Analysis of digital camera market share between Canon and Sony

[Canon_Guy]

Also, Sony makes more profit than Canon selling fewer cameras.

This surprises me. Looking at Canon prices I would expect larger profit margins for Canon.

 

[JustUs7]

$507B vs $565B is not profit. It’s revenue. The video didn’t disclose the line of business profit margin. Not sure where that data might be available.

I stated that these numbers are gross sales. I don't believe it is a stretch to think that Sony could be more profitable than Canon since they have 11.4% higher gross sales than Canon while making this revenue on 20% fewer cameras. Also, profit margins are greater on upper tier cameras which Sony is very likely selling in higher volumes. I think we are going to see a much smaller market share gap between them when DSLRs and M cameras are no longer included in Canon's sales data in substantial numbers.

It’s a fair assumption. I’m just saying we don’t know. We also can’t pretend DSLR sales don’t exist. They’re all sales. It will be interesting to see how things shake out over the next few years as DSLR users are left with no choice but to migrate to Mirrorless when they have to upgrade.

I wonder how long Canon will continue to manufacture items last updated in 2018?

 

[cocoanud]

I think it’s pretty impressive that Canon is selling more MILCs than Sony given the head start enjoyed by Sony. It may well be a struggle however to get to approx 50% of that market once DSLRs fall away..

I agree. Now that Canon has about every camera slot covered from high to low end (R1 being an exception) I wonder if they will start being more aggressive with dropping DSLRs. I think they will at some point they will since no new DSLRs are coming to market. Plus, they have killed off the M system now so whatever sales there they are getting will dry up too. So Canon's MILC number of 1.54 million without M system camera sales might be even closer to Sony's 1.25 million units when M camera sales dry up completely.

+1. With the R50 I think Canon have a reasonably good competitor in the lower end. The top Pro end (as in earn a living from photography pro) will always be somewhat vacuous. A pro who has an R5 currently will not hesitate to switch up to the theoretical R1 or R5 II so the demand will always be there.

I personally am hoping and expecting Canon to spread the DiG!C-X capabilities into PowerShot line as well. They have already set the precedence by pricing the G5X-II and G1X-III in the almost $1000 price range. I would be disappointed if they don't bring in the updated JPEG engines into PowerShot at the very least... but would be elated if they bring the AF and JPEG prowess into PowerShot lines as well.

The upgrade to G1X-III at its price MUST get the better AF and JPEG abilities.. and the Fv mode too if I am being greedy.

--C

 

[Leigh A]

Unlike a singular product, with Interchangeable lens cameras people invest in a "system" often costing thousands or even tens of thousands of $$, thus, they simply can't afford the inevitable loss incurred switching brands; and that equates to them being "captive clientele".

If one company is far in the lead as to captive clientele, they are less inclined to compete in either pricing or innovation.

It was obvious when Sony developed their advanced 36MP low noise/ wide DR sensor, Nikon realized they needed that technology to stay in the game, even if it meant buying and using Sony sensors; while Canon took more than 5 years to catch up, and then likely only because their EF lenses were adaptable to Sony Cameras, making switching more affordable.

Some may think that the dominance of the Company that makes the camera they own somehow elevates them, but as consumer's, we gain when market shares are more equal, as that equates to more competition in both innovation, and pricing.

 

[David Franklin]

Oh, yeah, my Dad can beat up your Dad.

My Dad is dead so .....

So is mine, so…it’s a metaphor, of course. Sorry about your Dad.

 

[MikeJ9116]

$507B vs $565B is not profit. It’s revenue. The video didn’t disclose the line of business profit margin. Not sure where that data might be available.

I stated that these numbers are gross sales. I don't believe it is a stretch to think that Sony could be more profitable than Canon since they have 11.4% higher gross sales than Canon while making this revenue on 20% fewer cameras. Also, profit margins are greater on upper tier cameras which Sony is very likely selling in higher volumes. I think we are going to see a much smaller market share gap between them when DSLRs and M cameras are no longer included in Canon's sales data in substantial numbers.

It’s a fair assumption. I’m just saying we don’t know. We also can’t pretend DSLR sales don’t exist. They’re all sales. It will be interesting to see how things shake out over the next few years as DSLR users are left with no choice but to migrate to Mirrorless when they have to upgrade.

I wonder how long Canon will continue to manufacture items last updated in 2018?

I just went to Canon's website and they are down to seven DSLR bodies in stock of which three are FF and four are APS-C. There are 29 EF/EF-S lenses in stock of which only eighteen are FF lenses. One reason why they are keeping EF/EF-S lenses around might be because they are needed to supplement the RF lens catalog. They will probably stop selling DSLRs long before they stop selling EF/EF-S lenses.

 

[MikeJ9116]

Unlike a singular product, with Interchangeable lens cameras people invest in a "system" often costing thousands or even tens of thousands of $$, thus, they simply can't afford the inevitable loss incurred switching brands; and that equates to them being "captive clientele".

If one company is far in the lead as to captive clientele, they are less inclined to compete in either pricing or innovation.

It was obvious when Sony developed their advanced 36MP low noise/ wide DR sensor, Nikon realized they needed that technology to stay in the game, even if it meant buying and using Sony sensors; while Canon took more than 5 years to catch up, and then likely only because their EF lenses were adaptable to Sony Cameras, making switching more affordable.

Some may think that the dominance of the Company that makes the camera they own somehow elevates them, but as consumer's, we gain when market shares are more equal, as that equates to more competition in both innovation, and pricing.

IMO, one of the reasons we are enjoying such robust Canon cameras at all price points is because Canon needed something to keep their users in the fold since the RF lens catalog is lacking in many areas. This worked on me because I was at a crossroads and then the R8 came along and planted me firmly in the Canon ecosystem. The R8 has no equal from any other brand or even close to equal. It was the camera I have wanted ever since the R system was launched and it makes me willing to put up with limited lens option to use it.

 

[MikeJ9116]

Oh, yeah, my Dad can beat up your Dad.

My Dad is dead so .....

So is mine, so…it’s a metaphor, of course. Sorry about your Dad.

It was my poor attempt at humor. I am sorry for your loss too.