The 10 Most Popular DSLRs Among dPS Readers
Every few months we take some time to analyse the cameras that dPS readers are buying over on Amazon. What follows is the most popular DSLRs purchased in the last 3 months on Amazon*.
1. Canon EOS Rebel T3i
2. Nikon D5100
3. Nikon D800
4. Canon EOS 5D Mark III
5. Nikon D3200
6. Nikon D7000
7. Nikon D3100
8. Canon EOS Rebel T3
9. Canon EOS 5D Mark II
10. Canon EOS 60D
Also see our Most Popular DSLR Lenses list and Most Popular Compact Cameras list.
*Note: these lists were compiled from reports supplied to us from Amazon.com where we are affiliates. One of the ways dPS is able to cover its costs and be a sustainable business is that we earn a small commission when readers make a purchase from Amazon after clicking on our links (including those above). While no personal details are passed on we do get an overall report from Amazon about what was bought and are able to create this list.
21 Responses to “The 10 Most Popular DSLRs Among dPS Readers” - Add Yours
June 29th, 2012 at 6:41 am
I was so excited to see if Sony made the list, but not yet.
When I was researching cameras, I looked at Canon and Nikon first. I was going to get a Canon, but the sales person introduced me to my Sony Alpha and I was sold. When my boyfriend purchased his Nikon D5000, I loved it. It’s such a fantastic camera. Instead of jumping ship (given all the lenses I had at the time) I upgraded to a new Alpha that had a lot of the features I appreciated in his Nikon.
I love DSLR talk!
Kimberly
June 29th, 2012 at 7:11 am
Considering how new and hard to get the D800 is I am surprised to see it so high on this list.
June 29th, 2012 at 7:48 am
Well I just got a D5100 for my Birthday today it is indeed a step up from my Point and shoot Nikon L110
Now I will need some operational advice…
June 29th, 2012 at 9:26 am
Now I am a D7000 guy and maybe someday a D800 guy (or maybe it will be a D900).
June 29th, 2012 at 9:28 am
No Canon 7D :O surprising!!
June 29th, 2012 at 10:53 am
Has anyone actually SEEN a D800? I think its just an urban legend…like Bigfoot or Loch Ness Monster..
June 29th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Is the the cyclical nature of manufacturers’ releases not a weakness in compiling an Amazon-sourced list, especially with the recent release of the D800 and 5DIII?
Of course, any list is better than no list.
I’d be interested to see a long-term trend on sales and see where the sweet spot in a manufacturers line sits. I’d assume it would be the 600D with the Canon.
June 29th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Interesting facts (interpret them as you wish):
FX vs DX
=======
Most people in the Nikon world are complaining about lack of attention to DX and too much concentration on FX (some even go so far to say that DX is dead).
On this list, 5 cameras from Nikon, of which only one (D800) is FX, four are DX.
Nikon/Canon vs the rest
=====================
Simply: no vendors on the list other than Nikon and Canon. No Pentax, no Sony, no Fuji. Probably expected for Pentax and Fuji, less so for Sony – I personally thought an SLT would peek in.
June 29th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
I am really surprised, but concluded that it is a list of Canikon sellers. There are good cameras in Pentax/Sony also, but they didn’t make the list. Pentax K-5, K-7, K-x are far better cameras than some of the list. Also, there are very gud cameras in Sony Alfa series.. but ya.. u know..
June 29th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Funny survey this. Canon outsell Nikkon about three to one, so I find it hard to figure the equal presence of Nikkon. And no 7D!!! Dont believe it, sorry Darren.
June 30th, 2012 at 1:52 am
I started my DSLR inventory with the Canon Rebel XT and a couple of basic lens. At the time I talked to a friend, who is a top newpaper photog. He said that Canon was better than Nikon for the beginner, so I went the Canon route and have been happy since 2005! First I upgraded a couple lens, then I upgraded the body to the 40D, more lens, and now a 7D. Next year it will probably be another body.
I think once you go down a certain path, Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc., you are pretty much stuck with it. I’ve been happy with Canon, but it could just as easily been Nikon.
