Chinese manufacturers DJI and Insta360 have captured over 90% of the global handheld smart camera market. This shift follows the decline of GoPro, which held the market lead in 2023 but saw its share drop to 3% by the second quarter of 2026.
GoPro was recently sold to Starman Holding for $285 million after accumulating $92 billion in debt. The company, founded in 2002, reached a peak valuation of $12 billion in 2014. Analysts attribute its failure to a slow product update cycle compared to its Chinese rivals.
As of the second quarter of 2026, DJI holds a 73% share of the handheld smart camera market, while Insta360 accounts for 20%. The two companies are currently engaged in patent litigation in US courts regarding camera design and construction.
Insta360 recently opened its first major US retail store in New York. The company aims to become the leading smart camera brand in the US by prioritizing rapid product innovation over price competition with DJI. The average selling price for a handheld smart camera has remained stable at $380 since 2024.
