PMA captures latest in digital imaging business
LAS VEGAS —Retailers can expect a new wave of digital cameras loaded with special features and lower prices this spring as major suppliers battle for market share. That’s the key trend that emerged from the Photo Marketing Association show in Las Vegas that ended Feb. 2.
Kodak debuted its new line of point-and-shoot cameras and its new Z1012S. The 10-MGP, single lens reflex model comes with a powerful zoom lens, optical image stabilization and will debut in April for just $299. “That’s a lot of features packed into one camera at what we think is a very good price,” said Jerry Magee, marketing manager for digital and film imaging systems for Kodak.
Newcomer General Imaging displayed nine of its new GE-branded digital cameras, including the E1050, a 10-MGP camera with image stabilization, blink and smile detection; HDTV video capture and an optional GPS system. “It will be one of the first, if notthe first, camera with a GPS system,” said General Imaging’s Cary Willis.
In the higher-end, digital SLR sector, Canon unveiled a successor to the EOS Digital Rebel XTi—the bestselling digital SLR of 2007—with the EOS Digital Rebel XSi, a 12-MGP model priced at $799 and due in April. Nikon took the wraps off the 10-MGP D60, a successor to its popular D40 model that will arrive in stores this month at $750.
Suppliers are trying to one-up each other on special features and prices in what’s become an increasingly tough market. According to the IDC, manufacturers shipped a record 34 million cameras and generated $8.5 billion in revenue in 2007, but those numbers are expected to drop as the market matures and products like camera cell phones steal market share.
At the opening business session on Jan. 31, a panel of top executives from Olympus, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak and Fuji-film discussed the future of photo processing at retail. Most agreed the market for photo books holds huge potential and is expected to generate $359 million in sales this year, compared to just $81 million in 2005.