The global 4K camera market size is anticipated to witness considerable growth during the forecast period (2016 to 2024). This would be due to its various applications across consumer electronics, aerospace & defense, entertainment, retail & advertisement, business & education, etc.
4K technology is said to replace high-definition (HD) technologies in cameras, television screens, projectors, & computer monitors. One of the 4K resolutions is 4096 x 2160, which is around 1:9:1 aspect ratio. 4K resolution provides images with more than 8 million pixels in comparison to full HD (1080p) - almost 4 times less than 4K.
Today, a wide range of 4K resolutions exists in digital cinematography & television. For instance; ‘Digital Cinema Initiatives’ (DCI), a collaborative studio venture, is a leading 4K company in the ‘film projection’ industry. However, the manufacturers of consumer electronics use slightly lower resolutions than actual 4Ks in their latest & upcoming monitor & television products.
The key advantage of 4K technology is lively-colored quality images. Premium-quality videos & images offered by 4K devices are projected to drive the global market over the next eight years. 4K innovations & improvements along with broadcasting advancements should further the industry. However, bulky zooms preferred by expert broadcasters and high prices of these devices are said to hinder the 4K camera market.
4K acquisition will be considered obligatory for new cameras in the next eight years. These devices have seen increasing importance in sports; like tennis, football, cricket etc. On account of industry standards; applications in ‘live sports production’ and development of ‘2/3 inch ultra HD devices’ are expected. The market is likely to expand further owing to its multiple applications & end-users.
Some matches of ICC Cricket World Cups have been shot by ultra-HD cameras (with the help of innovative shooting methods). These involved the combined adoption of various ultra-high resolution versions; such as ultra-motion, spider cams, etc. Almost seven such matches are known to have been shot with specialized ultra HD ‘video production’ equipment.
These ultra-HD 4K devices have bigger sensors & interchangeable lenses, rendering a positive impact on the overall demand. Factors; like the introduction of cost-effective & portable mirror-less devices being able to capture high-resolution videos & images should propel the media and broadcasting industries.
Booming usage of handheld mobile devices and disposable crash models that can capture ‘high resolution’ videos at 240-FPS (Foot Pound Second) is also predicted to fetch sales for the media industry. Some of these devices operate over 100 meters under water and will drive broadcasting in the near future.
Many 4K models are available that aren’t only low-priced but also richer in features and smaller with ‘traditional’ digital camera feels & looks. The ‘Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4’ was the first mirror-less device with ‘4K video capturing’ properties & interchangeable-lens; offering expert-level video tools in regular camera bodies at reasonable costs. This camera features a recently developed ‘16MP Digital Live MOS sensor’ intended for lowering the unsteady ‘rolling shutter effect.
Another model of 4K devices is ‘Canon XC10.’ It has a built-in zoom lens of 10 X, with a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 24.1 mm-241 mm for pictures or stills and 27.3 mm-273 mm for videos. Its lens has a 3-mode optical stabilizer (standard, powered, and dynamic) to combat ‘camera shakes’ during usage. This device offers the highest aperture of approximately f/2.8 when recording wide. It shuts down at f/5.6 at full telephoto. Moreover, the device has a 3-step built-in ND filter and special focus & zoom rings for manual functions.
The global 4K camera market is split by applications and regions. Applications include consumer electronics, entertainment, retail & advertisement, business & education, and aerospace & defense. The employment of 4K devices in defense is a big development.
4K devices are utilized for unmanned aerial vehicles in security centers. They provide ‘high-resolution’ imagery from significant heights. The defense industry seeks quality efficiency & visual clarity in 4K technology. These two features are visible in applications; such as vehicles, airborne consoles, vessels, etc.
Ultra high resolution versions of 4K cameras should mark their presence in safety & security. They are anticipated to work best in situations wherein users are required to supervise wide areas & spot the objects from distant places. Users can actually do the same from airports, parking structures, train stations, casinos, and so on. In addition, the devices perform excellently when positioned correctly.
Yet another application of 4K devices is healthcare wherein doctors need ‘high-resolution’ to make correct decisions regarding their patients. Doctors use these devices (during operations) to obtain clearer images of patients’ bodies and finely execute their surgical procedures.
4K cameras can transform the entertainment industry by offering high resolution picture qualities (with over 3000 pixels on display screens). The adoption of these devices in studio production & broadcasting is likely to grow till 2024. Different ad agencies may use 4K devices to promote their products and compete with other players. This helps them boost their shares. 4K devices have also observed significant consumption from business & education industries.
Geographically, the 4K camera market is divided into Asia-Pacific (APAC), the Americas, Europe, and the Rest of the World (RoW). The APAC industry should experience tremendous growth and is said to be the fastest-growing region in the near future.
Its demand is likely to stem from higher adoption of 4K cameras in the region. Various developing nations; like India, would undergo augmented demand. Such countries can integrate technical breakthroughs, lifting up the standards of next generation video creation.
Rising disposable incomes & population in North America are estimated to propel this region. Regional demand for high-resolution videos & images may also drive North America. Countries; such as the U. S., & Canada and other European nations; like the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, etc. will face high demand over the next eight years.
Key companies of the worldwide industry comprise FLIR Systems (U. S.); Infineon Technologies A. G. (Germany); Nikon Corp. (Japan); and Schneider Electric S. E. (Europe). Product developments and technological innovations are few means through which they look forward to expanding their businesses.
