Digital Cameras: Semiconductors Get the Picture

Phoenix, Arizona February 17, 2005 - Digital cameras are an attractive, rapidly growing semiconductor end-use market. What are the opportunities for semiconductor manufacturers in this market? How can a semiconductor company get a piece of that market? Semico Research Corp. study MP117-05, “Digital Cameras: Semiconductors Get the Picture,” addresses those questions. This study provides digital camera forecasts by market segment, a typical digital camera BOM, semiconductor ASP forecasts, semiconductor TAM by device type and a wafer demand forecast. In addition, it provides discussions of market and technology trends that help identify opportunities.

Semiconductors are once again revolutionizing an established market. Film cameras simple enough for consumers to use were introduced in the late eighteen eighties. A hundred and ten years later more than sixty million film still cameras were being shipped annually. Then, digital cameras were introduced. Until 1999 digital cameras didn’t have much of an impact, except with early adopters. Unit shipments were under ten million units annually. Then, the market took off. Over the next five years, from 1999 through 2004, digital cameras unit shipments increased at a CAGR of 69.6%. In 2004, digital camera sales surpassed film camera sales. Now, the market is poised for even more growth. Within ten years film camera sales will all but disappear.

Semiconductors in digital cameras are reaching a very high level of integration, but there are still opportunities for many different types of semiconductors. Interface circuits will be needed for infrared remote actuators, USB ports and other emerging interfaces. Thyristors will be needed for the flash illumination. Audio circuits will be needed. “Digital Cameras, Semiconductors Get the Picture” identifies and quantifies these opportunities.

This study is available for immediate delivery for $3500. To purchase, please contact Jim Feldhan at 602-997-0337 or jimf@semico.com, please reference report number MP117-05.

About Semico
Semico Research Corp is a marketing and consulting research company located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Semico was founded in 1994 by a group of semiconductor industry experts. We have improved the validity of semiconductor product forecasts via technology roadmaps in end-use markets.