I know they will not do this but it would be nice.
Tariffs are tax just us gringos pay, shouldn't impact release in other markets. I am in the market for a 2nd body to travel with, and thinking a possibility could be the A7V depending on specs. I would think (or at least hope) that they include CF Express. My guess is the announcement comes in September when there is a trade show I think in Amsterdam.
The A7R line got that slick LCD panel and the AI chip with the A7RV release. Sony would be foolish to upgrade it again so soon. And Sony execs are no fools.
The biggest reason I have 2 bodies is for a backup for the big trips, don't want to be out on a photography trip and not be able to take photos. I appear to be going down the path of selling the oldest body when I get a new one. Rarely do I find a need to take two bodies out with me at a time. The times that I have taken two bodies out have been in the spring when I plan on covering a small area for birding but the area also has the possibilities for some interesting macro or like this weekend I was doing bug macro and a 90mm just really isn't good for butterflies. I wouldn't go out and buy a 2nd body for this.
Since Wildlife is becoming a big thing for you I would suggest a used A1 over another A7R or an A7 body. As someone that has had an A7Riv and has an A1 and A1ii I can tell you that yes the AI chip helps with auto-focus but it is not as game changing as 50mp+30fps. The AF improvement going from A7Riv to A1 is far more than going from A1 (no AI chip) to A1ii. Getting an A7 body doesn't really add anything for you, which means that your use of it will be extremely limited, making it an expensive paperweight most of the time. Your 2nd body should be something that compliments your other camera or covers some area the other camera is less capable in. When I had the A7Riv and A1 the A1 was used for most things but if I was doing in home macro or going out for sunset or a landscape/flower thing I would take the A7Riv.
