Sony overtakes Nikon as the second-largest camera manufacturer in the world

According to Nikkei, Sony has outstripped Nikkon's digital camera sales this year, promoting the former to the second largest manufacturer in that market. Nikon expects to record a loss for this quarter, which it attributes to the double-threat of a shrinking market and stronger competitors.

By contrast, Sony is continuing to invest in its digital camera subdivision and intends to usurp Canon by 2021. BCN reports that Sony has sold about 20% more cameras this year than it did in 2018, with Nikon going the opposite way with a 25% contraction in sales. Meanwhile, Canon experienced a 13% drop in revenue too.

Sony is already the market leader on full-frame cameras, with a market share of 37%. This has been helped by comparatively aggressive pricing on Sony's part, particularly the US$800 that it has been charging for the A7 with a camera kit thrown in too. By contrast, Nikon prices its Z6 with a zoom kit at well over double that. While the latter is newer and its lens has an f/4 aperture, price-conscious buyers will likely choose the camera that offers better value for money.

Nikon's late entry into the mirrorless camera market has impacted upon sales figures too, with the company releasing the Z6 well after Sony had gained a foothold. Nikon claims that it is restructuring to make its camera division more profitable again, but it remains to be seen whether it can regain ground on Sony's march to the top.