Casio, Canon, Fuji and Nikon Top JD Power Digital Camera Survey

When it comes to digital cameras, no one brand dominates, as shown in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction Study(SM) released today. Cameras from Canon, Casio, Fuji and Nikon topped the lists of various types of cameras.

In the world of point and shoot cameras, Fuji Finepix F topped the list with a score of 749 on a 1000 point scale. Close behind the Fuji Finepix was the Kodak Z series with an index score of 744 an the Canon Powershot A series with a score of 739.

In premium point and shoot cameras, the Canon PowerShot SD was the winner with 829 points. Also coming away with top honors was the Panasonic DMC-FZ series with785 index points and the Kodak z series with 783 points.

The popular ultra-slim segment got high marks for appearance and styling with the Casio Exilim Zoom series winning the category with 802 points. Also earning high praise in the ultra-slim category was the Canon PowerShot SD and the Kodak V series.

In the professional DSLR category, the Nikon D series scored 822 index points and walked away the clear winner, with high rankings in all four factors.

Brand loyalty positively affected the satisfaction ratings among all brands, with users of DSLR cameras being more loyal and more satisfied with their brand of choice.

"The relationship between owner satisfaction and brand loyalty is critical to manufacturers in this highly competitive market," said Steve Kirkeby, executive director of telecommunications and technology at J.D. Power and Associates. "A 10-point improvement in overall satisfaction can lead to a 1-percentage-point improvement in brand loyalty, particularly within the point and shoot, premium point and shoot and ultra slim segments."

Eighty eight percent of point and shoot camera owners would recommend their camera to a friend, while 95 percent of DSLR users would recommend their choice. DSLR owners take an average of 400 photos per month, more than twice as many photos per month as point and shoot users. "The DSLR segment is particularly intriguing, as single lens reflex camera owners have typically tended to be professional photographers and sophisticated amateurs," said Kirkeby. "Now that technology has simplified use of DSLRs, they are becoming more popular among mainstream photo enthusiasts who can now share and display photos much more efficiently than in the past. This evolving demographic will continue to complicate marketing and customer loyalty initiatives in this extremely competitive segment."

Source: JD Power and Associates Press Release