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Digital Cameras Will Nearly Replace Film Cameras by 2008, According to New Report by InfoTrends Research Group

(Weymouth, MA) ... InfoTrends Research Group’s latest forecast of consumer digital cameras in North America shows that unit sales of digital cameras will have nearly replaced sales of reloadable film cameras, not including single-use cameras, by 2008. Most consumers will purchase digital cameras rather than reloadable film cameras in 2008, because consumer photographic services will center on the digital camera customer, and consumers’ image capture needs will be met by digital cameras.  Additionally, within the five-year forecast, digital camera vendors are expected to deliver sub-$1,000 amateur digital SLRs that support interchangeable lenses, which will also cut into film camera sales. While single-use film cameras will remain popular, single-use digital cameras will be entering the market as well.

The consumer digital camera market has made steady progress since the first models were introduced in the mid-90s, but the consumer photographic industry is just beginning to feel the impact of the transition to digital,” said Michelle Slaughter, director of InfoTrends Digital Photography Trends service. The shift to digital photography will be nearly complete by 2008 due to advancing consumer adoption of a wide range of consumer digital imaging solutions, including home photo printing, retail digital photofinishing services, online photo services, TV-based imaging products and services, and wireless imaging.”

Digital camera unit sales are forecast to reach 14.3 million units in 2003. Three-megapixel models are expected to capture nearly 50% of unit sales, as they become the new entry-level resolution for consumer digital cameras due to low starting price points and a broad product selection.  

Digital cameras are being made more affordable by the fierce competitiveness in the market.  The top five players – Sony, Olympus, Canon, Kodak, and Fuji – continue to increase marketing efforts to strengthen their positions in the market. Other vendors, including Nikon and HP, are seeking to move up in the rankings.  

InfoTrends new forecast report entitled 2003 Consumer Digital Camera Forecast, North America is available immediately.  The forecast provides a five-year forecast that is segmented by resolution and price. It discusses the impact that digital technology will have on the film camera market, provides vendor market shares and profiles, and offers insight about ongoing market issues and trends.

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