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CEA Study: Majority of Consumers Sharing Digital PhotosJan 27, 2009 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- A majority of consumers are satisfied with their options for sharing digital photos, according to a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The study, "Digital Imaging: A Focus on Sharing," found that 65 percent of consumers are satisfied with their options for sharing, protecting and backing up photos, and 63 percent are satisfied with their options for photo storage. "Digital cameras are becoming increasingly pervasive enjoying a 77 percent household penetration rate, not to mention other popular consumer electronics devices such as cell phones that are capable of taking digital photographs," said Chris Ely, CEA senior research analyst. "President Barack Obama became the first U.S. president to have his official portrait taken with a digital camera showing how pervasive digital photography has become." The study shows consumers took an average of 72 digital photos at the last event they attended and shared an average of 51 percent of the photos they took. The most popular means for sharing photos include emailing (55 percent), showing on personal computers (48 percent) and posting online (40 percent). News organizations across the country put out a call for the millions of people attending Tuesday's presidential inauguration to share digital photos of the experience, demonstrating the importance of photo sharing. Traditional print photos remain a popular method for sharing images with the option to print at home, use an online kiosk or an online printer. Among consumers who post photos online, MySpace is used most frequently, followed by Facebook and dedicated photo sharing sites such as Photobucket and Snapfish. When deciding which service to use for sharing photos, consumers' top factors include ease of access for friends and family, speed of uploading and cost of service. "The Digital Imaging: A Focus on Sharing" (January 2009) study was fielded between October and November 2008. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, a comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is a trade association promoting growth in the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |