Camera prices on the rise

Special Feature: Camera Revolution

The average selling price of compact digital still cameras, DSLRs and camcorders has increased in recent months, according to research firm GfK.

DSLR cameras continue to shine, with a 21.8% increase in dollar value to $15.9 million at July 2009 compared to July 2008 and a 2.3% increase in unit sales to 13,210.The average selling price of DSLR cameras for July went from $1017 to $1211, an increase of 19.1% over the previous year. In June 2009, the average selling price was $1156.

The average selling price of compacts in July went from $204 to $236 (up 15.7% over 2008) but was lower than the June 2009 figure of $257.The average selling price for camcorders went from $668 to $686, an increase of 2.7%.

While unit sales of DSLRs increased slightly in July, unit sales dropped for compacts (down 19.1%) and camcorders (down 13.5%).Compacts are by far the biggest category with unit sales at July amounting to 187,570 (down 19.1%) over 2008. Unit sales of camcorders were 25,078, down 13.5% over the previous year.