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(Weymouth, MA) September, 26 2000... Digital camera sales now represent 13% of total worldwide camera sales. While digital camera sales have not begun to erode film camera sales or film usage on a worldwide basis, steady market growth will inevitably begin to replace film camera adoption. As a result of continued market growth, many new products and services are springing up out of this digital landscape, including digital photo frames, cable TV picture services, and online photofinishing services. A new study from InfoTrends Research Group projects that worldwide shipments of low end digital cameras (sub-$1,000 models, not including toy digital cameras) are growing at 50% annually through 2005, and the market is forecast to reach over $13 billion in revenues in 2005. North America is the leading market for digital camera sales, and will remain so through the forecast period. In 2000, it represents 52% of the worldwide market. North America's substantial lead through 2005 is primarily due to growth in the entry-level segment, which is defined as cameras priced under $200. Japan is currently the second leading market with 23% of digital camera sales, though sales of digital cameras in Europe will surpass Japan within the forecast period. Olympus, Sony, Kodak, and Fuji are the worldwide market leaders with over 60% combined unit market share. "These vendors have achieved a leading position in the market due to their well-developed product lines that target a range of price points and user feature requirements," says Michelle Lampmann, market research analyst, InfoTrends Research Group. "With more and more consumers beginning to adopt digital cameras, it is essential for digital camera vendors to develop user-friendly and affordable cameras for novice users, as well as feature-rich models for advanced users." The new report, "2000 Worldwide Digital Camera Forecast Summary," summarizes InfoTrends' in-depth market forecast reports for North America, Japan, and Europe. It sizes the low end digital camera market, outlines key vendors and trends, and projects unit shipments, revenues, and price declines through 2005 by region. The report is available immediately in hard copy and electronic format. |
