What camera do photographers use?

Original title : “This camera brand is the most popular choice amongst professionals in 2024, reveals a survey“

By Nilofer Khan

Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm had a rollercoaster of a year. From camera launches to supply shortages, each brand had a share of triumphs and letdowns. But despite that, they persisted. So, as we say goodbye to 2024 today, we also want to highlight new statistics, which perhaps could impact the camera battle in 2025 and for the better. What is it about? Scroll down to find out!

Nikon and Canon Are Chosen By…

According to Mirrorless Rumors and Nikon Rumors, statistics shared by Shotkit showcases a distinct trend among buyers. The report states that Nikon is the most sought-after camera among professionals, with 31% of the users choosing it over Canon (which only 28% of professionals use) and Sony (20%). However, while Canon comes second as a choice for expert photographers, they have performed well when it comes to the amateur or beginner segment of users. The company was chosen by 27% of the segment, with Nikon coming in at 25% and Sony at a mere 16%. In addition, of the professional photographers, 7% use the Sony a7III, with others choosing the Canon R6 and Nikon D750 DSLR.

Some other statistics also reveal that mirrorless cameras are gradually gaining momentum, with 63% of professional photographers and 54% of amateur photographers choosing them over a DSLR. However, the latter, too, has users, with 36% of professionals still relying on it and 46% of amateurs buying it. The reason, the report states, is the size, lightness, and autofocus that impress these groups. DSLRs are still in demand due to their cost-effectiveness and range of existing lenses.

What Does it Say About 2025?

It must be mentioned that the study was done in February 2024, and since then, a lot has changed. Nikon Z9 has improved, and the ZF has also changed how we view retro cameras. However, while Canon launched its EOS R5 II, it hasn’t achieved the same fame as its APS-C camera, the R50 did. Similarly, when Sony a1 II was launched, many did not really feel the need to upgrade. Fujifilm, too, disappointed photographers with their latest X Summit releases.

The Shotkit report making rounds again on the internet may not mean too much at the moment, but it certainly is an indicator of what some professionals are using. However, when you compare this to camera market sales over the months, Nikon was rarely seen at the top spot. It was largely dominated by Canon and Sony. For instance, Canon sold 3.34 million units (46.5%), Sony sold 2 million units (27.9%), and Nikon came in third with 810,000 units (11.3%). Furthermore, another survey revealed that Canon was more trusted than Nikon and Sony.

While such statistics are important, they rarely help see the bigger picture. After all, trends come and go, and so does loyalty, which changes with user experience. Some Fujifilm users were tired of the autofocus, so despite the color presets, they moved to other brands. Similarly, when Nikon initially launched its mirrorless, it performed poorly. The same goes for Canon. Today, these companies have come forward leaps and bounds. However, statistics and market share are where the future of the companies lies. If it truly wants to retain its position, Nikon will have to improve its existing lineup, while Canon and Sony will have to follow the same. It remains to be seen what the future holds, but by the year’s end, there is a lot yet to be explored.

(Source : thephoblographer.com)