Sony Ranks #2 in U.S. Full-Frame Interchangeable Lens Camera Market

According to TheImagingAlliance, Sony has overtaken Nikon to become the #2 market leader in full-frame interchangeable lens cameras.

From TheImagingAlliance:

By Jackie Augustine

SAN DIEGO, April 14, 2017 – Sony Electronics – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has announced today that their continued growth has vaulted them into the #2 overall position in the U.S. full-frame interchangeable lens camera market.

Sony’s interchangeable lens cameras and lenses have seen record sales in 2017, in particular within the U.S. full-frame camera market, where they have experienced double-digit growth (+23%) compared to the same period last year. The popularity of key models including a7RII and a7SII has been paramount to this success.

Additionally, Sony’s rapid growth has helped to drive growth of the overall full-frame interchangeable lens camera market compared to the same period last year. Without Sony’s contributions, the full-frame market would be facing a slight decline.

“Our commitment to the industry is stronger than ever,” said Neal Manowitz, VP of Digital Imaging at Sony North America. “We are always listening to our customers, combining their feedback with our intense passion for innovation to deliver products, services and support like no other.”

While this news may seem surprising, it should be noted that Nikon is still solidly #2 in the overall interchageable lens camera market (with crop-sensor cameras included). Also, I believe the statement "without Sony’s contributions, the full-frame market would be facing a slight decline" incorrectly assumes that those who purchased a full-frame Sony camera within the past year would not have purchased a competitor's camera if the Sony cameras were unavailable.

With that said, there's no doubt that Sony is selling a fair amount of a7R II and a7S II cameras; I see them frequently when photographing in downtown Savannah and while exploring nearby cities. [Sean]

B&H carries Sony full-frame cameras.