Two of the most significant advancements of the year leading to the increase are vast improvements in image quality and the elimination of interoperability barriers between network carriers.  “8 megapixel camera phones are already on the market, just 2 years after the first 1 megapixel appeared,” said Jill Aldort, a Senior Consultant at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures.  “However, multi-megapixel models will appeal to just a few consumers who are willing to pay a premium price.  Instead, we believe the mainstream market will level off at the 3 megapixel point, and the megapixel race will slow in favor of advancements in optics and lenses.” 

EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) was the leading region for camera phone sales in 2005.   A major shift in the regional market share of shipments is still underway, however, as camera phone adoption continues to increase in expansive and populous Asian countries like China.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures' new report entitled “2005 Worldwide Camera Phone and Photo Messaging Forecast” provides market forecasts for North America, EMEA, Japan, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.  The camera phone market is sized by unit shipment, installed base, resolution, revenue, and average selling price projections through 2009.   The forecast for photo messaging includes projections for the number of users, photo messages sent, and revenue.  The forecast also provides photos captured and printed by camera phones, with volume and revenue breakouts by print location.   The report includes analysis of ongoing market issues and trends, and profiles key wireless carriers and handset manufacturers in each region, including Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Cingular, Nokia, Motorola, Panasonic, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and LG. The report is available immediately in electronic format.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industries. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is available on the Web at www.infotrends-rgi.com.

CONTACT: Matt O'Keefe, InfoTrends tel. 781-616-2100, fax 781-616-2121, 97 Libbey Industrial Parkway, Weymouth, MA 02189, mokeefe@infotrends-rgi.com.