Mirrorless and Compact Cameras Are Winning The Market, CIPA Report
Mirrorless vs DSLRs is a debate as old as the medium, with some preferring the former, while others prefer the latter. In more recent weeks, we have seen the rise of a third option, compact cameras, which are claiming larger shares than intended. Per the March reports by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA), we see a new trend in the photo market. Here is a look at what it is about. The report reveals 656,461 units of digital cameras were produced as of March 2025, which marks a 119.1% increase from February 2025 and a 108.4% growth from the same month in 2024. As for shipments around the world, the units were at 1,750,745 cameras, a 100.6% increase from the previous month this year and a 106.4% gain from March 2024.Total shipments of digital cameras by CIPACIPA reports a positive trend for mirrorless and compact cameras. The company saw a 13% increase in mirrorless camera units and an 8% growth in shipped value in the first three months of 2025, explained Nikon Rumors in their report. These numbers have been compared to the same period last year, which is why we see an increase. In contrast, DSLRs, which rose in the past few months, saw a decline in units by 11% and shipped value by 17%. Compact cameras, on the other hand, showcase a 15% increase in units and a 35% gain in shipped value compared to the previous year. So, about 68,037 DSLRs were shipped this year, and 180,235 compact cameras were shipped this year. Mirrorless, as always, stayed ahead at 404,868 units. Compact camera shipments by CIPAAs for lenses, the company notes that 35mm for smaller sensors saw an 11% gain in units and shipments, while the same focal length for bigger sensors only saw a 2% increase in shipments. In other words, about 414,109 lenses for smaller sensors were shipped worldwide, and only 353,323 units were sent for APS-C or bigger sensors. Total number of lens shipments by CIPAIf we look at the region, about 110.6% of mirrorless cameras saw a rise in Europe in shipments, and compact cameras were at 106.3%. Americas saw the same amount for mirrorless units, and 107.6% for compact cameras. So, what does it all mean? Mirrorless has been on the rise, but we may see a different response for the US due to tariffs. Unless tariffs are dropped, people will continue to buy at the rate at which they are getting the devices now. At the same time, the drop in DSLRs could be due to a lack of rebates or just a better sales strategy for mirrorless. If you can get a mirrorless launched 5 years ago at the same price as a DSLR, why would you opt for the latter then? The winner, here, is compact cameras, which have suddenly gained more attention. As we stated, cameras like a7C II, Fujifilm GFX100 RF, and other models are getting more traction. Partially because high-end compact cameras are just what people want. Put a standard lens, and voila, you have the best travel partner for most scenarios. As we stated previously, most people are enthusiasts, especially the younger generation, who would rather have a pocketable device than lug around several lenses. It is also why all-in-one zoom lenses are becoming so popular amongst some photographers. At the moment, manufacturers themselves are preparing themselves for the changes due to tariffs. As Canon reported, camera sales will decline, and manufacturers have to absorb the loss through other methods. Until then, we have to wait and watch.
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