POTN -- who are we?

Just spent some time browsing a few "rumors" threads, along with a few Nikon threads, and I became very curious.

Many of these types of threads often develop into discussions about how Canon has fallen behind, how Nikon is ruling the roost, and how Canon had better get a clue.

So I did a little research -- could the members of this fine forum actually have their finger on the pulse of whats going on?

Here are some numbers:

1) POTN Members -- 158,929

2) DSLRS sold, 2007 -- 7.5 million

Thats a little more that 46 camera bodies purchased for every member last year (I bought one.)

From those numbers, I would presume that there might be a number of opinions out in the marketplace that aren't reflected here on a regular basis.

So, who are we? If you were a market researcher, and you surveyed the membership at POTN, what kind of weight would you give to what you learned?

I look forward to your thoughts........

Personally I am sticking with Canon. The camera is a tool, I can't blame my photos on problems with my tools. Most of the complainers are tools....but that is another story.

I think we are very weighted towards the higher end of the DSLR purchasing spectrum. Obviously in the general public, most purchases are made at the Rebel level and not the 1D level. Those that end up here on the forum are likely to continue purchasing more Canon equipment or to keep up on the progress of technology. The vast majority of Canon DSLR owners bought it instead of a point-and-shoot and probably use it that way; they are more influenced by TV advertising (John McEnroe or Ashton Kutcher? Those are the choices, still?)

However we are an important demographic. We set the trickle-down of technology and purchase all of the expensive accessories ($50 plastic lens hood, anyone?)

I research brands on everything before I drop a couple grand on gear. To me the Nikon vs Canon didnt mean thing, it wasnt a deciding factor. For what was in my budget, I had a choice of the 30D or the D80. The 30D melted in my hands while the D80 felt small and toyish. I really liked the ease of use on the 30D with the scroll wheel on the back. It just felt right. If the same body said Nikon on the front, I would be shooting a Nikon. Like Stathunter says, its a tool and with technology today, its more about personal preference.

The Hoff summed it up perfectly, if I had to answer a poll of who we are I don't think I could have added anyting.

mattograph wrote in post #6085797
1) POTN Members -- 158,929

2) DSLRS sold, 2007 -- 7.5 million.

Is that world wide?

neil_r wrote in post #6085894
Is that world wide?

Yes, according to CIPA. Source attached.

It is important to note, and I apologize for not making the distinction, that these numbers are shipments to market -- not to consumers. So, it is entirely reasonable to suspect that all of these cameras did not make it into the hands of consumers in 2007. Additionally, all cameras shipped in late 2006 but sold in 2007 to consumers would not be reflected here.

This figure would tend to be a leading indicator more than a finite measure.

Also, it is interesting to note that the largest DSLR market is -- Europe!!!! (only fair, since you all started the whole thing!!!)

http://www.cipa.jp/eng​lish/pdf/press080129_e​.pdf

I think all this Nikon talk is just because Canon IS really making us wait big time with the successor to the 5D, which in a way indicates the importance of that niche (whereas Canon has focused on the consumer with the 1000D and the other levels with the 40D and 1DIII). Once Canon DOES release their 5D II, I'm certain that the talk will swing - at least we'll know if it's in the "Canon is going to kick Nikon's butt" vein or the "Nikon has the edge for now."

I've been here on POTN for a little over 6 years. Before that I spent time primarily on Phil Greenspun's site, but I found the atmosphere friendlier and more open to discussion here, so this where I spend most of my online forum time. Over the years, I've seen this forum grow significantly and in my opinion, for what it's worth, it's quite representative of the spectrum of users. We always have lots of new folks, and lots of those stay around to become advance amateurs. And there is more than a smattering of successful pro's on this board. What I like the most is that the pro's and advanced amateurs will take the time to answer both simple and complex questions for the new folks.