The photography resurgence is real: global camera sales hit another milestone

As we look back on the finalised data for 2025 by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA), the global camera market has reached an interesting milestone.

For the first time since 2013, the industry has seen two consecutive years of growth. The smartphone is no longer killing the camera – it has successfully funnelled a new generation of users into 'real' photography, specifically targeting high-end compacts and mirrorless systems.

While the days of massive unit volume seen in the early 2010s (over 120 million units) are a distant memory, the industry seems to have successfully pivoted toward a 'premium-first' model.

According to the latest figures from CIPA, total global shipments for digital cameras in 2025 has reached close to 9.5 million units, reflecting a market that has finally found its post-smartphone equilibrium.

Total sales breakdown

• Total Cameras Sold: 9.44 million units
• Interchangeable Lens Cameras (ILCs): 7.00 million units
• Mirrorless: 6.31 million units (12.5% increase)
• DSLRs: 691,000 units (31% decrease)
• Compact (Built-in Lens) Cameras: 2.44 million units (30% increase)

Thanks and goodbye DSLRs

Mirrorless cameras now account for a staggering 82% of the total market value and roughly two-thirds of all units shipped.

This dominance signals the near-total eclipse of the traditional DSLR, which now comprises less than 10% of new shipments as DSLR manufacturers like Canon and Nikon have focused their engineering almost exclusively on their respective mirrorless mounts. Meanwhile, Sony's last DSLR, the Alpha 99 II, arrived in 2016, while Fujifilm's final model, the FinePix IS Pro, dates back to 2007.

Camera prices have risen

Despite the relatively modest unit numbers compared to the 'glory days' of digital photography, the financial health of the sector remains robust. The total market value for 2025 is estimated between $5.8 and $6.2 billion USD (Over AU$8 billion)

This is driven by a significant rise in the Average Selling Price (ASP). Manufacturers are no longer competing with smartphones for the casual 'point-and-shoot' user – instead, they are catering to enthusiasts and professionals willing to invest heavily in high-end full-frame systems and specialised optics.

Limitations of smartphones reached

The smartphone has acted as the ultimate 'gateway drug' – hooking the general public on the joy of photography. As a result, a new generation of enthusiasts is discovering exactly why photography remains one of the world’s most enduring hobbies. 

However, as the creator economy matures, many content creators are also hitting a 'image quality ceiling' with mobile technology. They are pushing their phones to the absolute limit and finding them wanting – particularly when it comes to controlability, professional-grade imagery and low-light performance.

More analogue and retro

Interestingly, 2025 saw a sustained 'retro revival' in the compact camera space. Fixed-lens cameras, once thought to be a dying breed, saw sales of roughly 2.4 million units – which is a 30% increase.

This trend was fuelled largely by social media trends and a younger generation’s desire for dedicated 'lifestyle' cameras – epitomised by the continued viral success of the Fujifilm X100 series, the Ricoh GR line and the budget Kodak PixPro FZ55.

AI is everywhere

Technologically, the year was defined by the deep integration of Artificial Intelligence. 2025 marked the moment computational photography transitioned from smartphones to professional camera bodies in a meaningful way. This shift moved beyond simple subject recognition, evolving into sophisticated subject-movement prediction and advanced in-camera noise reduction.

What's ahead?

As we move further into 2026, the industry appears leaner, more expensive, and more technologically advanced than ever.

The growth of the vlogger and 'solo creator' demographic continue to be the primary engine for entry-level sales, ensuring that while the total number of photographers may be shifting, the demand for high-quality glass and sensors remains as sharp as ever.

You can read more industry stats on the CIPA website.