Amazon Launches Online Camera Store

Amazon.com Inc., the biggest Internet retailer, said Wednesday that it started an online camera and photo store and formed an alliance with closely held Ofoto Inc., a Web-based photography service.

The new store sells digital and film cameras, camcorders, printers, scanners, binoculars and telescopes, plus accessories such as film, batteries and tripods. Ofoto, based in Berkeley, offers film processing and storage through the site.

Amazon.com had been selling cameras via the online electronics store it introduced last year. The Seattle-based company, which has 23 million customers, said digital cameras were among its most-popular items in last year’s holiday season.

“We expect it to be one of our fastest-growing businesses,” said Carl Gish, general manager of Amazon.com’s electronics operations. He declined to give a forecast for the company’s sales in the$5-billion market for camera and film products.

Amazon.com, which began selling books on the Web five years ago, now sells everything from new cars to shampoo. This year, the company has added stores on its Web site that focus on health and beauty products, home furnishings and kitchen items.

Amazon.com shares rose 94 cents to close at $36 in Nasdaq trading. They have fallen 53% this year.