The chip in the new Nikon is I think the new Sony chip which was mentioned some time ago so a 24mp Sony is presumably in the wings. The limiting factor will indeed be the resolving power of the lens and any imperfections (which all lenses have) will be cruelly shown up.

Yes, I think Sony are still makers and suppliers to just about every camera manufacturer, except Canon.
How soon after a new Nikon this sensor appears in one of their own branded cameras I think depends largely on the deal struck.....it was quite a while (nearly a whole season) before Sony brought out some of their previuos launches fitted with the same sensor plate as earlier Nikon launches.

Samsung have now entered the fray, they supply sensors for their own model GX-20 and the Pentax equivalent model K20D. A bit more competition can't do anyone any harm.

Duncan

I stand corrected, thanks Duncan....I'd forgotten about Pentax (like many do) ;)

...and don't forget the Foveon sensor in the Sigma DSLRs

...............or Fuji, the S5 is a much under rated camera.

ok, and leaf et all :)