Camera
CIPA’s February data shows 2021 is shaping up to be a year of stabilization for the camera industry
The Camera and Imaging Products Association, more commonly referred to as CIPA, has revealed its February data for global camera production and shipments, showing the camera industry might finally be seeing some semblance of stability after a rough few years.
Both Canon and Sigma have suggested recently that both companies expect the camera industry to stabilize in 2021. Canon’s statement came in the form of its full-year 2020 financial results presentation, while Sigma’s statement came directly from Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki, who said in a recent interview that he expects the camera market ‘will reach its minimal size [in 2020]’ and be ‘pretty stable’ going forward.
While this might’ve been difficult to imagine, especially after the impact COVID-19 had on the global economy throughout 2020, it seems the predictions are holding true, so far. Based on CIPA data, which tracks the global production and shipment of camera models from these camera manufacturers, production and shipment numbers are tracking the best it’s been since 2017.
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| This chart from CIPA shows total digital stills camera shipments in 2019 (purple, circles), 2020 (black, triangles) and 2021 (orange, squares). These numbers include compact cameras with built-in lenses, DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras. Click to enlarge. |
Specifically, CIPA’s data shows total digital still camera shipments were down 12.7% by volume and up 9% by value compared to the same timeframe last year (January and February)—and that’s averaged out with the shipment numbers of compact cameras with built-in lenses. If you look at the data for interchangeable lens cameras, shipments are down just 6.2% by volume and up 17.3% by value, year-over-year (YoY) for January and February.
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| This chart from CIPA shows total interchangeable lens shipments in 2019 (purple, circles), 2020 (black, triangles) and 2021 (orange, squares). |
Break that number down even further and you’ll see that, much like compact cameras shipments are affecting the total digital camera market, DSLR cameras are dragging down the average for interchangeable lens cameras. If you isolate mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, shipments YoY for January and February are up 3.2% by volume and up an impressive 44.5% by value.
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| CIPA’s complete breakdown, which shows production and shipment data from January and February 2021 by camera type and region. Click to enlarge. |
These numbers don’t paint the entire picture, as this is only taking into account production and shipments—not sales. Still though, the YoY numbers are some of the best we’ve seen in a while from CIPA and the data backs up what some of the major camera companies have emphasized over the past years in their interviews and financial result presentations for investors; the camera market is beginning to stabilize as the drop-off at the lower end of the market has more or less reached a plateau and hobbyist and professional photographers—who are less likely to trade out their dedicated cameras for smartphones—are starting to once again make up the majority of the market.
Considering March 2020 is when the COVID-19 pandemic really started to impact the global economy, contextualizing the rest of CIPA’s 2021 data will prove to be more difficult. Specifically, we’re going to see high YoY numbers for both production and shipments, due to both being limited in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in future reports we’ll do our best to contextualize CIPA’s data to ensure we have a solid macro-level view of the photography market.
You can view CIPA’s February data (and all historical data) on its website.
Well, everyone, we did it – another week is in the books, which means it’s time to take a look at the new accessories that came across our radar. We’ve found some fun ones, including a somewhat unexpected Nikon product and some inexpensive but fun third-party batteries. But first, let’s look at what’s on sale this week.
The deals keep going
| The Sony A7R V is currently $400 off. |
Usually in this series, we like to point out the best camera deals around. This week, though, Amazon held its Prime Day event, and plenty of our favorite gear went on sale. While that event is technically over, most manufacturers seem to be keeping their gear on sale for the week, rather than limiting the savings to just two days. Since that’s the case, I’ll refer you to the Prime Day article my colleague Dale put together so you can get your deals fix.
NiSi’s joining the magnetic filter game
Filter maker NiSi doesn’t want you to spend all your time screwing and unscrewing filters from the front of your lens. The company has introduced its JetMag Pro system, which lets you screw on an adapter ring once, then use a variety of magnetically attaching filters.
The filters have a twist-lock system, which the company says “ensures the filter stays securely in place during use even when stacked with other filters.” In its announcement video, the company even shows someone shaking a poor Nikon around while just holding on to the filter – though we wouldn’t recommend trying that one at home.
The filters are color-coded, so you can tell at a glance whether you’re picking up an ND filter, a UV filter, a mist filter, etc. All the filters are 82mm, but the company is selling magnetic adapter rings, which step down to various filter sizes, as well as different kits with several filters and accessories like magnetic front and back caps and carrying bags.
NiSi is far from the first company to develop a magnetic filter system, but it’s always nice to have more options, especially from well-known brands. The magnetic adapter rings cost $20 each, and the filters range between $80 and $120.
Find your next shot
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| Image: Nikon |
Nikon is obviously famous for its cameras, but it also invests some of its optical expertise into binoculars. Its latest models, which it announced this week, also feature its optical image stabilization tech, giving you a much clearer view of whatever faraway object you’re trying to look at.
If it weren’t for the power button, you could almost confuse these for regular binoculars. They’re much slimmer and more compact than the StabilEyes models the company sold many years ago, though, in fairness, those models did offer more magnification.
