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InfoTrends’ Analysts Predict Significant Changes in the Digital Photography Market for 2006

(Weymouth, MA) ... InfoTrends kicks off each year with a look at the top trends that will shape the digital photography market over the course of the year. 2006 is expected to provide new opportunities and challenges for photo vendors, with savvy companies forging new partnerships and developing products and services that respond to evolving consumer needs.

Among the trends, InfoTrends finds that digital camera shipments will peak this year in North America. The question remains – what’s next for camera companies? Repeat buyers will play a much bigger role in the digital still camera market in the near future, and at the high end, continued growth will be evident in the digital SLR space. InfoTrends expects to see a continued industry shakeout, with the remaining players seeking opportunities beyond the point of image capture.

“The full potential of the digital format has not yet been explored,” said Ed Lee, Director of Consumer Services for InfoTrends. “During 2006, look for market players to team with specialist providers to offer complete solutions for viewing, editing, capturing, storage, sharing, and printing.”

Competition in the photo print market will remain intense, but InfoTrends foresees the focus shifting from convincing digital camera owners to choose one printing method over another to simply providing customers with more reasons to print.

“Expect to see changes that will make it far easier for consumers to print their photos anytime and from anywhere,” said Robert Palmer, Director of Printer Research for InfoTrends. “The evolution of snapshot-sized printers, the growth in wireless printing, and the emerging popularity of net-to-retail printing are just a few of the trends that will make printing simpler, more convenient, and more fun.”

Printing in the digital photography age is not limited to traditional 4” x 6” snapshot prints. Another exciting development this year will be the increased emphasis on photo gifts and merchandise. Many of the online photo service vendors have already capitalized on this revenue stream. Look for home and retail vendors to further promote these offerings as well.

“The concept of ubiquitous digital imaging and real-time sharing of images is also capturing everyone’s attention, particularly as portable media players and sophisticated mobile communication devices become more prevalent,” said Jill Aldort, a Senior Consultant for InfoTrends. “Look for signs in 2006 as to whether or not consumer behavior will evolve with the technology, and whether that will have an impact on printing.”

InfoTrends’ new Road Map documents provide additional insights into these topics and many others that will impact vendors’ product and service development plans this year. These reports are available immediately in electronic format.

InfoTrends is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industries. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at

CONTACT: Matt O'Keefe, InfoTrends tel. , fax , , Weymouth, MA 02189,