One of Japan’s largest photography equipment retailers, Map Camera, has released its list of the top-selling cameras and lenses for 2024. This compilation features both new releases from the previous year and other well-regarded models that vary in price, innovative design, and functionality. It is important to note that this list reflects the preferences of customers at this specific Japanese store rather than global trends. Nevertheless, it offers valuable insights for market analysis.
The standout best-selling camera for 2024 is the Fujifilm X100VI, which has garnered significant interest. Fujifilm has been working to increase production of this compact camera, known for its retro design, and by the year’s end, it has successfully reduced the waiting time for pre-orders.
The company successfully integrated several cutting-edge technologies into this model while preserving its compact design: matrix stabilization, a 40-megapixel sensor, and enhanced video features.
Although the X100VI remains difficult to locate in stock, Fujifilm continues to manufacture sufficient units to lead the Map Camera rankings.
In second place is the Fujifilm X-T50. Launched in May, just three months after the Fujifilm X100VI, this 40-megapixel camera merges the capabilities of the X-T5 with affordability and a lightweight, compact form factor.
This camera features the capability to record video at 6.2K resolution and 30 frames per second, equipped with autofocus technology enhanced by artificial intelligence. Additionally, it includes a new dial for selecting various film simulation modes.
Next, in third place, we have the Sony A7C II. This compact full-frame camera was launched in 2023.
The Sony A7C II is equipped with a full-frame 33-megapixel back-illuminated sensor and a Bionz XR processor, the same combination found in the Sony A7 IV, which debuted in 2021. It supports 4K video recording at 10-bit with 4:2:2 color subsampling, achieving frame rates of up to 60 fps.
Additionally, the introduction of an AI processor, first seen in the Sony A7R V, enhances subject recognition capabilities and adds a smart auto framing feature.
In fourth place is the Nikon Zf, a full-frame camera designed with a retro-style magnesium alloy body that boasts a glossy finish and engraved markings on the mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation.
The model boasts several cutting-edge features, such as the ability to record video in 4K UHD at 30 fps or Full HD at up to 120 fps, advanced autofocus with 3D tracking, and 5-axis matrix stabilization, among others.
Nikon has equipped the Nikon Zf camera with a new EXPEED 7 processor, enhancing the autofocus capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions.
Ranking fifth among the best-selling cameras of 2024 is the Fujifilm X-T5. Although this camera was launched in 2022, its price has gradually decreased, leading to a surge in popularity, especially in Japan.
This camera shares several similarities with the Fujifilm X-T50. It is capable of recording video at a maximum resolution of 6.2K in 4:2:2 10-bit color internally, and it can also output 12-bit ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW via HDMI to an external monitor or recorder.
The Fujifilm X-T5 features a 40-megapixel APS-C X-Trans 5 sensor, which currently boasts the highest resolution available in the APS-C format. This same sensor is also utilized in the Fujifilm X-H2 model.
In sixth place is the newly released Nikon Z6 III, which has quickly become the top-selling camera in Japan. The enhanced video capabilities introduced by the company have significantly contributed to the camera’s popularity.
Nikon Z6 III offers the capability to record ProRes RAW and N-RAW directly onto the memory card. Both codecs feature a 12-bit color depth and provide extensive post-processing options. Additionally, the camera can capture 6K video at up to 60 fps in N-RAW while maintaining full autofocus functionality and avoiding overheating.
Ranked seventh in the Map Camera photo equipment store ratings is the well-regarded Sony A7 IV, a model from the entry-level series. Released in 2021, it is anticipated that an update to the Sony A7 V will occur in the first quarter of this year.
The Sony A7 IV model features a 33-megapixel sensor paired with the advanced Bionz XR processor, resulting in enhanced performance across all aspects of the camera’s functionality.
The autofocus system has seen significant improvements, utilizing algorithms derived from the high-end Sony A1. The new Sony A7 IV is capable of tracking and identifying a wider variety of subjects, including human eyes, animals, and birds. These capabilities are maintained even during video recording.
In eighth place is the Canon EOS R6 Mark II.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II debuted in November 2022, featuring a new 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology and powered by a DIGIC X processor, which is also found in the EOS R5, EOS R6, and EOS-1D X Mark III models. This advanced setup enables the camera to capture images at an impressive rate of 40 frames per second in photo mode. Additionally, the camera body includes a dedicated switch for toggling between Photo and Video modes.
Canon claims that this model boasts the most advanced image stabilization available, offering up to 8 stops of compensation through the combination of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Photographers can also expect excellent performance in low-light situations, with focusing capabilities down to -6.5 EV and an ISO range extending to 102,400.
In ninth place is the newly launched Canon EOS R5 Mark II, which was introduced in the summer of 2024. This high-end model elicited mixed reviews but has gained significant popularity, particularly in Japan, despite its premium price tag.
The model is now enhanced with an additional Digic Accelerator processor, next-generation autofocus, and advanced pre-shooting features for both photography and videography. It allows for simultaneous video recording and photo capture, along with matrix stabilization. The camera supports 8K RAW video recording at up to 60 fps on a memory card, offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 30 fps, and boasts a dynamic range of 16 stops.
For video recording, the ISO range is from 100 to 25,600, expandable to 51,200, while for still photography, it ranges from 100 to 51,200, with an expansion option from 50 to 102,400. These specifications are identical to those of the first-generation model.
The Nikon Z8 model rounds out the lineup. It features a full-frame FX Stacked CMOS sensor with a resolution of 45.7 megapixels (8256 x 5504), enabling the capture of exceptionally high-quality images.
The camera supports ISO in the range from 64 to 25,600, with the possibility of expanding to ISO 32-102,400, which allows you to shoot even in low light conditions.
The full ranking of the top ten best-selling cameras of 2024 according to one of the largest Japanese photo equipment stores Map Camera is as follows:
- Fujifilm X-100VI
- Fujifilm X-T50
- Sony A7CII
- Nikon Zf
- Fujifilm X-T5
- Nikon Z6III
- Sony A7IV
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Nikon Z8
In addition to cameras, the Japanese store also mentioned the best-selling lenses of 2024. These are the following lenses:
- Nikon 24-120mm F/4
- Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 III
- Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II
- Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 GII
- Fujifilm 16-50mm F/3.5-5.6
- Nikon Z 28-400mm F/4-8
- Canon 100-400mm F/5.6-8 IS USM
- Nikon Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3
- Canon 50mm F/1.8 STM
- Sony 70-200mm F/2.8 GM II
Nikon is poised to enter a highly dynamic and significant phase as it systematically ventures into the professional video shooting market. Following the introduction of firmware that enables 12-bit RAW video recording on the Nikon Z9, the acquisition of the American film camera manufacturer RED, and the launch of the Nikon Z6 III featuring the same N-RAW mode, the company is nearing the release of a professional film camera along with dedicated film optics.
According to sources, the Nikon Z30 II camera is expected to be unveiled in either the fourth quarter of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026. Given the extended timeline for this announcement, there is potential for further enhancements to the model, particularly in response to the emergence of competing cameras and advancements in their features.
