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As the CP+ Show is filling in the gap left behind by the closure of Photokina, there are several new reports about camera manufacturers and which regions and age groups have made the most profit. There is also now a discussion about the future direction some camera companies wish to take, and an example of that is Panasonic. Per new reports, it appears the company is looking to expand its fixed-lens camera market in the near future. Here’s what the company had to say.
According to a new interview with fengniao.com (via Asobinet) at the CP+ Show, the company shared how there is a growing interest in fixed-lens cameras. Per market trends, they have seen a shift in smart photography, but that has not negated the popularity of fixed-lens cameras. That is because many compacts have better zooming capabilities and offer various other advantages than smartphones. This includes far more detailed images in low light.
Another reason is that Panasonic’s Lumix ZS99 has been quite a success for the company. Priced at just $499 in the USA, the camera has been a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to upgrade from their phones. There is also the LUMIX FZ80D, a bridge camera that has met the demands of niche groups such as bird photography enthusiasts. Panasonic further wished to develop a new fixed-lens camera because of the positive reception of the devices. Although the company has not shared any details yet, they are actively planning ways to improve the product.
In addition, Panasonic states that it has room for further production. During the peak of fixed-lens camera sales, the company should have manufactured up to 10,000 units per day. However, as sales dwindled, the production capacity was reduced to 1,000 units per day. With the rising demand for these devices again, Panasonic hopes to strike a balance between production and sales. Furthermore, they now have the ability to create flexible production based on demand.
Last but not least, the young generation is driving the change. This is Panasonic’s market, which perhaps also includes Chinese youth, many of whom are still below 40. The company is aware of the high demand for CCD sensor cameras that offer retro aesthetics, and so it is hoping to incorporate these elements into the new fixed-lens camera.
As Nikon and Canon have launched their own versions of fixed-lens cameras and Fujifilm is going to launch a medium-format fixed-lens device, Panasonic is only natural to join in. The company had launched cameras like the LX100, which had an aspect ratio, a novelty at that time. This same feature is now being used in the GFX100RF, making the medium format perfect for serious photographers. Since Panasonic has already provided what it can do with compact cameras with fixed lenses, it is safe to say that its reintroduction is going to shake up the camera market. However, we do hope that this time, they make a decision with a larger sensor so that it can compete with Leica’s Q3. Furthermore, a retro design like the S9 will also help those who wish to purchase a nostalgic-looking camera.
The company has recently launched the S1R II, so we believe that the compact will take some time, perhaps a few months before they are introduced to the consumer market. Until then, stay tuned for more.
Something we also shouldn’t forget: Leica launched the DLUX-8. And considering how close the relationship between Panasonic and Leica is, they’re likely to release something similar. For many years previous, the DLUX series were revamped versions of Panasonic cameras. Could the opposite happen now?
