- DSLR Declines While Mirrorless Grows 11% and Compacts Surge 30%… Annual Interchangeable Lens Body Sales Forecasted up to 7.4 Million Units
According to the latest camera production and shipment data released by the Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) in Japan, the global camera market in April 2026 demonstrated a clear growth trend across most categories compared to the same period last year.
The most notable change is the simultaneous growth of mirrorless and compact cameras. Compared to the Year-To-Date (YTD) figures for 2025, mirrorless cameras grew by 11% in both unit volume and shipped value, further solidifying their position as the market mainstream. Compact cameras, which were once considered to be on the decline due to the rise of smartphones, also announced a brilliant resurgence, recording an explosive growth rate of 30% in units and 26% in shipped value.
On the other hand, DSLR cameras suffered an overall downturn, falling 31% in units and 39% in shipped value. However, compared to last month's performance, they showed a 10% improvement in sales, appearing to catch their breath briefly amid a sharp decline.
The lens market also sent positive signals. Lenses for smaller than 35mm sensors (crop bodies) increased by 12% in units and 21% in shipped value. Lenses for 35mm and larger sensors (full-frame and medium format) remained flat in unit volume compared to the previous year but saw a slight 3% increase in shipped value. The lens-to-body sales ratio stood at 1.55, maintaining the exact same level as a year ago.
Based on these trends, CIPA data analysis experts cautiously predict that total annual sales for interchangeable lens camera (ILC) bodies this year will reach between 6.27 million and 7.4 million units.
[Editor's Note] "The 30% growth in compact cameras—a category once on the brink of extinction due to the ubiquity of smartphones—is a highly fascinating phenomenon. This seems to reflect the trends of the younger generation, who favor retro aesthetics and lightweight snapshot photography. With the era of DSLRs coming to a close and mirrorless completely establishing itself, it is encouraging to see the camera market gaining vitality once again."
[Tags] #CIPA #CameraMarketTrends #Mirrorless #CompactCamera #DSLR #CameraStatistics #DigitalCamera #2026CameraMarket