While D-SLRs soared and new sensors moved forward, overall, camcorders were slower movers in 2011 than expected. According to a newly published report Professional Camcorders World 2011, the annual global study from D. I. S. Consulting, while HD-delivering D-SLRs continue to proliferate and some new image sensor-using camcorders move forward, the market has generally lagged […]
While D-SLRs soared and new sensors moved forward, overall, camcorders were slower movers in 2011 than expected. According to a newly published report Professional Camcorders World 2011, the annual global study from D. I. S. Consulting, while HD-delivering D-SLRs continue to proliferate and some new image sensor-using camcorders move forward, the market has generally lagged in 2011 to date, compared to last year.
Despite increasing revenues, the industry recovery seems to have lost some of the strength it exhibited in 2010.
The new study, which collected 1,800+ end-user responses globally, in five regions and among seven vertical segments, was based on image sensor, recording formats, applications, technology trends and batteries, tripods and lenses by brand.
After 2009, where sales were dramatically soft, 2010 saw a significant bounce back factor as depleted stocks were filled, mobile and studio projects resumed, the expanding freelance sector stocked up and the industry as a whole saw a modest surge.
But, as the marketplace moved into 2011, this performance was not repeated, and a discernable slide-back is seen.
Purchases, overall, may have slid by as much as 10% and in a few pockets closer to 15% off 2010 levels. Manufacturers will need to hope for a strong finish to the year to prevent a deeper decline. And, the study illuminates what has been characterised as a more sluggish recovery from the recession than anyone anticipated.
Meanwhile, this lag has enhanced interest in new sensor solutions, particularly for Digital Cinema, but more generally, where camcorder users seem driven to have greater utility and be able to expand their lens options.
To some degree, this is favouring 35mm models and a move away from 2/3-inch ones. In other situations, movies and episodic TV programmes are being increasingly shot using D-SLRs, which is fueling a continued demand for them. An increased interest is seen in the potential for 4/3-inch camcorders as a possible alternative to 35mm and D-SLRs, although the outcome of that development is too early to predict, they could be winners in 2012.
One result of the continued interest in and enthusiasm for D-SLRs has been the expansion of brands catering to that opportunity and as a result the field of competitors has become more crowded. And, this has simultaneously stimulated a development and marketing of a slew of D-SLR-applicable accessories. That said, the overall slowdown has had a dampening effect on growth in accessories catering to more traditional camcorders. And, the tendency for all camcorders to become lighter, more compact and demand less power has had a negative impact on those accessory purchases.
One modest bounce came from increased demand for 3D-capable gear, where in the main more traditional 2D HD models were being placed on 3D rigs, but in a few instances purpose-built 3D models became sought after as well. This is, however, remaining largely a rental business, so far. Early indications seem to point to continued reliance on re-purposed gear rather than a surge in 3D-centric equipment and this is helping to support the use of both traditional image sensors and D-SLRs and at the same time to allow for experimentation in new sensor options.
On the lowerend, consumer models delivering very good quality HD still have appeal to professionals with tight budgets. While another area to watch going forward will be the high-end, where higher resolution is supplanting HD and giving way to 2K, 4K and even 8K production equipment.
Douglas I. Sheer is CEO & Chief Analyst of D.I.S. Consulting Corporation.