July 4th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Woody – do you think we doctored the list? It’s just a report of what our readers bought in the order they bought it over 3 months at one retailer (Amazon).
Interestingly Amazon’s own best seller list (http://www.amazon.com/Digital-SLRs-Cameras-Photo/b/ref=amb_link_6742562_1?ie=UTF8&node=3017941&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-5&pf_rd_r=1SP87VTZAKMQ40SM03M9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1350384302&pf_rd_i=515382011) has a Nikon 1st and Nikon with 7 cameras in the top 10.
Perhaps they do better deals on Nikon gear or perhaps Nikon sell more in the US than other parts of the world. All I can say that this report is based completely upon the reports we get from Amazon and shouldn’t be tane to be a statement on what cameras sell most around the world at all retailers.
July 5th, 2012 at 5:30 am
I think the list is interesting but am a little surprised a single Sony couldn’t crack the top. Personally I am a Nikon shooter (D5000 right now, wanting a D7100, if it happens) and here is my take on FX/DX/CX. I think Nikon spends a lot of its time promoting and perfecting the FX body line (D800/D4) while letting the DX body lines lag a little (D7000 is in need of a refresh before the D3200). In addition the Nikkor lenses have just started to really appreciate the DX shooters. The really good lens are all FX lenses (with one notable exception), which can be used on DX cameras but typically have a huge price premium. The notable exception is the 35mm f1.8 DX lens that they released, which proves they can make an excellent lens for the DX system, hopefully this trend will continue and not be skewed by the addition of a low-end FX (D600).
On a side note, I hope they also increased the breadth of the CX lenses. The Nikon 1 proved to be a much more capable camera than reviewers though it would be from the specs and deserves a good coverage of lens to compliment its capability.
July 6th, 2012 at 3:29 am
My daughter and I have Canons. I have the Rebel T3i and she has a 7D. They are both great cameras but given a choice I would have a 7D or the Mark III. Can’t believe the 7D didn’t make the list!
July 6th, 2012 at 6:33 pm
i have a sony a330, it has and still does serve me well, i`m also surprised that no sony cameras are on the list
July 8th, 2012 at 3:17 am
This is just a list of what DPS folks bought at Amazon in the last three months. I WOULD HAVE BEEN SHOCKED INTO A HEART ATTACK IF SONY ALPHA MADE THE LIST!!! Sony Alphas may be very good cameras, but how many DPS readers would buy one compared to Canon/Nikon??? And while the Canon 7D is a great camera that many pros and advanced amateurs purchase, how many DPS readers will spend the money for it when the 60D is very comparable for about 1/3 less on the price??? I went with 7D for the two processors, but that is a stiff price differential unless your chosen photography field demands it. So folks take this for what it is. It is just a popularity contest for DPS readers that bought DSLRs through the links on this site in a short period. It no way reflects the quality or actual total presence in the whole world of any DSLR.
July 9th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Here are some — Best Professional Digital SLR cams FOR money
http://forum.photo-roll.com/index.php?topic=146.0
August 2nd, 2012 at 5:46 pm
Surprisingly, D5100 is 2nd… :_|
@Woody, in my country Most ppl want only Nikon
October 25th, 2012 at 8:05 am
I just discovered that the most popular camera on this list, the Canon T3i, is available right now at a truly amazing price – it’s available at Amazon ONLY THROUGH OCT 27th for only $637! On top of that, there are currently several other special offers on this product, such as a Free SanDisk 16 GB memory card, and a $150 discount on the Canon 55-250mm Telephoto Lens. In addition, you can get 2% back in rewards, and a special 12-month financing if you want. http://www.canont3vst3i.net/canon-t3i-review . Remember, per Amazon, this deal is on only through Oct 27th!
January 1st, 2013 at 3:48 pm
I am new to digital photography and was torn between the t3i and the d3200. Went with the d3200 and absolutely love it. Personally I couldnt care less what made the list and what didnt, if I like it I will buy it. I dont need to know what everyone else is purchasing because my tastes/needs may be different.
April 24th, 2013 at 6:02 pm
I’m on D90 right now and happy with my shots, aiming for D800 hopefully one day…
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