"Video Reports" feature the Panasonic booth at various exhibitions, and the "Exhibition Overview" for photokina 2008 is now available. It'll give you an overview of the Panasonic booth, introduce the very popular new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera "LUMIX G1," as well as the host city, Cologne, and the ambience at photokina 2008.

photokina 2008, which has been held here in Cologne for the past 6 days, has ended. There are many people reluctantly leaving the Panasonic booth, as though being ushered out by the announcements. And the staff are hurriedly packing up the booth. I also have to leave the booth soon, so this will be the last of my entries for a while, but video reports will become available soon, so please look forward to them. Thanks for sticking around to read my entries. I hope to report about another exhibition some day soon.

In Japan, CEATEC will begin momentarily. hiro-san is reporting about it, so don't forget to check it out.

At the last presentation on the corporate stage, the MC, Pascal, and singer, Kelly, as well as the dancers got up on stage to say farewell to photokina.

I introduced the shooting area of the "G1" in my previous entry, but a photo session with a professional photographer is being held in this area.

At the session, the photographer introduces his impression of the "G1," after having used it for 3 days while showing us his photographs of the Cologne Cathedral, etc. he took to test out the "G1." He also talked about the "Face Detection" and the "AF Tracking" functions, as well as the convenience of the Free-angle LCD and the Live View Finder. While holding the "G1" in their hands, visitors were very keen to hear what a pro had to say about it.

In the photo gallery within the Panasonic booth, you can enjoy the photographs taken with the new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera "LUMIX G1" and the high-end compact digital camera "LUMIX LX3." All of the photographs were shot by professional photographers so the photos look beautiful, but it's also amazing that they have been taken with such small cameras. I also used the "LX3" while reporting about photokina 2008, but it was very interesting to see that in the hands of a professional photographer, it has such great potential.

The photographs shot by photographers, Luis Castaneda and Christian Bruch, were printed and exhibited in this area.

Here, you can enjoy a slide show of photographs taken by Bruce Dale, a photographer for National Geographic, using the "LUMIX LX3." It also introduces how fun it is to enjoy the photographs you've taken as a slide show on the big screen TV.

The "LUMIX LX3" has been positioned as a "high end compact camera" as it is not only of excellent quality, but is also compatible with full manual photography. And since its launch it has been featured in many camera magazines. And here at the Panasonic booth at photokina it has its very own shooting corner. This corner referred to as the "LX3 Photo Experience" has photographs taken with the "LX3" displayed on the walls, and so you can see what great photographs it takes. You can also have photographs you have just taken printed on site.

I also used the "LX3" as a supplementary camera this time around, but it is a very good camera. It has a wide-angle of F2.0 24mm, and is embedded with the LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON lens, which lets you take bright pictures indoors. When you hold it in your hands, it really does feel like a sophisticated piece of equipment, and there is also an optional retro leather case, so not only will this digital camera offer high quality, but it will also offer other ways to enjoy owning it.

"LUMIX G1" was awarded the "photokina STAR" award, which is given to top caliber products during the photokina!

The products that receive this award are selected by a photography magazine, "PHOTO PRESSE" and "digit!" issued by the German publisher, Kile Verlagsgesellshaft. The products and services selected for the award are believed by the editors of the magazines to be "worthy of the spotlight." There are so many exhibitors and an infinite number of products and services on exhibit, so it is quite an achievement to have received such an award.

On September 26, after 4 days of photokina, the awards ceremony for the "LUMIX AWARD" was held in the Panasonic booth.

The "LUMIX AWARD" is a photo contest that has been organized by Panasonic Deutschland since 5 years ago. Photographs taken with the "LUMIX" are sent in from all over Germany, and after judging by professional photographers, a photograph will be selected as the grand prize winner. The grand prize, which included a 14-day trip to the Northern Territory in Australia and a "LUMIX L10" this year.

One hundred guests came to the awards ceremony venue. And there was a fun reception party with tribal music from the Northern Territory. This photo contest attempts to nurture photography from the grass roots level, so I hope it will continue to be held for a long time.

This is the photograph that won the grand prize. Can you feel nature's impressive scale?

This is Mr. Denis Kuhlmey who won the prize. I hope he will continue to take great photographs with the "L10."

Although the "SD100" and "HS100" let you shoot full high definition footage, they have very compact bodies. This is a characteristic featured here at photokina as well. Moreover, because they are embedded with "intelligent Auto," a popular function available in digital cameras, theses camcorders also come with various functions including face detection. They enable you to shoot beautiful video very easily even in difficult to shoot situations.

But, what is also great about both camcorders is that you can also shoot manually. Please take a close look at the brochure in the photograph below. You can see that the left hand is operating the "Manual Ring" located on the outer edge of the lens. This "Manual Ring" lets you fine tune the zoom, focus, white balance, shutter speed, and iris. So this camcorder is great for fastidious people who want to capture the best shot. For example, let's take the zoom. If you want to zoom in to something within the frame that you want to give a symbolic meaning to, with the "Manual Ring" you can control the speed and magnification to your liking, all very smoothly. As I adjusted the "Manual Ring" while looking through the finder, I began to feel as though I will be able to shoot a great video. In any case, the cover of the brochure probably has great appeal for camera and camcorder fans.

Every day, many visitors gather around at the consultation corner for camcorders.

This is the Panasonic's camcorder brochure distributed at photokina. What is key is the position of the left hand.

