Kodak Dominates the Compact Camera Market, BCN+R Reveals

Compact cameras have become a go-to device for many creatives around the world. Whether you are into photography or you like to make short videos, many people are relying on their 1-inch or Micro Four Thirds compact cameras to get the job done. With more people shifting or opting for a smaller camera, BCN+R shares its latest report on the sales of these devices, and which companies are able to woo consumers. The result just may surprise you.

According to the report, Kodak’s Pixpro FZ55, a compact zoom camera with a 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensor, topped the compact cameras list two times. The device has a 24-140mm lens, both still and video recording options, and an in-built flash.  The BCN+R report also states that Kodak sold 21.4% of the products, hence the company has a recurring name in the list. Some of the other cameras on the list include:

Panasonic‘s TZ99 is another compact camera that comes with a 30x optical zoom, which rivals smartphones, thanks to its zooming capabilities. It is due to this feature that Panasonic was ranked in the top five category for the first time in the past three years. In March, the company also maintained fifth place with 8.3% sales across Japan.

BCN+R also adds that compact cameras sold in March 2013 increased by 139, when compared to March 2023. As for the value, there was also an increase of 113.6, and these numbers have been in double digits for five consecutive months since November 2012.

From the list, we also see the absence of major camera manufacturers such as Sony and Nikon, with Canon having just one entry. It proves that major players are focused on higher megapixel cameras; the void for lower-end, cost-effective devices is being filled by companies like Kodak, Tokina, and Fujifilm. In fact, we also reported how OM System‘s OM3, a Micro Four Thirds camera, beat Nikon and Canon’s APS-C and full-frame offerings. When you look at trends, as well as rebate options, one realizes that smaller sensor compact cameras appear far more enticing for beginners, or people who pursue photography as their passion, rather than a profession.

From the looks of it, compact cameras will conquer more of the market since the number of people needing smaller devices is far higher than the number who are looking at them for professional needs. They may not be able to compete with the sales of a smartphone camera, but they are still a preferred option due to the limitations of the former device. It remains to be seen whether Sony, Canon, and Nikon further help to make this trend more permanent with newer compact cameras, or whether they prefer to fuel the megapixel war.

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