Cameras (Global Market)

Cameras (Russian market)

Main article: Cameras (Russian market)

2023

Sales of digital cameras for shooting films in the world increased by 14% to $3.55 billion

At the end of 2023, the global market for digital cameras for shooting films amounted to $3.55 billion. The indicator of the previous year, when costs in this area were estimated at $3.11 billion, was exceeded by 14%. This is stated in the Market Research Future study, the results of which were published at the end of December 2024.

One of the main drivers of the industry in question, analysts call technological advances. Among them are high-resolution sensors, means of improving color accuracy, etc. The spread of 4K and 8K formats is growing. The introduction of advanced solutions allows filmmakers to shoot video materials of the highest quality, which creates a completely new experience for viewers. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into digital movie cameras further expands their capabilities in terms of improving recordable materials. AI algorithms are also able to automate many routine tasks.

Another stimulating factor is the development of new channels for the distribution of video materials, including streaming services, social networks and other online platforms. The popularity of immersive content involving the use of augmented (AR) and virtual (VT) reality technologies is increasing: this fuels the demand for high-resolution movie cameras.

The study notes that the rapid growth in the adoption of digital film devices is demonstrated by emerging markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The expansion of the industry is facilitated by various government initiatives to promote the film industry and support local filmmakers. These trends are expected to continue in the future, which will provide a stable positive trend in the market in question.

In terms of resolution, analysts highlight segments of 4K, 6K, 8K and 12K. Devices of the first of these categories occupy a significant share due to the widespread adoption of the 4K format in various areas, such as filmmaking, broadcasting and video streaming. The 6K and 8K segments are gradually gaining momentum, offering higher resolution and improved visual experience. However, the 12K sector as of the end of 2023 is in the early stages of development, but has significant potential in light of the growing introduction of AR/VR systems. Analysts emphasize that the industry is characterized by fierce competition among leading players, which include:

• Red Digital Cinema;
• Nikon;
• Sony;
• Arri;
• Z Cam;
• Panasonic;
• Hasselblad;
• Mavo;
• Canon;
• Blackmagic Design;
• Fujifilm;
• Phase One;
• Kinefinity;
• Leica.

From a geographical point of view, North America was in the lead in 2023 with a share of about 38% in total revenue - $1.35 billion. The dominance of the region is due to the concentration of major production centers in Hollywood and New York, as well as the early introduction of advanced technologies into filmmaking. Europe is in second place with 29%, or $1.03 billion: a number of leading camera manufacturers are operating here. At the same time, the Asia-Pacific region shows the most significant growth rate, which is due to the high demand for equipment from China and India.

At the end of 2024, sales of digital cameras for shooting films are estimated at $4.04 billion. Market Research Future analysts believe that in the future, the CAGR (CAGR in complex percentages) will be 14%. As a result, by 2032, costs on a global scale could rise to $11.53 billion.

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Global Digital Camera Market Growth by 8% to $22.9 Billion

In 2023, digital camera sales on a global scale amounted to $22.9 billion. This is almost 8% more compared to 2022, when the market volume was estimated at $21.3 billion. Such data are given in the materials of Statista, which TAdviser got acquainted with in mid-November 2024.

Analysts note that most users in everyday life rely on their smartphones to take photos and record videos. Still, demand for digital cameras persists - especially among professional photographers and filmmakers. In addition, such devices are acquired by users looking to improve their photography skills: compared to smartphones, digital cameras provide higher image quality, an expanded range of manual settings, as well as a number of other advantages, including optical zoom in a large range.

The market is being driven by advanced mirrorless cameras and next-generation professional SLRs. In addition, all kinds of peripherals and accessories make a significant contribution to the overall industry, including battery packs, lenses and bags for cameras, flashes, tripods, radio synchronizers, filters, remote controls, microphones, etc. Digital cameras are primarily used in industries such as marketing and advertising, film and professional photography, event accompaniment, cartography and surveying, public surveillance, and the army and defense.

In 2023, devices with a built-in lens accounted for 66.2% of revenue. Such models are chosen by users who want to purchase a universal, portable and light camera for all occasions. The mirrorless camera segment accounted for the largest share of revenue: such devices are lighter and more compact than SLR cameras.

