The study comes as a interesting perspective at a time when mirrorless cameras are seen as more favored than DSLR cameras.
Call it an “unpopular opinion” if you will, but a market study recently released by KeyPoint Intelligence/InfoTrends revealed that DSLRs are more popular options for point-and-shoot and mobile photographers compared to mirrorless cameras. The study adds that it’s more likely for them to move up with their photography with a DSLR if they’re considering buying a digital camera within the next year.
The 2018 US Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera (DILC) Market Study by KeyPoint Intelligence has narrowed down their research to opportunities pertaining to first-time buying photo enthusiasts. The study has found that 72% of those who are considering buying a digital interchangeable lens camera in the next year currently don’t have one. Also, smartphone only and point and shoot camera owners comprise the pool of potential buyers, but only 33% of smartphone only owners and 42% of point and shoot camera owners are thinking of getting a mirrorless camera.
The study’s results are definitely interesting given the current market standing of both mirrorless and DSLR cameras, with the former consistently outselling the latter since 2011. In fact, the January – June 2018 Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) shipping report maintained that while figures for interchangeable lens cameras were pretty much unchanged, mirrorless camera sales were up by 20% compared to that of June 2017. So, it’s possible that these point-and-shoot and smartphone only shooters may initially want a DSLR, because that’s the usual route for those who want to take up photography seriously. But after careful deliberation and research, they could opt for mirrorless cameras in the end.
Besides, 2018 has undoubtedly been the year of the Full Frame mirrorless camera, with Nikon and Canon directly challenging Sony as the mirrorless team to beat.
Based on the results of the study, InfoTrends recommends that camera companies “continually offer new benefits to their customers” and “provide sufficient motivation in the form of innovative and compelling features such as artificial intelligence, in new models as well as affordable prices.” Interestingly, this was also what the January – April 2018 CIPA report hinted, as it reflected that overall camera shipments were down compared to last year.
Read more about the study here.