North American Security Camera Installed Base to Reach 62M in 2016, Report Says

While annual video surveillance camera unit shipments are forecast to continue to increase through to the end of the decade, some regional markets are becoming saturated.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The installed base of security cameras in North America is expected to grow from 33 million in 2012 to nearly 62 million cameras by the end of 2016, according to a research note by IHS Markit.

While the market for video surveillance cameras continues to rise, the product mix is changing, says Niall Jenkins, consulting manager, building technologies, IHS Markit.

“Network cameras accounted for only 17% of the total installed base in 2012, but they are predicted to account for 34% of the market by the end of 2016,” he says. “High-definition closed-circuit television [HD CCTV] cameras – including HD-CVI, AHD and HD-TVI – have also increased their market footprint, from less than 1% in 2012 to almost 13% in 2016.” 

This shift in the market was primarily caused by the following:

  • Camera price erosion is driving up shipments in North America. The average selling price of a network camera in 2015 was estimated at around 45% of the historic peak, which means buyers can afford to purchase more cameras per installation and expand camera installations more frequently.
  • The emergence of HD analog products is engaging a new, lower-end market. Retail and commercial installations are now able to install small video surveillance systems more cost effectively while still benefiting from HD resolution.

Despite the increase in security camera shipments, it is still a challenging time for the video surveillance industry, according to IHS Markit. Lower priced products have eroded some suppliers’ profit margins – especially network products.

Additionally, while annual camera unit shipments are forecast to continue to increase through the end of the decade, some regional markets are becoming saturated. For example, the North American market has moved from 11 people per installed security camera in 2012 to six people per camera in 2016.

“There is a growing realization that the industry needs to identify new use-cases, technologies, customers and emerging markets, in order to continue to grow the installed base of security cameras into the next decade,” Jenkins says.

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