http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat...thread=31949876
"tweedle" schrieb:
ZITATIndependent analysts at Macquarie Research Equities, Tokyo branch (called MAC) issued a ages report on Nikon this week (May 21st), and most of the text on cameras in this paper was actually devoted to Sony's three new DSLRs.
How does the view of the financial market watchers at MAC compare to the debate between many posters here [at dpreview.com] already?
A few points from MAC (as summarized by me):
Increased pressure in DSLR mainstreamGrowing rivalry in entry-level as maturation of DSLR markets sets inSony exceeded expectation by launching not one but three models for the mainstreamDSLR firms may be impelled to aggressively push DSLRs+lenses at the entry-levelSony gained DSLR share against both Nikon and Canon in 2008, and this momentum could continue.Sony achieved 13.5% share in 2008 globally vs 6.4% in 2007 and notably 20% unit share in Asia/PacificJudge for yourself (snips only FYI):
ZITATSony launches three new DSLRs to increase pressure in the DSLR mainstream[/quote]ZITAT... we are not confident that DSLR unit growth can continue at a strong pace and believe saturation in major markets may set in. We see growing rivalry in the entry-level, with Sony launching three new models here ahead of product refreshes by Nikon and Canon.[/quote]ZITATWe believe the timing of the launch is intended to pre-empt launches of new entry-level models by Canon and Nikon possibly in 3Q09. For instance, the Nikon D40 and D60 are no longer in production, and retail sales are being discontinued as stocks run out. (The new Nikon D5000 will step down in price to replace the D60, possibly signalling an upcoming unveiling of a D40 replacement at the bottom-end of Nikon’s range.) We believe Canon will also replace its low-end EOS1000D, and upgrade its mid-range EOS50D.ZITAT[/quote]We had expected updates to the A350 and A700. The latter camera still has yet to be updated (that should happen later this year), but Sony has exceeded our expectation by launching not one but three models for the mainstream consumer and lower price points, hence updating at a go the A200, A300 and A350, i.e. its entire sub-US$600 line-up.[/quote]ZITATThe explicit goal is to draw first-time DSLR buyers from the compact camera world, which as we have pointed out has not been an easy proposition for all DSLR majors due to form factor and cost considerations.[/quote]ZITATThe main emphasis looks to be on ergonomics and an easy-to-use interface featuring graphical user guides and controls.[/quote]ZITATWe observe that having a good lens strategy and line-up is important for the DSLR vendors – unlike the film era, lenses are seen as an important means to lock-in consumers so that they stay within the system when they buy new camera bodies, and are thus a big part of camera makers’ efforts to drive repeated (and relatively frequent) upgrade purchases of camera bodies. In the film era, camera body purchases were spaced much further apart, and the business was much more dominated by the lenses as a business in its own right.[/quote]ZITATWe believe DSLR firms may be impelled to aggressively push DSLRs+lenses at the entry-level in the hopes of securing a future stream of camera body and accessory sales.[/quote]ZITATWe view Sony as a serious contender in the DSLR market due to its brand and market leadership in compact cameras. As we have highlighted, Sony (6758 JP, ¥2,505, UP, TP: ¥3,300, 31.7% upside - covered by David Gibson) gained DSLR share against both Nikon and Canon (7751 JP, ¥3,310, UP, TP: ¥2,000, 39.6% downside - covered by Yukihiro Goto) in 2008, and this momentum could continue.[/quote]ZITATSony achieved 13.5% share in 2008 globally vs 6.4% in 2007, according to IDC data – and notably 20% unit share in Asia/Pacific. This compares to 38.4% for Canon and 37.3% for Nikon in 2008. Canon and Nikon's lower-end models like the Nikon D60 and D40 as well as Canon 450D and 1000D (and prospective replacements) are probably most threatened for now, but there may be some spillover to higher-priced cameras, and greater impact once Sony unveils its A700 replacement.[/quote]ZITATThe greatest pressure may however be felt by the likes of smaller players like Pentax (part of Hoya – 7741 JP, ¥1,849, Not rated) and Olympus (7733 JP, ¥1,811, Not rated). It is increasingly difficult for us to see how Pentax in particular can sustain product development given its limited scale and its small product line-up gives little scope for a sudden turn-around.[/quote]ZITATOlympus is more strongly positioned and has a broader line-up, but its market position could come under growing pressure if Sony gains ground.[/quote]
(For the full report, unfortunately you will have to subscribe)
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