Nikon Aims for 40 Percent of the DSLR Market

Makoto Kimura, who heads Nikon Corp.'s camera business, says that the firm seeks a 40 percent share of the world DSLR market the camera maker estimates to reach 5 million-plus units this year, reports Photo Trade Express.

As to the status of the D200 DSLR and 18-200mm non-blur zoom lens launched on the domestic market toward the end of the last year, Kimura admits that the products are in apparent short supply.

"It is the same in the overseas market. Monthly production of the D200 was 40,000 units, hastily revised upward from initial plan," he says, adding, "The factories are already working for further increase and the situation will be improved in March or April."

As for the lens he explained that more customers tend to buy the zoom lens along with the DSLR and its shortage is more serious than the camera. While the factory intends to double the lens production, it will take some more time.

Asked about Nikon's estimate on the world DSLR market this year, Kimura says the segment in the year 2005 absorbed slightly less than 4 million units and it will take 5.0 to 5.3mln this year though the market may change depending on what new models camera makers will come out with, including new entries from electronics industry, reports Photo Trade Express.

He stresses that the company intends to take a 40 percent share in the DSLR segment in both the domestic and overseas markets. He also explains that the DSLR in the United States are mainly sold via photo specialty stores which are capable of giving customers full explanations on the sophisticated cameras. Nikon, however, is also exploring the possibility of extending the distribution channels to major electronics and computer shops that presently handle compact digicams, facing keener competition. The firm is presently studying improved methods of marketing DSLR via wider channels by providing end-users with careful support after sale, reports Photo Trade Express. (Source: Photo Marketing Association's Newsline International)