Is the digital camera industry really recovering?
A new report from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry suggests that digital camera production is showing signs of recovery. Here is a recap of the original report:
- Digital camera production (and camera lenses) had been under long-term pressure from the rise of smartphones, which caused production to start declining around 2008 (video cameras peaked earlier, in 2005, and fell more sharply).
- Production dropped sharply in Q2 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, then fluctuated afterward.
- Clear signs of recovery have appeared since 2025, according to the Mineral and Industrial Production Index.
- Domestic shipments of lens-integrated (compact) cameras have risen for two consecutive years starting in 2024 (CIPA data).
- For lens-exchangeable cameras: the long decline in DSLRs has leveled off; mirrorless cameras fell in 2025 but are now showing an upward trend, pointing to a generational shift toward mirrorless.
- The recent pickup is attributed mainly to stronger demand from younger users for sharing and video content.
- Despite the multi-year structural decline caused by smartphones, digital cameras are finding new life in niches that smartphones do not fully replace (higher image quality, interchangeable lenses, still + video capability).
While overall numbers are improving, the latest CIPA numbers show a slowdown. A good example here is Nikon – they have released only two lenses this year, and it seems that most of their upcoming products are even further delayed.
Also, what the report does not cover is the recent significant increase in prices as a result of the Trump tariffs, memory shortages, and geopolitical instability (Fujifilm is rumored to have another price increase on September 1st; see all recent price increases here):
Another Fujifilm price increase is coming
Report from Japan: the top 10 used cameras with the biggest price increases
Ricoh GR camera models are getting a 6-11% price increase in Japan on July 1st
LaCie just increased prices in the US by around 9-12%
