3D Camera Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Stereo Vision, Time Of Flight), By Application (Professional Camera, Smartphone & Tablet), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global 3D camera market size was estimated at USD 14.67 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.6% from 2023 to 2030. The market is a niche within the broader digital camera market, catering specifically to consumers and professionals who require the ability to capture images with depth perception. 3D cameras use advanced imaging technology to capture and process depth information, enabling the creation of 3D models of objects. The market is growing due to the high product demand in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 3D printing. The increasing adoption of technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotics, drives market growth. Furthermore, the extensive product usage in sectors, such as home security, military operations, and industrial environments, is anticipated to boost their global adoption.

These cameras also find widespread use in the film and television industry for capturing immersive 3D footage. The combined impact of these factors is predicted to propel the expansion of 3D cameras across diverse applications throughout the projected timeframe. The market demonstrates intense competitiveness, featuring prominent industry players like Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm. In addition, emerging startups and new entrants, particularly in the domains of 3D scanning and computer vision, are introducing heightened competition. In general, the market is projected to witness growth in the near future due to the rising demand for advanced imaging technology and 3D content across diverse applications.

The increasing demand for 3D content has become one of the primary drivers of the market. With the advent of new technology, consumers are becoming more interested in immersive experiences that provide a sense of depth and realism. As a result, the demand for 3D content is growing at an unprecedented rate, and it is expected to exhibit the same in the coming years. One of the primary drivers of 3D content is the increasing popularity of VR and AR technologies. These technologies allow users to interact with digital environments in real-time, providing a more immersive experience than traditional 2D content. This has led to a surge in demand for 3D content compatible with VR and AR systems.

In addition, the entertainment industry has also contributed to the growth of the global market. Many movies and television shows are now being produced in 3D, requiring specialized 3D cameras. As a result, there has been a significant increase in demand for 3D cameras from studios and production companies. For instance, movies like Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, Gravity, and Jurassic World have been huge commercial successes, largely due to their innovative use of 3D technology. Similarly, television shows like Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian have utilized 3D technology to create stunning visual effects and immersive worlds.

Technology Insights

The stereo vision segment dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 63.1% in 2022.Stereo vision cameras are often used in industrial and manufacturing settings for quality control and inspection tasks, as well as in surveillance and security systems. They are also increasingly used in consumer electronics, such as smartphones and gaming consoles for gesture recognition and 3D scanning. The images are then processed using stereo vision or stereo triangulation, which involves comparing the two images and identifying the differences in the position of objects in the scene. This allows the camera to create a depth map or a 3D model of the scene, which can be used for various applications, such as robotics, 3D modeling, VR, and autonomous vehicles.

Stereo vision cameras are used in robotics, safety applications, medical technology, bin picking, autonomous vehicles, agricultural robotics, object tracking, 3D recording, and production, and range sensing in mobile robotic navigation. In December 2022, Stereolabs launched ZED-X, the industry's first stereo camera created for robotic process automation and navigation in challenging indoor and outdoor conditions. However, time-of-flight technology is expected to showcase the fastest growth at a CAGR of 34.9%. These cameras have several applications, including 3D scanning, object detection and recognition, and gesture recognition.

They are commonly used in robotics, augmented reality, and virtual reality applications. ToF uses infrared light to capture real-time depth information, allowing for accurate and quick measurements. They are also relatively simple and do not require complex calibration procedures. Leading ToF cameras have been instrumental in the development of cameras with advanced sensors for depth measurement and object identification. In May 2022, e-Con Systems introduced the DepthVista Time of Flight camera. It features depth and shutter sensors for depth measuring and object identification.

Application Insights

The professional camera segment dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 63.9% in 2022. These cameras are also widely used in VR and AR to capture the geometry of a scene and create immersive experiences. In these applications, 3D cameras are often combined with other sensors, such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, to track the user's movement and adjust the perspective of the virtual or augmented environment accordingly. For instance, Orbbec launched its high-resolution 3D camera, the Femto Magna, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in January 2023.

