IDC have released figures for digital camera sales in 2006. The year saw a 14.5% increase in sales, to 106million units, with DSLR sales registering a 39% increase to 5 million units. Canon again had the biggest market share with sales of 19.7 million units, an increase of 23.3% over 2005, which gave them a market share of 18.7% (17.4% in 2005). Sony took the number 2 position with 15.8% (15.2% in 2005). According to IDC analyst Christopher Chute, Samsung was the big winner, more than doubling it’s market share to 7.8% (3.8% in 2005).

In the DSLR market the big two, Canon and Nikon dominated. Canon ended the year way in front, with sales increasing by 30.2% over 2005, giving it a market share of 46.7%. Nikon held second spot with 33% of the market after a 35.9% increase in DSLR sales. Sony, new players in the DSLR market had third spot with 6.2% of the market.

Overall camera sales (top 5) looked like this.

1. Canon 18.7% (17.4% in 2005)

2. Sony 15.8% (15.2% in 2005)

3. Kodak 10% (14.2% in 2005)

4. Olympus 8.6% (9.8% in 2005)

5. Samsung 7.8% (3.8% in 2005)

For DSLR, it was

1. Canon 46.7%

2. Nikon 33%

3. Sony 6.2%

4. Olympus 5.9%