Nikon says you’ll get up to 12 hours of runtime out of two AA batteries. You can still keep using the binoculars once the battery runs out, you just won’t have the stabilization – though it can be hard to go back once you’ve experienced seeing the world like Legolas.
The 10×25 zoom model will sell for $640, and the 12×25 zoom model will cost $650. The company says they’ll be available in early November.
New camera, new cage
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| Image: Tilta |
If you recently purchased a Canon R5 II and want to rig it out for video, you now have another option. Tilta has announced a variety of accessories for the camera, including a half cage, a full cage and a cage kit that includes a handle and cable clamp for locking down any attached HDMI or USB-C cords.
The cages are made of aluminum and are relatively utilitarian-looking. Still, if you just want to add a ton of 1/4″ threads on your camera, they’ll provide an inexpensive way to add them.
More colorful batteries
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| Image: SmallRig |
A while ago, we covered Manfroto’s expansion of its third-party battery lineup, which happen to come in a fun red shell. Now, SmallRig is offering something similar; its camera batteries, which can be charged directly via USB-C, are now available in vibrant safety orange.
SmallRig’s lineup is extensive. It sells equivalents of the:
It’s worth checking compatibility before purchasing; some note that they’re not compatible with certain cameras that could physically fit them, such as the EN-EL15C, which doesn’t currently work with the Nikon Z6III. Pricing on the models varies, but they’re generally a fair bit cheaper than the first-party options.
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| Image: SmallRig |
SmallRig is also now making its VB50 and VB99 mini V-mount batteries available in green and orange, though only in the US. Unlike regular camera batteries, the color will actually work to accessorise your rig, as V-mount batteries are located on the outside of the camera rather than inside. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that the colorful versions of the VB50 and VB99 cost $13-20 more than their black counterparts.
Every video a masterpiece
A month ago, we covered Every Frame a Painting’s temporary return to YouTube. This week, the filmmaking essay channel released another video, this time looking at the work of filmmaker Billy Wilder, director of classic films like The Apartment, Some Like It Hot, and Sunset Boulevard. As always, it’s a great watch for anyone who’s interested in movies and the craft behind them.
Click here to see last week’s roundup
| NASA photo / Matthew Dominick |
Hurricane Milton is barreling across the Gulf of Mexico toward the west coast of Florida, putting almost 15 million Florida residents under flood watches and prompting the evacuation of millions from the central part of the state.
Earlier today, NASA astronaut and photographer Matthew Dominick shared photos and video of Hurricane Milton through the window of the Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft. The spacecraft is currently waiting to undock from the International Space Station to return to Earth.
The National Hurricane Center continued to classify Milton as a Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 265 km/h (165 mph) and warning of “life-threatening inundation from storm surge.” However, the view from space belies the terrifying wind and rain on the ground, clearly showing the pinwheel shape of the hurricane with an identifiable eye at its center.
Additionally, Dominick posted a timelapse video from Dragon Endeavour on X, giving a sense of what it’s like to pass directly over the hurricane.
Timelapse flying by Hurricane Milton about 2 hours ago.
1/6400 sec exposure, 14mm, ISO 500, 0.5 sec interval, 30fps pic.twitter.com/p5wBlC95mx
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) October 8, 2024
In addition to Dominick’s posts on X, NASA has shared two videos of the hurricane from the International Space Station that provide different views:
Although Milton may appear serene from space, and maybe even beautiful, it poses a real risk to life and property down on Earth and will impact millions. If you’re anywhere in the path of the hurricane, you can visit the National Weather Service’s feed on X, where the agency is posting regular updates and information.
| NASA photo / Matthew Dominick |
Hurricane Milton is barreling across the Gulf of Mexico toward the west coast of Florida, putting almost 15 million Florida residents under flood watches and prompting the evacuation of millions from the central part of the state.
Earlier today, NASA astronaut and photographer Matthew Dominick shared photos and video of Hurricane Milton through the window of the Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft. The spacecraft is currently waiting to undock from the International Space Station to return to Earth.
The National Hurricane Center continued to classify Milton as a Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 265 km/h (165 mph) and warning of “life-threatening inundation from storm surge.” However, the view from space belies the terrifying wind and rain on the ground, clearly showing the pinwheel shape of the hurricane with an identifiable eye at its center.
Additionally, Dominick posted a timelapse video from Dragon Endeavour on X, giving a sense of what it’s like to pass directly over the hurricane.
Timelapse flying by Hurricane Milton about 2 hours ago.
1/6400 sec exposure, 14mm, ISO 500, 0.5 sec interval, 30fps pic.twitter.com/p5wBlC95mx
— Matthew Dominick (@dominickmatthew) October 8, 2024
In addition to Dominick’s posts on X, NASA has shared two videos of the hurricane from the International Space Station that provide different views:
Although Milton may appear serene from space, and maybe even beautiful, it poses a real risk to life and property down on Earth and will impact millions. If you’re anywhere in the path of the hurricane, you can visit the National Weather Service’s feed on X, where the agency is posting regular updates and information.
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