AFAIK it's exactly the same sensor as in d90/d300, at least that what I was told by Leica salesman at Leica Store

Agreed - M9 = Kodak and X1 = Sony (Nikon D300..) The reference to the EVIL system was only to confirm that it was the same sensor by very early Evil reports. It was not to suggest changes to the newer Sony sensors - which have been bouncing around for over a year now. (Early reports were that Nikon passed on the very early versions because of noise issues. 12+months ago.)

As for the D90/300s vs 300 sensors there is definitely a difference. Published specs are the same but comparing my 300 to 300s/&90-s it is different and more than just software. I did catch an article (sorry I do not write them all down - Pop photo I think) that the D300 sensor could not handle the heat produced by video so a new design was put in place.

For my poto-hobby, I really could care less on additional resolution but it will be fun to see what Nikon does with an Evil system. I love available light and I haven't been impressed with the micro 4/3s or what I have seen from the Sony examples. I have a G11 and for the size, build, function and low light capabilities, I have a hard time justifying the need for a similar lens swappable camera. ISO 1600 looks great about 30% of the time which is much better than any other compact I have used and is equal or better to the Pen2 and much better than the GF1(reason:IS/VR). If the Evil system can use existing Nikon lenses they will sell a ton of them, But I am not holding my breath.

The Leica M9 uses a Kodak designed and built sensor. The Leica X1 uses the "same" sensor found on the Nikon D300.

TaoTeJared said:

I have seen a couple of postings that are suggesting that Nikon's new Evil system would be based on the same sensor and those were posted over a year ago.

??? You didn't look carefully because I started an "EVIL" thread a few days ago where we discuss the 14mp Sony NEX sensor showing up on a Nikon. In fact it's been pretty much confirmed that a video capable 14mp & 16mp Sony Sensors are going to be announced soon and I think it's a safe bet that we'll see those sensors in some new Nikon models too.

As for the D90 D300 sensors, if Nikon makes any kind of tweaks (which they say they have) on the D300S sensor then technically they are correct in saying it's not the "same" sensor as the D90 D300. Even though those tweaks are very small and not a drastic change. In fact Nikon can actually say their cameras have Nikon sensors because they "tweak" them and they no longer considered them to be Sony sensors. Even though we know they are.

What I have read from Nikon is that the D90 and D300 sensors are two different sensor units even if the effective pixels are the same. Could be that the D300s and D90 are the same.

I highly doubt that they are the same, but I'm sure they are very similar. What I did find was that the sensor for sure was made by Sony.

I have seen a couple of postings that are suggesting that Nikon's new Evil system would be based on the same sensor and those were posted over a year ago.

Late to the discussion on this, but might it be a Kodak sensor? I know the M series digitals use Kodak sensors.

Quite plausible, as the "effective" megapixel count is total megapixel minus mask area. Quite easy to believe Leica is masking more.
Total pixel count would be an interesting number as well.

Well we know it's a Sony sensor that's for sure. I'd say it probably uses the D300 sensor. Might explain the $2000USD price.

D300
23.6 x 15.8 mm 12.3 effective megapixels
D90
23.6 x 15.8 mm 12.3 effective megapixels
X1
23.6 x 15.8 mm 12.2 effective megapixels

Sony a700
23.5 x 15.6 mm 12.2 effective megapixels

Does anyone know whose sensor Leica uses in the 12 MP CMOS X-1? A rangefinder D90, even with fixed 35/2.8 would be a great camera. At the price, well... But still, a great camera.