Despite unexpected declines in image capture device sales this year, the camera lens market grew in 2013. For the 12 months ending in October, dollar sales of lenses increased by 3%, despite a 4% decline in units sold.
Fueling the momentum in revenue has been growth in the average selling price, particularly from category leader Canon, which grew by an average of $33 compared to the prior year.
In light of flat digital SLR sales, the growth in the lens market is likely at least partially attributable to existing owners improving their existing cameras over purchasing a new one.—Ben Arnold, Director, Industry Analysis, The NPD Group
