The Japan-based Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) says the growth rate for digital SLR cameras will taper off in the next 3 years. The good news is it’s tapering off from a high figure, so it’s positive growth all the way.
CIPA figures show year-on-year sales of digital SLRs grew 42 percent to 7.5 million units worldwide in 2007. This year, that figure is expected to dip to 22 percent or 9.1 million units.
Projected DSLR growth figures for 2009 are 13 percent with 10.3 million units; 2010 will see growth at 9 percent with 11.2 million units.
With DSLR units costing $500-$1000 typically, there are megabucks up for grabs here; that’s why Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax – even Samsung – are prepping up for even more attractive offerings in the DSLR market.
CIPA figures also indicate positive growth for compact digital cameras, although lower than SLR rates. It was up 26 percent to 92.9 million units in 2007 and is expected to grow 11 percent to 102.8 million in 2008, 7 percent to 110.1 million in 2009 and 5 percent to 115.3 million units in 2010.
[Site: CIPA.jp]
[CIPA Report, PDF 56KB]