The camera industry is experiencing a resurgence.

Mirrorless cameras have become a major growth driver for the photography industry. Photo: DP Review .

The advent of smartphones with convenient cameras has plunged the global camera manufacturing industry into a "dark" period. From approximately 121 million units sold in 2010, sales plummeted to just 7.87 million in 2023. The loss in sales was primarily in the compact camera segment (non-interchangeable lenses).

However, recent statistics show a reversal of this trend. For the first time in over a decade, the global camera industry has experienced two consecutive years of growth. This is not a temporary fluctuation following the pandemic. It reflects a new trend where mobile users are embracing photography and are willing to invest in high-quality equipment.

According to CIPA (Japan Camera and Imaging Products Association), the quartet of Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm currently holds 90% of the global market share. The recovery is uneven. The shift from DSLR to mirrorless cameras is led by Sony, giving the company a significant first-mover advantage. Of the nearly 10 million cameras expected to be sold in 2025, mirrorless cameras will account for 5.61 million units, according to Statista.

According to Capture Mag , the recovery of the camera industry is partly due to the mobile market. Smartphone users, increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of their devices, are turning to traditional camera brands. This is a potential user group for the digital camera industry.

Sony's Be Alpha Day event.

In Vietnam, cameras are not only for personal enjoyment but also serve a professional purpose. In a market with a large social media user base and a boom in video content, camera manufacturers are also benefiting. Speaking with Tri Thức - ZNews , a representative from Sony Vietnam stated that the domestic camera market is becoming increasingly younger, making it a promising market compared to other countries in the region.

Compared to other Japanese manufacturers, Sony is ahead in the mirrorless camera market, having created a lens ecosystem nearly 10 years ahead. They seek to reach customers through offline programs, supporting new users with workshops and equipment demonstrations.

However, younger customers also have specific needs when it comes to cameras. The film camera craze, or the hunt for vintage point-and-shoot cameras from the previous decade, has recently exploded among Gen Z users.

In an era where mobile cameras are shaped by processing algorithms and AI, the pure photographic experience is highly valued. Noise effects, chromatic aberration, and ghosting have become popular styles. Cameras are no longer just devices for capturing moments, but also fashion accessories.