Demand for digital cameras continues to expand. In Japan, shipments of digital cameras surpassed that of film cameras in 2001 for the first time. This trend accelerated in 2002. The market for digital cameras is also expanding outside Japan. That growth was especially noteworthy in Europe, although the U.S. market also grew. The industry expects further growth in 2003. Consumers are turning to digital cameras for several reasons. First, images taken on digital cameras can be viewed instantly. Second, such images can be easily transferred to personal computers for processing and storing. Third, such pictures can be easily attached to e-mails and sent over the Internet. The latest digital cameras offer even more benefits. For example, many provide functions not only for still pictures but also for moving pictures. In Europe and the United States, 15 percent of households have digital cameras, according to Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. The company expects that penetration rate to climb to 20 percent quickly. "Both the markets are large and we can expect a high level of growth in 2003 as well," says an official at Fuji Photo Film.
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