Digital Camera Market Swells as Internet Use Spreads, Prices Fall

摘要

Sales of digital cameras are generally brisk both in Japan and around the world. Three factors have significantly contributed to the growth of demand in Japan. First was the appearance of more models with a high numbers of pixels. Second was the decline in prices. Third was the growing interest from consumer groups that have not in the past been enthusiastic camera buyers. These include young women, housewives and older people. As for the United States, the largest market for digital cameras, strong sales over the Christmas holiday season in 2001 carried over into January and February 2002. Shipments of digital cameras in Japan surpassed those of Advanced Photo System (APS) and 35mm pocket cameras in 2000. Then, in 2001, shipments of digital cameras in Japan surpassed shipments of all conventional film cameras for the first time. According to the Japan Camera Industry Association, shipments of digital cameras to the Japanese market in 2001 totaled 4.83 million units, a 64 percent increase over 2000. Meanwhile, shipments of film cameras came to 3.02 million units, a decline of 16 percent from 2000.