The camera market is a period of slowdown, according to Japan-based industry-watcher CIPA – which collates official data direct from a host of major retailers, so knows its stuff.
Yet I find it interesting that the two categories bucking the downward trend are, firstly, interchangeable lens cameras with sensors smaller than full frame – which we can interpret as being APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras – and, secondly, fixed lens compact cameras.
The fact that larger-sensor full-frame and medium format cameras are experiencing reduced demand isn’t all that surprising.
Despite cutting-edge performance, these are typically the highest-priced models on the market, appealing to monied enthusiasts and professional photographers. So, they are always going to be more niche products compared with consumer-level snapshots at pocket-money prices.
On top of this, there are typically longer gaps between new iterations when it comes to such flagship models. And it could be argued that technology in this category – combining subject-recognizing, AI-guided autofocus with 100MP sensors – has peaked.
In short, when it comes to full frame or medium format, I’m not desperately wanting anything greater, faster or higher resolution than I already have. I think the manufacturers recognize this, too.
In comparison, there has been more activity and many more thousands of words written around fixed lens compacts of late, focusing on how they’ve been discovered by a younger crowd seeking an ‘authentic’ yet fun, nostalgic alternative to shooting on camera phone.
Falling into this category are not just affordable, licensed Kodak cameras (which have, against all reviewers’ rhyme and reason, snuck onto the bestseller lists), but also (slightly) more ambitious models including the Panasonic Lumix L10, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III and Ricoh GR series.
Unlike larger sensor cameras, then, it feels that in this category there is something for everyone at present. And when you introduce or invite everyone to experience a product series, you get more sales – simple.
The appeal and relative popularity of smaller sensor mirrorless models alongside these is slightly more of a head-scratcher – aside from the fact that they, too, are a more affordable and accessible entry point for fledgling photographers than their full-frame brethren. As well as being a lot more portable and easier to handle generally.
There’s still a lot to be said for convenience. It’s not always the pinnacle of a technology that appeals to the greatest number of people, but the one that is simply ‘good enough’.
If camera manufacturers want to reverse the across-the-board slowdown in shipments and sales, perhaps they too should bear that in mind.
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Take a look at the best point-and-shoot cameras around right now, and see if they take your fancy more than the best full-frame mirrorless cameras.
