Despite an Increase in Online Sharing, Camera Vendors Still Offering High-End Photo Printers

Andrea Wood | September 07, 2006, 09:58 AM

JupiterResearch survey data shows that the number one reason consumers don’t print photos at home is cost. They’re concerned not only about the cost of supplies, like photo quality paper and ink, but the cost of a printer itself. Despite these concerns, and the rise in consumer interest in online sharing, camera vendors continue to produce high-end photo printers. You can’t blame them, really. As long as consumers are taking digital photos, some will want to print at home. Some vendors will steer clear of the printing market because of a lack of consumer mass, but others will become the dedicated printing providers.

What is truly surprising is the willingness of camera vendors to branch out to printing. Companies that have long provided both imaging and printing devices, such as Canon, can justify offering high-grade photo-quality printers. However, when a camera-oriented vendor enters the printing game, it seems like pure folly. The at-home printing market may not be shrinking, but it certainly isn’t huge. To enter the printing market, vendors must prove that they have mastered printing technology in order for consumers to buy their products. To establish a name as a capable printer vendor take times. Unless the device and supply price are so low that consumers can’t help but be attracted to the brand, new entrants to the at-home photo printing market are in for a hard slog.