Toshiba drops price of digital camera

Toshiba cut the price of one of its 2.2-megapixel cameras Friday, hoping to click with more buyers. Irvine, Calif.-based Toshiba said its PDR-M25 will now cost $249, down from $279. The price move for the 2.2-megapixel camera is in line with similar efforts by competitors, which have been adjusting prices to fit the mood of consumers. "Last year, the low end of the market grew to 2 million units, but consumers quickly realized that resolution is significant, so now manufacturers are looking to the 2-megapixel to 3-megapixel cameras to take off as well," IDC analyst Ron Glaz said. "This price move by Toshiba is definitely a sign of the times." With the exception of the low end, the U.S. market for digital cameras grew by 30 percent last year, spurred by a strong holiday sales season, according to a recent report from market research firm IDC. The low end of the market declined, the report said. --Richard Shim, Special to ZDNet News