Industry Insights
The global electronic camera stabilizers market size was worth USD 7.43 billion in 2017 and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.4% from 2017 to 2025. Camera stabilizers are designed to provide stability amidst movements while shooting a video, with the aim of offering a perfect shot. Significant growth of associated industries such as movie and entertainment, sports, professional photography, underwater travel, and sports is driving product demand. Primary end users of the product include professional as well as amateur videographers. Manufacturers are focusing on integrating advanced technologies and developing new designs to accommodate compact and heavy-duty cameras.
Global electronic camera stabilizers market revenue, by application, 2015 - 2025 (USD Billion)
Continuous technological developments have allowed manufacturers to make stabilizers suitable for all types of cameras. ZHIYUN, a Chinese manufacturer, recently showcased its range of stabilizers: flagship camera stabilizer Crane 2, Crane Plus, and action camera stabilizers that feature great stability and innovative and compact design.
The global market is marked by the presence of a large number of raw material suppliers such as Chi Mei, LG Chemicals, Styron, Elix Polymers, BASF, Dow Chemicals, PolyOne, and Wondlan International Ltd. Raw materials provided by these suppliers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), carbon fiber, and aluminum, have less product differentiation and are supplied in bulk. They have significant application in the automotive, industrial, and electronics components industry, wherein camera stabilizers account for a moderate share.
Butadiene styrene is a formless thermoplastic polymer that offers strong impact strength, paint ability, high adhesion attributes, rigidity, and resistance to solvent cracking. ABS used in electronic camera stabilizers such as gimbals and slider frames are light in weight and black in color. The material used is capable of operating under harsh weather conditions. For instance, the Lightweight ABS 2 Axis Handheld gimbal is a brushless stabilizer integrated with Bluetooth remote control, is designed to function in temperatures varying from -10º C to 50º C, and can be used for compact cameras.
Camera stabilizers are one of the most vital equipment used during the production of films, music videos, documentaries, and various other entertainment forms. Positive growth of the global media and entertainment industry is expected to aid product sales. Continuous development within the entertainment industry, such as rapid penetration of 4K, 6K, and 8K within production of movies as well as web series, is expected to escalate demand for advanced cameras and stabilizers.
Segmentation by Equipment
• Camera sliders
• Motor Heads
• Motion Controllers
• Other Equipment
The value of the camera sliders segment stood at USD 2.27 billion in 2017 and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.1% from 2017 to 2025. The film and entertainment industry is a key end user of camera sliders, driven by the need to produce subtle video movements. These sliders are a meter long, equipped with slow sliding movements to gain a better, stable, and detailed shot.
Segmentation by Application
• Cinema
• Action
• DSLRs
• Underwater
The cinema camera market segment was the largest in 2017 and is expected to witness growth at a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period. Significant application of cinema cameras in the film and entertainment industry has been driving need for stabilizers in order to capture smooth videos while in motion. This has also spurred demand for stabilizers for action cameras.
Segmentation by Region
• North America
• U.S.
• Europe
• U.K.
• Germany
• Asia Pacific
• India
• China
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
The North America market was valued at USD 1.91 billion in 2017 and is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period. Positive growth of the filmmaking industry in the region has supported product demand and will continue doing so throughout the forecast period. The North America film industry is growing at a rate of 32.0%. Increasing popularity and reach of social media platforms is also impacting demand for action and cinema cameras.
Rising advertising expenditure and growth in per capita income is driving the photography industry in the country. As of 2018, the U.S. photography market was pegged at USD 10.6 billion and is expected to grow at a rate of 2.0%. Promising improvements in digital technology has resulted in the growth of professional photography, which has boosted the demand for electronic stabilizers.
Competitive Landscape
The global electronic camera stabilizers market is highly fragmented in nature. Presence of well-established players, coupled with entry of new players from emerging economies such as China and India, is expected to intensify competition within the market. Key vendors include Glidecam Industries, Inc.; Gudsen Technology Co., Ltd.; Flyfilms; Shape; and Letus Corporation.
Key players have been concentrating on product development in order to bring advanced products that can cater to the dynamic requirements of end users. Continuously changing requirements of the film industry and photographers to incorporate latest trends within the jobs is expected to bring new products in the market.
