Sony overtakes Nikon?


By Andrew Hudson Published: April 14, 2017 Updated: June 27, 2017

Sony says that “their continued growth has vaulted them into the #2 overall position in the U.S. full-frame interchangeable lens camera market” (source, 4/14/17). This is based on research by The NPD Group using dollar numbers for January and February 2017 for what they call the “U.S., Detachable Lens Camera, Full Frame” market. Although not mentioned by name, presumably Nikon is the supplanted company (and presumably Canon is still the #1 overall).

However, there are several caveats that should be noted. The conclusion is based on:

  • data via Sony (and there’s been no reply by Nikon)
  • the full-frame market, whereas most cameras are not full-frame. Full-frame means cameras with sensors in the old 35mm size of 36mm x 24mm, which pits mainly the Sony α7R II and α7S II cameras against the Nikon D750 and D810.
  • two months — which obviously does not a year make — and possibly the two slowest months
  • dollars rather than units sold, so Sony make have sold less full-frame cameras than Nikon but at higher prices

Meanwhile, over at Flickr, camera usage has been stable for the past year. The rankings are:

  1. Apple
  2. Canon
  3. Samsung
  4. Nikon
  5. Sony

On the plus side, it’s nice to see vigorous competition, and it provides an excuse to show the new $4,500 α9 camera, which I would like someone to give me:


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