Nearly 20% of U.S. Internet Users Now Own a Camera Phone, According to New InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Study

Jan. 27, 2005 A recent InfoTrends/CAP Ventures study reveals that nearly 20% of U.S. Internet users owned a mobile phone with an embedded digital camera at the end of 2004, compared to just 3% in 2003. In addition, 27% of consumers who do not currently own a camera phone are highly interested in purchasing one as their next mobile phone. Two out of three current camera phone owners use the camera function on a regular basis to take pictures.

The number one feature that both current and future camera phone owners are looking for is better image quality. "The introduction of several new megapixel handsets in 2005 will set off the next big wave of buying," says Jill Aldort, consultant at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. "And higher resolutions will drive more printing from camera phones, which is good news for printing vendors."

The study shows that over 40% of current camera phone owners have printed their camera phone images. "Camera phone print volume will continue to increase as manufacturers introduce higher resolution and better quality optics, as well as options like Bluetooth and removable memory to make image transfer easier," says Aldort.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures' new report entitled 2004 Camera Phone End User Survey Analysis is available immediately. The report answers key questions about consumer behavior to provide market development guidance to digital camera and mobile phone manufacturers, wireless carriers, and all digital photography vendors. The 70+ page analysis with 90 figures and two sets of 270-page tabulations provides extensive research and analysis by age, income, and other demographics and usage patterns. It reveals detailed trends on camera phone ownership and usage such as purchase motivation, monthly spending, and photo capture, sharing, and printing.

A related multi-client study entitled 2004 Mobile Imaging: Technology Trends, Consumer Behavior and Business Strategies is also available. This study provides a global perspective on consumer behavior in major markets including North America, Western Europe, Japan, and China.

About InfoTrends/CAP Ventures

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industries. InfoTrends/CAP Ventures provides research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is available on the Web at www.infotrends-rgi.com