Kodak surpasses Fujifilm in Japan's retail sales of compact cameras, yet trail behind in terms of earnings.
Top Selling Compact Cameras in Japan for H1 2025
Japan's compact camera market has seen a significant revival in the first half of 2025, with sales growing by 12.7% year-on-year and revenue increasing by an impressive 34%. Kodak leads the pack, dominating the market with two of the top-selling models.
The Kodak Pixpro FZ55, released in August 2022, has been one of the best-selling models since February 2025. With a market share of 11.8%, the FZ55 takes the number one spot. The Kodak Pixpro FZ45 follows closely behind, holding a 5.3% market share.
Kodak's success can be attributed to its affordable compact cameras, which have gained popularity in Japan due to the economic situation and competition with smartphone cameras. The company has overtaken Canon, which dominated the market last year.
Panasonic occupies the second and fourth spots with its Lumix TZ99 and TZ80 models. The TZ99, with a higher average price, has a 7.3% market share, while the TZ80 holds a 4.3% share. The Panasonic Lumix ZS99, catering to shooters seeking versatility without breaking the bank, is also a notable competitor.
Fujifilm, while dominant in mirrorless and other camera segments, does not appear in the top compact camera unit sales rankings but remains strong in sales revenue, just behind Panasonic. The Fujifilm X100VI, released in February 2023, ranks second in sales revenue despite its premium price tag.
Sony dominates the mirrorless market in Japan H1 2025. However, its high-priced compact cameras, like the new $5,000 RX1R III, have not found favour with consumers due to their complexity and high price.
Kim Bunermann, a photographer, editor, and writer with a Master's degree in Photography and Media, explores photography's role in culture through her features, tutorials, and gear reviews, encouraging readers to embrace the medium's creative potential.
In conclusion, Kodak continues to dominate the compact camera market in Japan, with Panasonic's Lumix ZS99 as a notable competitor. The market's growth indicates a renewed interest in portable, easy-to-use cameras that outperform smartphones in certain aspects.
- The Kodak Pixpro FZ55, with its leadership in sales, has earned the top spot in Japan's compact camera market.
- The Kodak Pixpro FZ45, despite being second in sales, still holds a significant market share.
- Kodak's success can be linked to its affordable cameras, appealing to consumers due to Japan's economic situation and smartphone camera competition.
- The Panasonic Lumix TZ99, priced higher, has secured a substantial market share, while the TZ80 follows closely.
- The Panasonic Lumix ZS99, offering versatility at an affordable price, also contends strongly in Japan's compact camera market.
- Fujifilm, despite not being visible in the top compact camera unit sales rankings, maintains a strong presence in sales revenue, just behind Panasonic.
- Despite dominating the mirrorless market, Sony's high-priced compact cameras, like the RX1R III, have faced rejection due to their complexity and cost.
- Kim Bunermann, an authority in photography, uses her platforms for features, tutorials, and gear reviews, inspiring readers to explore photography's creative potential.
