“Although the worldwide demand for fixed lens cameras is declining, we can see the interchangeable lens camera sales bucking the trend and posting solid growth in excess of 16% year-on-year”, said Arun Gill, Market Analyst, Futuresource Consulting. “In 2012, this translated to an annual average accessories spend per interchangeable lens camera of $307, compared with less than two dollars accessories spend per fixed lens camera.”
Lenses represented the majority of demand, at nearly 80% of the total trade market value; followed by bags and cases, flashes and supports. Digital camera vendors – including Canon, Nikon and Sony – represented the majority of accessory sales in value terms, mainly due to their strength in lenses. For other accessories, a number of specialist brands play a more significant role, such as Manfrotto, Metz and Sigma. “In terms of purchase behaviours, many high value users may still prefer to use photo specialists to get expert advice, and handle the product before purchase. When it comes to sale, a increasing number of these users make purchases through pure online players, motivated by savings of up to 25%”, Gill stated.
