Digital cameras sales slid by 16 percent in the first three quarters of last year to NT$10 billion (US$344.13 million) compared with the previous year, with shipment units hitting 820,000 on the back of decreased demand for the products and the economic slowdown, a report released by market researcher GfK Taiwan on Monday showed.
DSLR CAMERAS
Although general sales declined, sales of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras grew by 5 percent, outperforming the general camera market as customers maintained buying habits while looking for high-end products with advanced features that meet their individual needs, GfK Taiwan analyst Ku Pei-yu (古佩玉) said.
Ku said that DSLR cameras differentiate themselves from entry-level models through more advanced features and upgraded specifications, such as higher pixels, higher optical zooms or larger aperture.
FLEXIBILITY
Not only can DSLR cameras shoot high-resolution pictures, but they give users more flexibility through manually adjustable settings, making such products attractive to consumers despite the higher price tag, she added.
In addition, the integration of DSLR cameras with Wi-Fi or GPS features also helped to sustain sales momentum through the fourth quarter of last year.
EVIL CAMERAS
Meanwhile, electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens (EVIL) cameras witnessed a 27 percent increase in sales in the first three quarters of last year compared with a year earlier, GfK Taiwan said.
For this year, sales of digital cameras are expected to continue to be affected by smartphones and other mobile devices, but specially designed new cameras equipped with unique features will remain attractive to consumers, Ku said.
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