Arlington, VA—Segmenting photographers across the U.S. into two major groups—primary smartphone users and primary point-and-shoot camera users—a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) finds a gap exists between device usage and satisfaction in terms of printing and editing.
The study, Digital Imaging – Photo Sharing and Printing, revealed that U.S. photographers still enjoy the archiving permanence that prints offer for memorializing occasions. And CEA’s Market Research team believes this finding provides an opportunity for consumer adoption (or readoption) of point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras that offer multipurpose options such as in-camera editing and Wi-Fi connectivity to expedite printing, photo sharing and archiving.
“Many consumers who use their smartphones or basic point and shoots as their main photo capture devices are less satisfied with printing options, signaling a need in the marketplace,” said Chris Ely, manager, industry relations, CEA, who oversaw the study. “These findings suggest there are untapped opportunities in advanced printing features for these segments of digital photographers.”
The study also found there is a steady demand for printing, with two in three U.S. adult photographers printing at least one photo in a typical month, and roughly two in five (42%) estimate they spend more than $25 each year to print photos. Additionally, noted Ely, online U.S. adult smartphone and point-and-shoot photographers (60%) are less satisfied with their current capabilities for printing photos.
Among both primary smartphone and basic point-and-shoot photographers, editing photos is another source of dissatisfaction: “Those who primarily use their smartphones or point-and-shoot cameras for photos are less likely to be satisfied with current editing capabilities (61% satisfied).” And six in 10 (63%) respondents expressed interest in built-in editing apps on cameras.
“The future of the digital imaging marketplace lies in connectivity and cameras with multiple features such as in-camera editing and printing,” said Ely. “Camera manufacturers who create or market multipurpose cameras that have a quality advantage over smartphones and include more compelling features over basic point and shoots will be well positioned to meet the needs of today’s consumer.”
Also noted was that the use of smartphones for digital imaging has nearly doubled from three years ago: “Half of online adult U.S. photographers (50%) use smartphones to capture images, whereas only 28% did so in 2009.”
Digital Imaging – Photo Sharing and Printing, fielded in November 2012, was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research. ce.org
