DJI, Insta360 Tighten Grip on Global Handheld Smart Camera Market as Q1 Shipments Surge 33%
Global shipments of handheld smart cameras reached 4.14 million units in the first quarter of 2026, a 33% year-over-year increase, according to a new market tracking report from International Data Corporation (IDC). Revenue for the quarter exceeded RMB 10.5 billion yuan (US$1.45 billion), up 20% from the same period a year earlier.
The data underscores the accelerating dominance of two Chinese manufacturers — DJI and Insta360 — while further squeezing the market share of legacy players such as GoPro.
DJI and Insta360 Drive Combined Share Gains
Across all handheld smart camera categories, DJI held a 65% share of global shipments in Q1 2026, with volume growing 38% year-over-year. Insta360 captured a 22% share, posting a 66% increase — the fastest growth rate among major vendors. Together, the two Chinese brands extended their combined lead by 13 percentage points compared with the prior-year period.
GoPro, once the dominant force in the action camera segment, saw shipments continue to contract as competitive pressure from DJI and Insta360 intensified across global markets.
Action Camera Segment Leads Growth
The action camera category was the primary growth driver, with Q1 shipments approaching 2.01 million units, up 39% year-over-year. IDC attributed the momentum to strong sales of flagship products from both DJI and Insta360, as well as aggressive price reductions on prior-generation models.
DJI maintained its lead in the segment with a market share exceeding 53%, while Insta360 held more than 24% to rank second.
Average selling prices in the action camera segment declined 11% year-over-year to RMB 2,149, reflecting the promotional pricing strategies employed by manufacturers. Within the category, detachable action cameras — commonly referred to as "thumb cameras" — recorded shipment growth exceeding 350%, while non-detachable models grew 16%.
Panoramic Cameras Outpace the Market
The panoramic camera segment posted the strongest growth rate among all categories, with global Q1 shipments surpassing 500,000 units, representing year-over-year growth above 55%. Insta360 dominated the segment with a shipment share exceeding 68%, maintaining its position as the category leader.
Gimbal Cameras Remain Competitive
Global gimbal camera shipments grew more than 18% year-over-year in Q1 2026, with average selling prices falling 12.5% to RMB 2,840. DJI retained the top ranking in this segment. IDC noted that both supply-side dynamics and end-user demand remained elevated, and flagged 2026 as a year likely to see product upgrades and new entrants entering the gimbal camera market.
Long-Term Outlook Points to Sustained Expansion
IDC projects the global handheld smart camera market will surpass 40 million units annually by 2030, implying a compound annual growth rate of nearly 18% over the five-year period. The firm defines handheld smart cameras as portable consumer imaging devices with onboard computing capability, electronic or optical stabilization, and a minimum resolution of 2K — encompassing action cameras, panoramic cameras, and gimbal cameras.
The forecast suggests the market remains in an early-to-mid growth phase, with Chinese manufacturers well positioned to capture a disproportionate share of future expansion.
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DJI Captures 55% Global Handheld Imaging Market，outpacing Insta360 and GoPro