Smartphones are universally popular with it's amazing
facility to take photos and videos. According to a survey conducted by NPD
Group, in 2011 the percentage of photos taken with a smartphone went from 17%
to 27%. Increase 44% from the year 2010,.
More than a quarter of photos and videos shot by individuals in the U.S. are now
being captured by smartphones, according to an online survey of 3,300 Internet
users ages 13 and up. Sales data suggest smartphones are replacing consumers’
need for low-end point-and-shoot cameras and camcorders.
Higher-end items performed better: Sales of cameras with detachable lenses
(average price: $863) increased by 12%, and sales of point-and-shoot cameras
with optical zooms of 10x or greater (average price: $247) grew by 16%. Liz
Cutting, executive director and senior imaging analyst at NPD, acknowledged
that smartphones are taking the place of point-and-shoot cameras and camcorders
in many instances — particularly “spontaneous moments” — but for important
events, single-purpose cameras and camcorders remain the device of choice.
The survey is in line with other study by Pew Research
Center, that examined
worldwide use of digital communication tools such as mobile and social
networks. The research found the young and well-educated are the most
likely to adopt new technologies. Those under 30 who hold college degrees are
most likely to use many mobile functions and social networks. Only one-half of
the respondents send photos or videos, and just 23% use the Internet.