Newer cameras do tend to leapfrog previously released ones from other brands when they're in the same tier, but I wonder how much of a difference that actually makes for camera sales between competing brands
Do hobbyist photographers (who tend to buy gear more frequently and want the latest and greatest) really jump brands that often when another company produces a higher spec model, or do they just stay brand loyal and wait for their company to top those specs in the next model they release?
If we consider the phenomena of brand loyalty and fanboy culture in photography, the people involved would be the least likely of people to jump ship to another brand.
Investing in lenses ties most people to a brand, unless they want to run multiple platforms (and lens collections) or don't care about the money lost when selling and replacing lenses for another brand.
It would be great to be able to get some data that shows how many people actually change brands because a competitor has a better camera, and what percentage of the total camera market these people comprise.
FWIW, I don't think that people are exactly gushing over Sony here. What I believe we're seeing is people being able to appreciate a fairly decent camera, no matter who makes it. Cameras at the Canon R6 and Sony A7 IV tier and higher are damn good cameras! Obviously, they meet certain needs cases or they dont. To me, that's a sign of intelligent discussion, of a much higher standard than in some other forums where people tear each other apart in tribal flame wars. It's a good thing that people can appreciate a decent Sony cameraa on a Canon forum!