I found this the other day and found it quite interesting, seeing as I've just opted for the Sony Alpha a700 12mp camera rather than a Canon.
Sony confirms 24mp sensor in Alpha flagship dSLR
February 13th, 2008
Sony quickly ended speculation about whether the new 24mp sensor would show up in the yet to be officially named “flagship” dSLR. Soon after Sony announced the full frame sensor, several high-profile Sony doubters expressed their opinion that Sony would never use the sensor in their own cameras, because after all “Sony would never dare to challenge Nikon and Canon in the pro arena.”
Here is what
technology site Gizmodo had to say when Sony took the wraps off the new sensor: “Sony isn’t about to pop it in one of its Alpha models, at least not as far as we can tell.” That idea was echoed by several other commentators.
That sound you hear is those same forecasters gnashing their teeth after Sony proclaimed that, yes indeed, the upcoming flagship will be equipped with the big full frame sensor. So much for the theory that Sony is afraid of competing in the professional category.
Sony Alpha flagship will boast full frame sensor, 24+ megapixels
Sony has said the flagship will ship this year. Many observers are suggesting a Photokina timeframe. (September) Sony hasn’t confirmed that — in fact Sony hasn’t said that the dSLR will be known as the A900, although many people have already started calling it that. Sony has firmly said the dSLR will ship in 2008.
The flagship will be full frame and pack more than 24mp.
"All of a sudden those Sony haters have started to get rather quiet".
Looks like Sony may be in this for the long haul after all!!