3D Camera Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2034

The global 3D camera market size was exhibited at USD 3.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit around USD 37.92 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 26.6% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

Key Takeaways

• By application, the professional camera segment is expected to have the largest market share from 2023 to 2032.
• In 2022, By technology, the time-of-flight segment has held the highest revenue share.
• In 2022, By geography, the Asia Pacific accounted highest revenue share.

A 3D camera is a type of imaging technology that gives images the appearance of depth to mimic three-dimensional perspectives as perceived by human binocular vision. A single lens that changes position is used by some 3D cameras, while others employ two or more lenses to record different points of view. 

The parallax effect is produced by combining the pictures from the two lenses to produce the 3D effect. When looking at an object across two lines of sight, parallax happens. When volumes, forms, and 3D positions and orientations of objects are needed, 3D image processing is quite helpful. It is a depth-sensing innovation that improves camera functionality for object and facial recognition. Utilizing optical technology, 3D sensing technology imitates human vision, enabling the development and integration of augmented reality, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). This gives consumer applications new opportunities.

The key driver of the worldwide 3D camera market is the entertainment sector's growing demand for and popularity of 3D content. The need for 3D cameras is also being driven by the expanding applications of 3D imaging in home automation, robotics, virtual reality, and video surveillance. Major reasons boosting the demand for 3D cameras include the rising popularity of 3D TVs and the comparatively simple integration of 3D cameras into smartphones.

Growth Factors

As some target objects required a micrometer level of point precision along with depth information, the need for 3D cameras started to rise. Additionally, 3D technology makes it possible for users to control tough situations with poor or excessive illumination as well as elements like sparkling parts. Similar to how the human eye sees, this is used to determine an object's size, color, and distance between two locations. According to estimates, the need for 3D cameras will increase as smartphone cameras continue to advance. The 3D camera market is anticipated to grow quickly in the near future as a result of trends in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, smart devices, and 3D printing.

• The growing demand from the entertainment industry.
• Increasing demand from the vehicle industry.

3D Camera Market Scope

3D Camera Market Dynamics

Key Market Drivers

• A rise in 3D camera demand in the entertainment Industry - The market for 3D cameras has become more accessible to new players as a result of the sharply rising demand for 3D films, games, and videos. The growth of visual applications in the entertainment industry is driving the market for 3D cameras. The entertainment sector is expected to grow globally as a result of the use of 3D technology in cameras. For instance, Weta Digital's most modern camera was utilized to film a movie in Hollywood, and DNEG, Framestore, and MPC produced stunning futuristic cityscapes. As a result of the 3D camera's success in the movie industry, many new 3D filmmakers have emerged, and as more 3D movies are created in the future, a long-term 3D camera industry will develop.
• Increasing use of 3D cameras in automobiles - The use of 3D cameras in the automotive industry is anticipated to increase as 3D camera technology advances. ZF has created a 3D (IOS) inside the camera that can easily improve automation and safety systems by identifying and locating people within the car. To detect the position of the car on the road, 3D cameras are used in automobiles called range cameras. These sensors in the system alert the driver when a vehicle is coming up from behind, enabling him to change lanes. Additionally, it detects lane deviation and vibrates the seat to alert the driver. These developments will hasten the adoption of 3D cameras in the market for ADAS and safety systems for automobiles. The demand for 3D cameras is also increasing as self-driving cars and autonomous trucks gain popularity in the automotive sector. 3D cameras are commonly employed in autonomous vehicles to enhance drivability. 

Key Market Challenges

• High cost of 3D camera - Since the technology is still in its early stages, there are additional difficulties that the manufacturers must solve during the pricey 3D camera production process. Cost concerns are thus the main hindrance to the market expansion of 3D cameras. Due to their expensive price, 3D cameras are only appealing to a small segment of the market. Despite the increased capabilities, sales are thus lower than for other camera technologies, such as 2D. This is primarily due to the expense problem.

Key Market Opportunities

• The rise in home automation - The rise in disposable income and high living standards are giving market opportunities for the 3D camera market owing to the features of the 3D camera. The demand for 3D technology has lucrative opportunities in the coming years. 

Technology Insights

On the basis of technology, the time-of-flight segment has held the highest revenue share in 2022. This is because the technology is widely used in a variety of applications, including smartphones, drones, healthcare, industrial, and automotive. In addition to being resistant to ambient time, the system only considers one viewpoint while calculating depth, which makes it immune to occlusions and shadows while preserving sharp depth borders. As a result, maintaining safety through the recognition of moments and gestures and the provision of real-time information is most desired in the automotive and industrial sectors.

Over the forecast period, stereo vision is expected to maintain its position in 3D cameras. Over the anticipated time frame, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 36%. These technologically advanced cameras are inexpensive and simple to design.

Application Insights

On the basis of application, the professional camera segment is expected to have the largest market share in the coming years period, the segment has dominated the market and it will continue to grow well in terms of revenue. As the market for 3D movies expands, more professional 3D cameras are anticipated to be used to record live-action movies. Stereo cameras are used to capture motion pictures. Professional 3D cameras are preferred over pricey computer-generated imagery (CGI) to save time and money. The market for 3D cameras is primarily driven by the increased use of these cameras to record 3D content in media and entertainment. The rising use of expert 3D cameras in sectors including manufacturing, building, civil infrastructure, and historical site management is another development driver for the sector. 

Over the projected period, it is anticipated that the sector for smartphones and tablets will expand the fastest. The increase is anticipated to be driven by the rising demand for sophisticated cameras equipped with cutting-edge technologies that improve picture and video quality by detecting motions. Among youthful consumers, features like high performance, HD clarity, and real-time sensing are becoming more popular.

Regional Insights

On the basis of geography, Asia Pacific accounted highest revenue share in 2022. Due to the significant smartphone sector in the region, which is expected to be a target industry for 3D cameras over the projection period, Asia Pacific is a very lucrative region of the worldwide market. The growth of the region's construction, automotive, and healthcare industries is having a big positive impact on the market for 3D cameras. In 2021, the market for 3D cameras saw the biggest revenue share in the Asia Pacific region. This is because more people are using smartphones, the entertainment sector is expanding, there is more money available, and fewer people possess cameras. Additionally, the growth of the regional market would be further boosted by the development of the industrial sector in the region's developing countries.

A significant portion of the global market for 3D cameras is projected to come from North America due to the region's rapid adoption of technologies that are increasing the demand for 3D cameras. 3D cameras are widely used in the region in the fields of construction, surveying, surveillance, indoor mapping, entertainment, and sports.

Recent Developments

In March 2021 – A cooperation between Microsoft, an American multinational technology company, and LG Innotek was formed. This alliance used LG Innotek's ToF technology based on the 3D camera component and Microsoft's Azure Depth Platform to open up access to 3D vision technology and release innovation across a variety of industries, including healthcare, fitness, retail, and logistics. Cloud-connected cameras can also optimize and look into production lines in industries to prevent mishaps.

3D Camera Market Dynamics

• Canon
• Panasonic
• Samsung
• GoPro
• Intel
• Sony
• Kodak
• Faro Technologies
• Fuji Film
• Nikon
• LG

Segments Covered in the Report

By Technology

• Time of Flight
• Stereo Vision
• Structured Light

By Types

• Target Camera
• Target-free Camera

By Application

• Professional Camera
• Smartphone and Tablets
• Computer
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)