Samsung aims to dominate 'Digital Still Camera' market in Middle East

The 'Miniket Photo' is a business card-sized digital still camera (DSC) that caters to users seeking multi-functionality in an ultra-compact device. With the launch of the newest 'Miniket Photo', offering six diverse digital capabilities, Samsung aims to acquire 15 per cent of the 'slim and stylish' range of 5-megapixel 7-megapixel DSC market by the end of 2006.

Displaying outstanding visual and audio performances, the Miniket Photo combines six diverse functions, comprising a 5.25megapixel camera, MP3 player, digital camcorder, voice recorder, web camera and portable data storage.

Speaking at the press conference Mr. J. H. Park, President, Samsung Gulf Electronics said: "Digital convergence is the definitive trend in the industry and the launch of the new six-in-one Miniket Photo has once again positioned Samsung at the cutting edge of this digital revolution."

"Samsung has been recognized consistently for bringing next-generation features and functionalities in today's digital devices. This innovation has set the standard for what consumers have come to expect from their still cameras, and creates a favourable foundation for the successful launch of our upcoming models. Samsung's Miniket Photo being launched today is the outcome of this path breaking innovation," Mr. Park added

In 2006, the market size for digital still cameras is expected to be 390,000 units, which is a 12 per cent increase over last year. In 2005 the DSC market size was 350,000 units. According to IDC reports in the next three years, the 'slim and stylish' range of 5-megapixel to 7-megapixel DSCs are expected to constitute more than 50 per cent of the total DSC demand.

"The 5-megapixel-and-above camera market in the 'slim and style' range constitute 22 per cent of the digital still camera market according to IDC. While Samsung aims to be a dominant player in this segment over the next few years, in our first year of operation - by the end of 2006, we plan to achieve 15 per cent of this market," stated Mr. Kris Lee, General Manager, Consumer Electronics division Samsung Gulf Electronics.

Weighing in at just 120 grams, the Miniket Photo features an anti-shake image stabiliser, a 15x digital zoom, 5.25-megapixel Camera and up to 512MB of onboard flash memory with PictBridge™ for direct printing.

"The Miniket Photo is a classic digital camera for photography enthusiasts who expect their cameras to function as an entertainment device, offering advanced technology in an elegant form. The product differentiation for the Miniket Photo is its compact form, convenient functionality and connectivity with other devices," said Mr. Makarand Phadke, Sales and Marketing Manager, Consumer Electronics division Samsung Gulf Electronics.

"We want to lead the technological innovation in the Middle East marketplace with our products. And we are confident the Miniket Photo will be a big favourite among the region's discerning digital camera user community," Mr. Phadke concluded.