Brakes on digital camera growth

GROWTH in digital camera shipments by Japanese makers in 2007 is expected to slow from an SLR-fuelled 22 per cent in 2006 to 7.5 per cent this year. Global shipments by makers such as Canon and Sony are estimated to rise to 84.9 million units in calendar 2007 from 79.0 million units last year, according to figures released by the Camera and Imaging Products Association.
Demand will continue to lose speed as shipment growth is expected to slow to 4.3 per cent in 2008, and 2.5 per cent the following year, the association said.
The Tokyo-based industry group also forecast shipments of digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) models, geared for professionals and hobbyists, will continue to show double-digit growth in 2007.But growth in the category would also slow compared to 2006
This year, shipments of DSLRs are forecast to increase 13.9 per cent to 5.99 million units, lagging behind a 38.9 per cent jump in 2006 to 5.26 million units.