The 3D cameras comprise Microsoft and NVIDIA technologies and enable easier access to sensing technology, rendering them suitable for logistics, robotics, retail, manufacturing, fitness systems, and healthcare. The smartphone and tablet segment is projected to register a CAGR of 34.4% over the forecast period. Smartphones and tablets are increasingly using 3D cameras. These cameras capture and process three-dimensional images using a combination of hardware and software, enabling users to build 3D models, gauge distances, and even record virtual reality experiences. Major smartphone brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel are introducing cutting-edge technologies in camera sensors to cater to the rising demand for advanced smartphones globally.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 37.4% in 2022owing to several factors, such as increasing penetration of smartphones, enhancing the entertainment industry, increasing disposable income, and low camera ownership. The growing use of 3D imaging in VR, robotics, home automation, and video surveillance is another factor driving product demand. Key market players are focusing on product launches in the region to provide customers with high-quality products and excellent service. For instance, in February 2023, Alsontech, the manufacturer of 3D vision for industrial robots, unveiled its newest 3D vision camera, the AT-S1000-06C-S3.

The AT-S1000-06C-S3 is a member of the NANO series and features Alsontech's advanced binocular imaging technology, which offers industrial automation customers dependable accuracy and operational stability. However, North America is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 32.9% during the forecasted period. Time of flight is anticipated to be the fastest-growing technology segment in the North American region. The technology is poised to unleash its growth potential over the forecast period. Applications for time-of-flight sensors include car tracking, object detection, people counting, and robot navigation. Time-of-flight sensors measure the distance between places in the time photons take to move between two locations. Many companies are focusing on new launches to provide customers with high-quality products and excellent service.

In September 2022, researchers from the University of California created a camera that takes a single exposure to record 3D data about objects in a scene using a thin micro-lens array and new image processing algorithms. The camera may be helpful for several tasks, including the inspection of industrial parts, the recognition of gestures, and the gathering of information for 3D display systems. Europe is expected to witness a steady growth rate of 31.7% over the forecast period. The key factors driving the growth of the Europe regional market are the increased demand for 3D enhanced content in the entertainment sector and improvements in 3D scanning technology.

The market growth is also attributed to automated operations in industries like food & beverage and chemicals have started integrating 3D cameras with robotic arms. The increased adoption of modern technology is another factor contributing to the market growth in the UK. For instance, in February 2023, SICK launched the safeVisionary2 compact 3D camera to boost output and reimagine 3D safety for mobile robots. 2D LiDAR sensors are typically used to safeguard hazardous areas in manufacturing and logistics environments. It has Performance Level C certification for its 3D time-of-flight (ToF) camera. It provides precise 3D measurement data when used for autonomous mobile robots.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market includes both international and domestic participants. Brand market share analysis indicates that key market players are focusing on strategies, such as new product launches, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, and global expansions. Some of the initiatives include:

• In July 2022, Artilux and II-VI released a small 3D camera that uses shortwave infrared technology. The camera, created for 3D sensing in consumer electronics and the automotive industry, combines GeSi sensor arrays from Artilux with indium phosphide semiconductor lasers from II-VI

• In February 2023, Alsontech, the manufacturer of 3D vision for industrial robots, unveiled its newest 3D vision camera, the AT-S1000-06C-S3. The AT-S1000-06C-S3 is a member of the NANO series and features Alsontech's advanced binocular imaging technology, which offers industrial automation customers dependable accuracy and operational stability

• In July 2022, The TKH Group acquired Germany-based Nerian Vision Technologies to expand its offerings by including stereo vision in its portfolio. Nerian will continue to sell goods under the Nerian brand and keep its current relationships while joining the TKH Vision network of machine vision businesses. To improve accuracy on challenging-to-measure objects, Nerian 3D cameras are completely compatible with active design projectors

Some prominent players in the global 3D camera market include:

• Sony Corporation

• Canon Inc.

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

• LG Electronics

• Nikon Corporation

• Panasonic Corporation

• GoPro, Inc.

• FUJIFILM Corporation

• Eastman Kodak Company

• Orbbec 3D Technology International, Inc.

3D Camera Market Report Scope

Global 3D Camera Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the 3D camera market report based on technology, application, and region:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Stereo Vision

  • Time of Flight

  • Structured Light

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Professional Camera

  • Smartphone and Tablet

  • Computer

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa