Cell Phone Cameras Don't Get Much Use

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In-Stat Survey Finds Disappointment with Quality and Cost Limits Usage of Camera Phones

A camera is considered by many users to be one of the most desirable features in wireless handsets, yet, evidence suggests that only a tiny percentage of camera phones are used regularly to transmit pictures or to store for later use, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). Less than a third of camera phone owners surveyed by In-Stat indicated that they share picture messages with friends, the high-tech market research firm said.

"People who haven't yet purchased camera phones are very enthusiastic about all the uses for their images," said David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst. "However, once they start using their new phones, they are turned off by perceived poor picture quality, slow network speeds, and the difficulty of creating and sending pictures. Our survey found that very few pictures actually make their way out of the handset to be shared with others."

A recent report by In-Stat found the following:

• Those who now use camera or camcorder phones say they are less likely to replace their phones in the near future than other users.
• There will be from 300-850 million mobile users who will send at least one image per month across the carrier network by 2010.
• Only one in 20 camera phone users prints pictures or stores them on carrier-provided Web sites. 28% of current camera phone owners actually share pictures using messaging service, compared with nearly 60% who hoped to before purchasing their camera phones.

The report, "Mobile Imaging Services -- Focusing on the User Experience" (#IN0502053MCD), covers the market for camera phones and related services. It includes results of and analysis of In-Stat's 2005 Consumer Mobility Survey regarding camera phones and use of digital imaging services. This report is intended for any company involved with imaging: handset makers, mobile carriers, photofinishers, and any other segment that hopes to extend the current infrastructure for digital imaging to the mobile world.

One possible solution to disappointing picture quality could be overcome with the use of higher resolution cameras. A companion In-Stat report, "Multi Megapixel Camera and Camcorder Phones--The End of the Beginning" (#IN0502113WH), addresses user attitudes toward camera phones and pricing in greater depth.

For more information on this report, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/Wcatalogue.asp?id=231 or contact Tina Sheltra at 480-609-4531 or tina.sheltra@reedbusiness.com. The report price is $2,995.

About In-Stat
In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com) is the leading provider of actionable research, market analysis and forecasts of advanced communications services, infrastructure, end-user devices and semiconductors. Our insights are derived from both a deep technology understanding and comprehensive research, which examines each segment of the value chain for each market. Technology vendors, service providers, technology professionals and market specialists, worldwide, rely on In-Stat's tenured, experienced staff and in-depth research to support critical business, product and technology decisions.

In-Stat is a strategic segment of the $8 billion Reed Elsevier global information network, with access to an expansive worldwide electronic network, extensive technology databases and well-informed personnel. As a member of Reed Business Information, In-Stat is a division of the largest business-to-business publisher in the United States.