PMA Data Watch: Distribution of camera primary users by gender

Women are overall more likely to be the primary user of cameras in U.S. households, according to the 2009 PMA U.S. Camera/Camcorder Digital Imaging Survey. Sixty-one percent of primary camera users were female compared to just 39 percent who were male in 2008. There is some variation, however, depending on the type of camera.

Females are more than twice as likely as males to be the primary user of 35mm lens-shutter cameras and digital point-and-shoot cameras. Females are also more likely to be the primary user of other film and instant print cameras, 60 percent and 61 percent, respectively. Males and females are equally likely to use digital camcorders as half of primary users are male and half are female. There is a shift in gender of primary user for DSLRs, analog camcorders and 35mm SLR cameras.

The average age of the camera primary user in U.S. households is 45 years. Again, this varies based on the type of camera. Digital camcorders are likely to be used by younger consumers as the average age of the primary user is 39 years. Forty-eight years is the average age of the primary user of 35mm point-and-shoot and 35mm SLR cameras.