Posted on 10/27/2004 4:55:34 PM PDT by traumer
Four times more mobiles with cameras in them will be sold in Europe by the end of 2004 than last year, says a report from analysts Gartner. Globally, the number sold will reach 159 million, an increase of 104%.
The report predicts that nearly 70% of all mobile phones sold will have a built-in camera by 2008.
Improving imaging technology in mobiles is making them an increasingly "must-have" buy. In Europe, cameras on mobiles can take 1.3 megapixel images.
But in Japan and Asia Pacific, where camera phone technology is much more advanced, mobiles have already been released which can take 3.2 megapixel images.
Japan still dominates mobile phone technology, and the uptake there is huge. By 2008, according to Gartner, 95% of all mobiles sold there will have cameras on them.
Better sensors
Camera phones had some teething problems when they were first launched as people struggled with poor quality images and uses for them, as well as the complexity and expense of sending them via MMS (Multimedia Messaging Services).
This has changed in the last 18 months. Handset makers have concentrated on trying to make phones easier to use.
Realising that people like to use their camera phones in different ways, they have introduced more design features, like rotating screens and viewfinders, removable memory cards and easier controls to send picture messages.
HANDSET MARKET SHARE Nokia 29.7% Motorola 15.8% Samsung 12.1% Siemens 6.9% Sony Ericsson 6.6% LG 6% Others 22.9% Figures are for second quarter of 2004 Source: Gartner Mobile companies have introduced more ways for people to share photos with other people.
These have included giving people easier ways to publish them on websites, or mobile blogs - moblogs.
But the report suggests that until image quality increases more, people will not be interested in printing out pictures at kiosks.
Image sensor technology inside cameras phones is improving. The Gartner report suggests that by mid-2005, it is likely that the image resolution of most camera phones will be more than two megapixels.
Consumer digital cameras images range from two to four megapixels in quality, and up to six megapixels on a high-end camera.
But a lot of work is being done to make camera phones more like digital cameras.
Some handsets already feature limited zoom capability, and manufacturers are looking into technological improvements that will let people take more photos in poorly-lit conditions, like nightclubs.
Other developments include wide-angle modes, basic editing features, and better sensors and processors for recording film clips.
From art to bans
Images from camera phones have even made it into the art world. An exhibition next month in aid of the charity Mencap, will feature snaps taken from the camera phones of top artists.
This Samsung mobile comes with a five megapixel camera The exhibition, Fonetography, will feature images taken by photographers David Bailey, Rankin and Nan Goldin, and artists Sir Peter Blake, Tracey Emin and Jack Vettriano.
But some uses for them have worried many organisations.
Intel, Samsung, the UK's Foreign Office and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories in the US, have decided to ban camera phones from their buildings for fear of sensitive information being snapped and leaked.
Many schools, fitness centres and local councils have also banned them over fears about privacy and misuse.
Italy's information commissioner has also voiced concern and has issued guidelines on where and how the phones can be used.
But camera phone fears have not dampened the manufacturers' profits.
According to recent figures, Sony Ericsson's profits tripled in the third-quarter because of new camera phones.
Over 60% of mobiles sold during the three months through to September featured integrated cameras, it said.
Not for me.....
Cell phones in the locker room are going to start some problems.
(why are they "must haves?"
Cell phones in department store changing rooms are already having problems.
Because THAT'S WHAT marketing told us... :o)
The YMCA has already banned them in this area.
Because idiot men with small genitalia and foppish executives in New York who like their girls bony-thin, with short hair and named "Michael" SAY SO.
Cell phones in strip clubs are going to start some problems.
"Love that Bob!"
"Love that Bob!"
Article posted here at FR within the past few days. Japanese man invented a camera that actually "sees" through clothing. Able to photograph the nude body. Swears he wont sell it outside of Japan.
10 megapixel phones are about a year away. Built in TVs in phones are about 3 years away.
I now have a digital camera and a cell phone. Combining them into one unit obviously has some advantages. Especially if the new "phone" is "free".
Whats ironic, is the most successful don't need or want cell phones. Like the old pagers and then cell phones, most that are required by their employer to have them, are the rank and file, bricks in the wall, that are kept on short leashes.
Hmmm... Haven't you ever had one of those "I wish I had my camera with me" moments?
Last week I accompanied my wife for her post-physical bloodwork...big sign at the lab (where I suppose they take all kinds of 'samples' other than blood) declared:
"No Cell Phones or Cameras"
I think I got their gist...who'd wanna get caught producing a sperm sample??
I have one. Issued by the company I work for because I occasionally am required to snap a photo to document something. I used to have to either carry a camera or go hunt down one of those disposable ones. Now I can snap a shot and email it back to the office with my phone. Best thing is I always have it with me. Of course, if I didn't need it for work I wouldn't have one.
Next upgrade will be a Treo PDA/Phone/camera all-in-one with internet and email.
Technology: gotta love it.
It will be great for catching traffic accidents, license plates, etc.
There needs to be a law though, making it illegal for felons to have one. Too many games they could play with it.
"Built in TVs in phones are about 3 years away."
Well, glory gee to bezus - just what we really needed! A way to pick up the phone first thing in the morning and have the world looking in.
How can we ever wait.
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