Why are Nikon and Canon D-SLRs so popular?

Question

As a person with no allegiance to any specific make, I find their dominating digital market share a bit intriguing.

I understand Nikon and Canon have dominated the film scene for many years, but I can't figure out why they still have such a large following on the digital format. The cameras they design are built like film cameras which happen to store digitally, like staying to the 3:2 format, and such. Other companies are moving to a more computer friendly 4:3 format, and building digital cameras from the ground up to suit their purpose. It would seem to me that if someone wanted to shoot digitally, they would want to shoot with a camera made specifically to do just that, right?

I'm not bashing Canon and Nikon (I own a Canon and a Nikon film SLR), but I just don't understand it. Is it because all these photographers who used to shoot on film are familiar with the Canon and Nikon feel, and don't want to buy new lenses, or is it because they still have the best product?

Answer 1

Nikon and Canon haven't exactly been sitting still. Just remember that any camera system is built upon the optical foundation of it's lenses and their designers.

Nikon and Canon lenses have been the standard for real world photographers for generations. I'm not knocking Leica, Zeiss, etc, but most professionals who make a living with their cameras use Nikon and/or Canon systems.

You mention the format (3:2 vs 4:3). In photography, that's not important, because few serious photographers take a photograph cropped that tightly. Even in the world of 35mm film, you had different ratios for wallet, 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, & 11x14 prints. Those have always been the "standard sizes" for prints. Besides, if all your images are captured in 4:3 ratio, what happens to the creative possibilites lost above and below the image center?

One can build a camera from the ground up, but notice that hybrid gas-electric, alternate-fuel, and other innovative automobiles aren't built by "ground-up" companies, but by auto companies with resources and experience.

Pentax makes good cameras. Minolta/Konica/Sony does as well. So does Olympus.

But when a professional's livelihood depends upon a system that is well-built, dependable, sharp, and not obsoleted every few years, Nikon and Canon become the cameras of choice.

I've shot Exacta, Leica, Konica, Minolta, Pentax, Kowa, Mamiya, Yashica, Kodak, Fuji, HP, Canon, & Nikon. Every one of them had strengths and weaknesses.

Currently, I shoot Nikon (because of lenses I've accumulated over the years), but have recommended Canon at times.

These two companies dominate because of the quality of their products and the range of their systems.

Answer 2

I too own a Canon DSLR and a Nikon film SLR. Plus some Minoltas and even a workign Seagull.

Throughout my experience with cameras, there have been some gems. Minolta X-300 and X-700 matched with Rokkor lenses. Canon A1. The incomparable Olympus OM-1. The Nikon FM series. It is not only Nikon and Canon that produce good cameras and lenses. I have felt Canon and Nikon have dominated popular SLR with the ability to produce quality products time and time again. I have developed a trust with the brand names. And not based on hype but based on my experience with their products.

Even now, I have handled some offerings of DSLR from newcomers Sony, some from reputable names like Olympus. Though again there are some gems other than from Nikon and Canon, e.g. Fuji S2 Pro, it is Canon and Nikon that has the best range and selection.

If tomorrow they change format, then I'll accept that.

Maybe there will emerge another that will strongly challenge these two, but not within the forseeable future.

Answer 3

Both digital camera organizations produce one of the vital first-class cameras on the earth be it movie or virtual (SLR type). You will see that they're used everywhere in the international by way of all forms of photographers authentic and beginner alike. They are used for weddings, graphics, snapshots, journey images, newspapers, magazines and are in warfare zones. You desire a digital camera so that you can take abuse however nonetheless provide you what you desire whilst you wish to have the shot. This involves the lenses and flashes for those cameras. Most experts recognise the change whilst procuring a 300mm f~two.eight lens and why they're getting it. Your ratio element that you're utilizing for the virtual SLR, is anything the manufactures have lenses to catch up on this that are as a rule affected on the vast perspective variety. I shoot on Nikons and I can pull out a lens that's approximately 25 years historic (55mm macro) nevertheless it works simply pleasant on a brand new DSLR (D100, D200 and D2Xs). How many different cameras can nonetheless do this. Others will consider this is senseless however that's for me and others that like the reality they stayed with the identical mount method identical approach with the scorching shoe flash. If it relatively stricken me capturing on this structure I could simply shoot on my Bronica medium structure digital camera. I will persist with my Nikon's Hope this is helping, Kevin

Answer 4

I agree with those who say that the lens system is already in place.

Now that they have left the film market, watch Pentax come on pretty strong. They have a vast catalog of lenses also and their digital bodies are catching up with Nikon and Canon with features and perceived quality. In fact, their integrated shake reduction has the others beat, as a few of our users often point out. I asked a question about the versatility of the system, though, compared to lens-based systems and did not get any meaningful answers...

Answer 5

The biggest answer, Advertising. You see Nikon/Canon Ads all over the place, On TV, radio, profesional ball games, etc...

When was the last time you heard a Pentax radio announcemnt or an Olympus TV spot promoting their DSRL?

I've seen stuff for the compacts, but neither one has the clout (currently) to go after the Big Boys at C/N.

However, your not paying for their advertising either.....
eg Nikons 12-24 f4 (retail location $999)
Pentax 12-24 f4 (retail location $799)

Pentax AF540g flash (retail location $399)
Canon 580 II (retail location $499)

are a few examples.

Answer 6

It's the power of marketing and reputation that makes them so dominant. They have been two of the biggest names in photography over the last twenty years. It also helps that they make quality products.

Answer 7

lens range and quality