Compact system cameras continue to grow
Market research indicates appeal of new designs and styles
Compact system camera (CSC) sales are continuing to climb, according to research from Futuresource Consulting.
James Wells, research consultant at Futuresource, said 392,000 CSC units were shipped to Western Europe in 2010, accounting for 11 per cent of total interchangeable-lens camera volumes in the year, and the market will grow further.
"[The segment] is expected to grow to 615,000 units and account for 16 per cent of interchangeable-lens camera shipments in 2011," wrote Wells in a media statement.
He said industry feedback indicated that about 70 per cent of demand has been driven by existing fixed-lens camera users who were attracted by smaller form factors, ease of use and stylised designs, rather than users who were replacing or upgrading a DSLR.
The average price for a CSC with a standard zoom lens was €380 (£328) to €1,438, so they cost more than fixed-lens cameras – clearly showing why vendors are interested in the segment beyond the opportunity for selling additional accessories.
"CSCs are generally more stylised [than DSLRs] – examples being retro designs, different colours and body materials – to appeal to a wide section of users," Wells wrote.
"Many retailers are charging a premium for specific body colours, a trend that is common in the fixed-lens market. A white or silver version of the Olympus E-P3 [above] is €34 more expensive than a black one at Jessops UK, €25 more at Amazon UK and €13 more at Amazon France."
Wells added that the CSC segment has witnessed healthy growth for the past three years. Most leading camera brands now have interchangeable-lens cameras at the heart of their strategy, and seven brands have either launched a CSC model or have announced their intention to do so.
"Canon is the main exception," he said.
All camera prices were collected in October from France, Germany and the UK by Futuresource Price Checking Systems and are for a standard-zoom, one-lens kit from certain online retailers.