Weymouth, Mass. – The DSLR and mirrorless compact system camera categories will soon converge back into a single interchangeable lens camera category as distinctions between size and weight continue to disappear.
“When this happens, the issue surrounding the standardization of segment names will finally be resolved. Until then, consumer confusion will remain one of the factors that will affect sales of CILCs.”
That was the assessment of the interchangeable lens markets from Ed Lee, InfoTrends consumer and professional imaging group worldwide group director, whose firm has just released a Consumer Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera Study.
Among the terminology used today to describe CILCs, it turns out that the term “compact interchangeable lens camera” (CILC) scored the highest in awareness with 48 percent of survey respondents saying that they were familiar with the term. This is still low however, when compared to “Digital SLRs,” which is recognized by 77 percent of respondents, the study reveals.
InfoTrends recommends that vendors and retailers continue to educate future digital interchangeable lens camera (DILC) buyers about the advantages and disadvantages of CILCs and DSLRs to create smart shoppers.
Among respondents surveyed who plan to purchase a DILC within a year, 77 percent are thinking about buying a DSLR, 7 percent a CILC, and 8 percent are considering both.
Equipment manufacturers and retailers must continue to inform potential purchasers so they can make the decision that is best for them.
