Maiaibing said:
I can certainly do a lot better than Amazon rankings (which are in fact not in line with global sales): Canon's own financial statements - rock solid facts, not guesswork - say that 2012 and 2013 Canon sales went into a double digit pecentage nose dive - hardly compatible with a 5DIII selling like "hotcakes". Canon has also stated (for 2013) that it specifically was the 70D that kept their high end DSLR-market going (and thus for sure not the 5DIII).
None of this says anything specific about 5DIII-sales for 2012. However, it does not suggest 5DIII selling like "hotcakes" - a claim which you obviously cannot substantiate - as to be expected.
Where did you learn to read a financial statement?
Let's begin by remembering earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear meltdown, and how they affected both Japan's and the global economy. You can read more details of these events and global impact elsewhere. Despite these events, let's move on to Canon's financial statements, where we evaluate results in an attempt at trying to figure out how your "rock solid facts, not guesswork... [blah blah] ...double digit pecentage nose dive" pans out.
In 2012 net sales decreased by 2.2%. (I suppose there are two digits, I'll give you some benefit here.)
"Within the Imaging System Business Unit, unit sales of interchangeable-lens digital cameras increased thanks
to the competitively priced EOS Rebel series along with the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 60D advanced-amateur models. "
In 2013 net sales increased by 7.2%
"Within the Imaging System Business Unit, interchangeable-lens digital cameras maintained their top market
share despite the challenging environment, which was marked by a drop in demand in Europe and China due
to the economic downturn, although demand in Japan continued to expand. In particular, the EOS 5D Mark III
and 70D advanced-amateur-model digital SLR cameras continued to realize healthy growth. "
Neither quote was necessary, I just threw them in for fun. Both are from Canon's financial statements, located here
http://www.canon.com/ir/results/
Another reference, probably easier absorb, is a comparison of 2012 sales by Canon and leading competitors.
https://fstoppers.com/other/examining-fiscal-year-2012-sales-olympus-sony-nikon-and-canon-3401
"Canon reported that “the advanced-amateur models, EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 60D, as well as the entry-level EOS Rebel series drove sales beyond the previous year’s level both in volume and value terms.” They also reiterated their stranglehold on shipping the most interchangeable-lens digital cameras."
While specific unit sales aren't forthcoming from these companies you have to have been living under a rock the last few years to have missed the popularity of Canon's 5D series. Maybe you can share your references. I'm interested in a Canon quote on the 70D's impact in 2012 and 2013 revenue and how it "kept their high end DSLR-market going", in particular because it wasn't introduced until July 2013, and it's a mid-level camera and not high end.
"I can certainly do a lot better". Indeed.