From a geographical point of view, the Asia-Pacific region dominated the global digital camera market with a share of 36.7% in total revenue at the end of 2023. This is due to several reasons, such as the increase in the availability of products of well-known brands, the growth of disposable income, the presence of a large customer base, etc. In North America, the United States is leading, due to the early introduction of technological advances and the demand for digital cameras in general. Among the leading players in the market in question are:

• Canon;
• Eastman Kodak;
• Fujifilm Holdings;
• Leica Camera AG;
• Nikon;
• Olympus;
• OM Digital Solutions Corporation;
• Panasonic;
• Ricoh Imaging;
• Sigma;
• Sony;
• Hasselblad.

According to Statista, in 2023, the average revenue from digital camera sales per capita globally was $2.98. For comparison, a year earlier this figure was $2.79. The value consistently decreased from 2018 to 2021, but then the positive dynamics resumed.

The professional devices segment generated the largest share of revenue in 2023. At the same time, many professional photographers prefer to use mirrorless cameras because of their smaller size and mass, analysts emphasize.

At the end of 2024, revenue in the global digital camera market is estimated at $24.1 billion. Statista experts believe that in the future, the CAGR (average annual growth rate in complex percentages) will be 1.44%. As a result, by 2029, costs on a global scale could reach up to $25.9 billion. At the same time, the average income per capita is expected to increase to $3.2.^[2]

Sales of digital AI cameras in the world reached $8.2 billion

At the end of 2023, the volume of the global market for digital cameras with artificial intelligence reached $8.2 billion. Demand for such devices is growing rapidly around the world, according to a Precedence Research review released in February 2024.

AI cameras have a number of advantages over conventional surveillance systems. With enhanced image and video analysis capabilities, such devices can quickly recognize and respond to incidents or anomalies. Cameras with AI combine smart monitoring, the absence of false alarms, quick search for objects, the ability to recognize faces, etc. In addition, AI cameras can integrate into smart home systems to control heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting. In production, such devices help to monitor and analyze processes in real time. Products are also in demand in healthcare for working with medical images. All these opportunities lead to a rapid increase in demand.

Among the significant players in the global AI camera market are, Axis Communications,, Bosch Security Systems,, Canon Panasonic Google Johnson Controls,, Honeywell Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology,,,,, and Sony others Vivotek. From Nikon Huawei LG Electronics a regional point of view, North America held the largest market share in 2023 - approximately 37%. In second place is with 30%, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region closes the top three with 21%.

Precedence Research analysts believe that in 2024, sales of digital AI cameras in the world will reach $10.09 billion. Until 2033, a CAGR (compound percentage CAGR) of 23.5% is expected. As a result, by the end of this period, the volume of the industry can reach $67.41 billion.^[3]

2021

2020

Decline in the global digital camera market by 40.3%, to 8.85 million units

The volume of the global digital camera market at the end of 2020 reached 8.85 million units, having decreased by 40.3% compared to 2019. Such data in August 2021 was published by Nikkei, which refers to the analytical company Techno System Research.

The drop in demand for digital cameras was the result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, in which people began to spend more time at home and, as a result, take pictures less. In addition, the economic crisis that has come due to the pandemic has forced consumers to reconsider their spending and focus on more important goods. Cameras were not among the electronics in demand during self-isolation, like tablets and laptops.

There are also the influence of new factors - travel restrictions and a decrease in purchasing power, income instability of most categories of consumers.

The volume of the global digital camera market in 2020 reached 8.85 million units

In addition, the market for photographic equipment is affected by the growing popularity of smartphones with high-quality cameras. Substitution occurs even in professional photography. Pictures taken by smartphones are increasingly used by print media.

According to experts, the number of main camera modules in smartphones is constantly increasing - this is due to the fact that in a compact case it is impossible to create a universal camera that would allow you to approach and photograph in high resolution.

An additional blow for manufacturers was a sharp drop in demand for action cameras, through which many of them tried to diversify the business of traditional cameras. People do not travel, do not play extreme sports, competitions have been canceled, so the category of action cameras no longer saves, in 2020 it itself was in crisis.

According to the researchers, it is too early to say that digital cameras will completely leave the market. Some people will need cameras more and more clearly, but it will be a fairly segmented market, they say.

2020 Camera Market Leaders

Canon is the undisputed leader in the global digital camera market. It alone occupies almost half of the market, more precisely, 47.9% at the end of 2020 against 45.4% in 2019. In second place is Sony with a result of 22.1% (+ 1.9 pp relative to 2019), in third place is Nikon with 13.7% (-4.9 pp). In total, the top five, which also includes Fujifilm and Panasonic, occupies 93.8% of the global digital camera market. The share of the top 3 manufacturers at the end of 2020 exceeded 80%.

