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(Weymouth, MA) May, 21 2001... A new study from InfoTrends Research Group shows that by year-end, the installed base of digital cameras in North America is expected to reach 21 million units, achieving a household penetration of 18%. Though the downturn in the economy during the first half of the year has caused companies in the consumer electronics, computer and photography markets to lower expectations for sales growth, the digital camera market is remaining more resilient than other markets. In 2001, digital camera unit sales are forecast to reach 9.4 million, a growth of 55% over 2000. This year, digital camera unit sales will nearly match mass market scanner unit sales. "This is a clear turning point in the consumer digital imaging market," says Michelle Lampmann, market research analyst. "Digital cameras have achieved a price/performance level that is compelling to consumers, particularly the sub-$300, 2 million pixel models. Additionally, consumers recognize the value of purchasing a digital camera in a time of greater justification for personal expenditures, because they may expect to spend less on film and photo-processing services." InfoTrends' digital camera end user studies show that the average digital camera user uses less film as a result of owning a digital camera. Though digital cameras offer the benefit of instant gratification and free sharing of photos via email and Web sites, consumers must learn a complex set of procedures in order to have a satisfactory experience with their digital camera. The new set of procedures mostly places the burden on the consumer for managing and printing their digital photos. Today, digital photography is still more complicated than it should be for the average consumer. The new report, "2001 Low End Digital Camera Forecast North America," covers major trends in the sub-$1,000 digital camera market, and includes a five-year market forecast for digital camera unit shipments, revenue, and vendor market share. This forecast projects digital camera sales by price segment and resolution segment. The report is available immediately in hard copy and electronic format. InfoTrends' 2001 low end digital camera forecast is notably different from last year's forecast because the digital camera attachments and embedded cameras are not included in this year's projections. Additionally, the toy digital camera market collapsed in 2000. The few toy digital cameras that are available are now counted as entry-level, sub-$100 models. |
