“2014 started badly and continued in the same vein in the third quarter. The photo market registered a considerable decline, especially on the entry level compact camera segment, which is in competition with smartphones. The medium and high-end level segment registers a rise in demand but cannot compensate for the slump in the low level segment,” said Secareanu.
According to a GfK market study, digital photo camera sales in Romania dropped 13% on the year in 2013, to EUR41 million. While sales of DSLR cameras (Digital Single Lens Reflex), which account for half the market, remained stable compared to 2012, compact photo camera sales dropped 26%.
“The photo market registered a decline of 20-25% this year, from 230,000 units in 2013. By segments, nearly 30,000 DSLR cameras were sold in 2013 and sales were comparable this year. If the last quarter goes well, the DSLR market might remain unchanged or register a slight decline, but compact camera sales will drop 20-25%,” said Secareanu.
he added the photo market will continue to decline in 2015, when the compact segment is expected to drop another 10%.
“We are optimistic about the DSLR segment, which we estimate will remain stable. On the whole, the photo camera market depends on the evolution of the overall economy,” said Secareanu.
Founded in 1937, Japanese manufacturer Canon is one of the largest players in the world. Canon cameras are distributed in Romania via several distributors and partners.
Canon has a market share of 16-18% on the compact segment in Romania and exceeds 30% on the DSLR segment, said Secareanu.