Is the digital camera market recovering?

It's no secret that the digital camera market has shrunk in recent years. According to some analysts, this trend is primarily due to the rise of smartphones with better cameras and the impact of the pandemic.

However, a recent report published by PetaPixel indicates that digital camera sales in Japan increased in 2024 compared to 2023.

Canon’s sales volume in 2024 was 151.4% of its 2023 level. Fujifilm landed in second place with an 18.6% market share.

Market Recovery Indicators:

• Increased Shipments: The Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) reported that global shipments of mirrorless cameras reached approximately $17 billion in the first half of 2023, marking a 20% year-over-year increase and setting a record high for the third consecutive year.

• Growth Projections: The global digital camera market size was valued at USD 7.16 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024 to 2030.

The shift towards smartphones with advanced camera capabilities continues to impact the digital camera market, necessitating innovation and adaptation from traditional camera manufacturers.

I believe digital cameras will always have a market, even as they compete with smartphones. The fact remains that, due to size limitations, the image quality of photos taken with smartphones cannot match that of mirrorless cameras. Over time, lenses and digital cameras will continue to become smaller and more efficient, but their superior image quality will ensure their place in the market.

Godox is releasing 3 new flashes

According to a recent article on PetaPixel, Godox is set to release three new compact and affordable flashes.

While I haven’t tested these new flashes yet, I’ll admit I’ve fallen into the trap of buying compact flashes in the past. Although they’re better than having no flash at all, their limited features and performance often leave much to be desired. To put it politely, the results have been far from impressive.

A telephoto lens that has never existed before

 According PetaPixel, Sigma may be releasing in 2025 "a telephoto lens that has never existed before".

In an interview, Yazuto Yamaki, Sigma's CEO, said "..one of the products that excite me a lot is a telephoto lens that has never existed before...” 

Yamaki also said that this would be a lens targeting Sport and Wildlife photographers. 

Canon R6 Mark II price goes down

 Canon R6 Mark II drops by almost $500 now that rumors of Canon R6 Mark III release intensified.

If you are looking for a new camera you can get this deal at Adorama where the price went down from $2499 to $1999. 

The Canon R6 Mark II is one of the cameras recommended by me for Wildlife Photography. 

Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Recommended, Full Frame, 24.1 MP non stacked sensor , New ($1999), Used ($2029-$1949), Dual Card Slot. Includes In Body Stabilization. Good Low Light Performance. Auto Focus in this camera is more sophisticated than the one included in the R6 Mark I. 30 FPS in Electronic Mode. It uses the LP-E6NH Battery. Very low Rolling Shutter. No fully weather sealed. 

Paul McCartney, the photographer

Almost everyone on Earth knows Paul McCartney as the legendary musician and former Beatle. However, what many may not realize is that he's also a talented amateur photographer.

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm is an unprecedented exhibition, revealing extraordinary photographs taken by the beloved musical icon. Organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London, the exhibition will open at the Portland Art Museum on September 14, 2024, and run through January 19, 2025.

From the few his pictures that I have seen published in many articles around the web I can say that his composition is nice and reflect the history of the group during that time period from 1963 to 1064.