Sales of ‘non-bridge’-style compact cameras, costing over £300, shot up by 39% in October compared to the same month last year, while sales of standard ‘point-and-shoot’ models crashed 33%.

‘Fixed-lens cameras have seen the heaviest declines for some time now, but it is worth pointing out that the premium sector (above £300) continues to grow,’ says Richard Gregory from market research firm GfK which compiled the figures.

He adds: ‘Proof, perhaps, that in a replacement market, consumers are willing to invest in features that offer a distinct improvement over their current device.’

Figures for January-October show a 30% rise in sales of premium models.