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(Weymouth, MA) March, 13 2001... Digital camera penetration doubled in 2000 to reach 25% of U.S. Internet households, and consumer purchase plans indicate that it will double again in 2001, according to a new survey of over 1,000 U.S. Internet households by InfoTrends Research Group, Inc. The findings make clear that today's mainstream consumer users are different from the avid early adopters of past years in their digital photography spending, application, and printing habits. "Despite the slowing economy, purchase intent is remarkably high," says Michelle Lampmann, digital photography analyst at InfoTrends Research Group. "Consumers are keenly interested in sharing photos via email, printing photos at home, and using online photo sharing services. This year the market will favor highly affordable, easy to use digital photography solutions." Substantial growth is occurring in low-cost, low-resolution entry-level cameras. Among digital camera owners, 7% received the camera for free or won it. Additionally, another 20% paid less than $200 for their cameras. In 2001, first-time buyers expect to pay an average of $278 for a digital camera. The study also addresses ongoing questions, "when will digital replace film?" and "where will users print?" Most of today's digital camera users also own a film camera, and still produce more prints from their film camera. But not surprisingly, their use of film has declined overall - and 10% say it has been replaced completely. Those with higher resolution models tend to print more. Most prints are made at home, but printing at online sites, retail stores, and photo kiosks is growing. Storage is identified as an area of budding concern for users. A third of digital camera users already have long-term storage plans. CDs are the most popular storage media among a wide variety of methods that include Iomega Zip disks, hard copy prints, and online services. The new report, "2001 Digital Camera End User Survey" available immediately, is a comprehensive survey dedicated to profiling digital camera users and non users. The 280-page study reveals in-depth trends in digital camera feature and brand preferences, printing, storage, applications, pricing, purchase channel, demographics, etc. A just-released related study, "Online Photo Services End User Survey," is also available. It provides detailed information on the use and market awareness of online photo services. |
