Photokina 2008 Coverage

Every two years some 160,000 visitors from 140 countries attend Photokina to fact-find the entire range of products and services in modern image communication. Dealers, professional end-users and private enthusiast, as well as opinion leaders, take advantage of this unique communication platform to discover the latest products and trends.

This year is the 13th Photokina show, while the first one was held in 1950. With its approximately 1,600 exhibitors from all over the world and clear focus, Photokina is the world's only trade fair where the entire spectrum of the photo and imaging market is presented - for consumers, specialist users, and professionals, and from image capturing to image output.

Considering the fact that around 325 million digital cameras, 60 million camcorders, and 1.59 billion camera phones are supposedly in use by consumers around the world, the extraordinary size of this show is not surprising. The presence of 6,000 accredited journalists from 68 countries also documents how important Photokina is as the international pilot fair for imaging.

This year's show is a special one for all underwater photographers and underwater photography manufacturers. Visitors to the 2008 Photokina Show will be treated to the first-ever "Underwater Imaging World at Photokina". Covering more than 250 sq. meters, the experience-oriented event in Hall 5.1 showcases the fascinating world of underwater photography. In cooperation with the partner organizations ColorFoto and Taucher.Net, first-time exhibitors from the underwater photography sector and established companies from the photography and imaging industry are showing enthusiasts of this trend how they can shoot good images underwater so that they can impress friends and families with the photos made during diving excursions.

On each day of the event, the sector's "stars" appear on stage to talk about their experiences and give valuable tips on underwater photography. Visitors can test cameras in a pool under real-life conditions. Professional scuba divers are on hand to provide visitors with information regarding the right equipment and valuable tips on using digital cameras in underwater sports.

A special star in this show is Todd Essick, who has been one of the top underwater photographers for many years. Todd is planned to conduct a few presentations, explaining about his unique art and also giving tips on how to make perfect underwater photographs.

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