System camera sales dropped 31% in value in July, while fixed-lens cameras fell by 30% compared to a year ago, according to GfK Retail and Technology UK.

In its latest market report, GfK states: ‘Major declines in the photo sector had been limited to the fixed-lens market but now even the changeable-lens segment has suffered.

‘In July 2013, the changeable-lens market value dropped by more than the fixed-lens market value, denting the overall value attributable to digital cameras.’

In unit sales terms, however, compact cameras fared far worse, with demand falling 30% compared to 19% for interchangeable-lens models.

Overall, the UK photo market fell nearly 26% in July, compared with the same month last year.