• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, March 28, 2004

53 Million Digital Camera Sales in 2004

A study from InfoTrends Research Group projects that worldwide unit sales of consumer digital cameras will reach nearly 53 million in 2004, and, at a compound annual growth rate of 15% over the next four years, will reach 82 million units in 2008. In 2004, worldwide unit sales of consumer digital cameras are expected to surpass unit sales of worldwide film cameras.

Michelle Slaughter, Director of Digital Photography Trends, says "Digital cameras are becoming an essential communications device for consumers. As a result, digital cameras have a higher intrinsic value to consumers than film cameras."

The Asia Pacific region, China, and the Rest of the World combined account for 10% of worldwide digital camera unit sales, growing to 27% by 2008. The three leading regions for digital camera penetration, now, are North America, Japan, and Europe.

The digital camera market remains very competitive. The top five worldwide market leaders in 2003 are expected to be. The combined worldwide unit market share of Canon, Sony, Olympus, Fuji, and Kodak is currently almost 75%, and they are expected to remain in the top five through 2004, although their individual positions may change.