Hi,
Market is obviously shrinking, but it is well possible that Phase One is out of phase with the market. Why? Moving into new markets like arial photography and repro, for instance. It may be that technical cameras also help.
But, I guess that earning money is much harder now than just a couple of years ago. I have heard that print sales are significantly down compared to a couple of years ago.
Regarding Hasselblad, it is difficult to estimate their position, but it seems they try to have lower prices than Phase One. They also have an impressive product portfolio. Question, is there a market large enough to support four vendors, Phase One, Hasselblad, Pentax and Leica? I didn't mention Leaf, as they are just a branch of the Phase One tree.
I would guess that two major drivers behind this are:
- Things are good enough - look at BC shooting 4/3 and Leica S2
- The supply side is getting larger, while buyers are holding to their money, because of the global economy
Best regards
Erik
At the risk of repetition, but with links this time, the digital camera boat is sinking not rising on any tides.
Even a launch sticks, the D810 is "in stock" everywhere when did that last happen for a pro-summer Nikon?
http://www.cipa.jp/stats/documents/e/dw-201406_e.pdf
http://www.cipa.jp/stats/dc_e.html