The problem with the slow economy is that many users are deciding to hold on to their old cell phones longer. This makes good economic sense for the user but the wireless carriers would prefer regular upgrades.

To that end mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson said it is betting heavily on camera phones in their United States lineup this year, hoping high-end photography will convince consumers to buy a new phone or replace digital cameras.

The Swedish-Japanese company plans to launch its C905a 8.1-megapixel-camera phone, hoping the boost in picture quality and carrier promotions will help it increase sales. Estimates place the device in the $199 to $249 price range here after carrier subsidies, which typically tie customers into a two-year contract in exchange for the discount. The phone could work on the networks of either AT&T or T-Mobile, owned by Deutsche Telekom.

Interestingly enough, Sony's also announced a 12-megapixle-camera phone but that one will not be coming to the US due to the rough economic climate.