What photography enthusiast could resist the lure of the Japanese market? Thanks to ZenMarket, it is very easy to buy a camera directly from Japan, whether new or used.
Are you interested in Japanese photo equipment, but you don't know where to get the item you're looking for, or how to buy a camera on Japanese sites? This little buying guide is here to help!
Why Buy Your Camera From Japan?
If there is one field in which the Japanese excel, it is photography. Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus… All these essential brands are Japanese. Their undeniable success testifies to the exceptional Japanese know-how in the field of photography for more than half a century!
Also Read: How To Buy From Japan With ZenMarket
Why Are Japanese Cameras Better?
What distinguishes Japanese production is undoubtedly the excellent quality of its components.
Japanese cameras combine the know-how of the best optics, glass and electronics manufacturers from across the nation. Each brand of course has its own strengths, like Sony for example, which largely dominates the CMOS sensor market (and even sells them to its competitors).
Generally speaking, Japanese cameras perfectly combine technological innovations, quality of materials, ergonomics and finesse of execution.
Which Japanese Camera Should You Choose?
The choice of photographic equipment is very wide in Japan. There is therefore no exhaustive list to classify the brands or models to favor.
To find the equipment that will suit you best, you will need to take into account how you plan to make use of your camera and your own level of mastery of the art of photography.
Also Read: How To Find Japanese Products Without Knowing Japanese
The Different Types Of Camera
In the vast world of photography, four types of digital cameras dominate the market:
- Small, light and very affordable, the Compact camera requires very little technical knowledge. Its main advantage lies in its ultra-discreet and handy format. The popularity of this type of device has particularly suffered due to the increased use of the smartphone cameras, although some recent models are proving very popular.
- In the mid-range, the Bridge design is more advanced than the compact, while remaining less technically advanced than the SLR. Unlike SLR or hybrid cameras, bridge cameras' lenses are not removable.
- The Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) camera, for its part, is the most expensive type of camera, but objectively the highest quality. It allows you to take exceptional photographs - as long as you master the settings. In addition, it generally has numerous accessories and lenses that make it particularly attractive... but also potentially more bulky. Although many SLRs now include features to make them somewhat more accessible to beginners, their technicality typically reserves them for more experienced photographers, or those who are willing to put more time and effort into learning about how to operate them.
- The Hybrid camera, finally, is the perfect compromise between maneuverability, affordable technology and flexibility. It combines the best of the three previous categories, for excellent quality photos as a bonus.
- We can also add to this selection the Polaroid camera, a vintage-style instant-printing camera which has made an impressive comeback over the past ten years. We owe this renaissance to Fujifilm, through its famous Instax model. Its main asset? An undeniable playful dimension, which makes it the darling of weddings and evenings with friends.
The Best Japanese Camera Brands
If Japan has dominated the global photography market since the mid-1960s, it is thanks to the influence of several emblematic brands at the cutting edge of technology:
Canon
Among the essentials, Canon is undoubtedly one of the best camera brands available on the market. It was Canon who marketed the first consumer Digital SLR camera in 2003 (the famous EOS 300D). Since then, its range of camera models and accessories has continued to expand, mainly in the SLR and hybrid category. A strong point of the brand is its offerings for both the general public and image professionals.
Shop Canon Cameras From Japan
Nikon
Founded in 1917, the Nikon company is renowned for its high-quality optics. These made the brand famous well before its arrival on the photography market, after the Second World War. Just like Canon, Nikon mainly markets digital SLRs (D range), as well as all kinds of accessories such as optics and lenses. It is a brand very popular with professionals and hobbyists alike.
Shop Nikon Cameras From Japan
Fujifilm
Initially specializing in the production of film, the Fujifilm company offers a wide range of photographic devices of all kinds, including the famous Instax instant-print camera. Even if the brand will always remain associated with film photography (we think in particular of the famous Fujicolor film), it has also been able to revitalise itself with the transition to digital. Today, it offers professional quality devices (X and G mounts), with a predilection for APS-C sensors.
Shop Fujifilm Cameras From Japan
Olympus
The Olympus company, born in 1919 in Tokyo, is renowned for its OM range (1972-1997), certain models of which are highly sought after by collectors. Its E range Digital SLRs mainly feature Micro 4/3 sensors. They also have the feature of being equipped with an excellent sensor cleaning system, the SuperSonic Wave Filter, which works using ultrasound to remove particles and dirt from the all-important internal image sensor.
Shop Olympus Cameras From Japan
Sony
Likely not needing any additional introduction is the Japanese multinational brand Sony, whose activities extend to the fields of computing, electronics, audiovisual and video games.
As a camera designer, Sony is best known for its Mavica, Cyber-shot and RX compact and bridge series, as well as its Sony Alpha range which brings together the brand's SLRs and hybrids, which also shine for the quality of the brand's image sensors.
And in case you weren't already aware, Sony even produces some of the sensors fitted in the SLRs of its competitors Nikon and Pentax!
Shop Sony Cameras From Japan
Pentax
Specializing in the optics sector since its creation in 1919, the Pentax company is renowned for the innovative nature and exceptional ergonomics of its devices. It markets both “Expert” and “General Public” Digital SLRs (K series), which are in large part distinguished by their more or less high-end focusing system.
Shop Pentax Cameras From Japan
Panasonic
Just like Sony, Panasonic is a company with multiple activities, specializing in electronics for the general public. When it comes to photography, Panasonic produces cameras with extremely high-quality Leica lenses. They are marketed under the Lumix brand.
Shop Panasonic Cameras From Japan
Where To Buy Japanese Photo Equipment Online
Now that you're up-to-speed on the landscape of photography in Japan, it is time to venture into the Japanese market to unearth that rare gem. Whether you are looking for a recent or vintage model, there are many websites available to you. We have put together some helpful suggestions for you!
Buy New Cameras From Japan
Among the big names in electronics on the archipelago, it's impossible not to mention Bic Camera, a must-visit in Japan. Some of their stores are even among the largest in the world!
You can find almost all the equipment possible and imaginable there: cameras, bodies, filters, lenses, lenses, tripods, carrying bags, etc. And this brand does not just offer photo equipment: any object equipped with electronic components is likely to appear in their catalog. A veritable high-tech Ali Baba’s cave of treasures!
The products offered on their sites are exclusively new, so they are particularly recommended if you are interested in the latest developments, or if you wish to acquire a product that is still inaccessible in your region.
It is of course also possible to obtain new products on more general e-commerce platforms, such as Rakuten, Amazon Japan, or JDirectItems Shopping.
Buy Used Cameras From Japan
Do you prefer to turn to second-hand photo equipment? No problem, the Japanese market is renowned for the quality of its second-hand products, often perfectly preserved and therefore perfect for getting good deals! As for collector's cameras, rarer or older, it is undoubtedly on the JDirectItems Auction site that you will find what you are looking for.
As Japan's largest auction site, you will find all kinds of offers at very competitive prices! You can find all types of cameras and accessories, recent or older, sold by certified sellers.
Finally, here are some other Japanese sites specializing in photo equipment:
As always on these second-hand sites, take care to consult the descriptions and ratings of each seller before placing your order.
You can also find all Japanese cameras and their accessories directly in our special showcase:
Buy Cameras From Japan
You now have all the cards in hand to start looking for your photo equipment in Japan. Visit ZenMarket to finalize your purchase!
