(Weymouth, MA) September 8, 2011...InfoTrends announced the release of its Western European Consumer Digital Camera Forecast: 2011-2016. The digital camera market in Western Europe is reaching maturity and the law of diminishing returns is becoming a reality for all players in the market. Winners in the digital camera market will focus on the most profitable demographics, striving to design products that meet these individuals’ needs.

“Digital cameras must become a part of the connected imaging ecosystem. Smartphones, which offer seamless photo sharing, are the benchmark. Unless digital cameras become connected, there is a real risk that mainstream consumers will forsake digital cameras for smartphones,” said Ed Lee, a Group Director at InfoTrends. “Digital camera vendors must think carefully about how their products can enhance the entire photography experience from capture to edit, share, and store. Innovative vendors will find a way to build great cameras and solutions that enable consumers to extract value from their photos and do more with them as they pass through the different touch points of the imaging ecosystem.”

For the compact camera market, the focus must now shift away from technology, features, and functions. Moving forward, marketing will need to take center stage. Within the digital interchangeable lens camera market, the introduction of new DSLR models and compact interchangeable lens cameras will bring some renewed excitement to the market and capture consumers’ interest. Hobbyists and early adopters will remain important pillars of the digital camera market for the foreseeable future. At the same time, however, future opportunities will likely exist in new segments that are not currently being catered to.

InfoTrends’ Western European Consumer Digital Camera Forecast: 2011-2016 provides a six-year forecast for the Western European consumer (sub-€1,500) digital camera market in terms of units, revenues, and average selling prices. Breakouts are provided for price segments, point & shoot (P&S) cameras, and digital interchangeable lens cameras (including digital SLRs). This document includes a forecast for total European unit sales and also separates this information by individual country. It analyses key market drivers and barriers, considers digital camera design, and evaluates technology trends. General data is offered for Western Europe, with a greater emphasis placed on France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

The forecast is available immediately for purchase. For more information visit our online store or contact Jennie Lewis at +44 1983 289794 or e-mail [email protected].

InfoTrends, a Questex company, is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at www.infotrends.com.