"Sony makes a zillion models". Is that true? Let's look at the data (source dpreview):
Sony: 2015 YTD - 0, 2014 - 17, 2013 - 20, Total - 37
Canon: 2015 YTD - 13, 2014 - 16, 2013 - 17, Total - 46
Nikon: 2015 YTD - 15, 2014 - 18, 2013 - 21, Total - 54
Yep, Sony is truly spewing models all over the landscape. Sure, they haven't announced the 2015 bodies yet, maybe they'll announce 17 and catch up to Nikon.
There are more conservative producers:
Olympus: 2015 YTD - 3, 2014 - 6, 2013 - 11, Total - 20
Leica: 2015 YTD - 0, 2014 - 4, 2013 - 2, Total - 6 (There are a few Leica models - all the S models since the S2 and special editions - missing, so these numbers are too low)
Phase One: 2015 YTD - 0, 2014 - 0, 2013 - 0, Total - 0 (when
did the DF+ come out?) :ROTFL:
I made no attempt to trim away P&S, or fixed lens. I'm sure constraints exist on the search that will prove any particular point. Still, I confess to surprise at the data, especially given the complete lack of criticism Nikon faces when they are vastly more prolific.
--Matt