ZDNet: Digital camera sales will grow 8% to hit 114 million units in 2007, but the market will peak in 2010, the IDC has forecast.
The digital camera market is saturating as the electronic devices replace earlier film models, and already camera makers have begun emphasizing products and features for customers who are upgrading or want multiple cameras. But even emerging markets will saturate soon, IDC forecast, and the number of units shipped will decline after 2010.
“We predict a slowdown, driven by a complete saturation of all regions, creating 2 percent negative growth in 2011,” said IDC analyst Christopher Chute.
The exception is with digital SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras, which are bulkier and more expensive but offer better performance and a variety of interchangeable lenses. Digital SLR shipments will increase 9 percent to 8.5 million units in 2011, IDC forecast.
To tap into new markets, camera makers will have to adapt marketing and distribution for customers in China, Russia and the diverse countries of Latin America.
But cameras should withstand the arrival of cell phones that can take snapshots, IDC forecast.
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