An InfoTrend report from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas suggests that the market for digital cameras may be maturing.

U.S. shipments of digital still cameras are expected to peak this year as fewer consumers look to replace older film cameras. “The marketplace for digital still cameras is starting to mature,” claimed analyst Ed Lee.

With growth in Japan past its peak, U.S. growth slowing, and Europe, Middle East and Africa region seen maturing next year, a shakeout may be on tap among camera makers, Lee said. “It has been harder for all those vendors to maintain a profitable business.”

InfoTrends noted that a handful of companies have left the digital still camera business. Market leaders like Kodak, Sony and Canon have diversified by introducing other products and services or are forming JVs with service providers. More and more consumers have a camera built into their mobile phone, but that isn’t the chief cause for slowing demand for still cameras.

“Consumers are purchasing camera phones and getting their feet wet” with digital imaging, said analyst Jill Aldort. “Camera phones will add to the total number of digital images taken.”