In Run-Up to photokina: Further Growth Seen Within Photo Market

Positive trends in the photo market are lasting in the first six months of 2008, according to Photoindustrie-Verband and the market researchers GfK. Growth relies primarily on the continuously strong demand for digital cameras - with a volume increase by 6 percent - and on the improving business with accessories, where interchangeable lenses, flash equipment, picture frames and bags are going strong.

Most recently, slight growth is back for photo paper, too. In terms of value, accessory products account for over 20 percent of the photo and imaging market. Where storage cards are concerned, the SD Card remains the trendsetter.

Positive developments in the single lens reflex (SLR) sector are the determining factor in sales of digital cameras. In terms of volume, SLR cameras currently have a share of only 11 percent in the overall digital market. But in terms of value, their market share already accounts for 36 percent. In view of the trends in the first six months 2008 and with photokina from 23‑28 September in Cologne, further growth in the market for digital cameras can be expected.

With all this and much more, the photokina organizers - Koelnmesse and Photoindustrie-Verband - are expecting a fascinating photokina 2008 with many novel products and strong impulses for the future of the photography.

For more information visit www.photokina.de.