Various Japanese industry analysts believe that in two to three years, the number of major manufacturers involved in compact digital camera production will be halved. The relentless 6-month product cycle, deep discounting of old stock, competition from camera-phones, market saturation, and huge R&D investment is not sustainable over the long run. Who will survive? Let's look at the field:
- Canon
- Nikon
- Minolta
- Sony
- Kodak
- Pentax
- Olympus
- Panasonic
- Leica (Panasonic)
- Casio
- Ricoh
- Sanyo
Kyocera/Contax
Toshiba
Epson
We've already seen Epson, Toshiba and Contax leave the field (although Epson is trying to get back in with the R-D1). Casio and Ricoh are struggling to stay in play, and Pentax is looking weaker in recent months. According to a recent report, Panasonic only holds 3% of the compact digital camera market in Japan. Also check this listing of sales.
Have thoughts who will remain? Post a comment here.