The Scandinavian country of Norway is reporting record sales of digital SLR cameras, racking up 107,356 units in 2008 compared to just 74,740 units in 2007 – a 43 percent increase. Compare that with only 5% increase in sales of compact cameras: 413,413 in 2007 and 435,526 in 2008.
Many consumers in Norway consider photography an important hobby, and the enthusiasm seems to spread continuously to both younger and older people. Price erosion and developments in technology are other reasons for the double digit growth, Benedicte Fasmer-Waaler, Information manager of Norwegian Council of Photography/ITC Norway points out.
DSLR sales in Norway now account for 20 percent of all cameras sold, which puts the country on top worldwide compared to numbers of inhabitants. 2009 growth in DSLR sales is projected to be 15 percent.
[Via: Imaging Insider]