2014 predictions sandbox #2: point-and-shoot declines, but it’s not yet time to shutter the camera market
I’m in the process of developing some predictions for what will happen in digital in 2014 and thought that I’d post them here to get some wisdom from my readers! Some of these will be positive, some might be busting some myths about categories that have captured the zeitgeist. Now, more than ever, comments will be greatly appreciated. Last time out, I focused on personal health monitoring . On a somewhat different tack, here’s some thoughts about the camera market in 2014. My prediction Unit sales of ‘point and shoot’ digital cameras will fall by around 25% in 2014; however sales of specialist camera devices such as interchangeable lens (for example, SLR) and wearable cameras will offset this decline, meaning that although shipments will fall, the decline will not be catastrophic and the total standalone camera market will by around 80m units. Why do I think this? It’s no secret that the smartphone has reduced the need for point and shoot cameras in the last two or three years....