Though sales of digital cameras are declining in Ireland, figures from recent months show a surprising increase in sales value for cameras with interchangeable lenses.
The digital camera market has struggled as consumers hold out on upgrading to new models while money is tight, and the impact of improved photo-taking capabilities on mobile phones and smartphones hits hard.
Though the market has seen its slowest rate of decline since Q4 2010, sales were still down by 15pc in Q2 2012. However, GfK Ireland has noted more positive results in the changeable lens camera market, showing year-on-year value growth of 10pc.
Source: GfK Retail and Technology Ireland
But it may not be renewed interest but rather higher pricing that’s causing the lift in the market. GfK says that the average selling price of an SLR has increased by €180 since January 2012. On top of that, there are also significantly more SLR models on the market with seven more available in June 2012 than in January.
It seems that consumers are more willing to shell out high prices for new, more advanced models, which could be an opportunity to revive the market.
Photographer image via Shutterstock