According to estimates by the CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association in Japan), which unites leading manufacturers of photographic equipment, 8.89 million digital cameras were sold worldwide in 2020, which is 41.6% less than a year earlier. Revenue in the market decreased not so much - by 29.4%.

Sales of cameras with non-replaceable lenses at the end of 2020 decreased by 47%, to 3.58 million units, and the decline was measured in money 41.3%. Cameras with interchangeable lenses for the year were sold 5.3 million copies - 37.3% less than in 2019. In monetary terms, this segment decreased by 24.8%.

SLR cameras sold 2.4 million units, which is 47.3% less than in 2019. In monetary terms, sales of "mirrors" brought manufacturers 44.6% less income than in 2019. Mirrorless cameras sold 2.9 million units in a year. This is 25.9% less than in 2019, but in monetary terms this segment decreased by only 12.5%.

According to GfK, in 2020, compared to 2019, sales of cameras in Russia in units decreased by 13%. Sales amounted to several hundred thousand units, but analysts did not disclose the exact figures.^[4]

Global Professional 3D Camera Market Valued at $4.62 Billion

On June 16, 2022, analysts at Allied Market Research published a study according to which the global market for professional 3D cameras in 2020 reached $4.62 billion in 2020, and in the future it will grow by 31.7% annually and exceed $73.5 billion by 2030.

The report said that in 2020, a lack of qualified specialists to work with 3D technologies led to a decrease in demand for professional 3D cameras, which negatively affected the global market, especially during the initial period of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In addition, the closure of a large number of enterprises further affected the market.

Global Professional 3D Camera Market Valued at $4.62 Billion

As for the technological aspects, in 2020 the largest share in the global market of professional 3D cameras was the stereo viewing segment, which occupies more than three-fifths of the global market. Due to its low cost and high efficiency in creating 3D images of objects, this technology has proven its worth. In addition, the technology is also effective at recording 2D images for 3D films and a number of other directions, thanks to time-of-flight technology. For example, in automotive systems, the technology is useful for autonomous driving thanks to real-time AI warnings about traffic status. In industrial areas, time-of-flight sensors act as active man-machine interfaces to ensure the safety of automated processes. Between 2021 and 2030, the time-of-flight camera segment is expected to see the fastest CAGR at 34.3%.

Regionally, North America has occupied nearly two-fifths of the global market for professional 3D cameras. The use of 3D cameras in various industries to monitor activity, record 3D movies, photography and the gaming industry is driving the growth of the market. Between 2021 and 2030, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the fastest CAGR growth of 35.3%. This is explained by the presence of many leading companies in regions such as Japan, Malaysia and Taiwan, which offer a huge selection of professional 3D cameras in the Asian market.^[5]

2017: Growth in pieces by 3.3% and 11.6% in money - CIPA

In early February 2018, Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) published a summary of the production and supply of digital cameras in 2017. According to experts, leading developers of photographic equipment, including brands such as, Olympus,, Casio Canon Xacti, Sigma,,,, and, Nikon Sony Panasonic Fujifilm Ricoh (Rico Rus) released and shipped about 25 million devices to the world market, increasing supplies by 3.3%, and production - by 5.2% compared to 2016.

In monetary terms, the digital camera market in CIPA was estimated at 792.8 billion yen ($7.2 billion at the exchange rate as of February 5, 2018). Compared to the previous year, the increase was 11.6%.^[6]

Production and delivery of digital cameras, data Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA)

Of the indicated volume of shipments, about 3.5 million cameras arrived in Japan, and the remaining approximately 21.5 million devices arrived in other countries of the world. Europe was the largest global market for photographic equipment: deliveries to this region reached 7.86 million units, an increase of 1.6%. In second place is Asia with a result of more than 6.56 million units (+ 2.9%). North and Latin America close the top three with an indicator of about 6.3 million devices (+ 5%). It is also noted that about 737 thousand cameras were delivered to other regions, 31.8% more than in 2016.

In money, more pronounced growth was observed in Europe, by 12.9%, but America and Asia also showed double-digit increases - by 11.8% and 10.4%, respectively.

In addition, the CIPA report provides data by camera type. Global deliveries of devices with non-replaceable optics (Built-in Lens Camera) in 2017 increased by 5.7%, to 13.3 million units, and in the category of devices with Interchangeable Lens Camera, a rise of 0.6% was registered, to 11.7 million units compared to the previous year.

Commenting on the data, observers of the Japanese agency Jiji Press noted that the growth was facilitated by the demand for cameras among young people who strive to take high-quality pictures for publication on Instagram and other social networks.^[7]

Notes