Canon vs. Nikon DSLR Statistics – Which is Better? (2025)

Introduction

Canon vs. Nikon DSLR Statistics: When discussing digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) Photography, both Canon and Nikon are leading companies that are trusted and used by millions of people worldwide.

Canon is a Japanese multinational company specialising in optical, imaging, and industrial products, like lenses, cameras, medical equipment, scanners, printers, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

In contrast, Nikon Corporation is also a Japanese optics and photographic equipment manufacturer that includes cameras, camera lenses, binoculars, microscopes, ophthalmic lenses, measurement instruments, rifle scopes, spotting scopes, and equipment.

This article presents several statistical analyses from different perspectives that capture the market position of both DSLR brands, including user base, usage, performance, reliability, sensor quality, video capability, lens focus, costs, and many other factors. All the detailed information will help you to choose which one is better.

Editor’s Choice

• According to a PDF published by Global Canon, in the first quarter of 2025, net sales totaled approximately USD 6.9 billion.
• Nikon Rumours reports for 2025 indicate that Nikon’s total revenue has reached USD 2.03 billion.
• According to reports from StarkInsider, Canon DSLRs captured the highest market share of 46.5% in 2024, followed by Nikon with an 11.3% share globally.
• PetaPixel reports that as of 2024, Canon’s DSLR market in Japan secured a share of 69.4%, while Nikon’s DSLR market share was 20.9%.
• As of 2023, the total shipment of Canon DSLRs and Nikon DSLRs was 920,000 units and 130,000 units, respectively.
• According to the Canon Global Financial Report, in 2025, the American region is expected to capture the highest sales of USD 9.39 billion (1,455.1 billion yen), a 32% increase from 2024.
• Electroiq reports that in the first quarter of 2024, overall sales of Nikon cameras, including SLR and DSLR cameras, and digital cinema cameras, were 220,000 units.

Company Comparison

• Canon was originally named Seikikōgaku kenkyūsho and formally renamed Precision Optical Industry Co., Ltd. from 1933 to 1947. It was later renamed Canon Camera Co., Inc. from 1947 to 1969.
• Nikon’s romanised name is Kabushiki-gaisha Nikon, which was founded on July 25, 1917.
• The headquarters of Canon.Inc. is located at Shimomaruko, Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, while Nikon is located at Nishi-Ōi, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan.
• Canon’s key products are SLR cameras, still cameras, photocopiers, digital cameras, camcorders, printers, scanners, binoculars, lenses, LCDs, ophthalmic instruments, magnetic heads, micro motors, and other office supplies.
• Besides, Nikon’s products include cameras, such as SLR and DSLR cameras, digital cinema cameras, binoculars and monoculars, binocular telescopes, laser rangefinders, field microscopes, precision equipment, microscopes, riflescopes, surveying equipment, regenerative medicine solutions, material processing equipment, ophthalmic lenses, and many other instrumental products.
• Canon Inc. operates in 256 countries worldwide in 2024.
• In recent years, Nikon forecasted the sale of almost 750,000 bodies and 1,200,000 lenses, with market shares of 13% and 11.4%, respectively.

By Market Analysis

(Reference: photorumors.com)

• According to reports from StarkInsider, Canon DSLRs captured the highest market share of 46.5% in 2024.
• Furthermore, the market shares of other DSLR companies during the same period were Sony (27.9%), Nikon (11.3%), Fujifilm (6%), and Panasonic (3.6%).
• During the same period, the total shipment of the top 5 DSLR companies was 7.18 million units, representing a 0.3% decrease in volume.
• In 2024, Canon stayed at the top of the global camera market for the 22nd year in a row by expanding its EOS R Series cameras and lenses lineup.
• According to reports from Pentax & Ricoh Rumours, in 2023, Canon’s total shipments of DSLRs were 920,000 units, while Nikon’s were 130,000 units.
• PetaPixel reports that as of 2024, Canon’s DSLR market in Japan secured a share of 69.4%.
• Meanwhile, Nikon’s DSLR market share in Japan was approximately 20.9% in 2024, representing a 17.1% increase from the previous year.

By Financial Report – Canon

• According to a PDF published by Global Canon, in the first quarter of 2025, net sales totalled approximately USD 6.9 billion (¥1.03 trillion), representing a 4.6% increase from the same period in 2024.
• Moreover, the operating profit increased by USD 650 million (¥96.5 billion), representing a 20.5% year-over-year (Y-o-Y) rise.

The quarterly financial comparison between Q1 of 2024 and Q1 2025 is stated in the table below:

By Financial Report – Nikon

• According to reports from Nikon Rumours in 2025, total revenue reached USD 2.03 billion (approximately ¥295.4 billion), representing a 5.6% year-over-year increase.
• Meanwhile, the operating profit for the same period was USD 284 million (¥41.3 billion), representing a 11.3% decline.

(Source: nikon.com)

• nikon.com further mentioned that the overall revenue estimated for the financial year 2025 will be USD 4.9 billion (¥715.3 billion).
• Similarly, the operating profit will be USD 16.5 million (2.4 billion), a decrease of 93.9%.

Furthermore, as of 2025, the other financial analyses are stated in the table below:

By Sales Statistics

Canon

(Source: global.canon)

• The sales graphical analysis shown above includes all Canon products, such as SLR cameras, still cameras, photocopiers, and digital cameras.
• According to the Canon Global Financial Report, in 2025, the American region is expected to capture the highest sales of USD 9.39 billion (1,455.1 billion yen), a 32% increase from 2024, resulting in USD 9.85 billion (1,429.2 billion yen).

Furthermore, other regions’ sales valuations are stated in the table below:

Nikon

• According to Electroiq’s reports, in the first quarter of 2024, Nikon’s overall camera sales, including SLR and DSLR cameras, as well as digital cinema cameras, totalled 220,000 units. Meanwhile, Nikon’s sales of camera lenses reached 330,000 units.
• Meanwhile, in the Q3 of the same year, the overall camera and lens sales figures turned out to be 250,000 units and 370,000 units, respectively.
• According to Wikipedia, the United States accounts for the highest sales of Nikon’s imaging products, including DSLRs, with a market share of 26%.
• Other countries are China (21%), Europe (21%), Japan (17%), and the rest of the world (15%).

Top 10 Model Specifications Analysis

Canon DSLR

Nikon DSLR

Performance & Reliability Comparison

• Both Canon and Nikon DSLRs are suitable for various photography needs, while also enabling higher performance.
• Nikon’s DSLRs have better reliability than Canon’s.
• Based on the Lens ecosystem, Canon’s EF mount offers a broad selection, while Nikon’s long-standing F-mount provides extensive lens compatibility.
• In case of user experience, Canon’s DSLRs are best for beginners, whereas Nikon is better for advanced users with deeper customization.
• Canon’s DSLRs feature magnesium alloy bodies with weather sealing, and Nikon’s DSLRs are known for their durable construction and weather resistance, suitable for challenging environments.

Conclusion

After completing the article on Canon vs. Nikon DSLR Statistics – Which is Better? It can be concluded that both Canon’s and Nikon’s DSLRs have different features, specifications, key performance metrics, market share, and user reliability data. However, the market share of Canon DSLRs is currently holding the strongest position globally against Nikon’s. But in the case of performance and design, Nikon’s range is much better.

Ultimately, the decision is yours on which DSLR is better, as it depends on users’ preferences, affordability, and purpose.