Samsung unveils 10 mega pixel cameras

New Delhi, Aug 24: Digital Technology leader Samsung India today launched its advanced 'NV' series of 10 mega pixel Digital Still Cameras (DSC), as well as its Q7 series of Plasma TVs in the 42 and 50 inch screen size segments.

The company is targeting a 70 per cent growth in the Digital Media Business (DMB), which is a new thrust area within the company's Audio Visual portfolio including products like digital still cameras, camcorders, MP3 and DVD players.

The DMB contributes 10 per cent of the total Samsung business.

''Our strategy this year is to grow the NV series, and create a new product segment like the 6-in-1 multifunction camcorders with the DSC segment. In the second half of the year, we want to increase our flat panel business and attain a 50 per cent market share by the year-end,'' Samsung Deputy MD Ravider Zutshi told reporters here.

''The total camcorder market in India is between 2,80,000-3,00,000 units this year and we are eyeing a 8-9 per cent market share in this segment, while the camera market is currently 2-8 lakh units in which we are eyeing a 7-8 per cent share,'' he said.

Of the total camera market in India, 35 per cent is occupied by the analog camera while a majority 65 per cent is Still cameras.

The market is growing at an aggregate of 25-30 per cent.

The company is targeting a 400 per cent volume growth in its DSC business this year.

The size of the flat panel business this year will touch 2,00,000 units. Currently Samsung has a 46.3 per cent market share in the segment, which is up from 35 per cent last year.

With the introduction of the new DSC range Samsung has 11 DSC models priced between Rs 8,990 and Rs 49,990.

The company has approached various photo channels and photo dealers which have started retailing these products.

With the introduction of the new Digital Camcorder range, Samsung has 8 models priced between Rs 17,990 to Rs 39,990. The company is targeting a 200 per cent growth in its camcorder business this year.

The Plasma models in the 42 inch, 50 inch and 63 inch screen sizes are priced between Rs 99,000 to Rs 7,00,000 range.

Samsung is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd in India.

The company consists of five main business units -- Digital Appliance Business, DMB, LCD, Semiconductor, and Telecommunication Network. Its consumer electronic business contributes 52 per cent to the overall business.

UNI