Cameras that can share images over the internet, and easily connect with other electronic devices, will be key to market growth over the next five years, according to analysts.
?When digital cameras entered the market a decade ago they were purely a replacement for film cameras,? states InfoTrends in its latest report, Western European Consumer Digital Camera Forecast: 2010-2015.
?It is now necessary for them to become connected to other devices and the internet.?
InfoTrends director Mette Eriksen adds: ?Sharing images instantly with friends and family is becoming a more important aspect of photography.
?Smartphones currently provide this ability but digital cameras generally do not.
?Consumers will soon expect that cameras will interface with any device that they use to store, share, manage and print their photos.
?As connected devices become more widespread, cameras will need to become connected to compete.?
InfoTrends predicts that the consumer digital camera market will recover after ?taking a hit from the global economic meltdown?.
It adds that falling prices and ?ease of use? have encouraged mainstream consumers to buy digital cameras.
