Key highlights:

• Mobile Phones are a serious threat to digital camera use.
• Number of photos shared via the internet is on the rise.
• Photo taking behaviors with digital cameras remains strong.
• Over a quarter of camera owners plan to purchase a new camera within the next 12 months.

(Weymouth, MA) January 12, 2012…InfoTrends announces the release of the 2011 Digital Camera End-User Survey report which tracks changes in consumers’ photographic behaviors, opinions and product/accessory ownership. The study considers the ways in which user demographics are changing, highlights the segments that vendors should be targeting in various marketing efforts, and discovers what consumers are doing with their digital photos. InfoTrends research indicates that digital cameras are now fully-entrenched in the mainstream market. Since technologies are continually changing, staying abreast of industry trends is a critical part of any vendor’s marketing plan.

Digital cameras need to get connected

Mobile phones have become very popular picture taking devices. In 2008, mobile phones with cameras were cited by only 18% of respondents as the camera used most often but that percentage has doubled over the last 3 years. One reason for this increase is because mobile phones make online sharing effortless. The number of photos shared online continues to increase and consumers want a one-step sharing process.  As camera phones and smartphones quickly become “the camera in our pocket,” they are stealing photo taking share away from traditional digital cameras. According to InfoTrends’ Senior Research Analyst, Carrie Sylvester, “Because mobile phones with cameras are connected devices, they make the task of sharing photos with friends and family a snap. Digital camera vendors need to improve the sharing scenario and the best way to do this is to have built in connectivity.”

Consumers need a reason to upgrade

“If consumers do not see a need to upgrade, they will likely continue to use their existing cameras”, explains Sylvester. “Camera vendors must clearly illuminate the benefits of their latest offerings so consumers appreciate the benefits of investing in a new camera.” Certain features such as connectivity, GPS, rugged/waterproof features, increased zoom, and the ability to accommodate interchangeable lenses all serve as good motivation for camera upgrade purchases. Digital camera vendors should also make sure that their marketing messages are wide spread in order to educate a wide range of consumers and make them aware of new offerings.

InfoTrends’ 2011 Digital Camera End-User Survey report is available immediately for purchase. For more information visit InfoTrends’ online store or contact Stephanie Tose at +1 781 616 2103 or email stephanie_tose@infotrends.com.

InfoTrends, a Questex company, is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at www.infotrends.com.

Copyright 2012 InfoTrends. All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of InfoTrends materials is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.

For media inquiries contact Allison Jones at +1 781 616 2108 or allison_jones@infotrends.com.