Photographic industry in freefall? Camera shipments down a shocking 35%

Photographic industry in freefall? Camera shipments down a shocking 35%
Image: CIPA

It may seem like a broken record at this point, but the problem is that the scratches and skipping are getting worse – much worse. According to the latest reports, the camera industry has gone from decline to freefall, with 34.7% fewer camera systems shipping in February 2019 than February 2018.

That's according to international industry body CIPA, the Camera & Imaging Products Association. In its latest CIPA Report, publishing statistical data from February 2019, it found that shipments of interchangeable lens cameras was down to just 521,217 – over a quarter of a million fewer cameras than were shipped (798,014) in the same period last year. 

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.