I read this with interest yesterday
In 1975, Kodak engineer Steven Sasson invented the first digital camera, but Kodak chose to shelve the project due to concerns that it would cannibalize their film sales. This decision is widely considered a missed opportunity, as competitors like Sony and Canon embraced digital photography and ultimately took over the market.
Sasson’s digital camera was a revolutionary invention, paving the way for the future of photography. It was a prototype, not a marketable product, and it had limitations like slow processing times and low resolution. Kodak’s management feared that digital cameras would disrupt their lucrative film business, which was a significant part of their revenue. They chose to focus on their traditional film market rather than embracing the digital revolution.
By shelving the digital camera project, Kodak missed the chance to become a leader in the digital photography market. Competitors quickly seized the opportunity, developing and popularizing digital cameras, ultimately leading to the decline of film photography. Kodak’s decision ultimately led to its downfall, as it struggled to adapt to the changing market and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2012. [source]
Fujifilm, on the other hand, used its film developing knowledge and technology to create Astalift, one of the best selling skincare ranges in Japan
