Canon is the Most Popular Digital Camera Maker in the United States

2006 was a banner year for Canon, finally putting it over the previous year's winner, Kodak.

From Macworld - Feb 7, 2007

On the strength of superlative cameras like the 10-megapixel Powershot A640 and the image stabilized A710, Canon managed to sell over 6.1 million cameras in 2006, capturing 20% of the digital camera market and catapulting them to the number one spot over competitors like Nikon and Kodak.

Kodak, whose EasyShare line and strong brand recognition helped them reach number one in 2005, fell to third place. Weak offerings, like their C875 and C643, which our users found disappointing, kept them well below Canon and Sony this year.

Analysts also point to the introduction of low-cost dSLR cameras by Canon and Nikon as crucial to their success. Nikon's D40 was a smash hit with people looking for an affordable, yet powerful dSLR, and Canon's Digital Rebel XTi (400D) satisfied longtime fans of the accessible Digital Rebel line.