Canon May Increase Camera Prices Due to AI Memory Shortage

Summary

Canon is considering price increases for its cameras, citing the ongoing AI-driven memory crisis that has already significantly raised memory card prices. An executive stated that the company "cannot rule out the possibility" of passing increased parts costs, including for built-in DRAM, onto consumers. This potential price hike follows Canon's earlier investor reports about rising costs affecting both printing and imaging divisions. While not a certainty, the situation highlights the vulnerability of camera manufacturing to global memory supply chain issues.

Key points

• AI memory crisis is driving up memory card prices.
• Canon executive suggests camera prices may increase.
• Increased costs for built-in DRAM are a factor.
• Canon may reduce planned discounts instead of raising list prices.