Sony Moves Into Market for Digital Machines

Sony Corp., the leading maker of digital cameras, is making a major push to grab the U.S. market for do-it-yourself retail machines that help users instantly print snapshots taken with their digital cameras, moving into a space dominated by Eastman Kodak Co.

Sony said that since it began shipping its PictureStation photo-finishing system to retailers two months ago, it has installed 100 of the devices, which range from an $8,000 countertop model to an $11,000 kiosk that’s 5 feet tall. Over the next three years, Sony expects to set up about 20,000 units in the United States.

To get their pictures, users can insert the memory card from their cameras, adjust and select desired photos, pay and print their shots.

Sony initially is banking on independent photo retailers to become the first stop for consumers won over by the convenience and advanced features of digital cameras but still uncomfortable with printing their shots at home on a personal computer.

Kodak dominates the U.S. market for kiosks, with more than 21,000 Picture Maker machines.