Yes, we are in agreement. Enthusiasm is essential for success. In the long run it is not enough, though. We have several examples in recent years from Japan and Korea where whole camera divisions have been axed. Enthusiasm gets you only so far, but if the money isn't there you're shut down.
As a general principle, we agree.
However, other companies failing in the camera business doesn't mean Nikon is failing in the camera business. Most of the detailed data on Nikon's financial woes were its ties to its
lithography business, which sandbags it cut off to be rid of them.
Nikon's camera/lens business is, in fact, profitable. Like everyone else, Nikon's entry-level markets have been gobbled-up by smartphones, which is why they're concentrating on their mid-/high-end markets.
Speaking of failures, in point of fact
Sony utterly failed in the DSLR business ... and so moved to mirrorless, where they are now succeeding.
Nikon has always been successful in the camera business, film and DSLR, sometimes the industry leader, sometimes #2, but Nikon is
always in the forefront.
Regarding overall sales, Nikon has been in the 30th percentile overall, behind Canon in the 60th percentile, while Sony and the rest are floundering in the single-digits.
These same percentage breakdowns were similarly reflected in the previous World Press professional representations, in almost exactly the same ratio as the overall ratio.
Nikon's flipping these percentages ... achieving a 50-something percentage in the professional ranks, while Canon slipped down below the 30th percentile, IMO represents a critical shift to Nikon's favor ... that will likely translate to general user popularity. (There is a basic view that Canon has leveled to mediocrity, while Nikon continues to lead, which is pervasive ...)
As mentioned, the D850 continues to be "out of stock" ... while the Sony A7rIII (and any Canon DSLR) can always be purchased immediately
In fact, the D850 has been
the best-selling FF camera, since it came out, outselling both Canon
and Sony counterparts ... and and there is no sign anywhere of a let-up.
It is not unreasonable to believe that Canon can lose its leadership role ... if this trend continues ... and Nikon can be the one to take over in the not-too-distant future.
1) Yes, we are in agreement. It is speculation and I have no knowledge of Nikon's internal accounting. I do have intimate knowledge of another field of very demanding industrial design and manufacture, and the brand halo effect is the norm. I even know of certain fields where the halo product is actually never meant to be sold, but sometimes a rich collector comes around and buys it for fun.
2) Yes, we are in agreement, and that's exactly what I meant. All sane high tech companies rely on trickle down strategy.
Cool, have a good one.
