The number of aggregate digital images captured per month continued to grow another 18 points in 2005, largely driven through cheaper flash memory card prices and increased capacities, IDC found in a new study of U.S.digital camera owners' usage habits. As a result, the total number of average monthly prints is expected to increase by 29% in 2005. However, printing behavior is changing with home printing continuing to decline in favor of retail locations.

"Variability in printing behavior is obvious," said Chris Chute, senior analyst, Worldwide Digital Imaging Solutions and Services. "While one-third ofdigital camera owners never print, over 10% print every image they keep. There are therefore distinct clusters of users who can be identified by their printing behavior."

Other key findings from IDC's Consumer Digital Imaging Survey include:

-- The mean number of digital images captured per month is 75.

-- 14% of total digital camera owner respondents capture more than 100 images per month.

-- 15% of total respondents never delete any images, while 6% delete all their images.

IDC's new report, 2005 U.S. Consumer Digital Imaging Survey, (IDC #33840) is a top-level study of U.S. digital camera owners. The survey focuses on key consumer imaging applications, including quantifying how many images users capture, delete, print, and archive. Analysis of image sharing is brought to light, and trends are identified across survey responses from past years.

To purchase this document, call IDC's Sales hotline at 508-988-7988 or email sales@idc.com.

For additional information about IDC's Digital Capture Devices research, please contact Anne-Sophie Dankens at adankens@idc.com.

About IDC

IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. We analyze and predict technology trends so that our clients can make strategic, fact-based decisions on IT purchases and business strategy. Over 700 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide local expertise and insights on technology markets. Business executives and IT managers have relied for 40 years on our advice to make decisions that contribute to the success of their organizations.

IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com.

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