DSLRs and compacts not dead yet: market data
THE CAMERA and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) trade body in Japan has released its latest data for February, and it makes interesting reading. First the number of mirrorless camera units shipped, and the value of these shipments, rose compared to last February – up a healthy 43% and 47% respectively (642,000 cameras went to market in the month). This reflects the continued demand for higher-end mirrorless models, for which makers can charge more.
More unusual is the revelation that while DSLR shipments only rose 2% year on year in February, the value of these shipments jumped by 10%. It’s not totally clear why, but UK retailers report that DSLR prices aren’t being discounted. ‘Also, DSLRs don’t typically appear in promotions these days, such as when cashback is activated,’ said Andy Steel from Park Cameras. This is backed up by Nikon specialist, Grays of Westminster. ‘All Nikon’s attention and promotion is on its Z mirrorless system at the moment.’
In addition, Nikon now focuses on higherpriced full-frame DSLRs, while the Chinese market continues to grow.
It’s a similar story with compacts. Shipments remained flat year on year, but the value jumped 28% to ¥12.31 billion (around £64.5 million). Again, we assume this is down to less discounting or greater demand for premium compacts, including from China. The success of the Fujifilm X100VI will presumably boost the numbers even more.