PMA releases 2011 smartphone survey

The 116-page report has three major sections:

Planets (and technology) align mobile imaging" — An overview of the history and marketplace of the cameraphone market, leading to the smartphone, written by Tony Henning, senior analyst, Mobile Imaging, 6Sight Report; PMA Mobile Imaging Survey analysis by Paul Worthington, senior analyst, editor, 6Sight Report. The report examines the result of a recent PMA survey of more than 2,000 smartphone users. Topics included picture-taking behavior (quantity and quality perception), buying influences, photography functions, photo apps and output preferences and an 18-month overview of major mobile-imaging news, compiled by Worthington.

"The growth of cameras in cellphones has been a documented trend for more than a decade. The promise of truly portable, high-quality imaging, however, was left unfulfilled until phones became ‘smart,’ " says Gary Pageau, publisher, PMA. "To gain insight into the impact this technology has had on picture-taking, PMA commissioned the smartphone survey and report. Industry members are encouraged to read this report from the perspective of developing future opportunities and applications."

The report is available for download to PMA members for $299 and to non-PMA members for $499. For a limited time, PMA members who renew their membership by Sept. 1 can purchase the report for $99. Contact Nick Shaver at nshaver@pmai.org for details.