State of the Industry: Some sales numbers which indicate the downward trend is continuing. Wondering whether this is going to depress investment in innovation that has brought us...

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

Some sales numbers which indicate the downward trend is continuing. Wondering whether this is going to depress investment in innovation that has brought us significant advancements in DSLRs and especially in Mirrorless? The cause points to increased use of smartphone cameras...i.e., the convenience factor, especially among millennials.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/7719403699/cipa-s-november-numbers-show-the-digital-camera-market-s-continuing-decline

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

mrjcall wrote:

Some sales numbers which indicate the downward trend is continuing. Wondering whether this is going to depress investment in innovation that has brought us significant advancements in DSLRs and especially in Mirrorless? The cause points to increased use of smartphone cameras...i.e., the convenience factor, especially among millennials.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/7719403699/cipa-s-november-numbers-show-the-digital-camera-market-s-continuing-decline

Yes, I've seen several articles about this. Camera companies had better start thinking about the future. Continual decline is not a sales objective.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Once everyone has some kind of camera, the largest sales will be upgrades (for those that care to do so).
Yea, I can understand why sales are slowing down.

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

jerryc41 wrote:

Yes, I've seen several articles about this. Camera companies had better start thinking about the future. Continual decline is not a sales objective.

In a few years (not many for sure), I think we'll look back on digital equipment that we have now the same way we look back on the film equipment many of us used to use. The huge difference is the acceleration of the change! On the plus side, I really believe that the advancements will benefit those of us who take our craft seriously. It always does, eh?

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

I believe the photo world is divided (and not evenly) between quick convenience shots that are meant for social media and quick memories vs. those people who understand and believe in the craft of photography. Unfortunately like many "skills", auto functions and technology are replacing the craft. Those of us who geek out on ISO and white balance etc. are in a distinct minority of those who capture images.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

It was all about overhanging the market in Q4-17. How many of us held off a major purchase waiting for the release of the Nikon D850, Sony A9 or A7RIII, the Panasonic GH5S?
In retail, once a new product is announced but not shipped, the current line is headed for markdowns.