Disappointment with Quality and Cost Limits Usage of Camera Phones
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., February 6, 2006 -
A camera is considered by many users to be one of the most desirable features in wireless handsets, yet, evidence suggests that only a tiny percentage of camera phones are used regularly to transmit pictures or to store for later use, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). Less than a third of camera phone owners surveyed by In-Stat indicated that they share picture messages with friends, the high-tech market research firm says.
“People who haven’t yet purchased camera phones are very enthusiastic about all the uses for their images,” says David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst. “However, once they start using their new phones, they are turned off by perceived poor picture quality, slow network speeds, and the difficulty of creating and sending pictures. Our survey found that very few pictures actually make their way out of the handset to be shared with others.”
A recent report by In-Stat found the following:
Those who now use camera or camcorder phones say that they are less likely to replace their phones in the near future than other users.
There will be from 300–850 million mobile users that will send at least one image per month across the carrier network by 2010.
Only one in 20 camera phone users prints pictures or stores them on carrier-provided web sites. 28% of current camera phone owners actually share pictures using messaging service, compared with nearly 60% who hoped to before purchasing their camera phones.
Recent In-Stat research, Mobile Imaging Services--Focusing on the User Experience (#IN0502053MCD), covers the market for camera phones and related services. It includes results of and analysis of In-Stat’s 2005 Consumer Mobility Survey regarding camera phones and use of digital imaging services. This report is intended for any company involved with imaging: handset makers, mobile carriers, photofinishers, and any other segment that hopes to extend the current infrastructure for digital imaging to the mobile world.
One possible solution to disappointing picture quality could be overcome with the use of higher resolution cameras. A companion In-Stat report, “Multi Megapixel Camera and Camcorder Phones—The End of the Beginning” (#IN0502113WH), addresses user attitudes toward camera phones and pricing in greater depth.
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In-Stat’s market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Our insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions. Technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, service providers and media companies worldwide rely on In-Stat to support critical business, product and technology decisions.
