It’s hard to believe that the point-and-shoot digital camera market was growing — thriving even — just five years ago. But, as disruption tends to do, phones with increasingly capable cameras have slowly eaten away at that market, leaving an indelible hole where there was once such enthusiasm (and profit).
Companies like Nikon, Canon, Sony and Samsung have not given up on the market entirely; there are still plenty of inexpensive PaS models released each year, with “smart” features like WiFi syncing, apps and touch screens. Some are nearly phones, running full versions of Android. And while the results have been largely mixed, it points to a shaky future for the dedicated camera.
As we near the release of the Galaxy S IV and HTC One, each promising to take phone camera prowess to unprecedented levels, it’s clear that handset manufacturers are marketing their devices as camera replacements. I still use my Nikon D7000 or Sony NEX-5R when necessary — press conferences and such — but for the most part I rely on my iPhone 5, Nexus 4 or Lumia 920 to accomplish most of my day-to-day captures.
What about you? Do you still use a point-and-shoot camera, or has the smartphone taken over that role, too?
Happy Friday, Canada, and enjoy the weekend!
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