Photokina (http://www.photokina-cologne.com/) is a photography fair which takes place in Cologne, Germany since 1950. Today it's often rewarded the title most-of-phtography-fair. In the past two Photokinas - 2006 and this year's the amount of exhibitors and visitors has grown significantly, giving those who manage to get there that "heaven" feel.
The latest and greatest of the image processing and storage world is often announced just before or during the show. This year the largest photo equipment manufacturers have not surprised us much. Majorly improved cameras were announced days before the fair which inevitably led to large cues around their stands.
In case you're interested in reading a few lines about the first Photokina - check this web site: http://www.geschichte.nrw.de in the category "Media" for 1950.
I did manage to get to this year's fair. First impressions were - it's massive! It would be an underestimation to say that it's like a little heaven for photographers because it simply is a large one.
The international presence was therefore no surprise. I even got to hear a few Bulgarian voices out there... among German, English, Dutch, French.
It also was obvious that the exhibitors did give their best to impress the visitors. The stands were outstanding and the information provided by the representatives - well prepared. The only thing I missed was the fact that nobody was announcing outrageously low prices. :D
Unfortunately, Photokina only lasts five days, today - Saturday being the last one. If you have not considered it interesting enough to read more about - do make the effort, it's worth it each second. You can also go to http://www.dpreview.com and read more detailed info concerning the newest products announced, sorted by manufacturer.
Because I could only attend for one day this year's show I'm already looking forward to the next one in 2010. I hope you've enjoyed this brief note on the show. For more photos of the event click here: Photokina Editorial Photos. Next year make sure I'm not the only one uploading editorial images on the topic ;)
Update: Fortunately, someone else also uploaded Photokina images - so now there's even more to see from the event for those who couldn't make it. :)
