Behind the scenes

How smartphones are changing the camera market

26.2.2024

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

In recent years, the way we’ve been taking pictures has changed drastically. Smartphones have evolved from simple communication devices to powerful cameras. The sales figures paint a clear picture – people are taking fewer and fewer photos with compact and SLR cameras.

I remember me and my brother playing with my father’s Canon compact camera for hours. We took photos and filmed ourselves. That was at the start of the noughties. Back then, compact cameras, such as those produced by Sony today, were part of every travel bag. They took good photos by the standards of the time, were affordable, light and not as complex as an SLR camera.

Attack of the smartphones

While smartphone sales have been on the rise in recent years, the trend for compact cameras has gone in the opposite direction. And it’s clear why. Cameras that were once so popular have had to make way for the small, smart communication computers we carry around with us every day. Camera manufacturers are treating the compact camera range with corresponding neglect. Sony presented its last compact camera in 2019 and seems to be concentrating more on the further development of its smartphones (How much of a professional camera is the Sony Xperia 1 V?)). Canon last updated its compact G7X series in 2017. Smartphones lack certain advantages compact cameras offer. However, they make up for features including adjustment options, haptics or lossless zoom with AI algorithms for automatic image enhancement and several lenses with different focal lengths.

Just a few years ago, SLR cameras were considered state of the art. Today, these cameras are hardly relevant any more. Galaxus has a good 70 models in its range, many of which aren’t readily available to order. The SLR camera also has competition – system cameras. They offer better image quality and speed, and the lack of a mirror allows for a very compact design. While smartphones continued to sell well during the pandemic, system cameras suffered. Due to travel restrictions and the uncertain economic situation, sales figures plummeted. It wasn’t until 2023 that these figures returned to pre-coronavirus (up two per cent on 2019).

Only instant cameras sell even better than smartphones and system cameras. However, their focus isn’t on quality, but on the immediate physical presence and uniqueness of the images. The photos make great gifts, or can be glued or hung on the wall, for example.

The renaissance of analogue photography

In a world of digital snapshots, an opposing trend is emerging. Analogue film and disposable cameras are literally flying off our shelves.

Between 2021 and 2023 alone, Digitec Galaxus sold 67 per cent more analogue film rolls and 112 per cent more disposable cameras. In the same period, however, Digitec Galaxus sold only 20 per cent more analogue cameras. People are probably rummaging through attics or buying and selling old cameras like crazy on the second-hand market.

Other areas of the photo and video world haven’t developed as well in recent years. Action cameras, such as those produced by GoPro or DJI, haven’t grown as much (up 166% compared to 2014).

Smartphones sell much better than all other devices in the camera category. Instant cameras are trendy, as shown by both the growth figures and the absolute sales figures. Action cameras aren’t experiencing a massive boom, but their sales level is still high. It seems, outdoorsy people and extreme sports enthusiasts want to capture their experiences for eternity. System cameras, which are many times more expensive, have to take their place behind compact and action cameras.

A return to the past, a rejection of modernity and the disappearance of SLR cameras

The days when children passed the time playing with compact and other cameras are over. Today, smartphones dominate. Professional photographers, on the other hand, shoot with system cameras. And nostalgics have rediscovered analogue forms of photography. Despite modest growth in recent years, action cameras sell surprisingly well in our virtual store.

Is this all a reaction to digitalised, fast-moving photography? Do you still use a compact camera or are you happy with just your smartphone?

Header image: Manuel Wenk

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Manuel Wenk

Communications Manager

Manuel.Wenk@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a Multimedia Producer, preparing multimedia content and knowing about cutting-edge technology is my business. My main focus at digitec is producing videos. I can’t wait to try out new products such as cameras, drones or smartphones as soon as they’re launched. This is where being at the source comes in rather handy. When I’m not working, I’m probably skiing, biking or hiking – the mountains are my place to be.

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