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Annual CIPA data shows strong growth for new camera market in 2022

Published 17 March 2025 by MPB

In 2022, driven by mirrorless system adoption and content creators, DILC unit volumes increased 11% versus 2021
MPB analysis indicates the retail value of the DILC market is expected to top $21bn USD in 2025, exceeding the 2012 market peak
2022 growth in the market was 39% according to the CIPA data, up from 26% growth in 2021

Annual data published today by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) shows that the market for new Digital Interchangeable Lens Cameras (DILCs) continued to grow in 2022.

Following a challenging few years, during which the market has been impacted by the pandemic and a global shortage of semiconductors, DILC unit volumes grew by 11% in 2022.

A graph showing an increase in the proportion of mirrorless camera bodies shipped into the global market, source CIPA 2022 — Proportion of GILC bodies shipped into the global market that are mirrorless bodies, 2012–2022 (Source: CIPA, 2022)

While the market for DSLR cameras has continued to decline, with shipments falling 17% in 2022, this has been more than offset by strong growth of higher-value mirrorless cameras, which were up 31%. Mirrorless cameras now account for 69% of the DILC market, according to CIPA.

Analysis by MPB, the largest global platform to buy, sell and trade used photography and videography kit, indicates that a continuation of these trends will see the DILC body market reach a retail value of $13.3bn USD in 2025. This compares with $10.2bn USD today and would exceed the previous market peak set in 2012.

A graph showing the USD retail value of DILC and interchangeable lenses shipped into the global market, 2008–2025 (2022 forecast) — Forecast USD retail value of DILC and interchangeable lenses shipped into the global market, 2008–2025 (source: CIPA, MPB, 2022)

Commenting on the data, Matt Barker, MPB’s CEO, said: “Building on strong value growth in the market in 2021, it is encouraging to see the market for new cameras continuing on the same trajectory in 2022. The rise of digital content creation will continue to drive growth in demand, particularly for high-end kit capable of producing quality images and video. Although volumes will remain below their 2012 peak, we expect the retail value of the DILC market to reach a new high of $21bn in 2025, reflecting the success of higher-value mirrorless cameras and the increasingly premium nature of the new camera market.”

“Against this backdrop of a more expensive market for new cameras, we expect to see ever more photography enthusiasts turning to the used market to access the kit they need to pursue their passion.”