New study suggests that SLR ownership promotes more interest in photography.

PMA Marketing Research Press Release Summary:

Digital SLRs spell consumer growth and enjoyment, according to PMA Marketing Research study

JACKSON, Mich. - A new mini report by PMA Marketing Research indicates digital SLRs are more likely to embrace the skills necessary to master the picture-taking process. More than two-thirds of digital SLR owners just "like to take photographs" "for pure enjoyment." In addition to enjoying the picture-taking process, they are also interested in capturing the highest quality memories.

   According to the PMA study, Focus on Digital SLRs . Trends and Opportunities, the digital SLR user also uses their camera more than other camera owners, including three times as often as 35mm SLR owners. The 35mm SLR user was ready to move up to the digital SLR to reinvigorate their interest in photography. And, because they are shooting more often, they are also producing a far greater quantity of photos.

   Digital SLR users are also most interested in printing their pictures. PMA marketing research shows nine out of 10 digital SLR owners made paper prints, but they are actually printing a lower percentage of their saved photos. The greater quantities of photos digital SLR users take, however, offset the lower percentages.

   Overall, digital SLR users are more involved in photography, and are more likely than other camera users to send out photos via e-mail, create or order photo CD-ROMs, share photos online, and create and order enlargements.

   As the product category grows and matures, it's clear the industry is just beginning to reap the opportunity presented by digital SLRs. The study reveals that the emergence of the consumer-class digital SLR is possibly going to signal even greater growth than the traditional digital compact camera has provided over the past 10 years.

   Among the digital SLR advantages cited in the report to justify this emergence are faster start-up times, near-zero shutter lag, and longer battery life. Drawbacks to digital SLRs, however, include lack of a movie mode, inability to compose a picture on the LCD screen, and overall larger size.