The year 2025 saw some exceptional models over the years. From launches such as the Leica SL3-S, the Q3 Monochrom, the GFX100RF, and the R6 Mark III, we have seen different formats and brands becoming popular. However, there is only one company that is truly won, and that is Kodak. Here is a look at which brands have turned out to be at the top.
According to BCN rankings, the company has revealed the winners of their awards in Japan. Here is a breakdown of which cameras work the best.
The Best Compact Camera Brand
In the compact camera category, Kodak was the winner, with 24% market share, up 3% from last year. The result showcases a significant shift, with Canon leaving the ranking altogether.
Fujifilm slipped to the second place with 13.9% shares, while Kenko Tokina came in 3rd with 13.3% share. This proves that low-priced, simple cameras are back in demand, especially among casual users and younger buyers. Overall, affordability and ease of use are now more important than brand prestige.
The Best Digital SLR Brand
Canon dominates the digital SLR chart, and its dominance has weakened a bit. The company was at 69.4% last year, and this year, it came down to 44.3%. On the other hand, Nikon jumped 38%, which is double last year’s 20%. Ricoh also grew dramatically, from 58.% to 9.7% to 17.7%.
This suggests that renewed interest in the DSLR lineup, likely driven by Pentax’s loyal enthusiast base and niche appeal. The key takeaway is that Canon’s long-time DLSR dominance is eroding, and rivals such as Nikon and Ricoh now have the chance to capitalize on it. One of the reasons could also be that the R1 and the R5 II did not get the kind of response that one would expect.
The Best Mirrorless Brand
Similarly, Sony has the lead in the mirrorless interchangeable lens category. However, they have also seen a drop, going from 35.8% to 29.9% this year. Canon saw a rise, but it is still behind Sony at 27.4%, while Nikon is still the last at 15.1%.
While Sony retains first place, its decline shows that the company is under strong pressure from other brands. It also means that the latter’s growing ecosystem lens and its ability to attract switchers from DSLR systems are driving demand. It can also mean that early adopters of Sony could be moving away. However, with Nikon suing Viltrox, it is possible that this may not happen anytime soon.
The Best Lens Brands
In the interchangeable lens category, Tamron, a third-party lens maker, has the highest market share at 23%, despite launching fewer products. Sigma came in second at 17.8% and Sony at 13.1%. This suggests that photographers are looking to work with budget options over first-party glasses.
The BCN Award shows that low-cost, entry-level products are driving up volume. However, it also shows that Canon, Nikon, and Sony are the main players, with brands like Ricoh and Kodak being the latest additions to the smaller-sensor camera market. As 2026 unfolds, manufacturers will need to balance innovation with accessibility, or risk being left behind.