Camera & Film Wholesaling in the US - Industry Market Research Report

Picture imperfect: The rate of smartphone penetration will slow significantly, easing pressure on revenue and profit

The industry, which distributes photographic equipment and supplies, has declined in 2023 due primarily to the rising market penetration of smartphones with high-quality cameras. Consumers are more readily choosing smartphones for their photography needs and forgoing the additional cost of digital or analog cameras, especially as smartphones become more technologically advanced with camera qualities now rivaling those of standalone digital cameras with better camera quality and editing software built in. Reduced demand for analog cameras and camera accessories, such as film developing supplies, has driven digital cameras to account for an increasingly significant portion of industry revenue. So technological advances have collectively detracted from sales and rendered them further obsolete. Though there's been a plunge in revenue over the last several years, the industry is experiencing a slight increase in 2023. This is due to the fact that while demand for conventional photographic film has declined, it has risen for instant film and other specialty film products. As a result of this, industry revenue is expected to increase at a CAGR of 3.6% to $14.9 billion while going into 2023, including a decrease of 2.5% in 2023 when profit will reach 6.3%. Industry operators wholesale photographic equipment and supplies, including digital cameras, photofinishing equipment, photographic film, TV cameras and projection equipment. This industry does not wholesale office supplies, photocopying equipment, microfilm equipment or household video cameras. This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.