Silverhair2048 Loc: Houston, TX, USA

Granted I don't have a whole lot of experience with either Nikon(3 cameras, 14 lenses) or Canon(1 camera, 6 lenses). But I get the impression that Canon isn't seen as an equal to Nikon. I could be terribly wrong and will apologize for my thoughts. But if cameras are seen in TV shows what brand shows up more often? If you are near an accident with news reporters taking photos what brand do you see more often? If a family is on a playground and photos are being taken what brand do you see?

Thanks for reading my ramblings.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Sorry, I don't pay attention to what camera others have/use.

BebuLamar

They are definitely not seen as equal and which is better depends on who you're talking about. I see in TV movies there are more Canon than Nikon. New reporters now use smart phones quite often.
But then does it matter?????

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

On playgrounds, you won't see anything but cell phones.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You're quite right, Canon is not seen as equal to Nikon, nor any other brand. Not by the market, not by the industry. Canon is seen as far, far superior, commanding 50% of the global market for more than 20 years, since the mid 1990s. As recently as 2022 numbers, 5 of every 10 cameras sold worldwide were Canon EOS technology, followed by just over 2 for Sony and 1 for Nikon.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

First and most important, do your research and pick the camera body and lens set that is right for you at the time you are ready to purchase. You will find that each camera body has it's advantages and disadvantages for a particular genre of photography. Brand loyalty is one thing, but don't become a fanboy and don't let fanboys bully you into their brand as there are a few very good brands out there.

I went looking for my first real camera in 1979 with the birth of my first child, it was widely accepted that Nikon was a brand more for the professional and Canon was the brand for enthusiasts. I ended up with an AE-1. Nikon's had better weather sealing and were considered very rugged. They just plain worked under very difficult conditions. Of course Nikons were more expensive than Canons. Sure enough, my AE-1 failed on a 10 day hike through the Sangre De Cristo mountains of New Mexico during wet and foggy conditions at about 9000 ft. I swore to myself I would eventually buy Nikon.

Although I never stopped shooting film, when digital started, I tried a couple of different brands but was fond of a Lumix 5mp FZ20 bridge camera, which I purchased around 2005 and used it until about 2017 (I still have it and it still takes good photos) when I bought a Nikon D7200 24mp DX body with 14-140mm kit lens. I love that camera and still use it today for street photography. Nikon earned my loyalty with that camera. I added a D800, D500, D850 over the years and now have a Z9 with about 15 f mount lenses and 4 Z mount S lenses along with a Megadap 21 adapter and Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 birding lens. I looked at other systems when it was obvious mirrorless was the future, but my D850 was still taking amazing photos, so was in no hurry to switch. I almost went with another system when the Z9 was announced. I knew it wouldn't take better pictures than my D850, but I knew it would increase my keeper rate and it does. It was the right decision for me. Make the right decision for you and don't let anyone else help you spend your money.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

The aerial camera market in the USA is estimated at $1.3 billion. DJI is reported to have 80% of it. I wonder how that fits in camera sales figures?

I don't have a Canon or a Nikon. I have 3 DJI's, a Sony, 2 Panasonics, an Olympus and a Samsung for taking pictures and shooting video clips. I must be reading the wrong magazines!

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

All major brands make exceptional cameras and lenses. Name recognition and advertising budget will propel one ahead of another in sales, but all are equally good.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I see by perusing your user page that underneath this posting is an actual question. I'm pretty confident that the questions you are asking won't get you to the answers you are are seeking.

For instance...instead of asking which camera brand shows up most often on TV or in movies, I'd ask myself, "who is watching this show which models Nikon cameras?" or "who is paying to see this movie where every character seems to have a Canon camera?" That would likely provide you with more insight.

I went to the camera store in 2006 to buy a specific model made by one of those two makers, but came away with the mostly equivalent model by the other maker instead. There were some very specific differences that drove that choice, and so far, the choice would still be the same if made today. In the intervening years, I've discovered other things about my brand (and the other brand) that have solidified my choice.

While both Nikon and Canon cameras are designed and made very well, especially the higher level models, there are some very real differences in the design and operation of cameras made by each of them. Each favors the process of different folks. Early-on, there were some significant differences in images captured by the two brands, but those have largely disappeared or can be adjusted out.

If you really "use" your camera, making numerous adjustments, especially if you live near the edge of its capabilities, I suggest being very careful about changing brands, unless there is something very specific that you want to do and can't. And if you know for sure that the other brand can do it. If it's just a box with a hole for a lens, this is less the case.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

When you think all the brands are the same, you own the wrong brand.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Since Leica and Hasselblad have fewer sales and a smaller market share than Canon does that mean Canon is “far superior” than those two?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

With the wrong brand, success is probably 99% luck. But with Canon equipment, it's 100% the photographer.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

A non-answer.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Only answers permitted?
No quips?

BTW - wasn't your post, as mine, is a "non-answer".