Digital Camera Market in Japan - Technology Trends and Forecast to 2019

Landscape of the digital camera market in Japan

Digital cameras include: 

• Built-in lens cameras
• Interchangeable-lens cameras

The popularity of social media has spurred the demand for digital cameras, as consumers seek more advanced features for sharing pictures on the go. However, the market for built-in lens cameras is expected to decline during the forecast period, while the demand is set to rise for smartphone cameras and DSLR cameras. Many leading camera vendors are expected to introduce smartphones with high-end cameras as an alternative to point-and-shoot cameras.

DSLR cameras will fuel market growth for interchangeable-lens cameras. While professionals and photography enthusiasts mostly buy interchangeable-lens cameras, their popularity among regular consumers is expected to redouble due to their growing interest in photography and increasing disposable income, which makes high-end cameras affordable. Overall, the digital camera market in Japan is expected to post a CAGR of 14% during the forecast period.

Vendor landscape of the digital camera market in Japan

These four global vendors dominate the digital camera market in Japan:

• Canon
• Nikon
• Panasonic
• Sony

Japan is home to 80% of digital camera manufacturers. Competition in the market is intense, with rapid advances in technology resulting in frequent changes in consumer preferences. In addition, the influx of private labels in the market is on the rise. Therefore, to survive and succeed in this competitive environment, it is imperative for vendors to distinguish their product and service offerings through clear and unique value propositions.

Some other prominent vendors in the market include Casio Computer, Fujifilm, HP, Leica Camera, Olympus, Ricoh, Sakar International, Sigma, and Toshiba.

Market demand for digital cameras in Japan

End-users’ tendency to replace old cameras with more advanced ones is expected to sustain market demand for digital cameras in the forecast period. Japanese consumers are typically early adopters of technologically advanced products.

However, there will be an overall decline in unit shipments for the forecast period owing to a fall in the demand for built-in lens cameras. Many personalized products will soon be launched in the market during the forecast period, helping vendors better understand their customers’ needs and increase their market share.

Personalized digital cameras on the rise in Japan

• The growing demand for personalization is expected to drive the market for high-end digital cameras in Japan.
• Vendors are introducing personalized digital cameras in the market to meet end-user requirements, like advanced waterproof features and different-colored cameras. 
• Vendors are expected to increase their investment in R&D, leading to the introduction of advanced features (e.g., “connected” waterproof cameras).

Issues concerning vendors in the digital camera market in Japan

Vendors in the digital camera market in Japan are required to provide continuous support and upgrades to their customers. It is crucial for vendors to provide adequate and timely service to their customers
 
Vendors in this market commonly partner with third-party service providers for critical services and support. These service providers need to be closely monitored, especially in terms of after-sales service and support. To avoid customer dissatisfaction, third-party service providers need to be carefully selected in order to attain operational excellence in this market.

Other sections of the report

• Key drivers, challenges, and trends and their impact on the digital camera market in Japan
• Five forces analysis of the digital camera market in Japan
• SWOT analysis of key vendors in the digital camera market in Japan
• Male-female ratio of the digital camera market in Japan
• Digital camera users by age group in Japan

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