Just because everyone else is buying it, doesn't mean it's the right camera for you

A recent Bloomberg report indicated that Canon held 44.5 percent of the camera market, with Nikon increasing its share to 29.7 percent. I immediately questioned these findings as the majority of cameras I see in the field tend to be Nikon. Were my impressions a fluke, or perhaps a regional trend specific to the New York area? I decided to run my own poll to find out. The results streamed in from all over the globe:

As you can see, the results of my poll were remarkably similar to the initial report. Canon still held the lead, but by a slightly smaller percentage.

So what does this mean if anything?

First, I think it's important to point out that both brands are equally capable in the right hands. I've seen amazing photography created with everything from $20 plastic Holgas, to the most expensive Leica, and everything in between.

Ultimately, this type of healthy competition is in the best interest of the consumer as each company works to gain market share through price cuts and added features. The result is a wide array of professional quality DSLRs with reasonable sticker prices. As this trend continues, the line between the super high-end and prosumer bodies will become increasingly blurred.

Considering this ongoing tug-o-war, it can be difficult to pinpoint which camera is right for you. Besides Canon and Nikon, there are excellent Pentax models, Sony, Olympus, Fuji, and more. Before deciding on one, I recommend looking into their entire line of dedicated lenses and flashes. Remember, you're not just buying into a camera body, but rather an entire system of products. 

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Comments

[Martha Page]

That's true Chris! There are so many wonderful brand of camera's out there to choose from and if you have the eye and the skills you can make amazing photos with any brand of camera. I have always used Canon, because my first 35mm camera was a Canon and I just feel comfortable with their line. But, If I found a good deal on another brand, I will buy it! LOL
I do however love my $25.00 Holga! I have taken some amazing photos with it.

[NYIP]

Indeed, lots of great gear on the market, and it doesn't need to break the bank to be effective.

[Patricia Hilliard]

I used to have a Canon, but then I heard the old joke about wearing a "cannon" around your neck. Some cameras have very heavy lenses. So I went with a light weight camera--an Olympus, and no longer have headaches from carrying a "cannon" around my neck. Ergonomics is another consideration.

[Veronica Salazar]

I went Nikon when I started with photography and don't regret it a bit! I love Nikon's performance in low light.

[Roy]

An aspect I seldom see mentioned is service. I don't know what it is like is the U.S. and other countries, but in South Africa Nikon is the only distributor that has it own service department. All other brands "outsource" their service and guarantees to a specialist company. In a large centre, one may find specialist shops to service, but being based in a rural town, I don't like selling a camera when it can take anything from 3-8 weeks for a repair, in or out of guarantee, as against seven days. I will supply a client with any camera they want, but if asked for advice, will always recommend Nikon, for service and also the other factors which make it a good camera.
Roy

[Ron]

I started in 1971 with a Cannon FTB, a very solid and well built camera. Im sure Nikon had the same back then. I was loving photography and took lots of slides. i sort of got away from the art and put my FTB away. Now Im renewing my interest and going digital. Since joining NYIP and as a student I looked at lots of digital cameras. Im now leaning toward Nikon but i know Cannon is very good also. i just liked some things I found on the Nikon I want to get, but will always love my first camera that was a Cannon.

[Norm]

My first dslr was a Sony alpha a300, I upgraded to an a700. Then jumped to Nikon because of the lack of supporting accessories for the Sony/Minolta line. I don't regret the change over at all.