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Mobile Handset Makers Seek To Explore Dual Camera Phone Market 2005/02/25 By Kim Won-suk In line with fast increase in proportion of 3G mobile phones in the world handset market, leading mobile handset makers such as Nokia, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Pantech are attempting to explore a new market of `dual camera phones` installed with two camera modules. Dual camera phones allow users to make video calls while transmitting wireless data such as mobile images at a fast speed, thus reducing burden of service charges. The mega pixel camera module of the phone is used for taking pictures and videos, and the other VGA-level module with 300,000 pixels enables users to make real-time video calls. Industry experts anticipate that the market for dual camera phones, especially high-end and smart phone models, will pick up steam, although they are handsets of new concept whose marketability is yet to be verified. They expect the market for 3G mobile phones in Europe will reach 22.5 million units this year. Nokia plans to launch in March a smart phone (Model: Nokia 6680) installed with 2 camera modules, adding to its premium 3G handset lineup. Featuring PictBridge functions, the new smart phone, `Nokia 6680`, can print out pictures immediately after taking them and receive e-mails. Samsung Electronics will roll out 3 dual camera phone models out of 10 WCDMA phone models to be supplied to wireless communication carriers in Europe in the first half of this year. Targeting young women users, new dual camera phones (Model: SGH-Z500) of Samsung Electronics will come with stylish design in compact size. The company will also launch dual camera-based WCDMA handsets in the domestic market this year. "Our dual camera phones will allow users to transmit wireless data for low costs. We will put focus on supplying high-end dual camera phone models with prices higher than 300 euros, " said a manager at Samsung Electronics. With a goal to begin supplying its 3G dual camera phone (Project: Mulan) in March, LG Electronics is in talks with wireless communication carriers in foreign countries. Targeting the market for WCDMA service in Korea and 3G service in Europe, Pantech also plans to roll out dual camera phones in the second half of this year. "Dual camera phone is not designed based on a new technology in real sense. The market for high-end models with high prices is expected to grow first," said an executive at Pantech. "Presently, mega pixel camera phones are mainstream models in the market, and the prospect for dual camera phone market will become clearer during the first half based on sales result of mega pixel camera phones," said an industry observer. Industry observers forecast that sales of mobile handsets at the domestic top three makers will be worth 181.92 million units combined this year, a rise of 22.9% from a year ago, with camera phones reaching 100.02 million units.