Digital cameras keep their buyers happy: Study BY OUR TECH CORRESPONDENT 23 Aug, 2005: A study conducted by JD Power and Associates 2005 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study (SM) has proved that consumers find improved functionality and speed in new digital cameras on the market, even as digital camera prices fall. According to the study, the customers are satisfied with the speed and functionality of the digital cameras, particularly those in the lower price segments. The gap in performance between the high and low-priced cameras have became narrow compared to 2004.  "This is a great time for consumers to buy a digital camera, as improving technology and falling prices make digital cameras more accessible than ever to the average buyer," said Ron Conlin, partner at JD. Power and Associates. "Buyers are getting more camera for their money, and this is clearly reflected in satisfaction ratings. The challenge to camera manufacturers is to offer consumers products that are versatile, yet easy to use, since customers who are most satisfied with their current camera are also most likely to be loyal to the brand in the future." For the study, the digital camera owners were divided into four price segments : $199 or less; $200-$399; $400-$599; and $600 or more. Overall satisfaction is based on performance across four factors: performance, connectivity, cost and appearance. Kodak ranked the highest in the first and second categories- $199 or less price segment and, for the second consecutive year, in the $200-$399 segment. Kodak stood high with high ratings from from owners in performance, connectivity and cost. Kodak also bagged the highest ratings in the $200-$399 segment for appearance. With very strong satisfaction improvements, Sony ranked highest in the $400-$599 and $600 or more segments. In both segments in appearance, performance and connectivity, Sony cameras performed particularly well and lead the $600 or more segment in cost. The study also showed that DSLRs (digital single-lens reflex cameras with interchangeable lenses) make up the fastest-growing segment in the market. They have always been popular among serious photographers. Now they are increasingly attracting mainstream consumers too. "With many features previously reserved for more expensive cameras now being offered on lower-priced models, the interchangeable lenses that characterize DSLR models help to differentiate them from the rest of the market," said Conlin. "Manufacturers also made pricey DSLR cameras more attractive to consumers by allowing buyers to use lenses from their old film-based SLR cameras. For all their complexity, DSLRs are becoming an excellent value for the money and have spawned an industry of aftermarket accessories such as lenses and strobes." The study also proved that Internet also plays an important role in helping digital camera buyers make their purchase decisions. They also use Internet to share their photos. Twenty one percent of digital camera owners post photos to an online service such as Snapfish.com and Kodakgallery.com -- up from 16 percent in 2004. The study was conducted based on responses from 4,256 consumers who purchased a digital camera between January 2005 and July 2005. BY OUR TECH CORRESPONDENT