A Quick Picture of Our Community [Survey Results]
Two months ago we ran a reader survey here on DPS. Thanks to the 3769 of you who completed it – your feedback was both overwhelming and insightful. We’ve already implemented some of your suggestions, have passed on the topics you wanted written about to our writers and are looking at implementing some of your suggestions in future changes to the site.
A few of you asked if you could see some of the results – we won’t give everything – but here’s a quick picture of some of what the DPS community is like:
Gender
- Male: 68%
- Female: 32%
Age (yes we should probably have had a category or two more at the upper end):
- Under 18: 4%
- 18-25: 16%
- 26-35: 30%
- 36-45: 17%
- 45+: 33%
Experience Levels in Photography
- Completely new to photography: 4%
- Basic Knowledge: 24%
- Intermediate: 37%
- Aspiring Pro: 15%
- Working Pro: 3%
DSLRS
- 84% of those who took the survey own a DSLR
Manufacturers
- 49% shoot Canon
- 31% shoot Nikon
- 20% own a variety of other manufacturers. Sony and Olympus were next most popular.
Topics
In terms of topics that you wanted more posts on – there were literally hundreds of suggestions. I won’t list them all here but there were a few recurring ones that we’re working on. We’ve already started doing more post production tutorials in response to requests for this. We also plan on doing a few more lighting tutorial (natural and flash).
Note: as I’m just about to hit publish on this post it strikes me that looking at the averages – the audience of DPS is…. well remarkably like…. me. I’m 36, Male, would classify myself as on the ‘intermediate’ to ‘aspiring pro’ level, own a Canon DSLR (two actually)…. spooky?!


14 Responses to “A Quick Picture of Our Community [Survey Results]” - Add Yours
March 4th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
They say that pets and owners come to resemble each other. Could the same be said for wembasters and their communities? Hmmmm *strokes chin*
Fascinating results, thanks for sharing! It certainly illuminates my choice of topics for future DPS posts!
March 4th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Interesting stats – most are pretty much what I would expect, although I was surprised about the Canon vs Nikon difference, as I would have expected the results to be a little closer.
I think I’m very close to the average too – 35, intermediate, and a couple of Canon DSLR bodies ;-)
March 4th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Wow, think I am close to the averages too……….LOL. Age 37, Intermediate and a Canon DSLR, wanting another Canon body too.
March 4th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Well, I fall in the majority of every catagory:
Male, 45+, Intermediate, own a DSLR, shoot Canon. Being old and retired is a good thing. :)
March 4th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
As we hear so much when starting a photo business: know your audience! I think DPS has done a pretty good job of doing exactly that. Best of luck.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
I’m in the minority….I am an old(52) aspiring pro who shoots with a Nikon….but still young-at-heart! …interesting stats!
March 5th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Nice to see that there are still Canon users out there. lol most photographers that I know around here are shooting Nikon, while I shoot Canon :) I’m not alone!
March 5th, 2009 at 12:25 am
Haha I am the 16% who still using a compact camera. Will try to own one when I am able to fully control my DMC-FX 100~
March 5th, 2009 at 1:24 am
True, that it is a bit spooky but entering you own data a hundred times doesn’t count. (big grin)
Thanks for the results.
Niels Henriksen
March 5th, 2009 at 2:20 am
Interesting, I didn’t know a lot more older people were on here! I’m only 20 and shooting with Nikons heh.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Heck yeah Canon! I seem to be in the young female minority as well.
March 5th, 2009 at 5:35 am
interesting stats. No wonder it’s such a great whole some community. A nice mix of age over 18. The canon to nikon ratio is interesting. Possibly related to the high percentage of basic knowledge/intermediate people (like me) who I think go towards the different affordable canon lines.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Thank you, now I know I’m in the right place. I too fit right into all your most popular averages. Good to know I’m not alone.
March 6th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Oh…um okay, I’m female (not most popular), 26-35 (okay 2nd to most popular), working pro (smallest group!), Shoot Canon – phew!! I’m not totally out of ‘demographic’ for one gut wrenching moment I thought I might have to find another blog ! :) No way. This ones too good.
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