Smartphones eroding compact camera market share
Smartphones are increasingly edging out low end cameras in the North American photography market - according to market research firm NPD Group.
A study conducted by the firm found that point and shoot cameras suffered a 17% decline over the course of 2011 as measured against a year earlier, mirrored by a 13% drop in camcorder sales over the same period.
Those quizzed for the survey stated that they were becoming increasingly reliant on their phones for capturing spontaneous moments on the hoof – but reserved dedicated devices for capturing pre-planned occasions and events such as holidays.
The share of photos snapped on a dedicated camera also slipped below the halway mark for the first time ever with just 44% of stills originating from such a device over the past year.
By contrast smartphones now account for 27% of all photos taken.
It’s not all bad news for camera manufacturers however, high end SLRs notched up a healthy 12% sales increase over the period.