Dog eat dog

You probably read, or at least scan, the same magazines as me – Vision Systems Design, Advanced Imaging, Photonics Spectra and so on, so perhaps you’ve also marveled at the vast array of cameras on offer. Sometimes it seems like there’s a new model every day and a new company every week.

But according to the AIA, the market for cameras is basically flat. So if there’s no growth, these companies are all fighting for market share. Now that’s a strategy I can see working for a company that has a differentiated product, but honestly, what differentiation do you see between camera vendors?

Frankly, all these Firewire cameras are starting to look like commodities to me. The packaging is the same and they use sensors from the same sources, so why should I prefer vendor A over vendor B?

Bottom line? I’m going to buy on price, possibly with a nod towards customer support. So prices will be pushed down, margins will be squeezed, and the weak will be eaten by the strong.

If you want my predictions for the coming market shake-up, check back in a day or so.