This is the brochure for the new-generational digital interchangeable lens camera "G1" available at the Panasonic booth. The cover has great impact, and express how compact the "G1" is very well. The visual element on the cover was also used on banners, so it probably serves as the key visual for the "G1." In Japan we see advertisement that mainly targets the female audience, so the expressions used seems to differ from region to region.

Eight-page, A4 size brochure. The cover page emphasizes its compact size.

When you open the page, you will find an image of the "G1" in 3 colors, placed in an urban environment.

We've entered the latter half of photokina 2008.

What I realized after I got here, was the photokina is not merely a tradeshow for manufacturers, but it also promotes photography culture. In the Visual Gallery, located in one corner of Cologne Messe, you can look at photographs taken by photographers from around the world, some of which have won awards - free admission. There are some photographs on display in the public spaces at the messe as well. And there are many photo galleries, big and small, being organized during photokina as well.

I may be going too far by saying that photokina is "an exhibition that aspires to lead the entire photography culture," but although I usually think hardware when I see a nice photograph, (i.e. I wonder what camera or lens he/she used) coming to this exhibition, I realize that I should develop a more cultural mind, or live a lifestyle with more elbow room for taking time to appreciate great photographs.

People from the general public, who are interested in photographs and imagery, come to photokina. And so shooting events are being held in the booths of various different companies.

As I have mentioned, here, on the main stage of the Panasonic booth, an event called the "G1 Show" is held after the corporate stage presentation. In synch with a very catchy song, a few performers come on stage, and throw in poses here and there between the dance moves. There are many scenes too, from an urban environment to beaches, so they provide a great subject for amateur camera to take photographs of. I've taken some photos as well, so please take a look.

I've talked about the "G1" quite a bit, but the compact type "LUMIX" is very popular as well. The crowd that gathers around the consulting corner for the compact type "LUMIX" to ask the very camera-wise staff numerous questions is just as great as the crowd for "G1," and the shooting corner is continuously overflowing with people, too.

After I tested the "FZ28" in the shooting corner at IFA, I purchased one myself, so I know how valuable such opportunities to actually get your hands on and test out the various cameras are. High-end compact camera "LX3;" the "FZ28" with 18x zoom; the highest class in the industry, the premium compact "FX150" with 14.7 megapixels; as well as the stylish "FX37" with 25mm wide-angle lens - I am looking forward to seeing how people in Europe will evaluate all of these cameras just unveiled in August.

Many visitors spend ample time in the shooting corner testing out the "LUMIX." Please take your time and find one that best suits you!

• LUMIX

Two types of "LUMIX G Lens" are sold together with the "G1." One is the "LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S." This convenient zoom lens offers 28mm to 90mm angle of view with 35mm conversion. If you want a more telephoto zoom, there is the "LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S.," which offers 90mm to 400mm angle of view with 35mm conversion. It will be useful when shooting a portrait with a defocused background or when shooting sport scenes. Both lenses are embedded with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer).

However, some of you may wonder, "Are there only 2 interchangeable lenses?" Well, this is quite a natural question as the great thing about it is that you can change the lens unlike compact cameras. Please rest assured as there are more lenses to come. According to the road map Panasonic has announced, 3 lenses will be released next year. These are the "14-140mm F4.0-5.6 O.I.S. HD," which will prove to be a very convenient wide angle zoom lens, "7-14mm F4.0" a super wide-angle zoom lens, and the "20mm F1.7" a bright single focus pancake lens. Moreover, if you use the mount adapter, which is due to be released at the same time as the "G1," you will be able to mount the Four Thirds lenses as well, so you can also use the lenses you may already have. However, please take note that lenses incompatible with the Contrast AF may only be focused manually.

Creating your own system while imagining scenes you want to capture is an enjoyment only interchangeable lens cameras can provide. In one corner of the Panasonic booth, there is a mock-up of the zoom lenses, which is planned for release in 2009. One in the front is the "14-140mm F4.0-5.6 O.I.S HD" and the one behind is the "7-14mm F4.0".

What drew my attention the most is the "20mm F1.7" thin pancake lens. If you attach this to the small body of "G1," you will have an incredibly small system.

• LUMIX G Lens

As I mentioned in yesterday's entry, the "G1" has a mirror-less structure, so the finder known as the Live View Finder (LVF) has a 1,440,000-dot equivalent resolution. This is also used in the high definition broadcasting equipment for professional use, but this is the first time it has been integrated into a consumer product. It has realized a 100% field of view* offering a super accurate framing, good enough for professional photographers. It also has an eye sensor, so when you look through the LVF, it will automatically turn on, and when you take your eye away it turns off and the Free-angle LCD goes on, so it looks like it'll promise a very smooth operation. I actually tested it out, but the LVF is really clear and easy to see.
*Field of view: This is the proportion of the image, which will be actually photographed, to the image, which may be displayed in the finder. Almost all SLR cameras that realize 100% field of view are high-end cameras.

On the other hand, the 3.0-inch LCD has a 46,000,000-dot resolution. It is quite large and easy to see. Of course this, too, realizes 100% field of view. Moreover, as I have mentioned, it's a Free-angle LCD, like the one that comes with the "L10," so you can easily take photographs from high and low angles.

With both the LVF and the Full-time Live View LCD monitor, you can avoid finding out that your exposure and white balance was a bit off after you've taken the photograph. I often make this mistake when I take photographs of the food I order in various restaurants during my trips, but with the "G1," this will no longer be a concern.

A high resolution finder used for high definition equipment for professional use. I hope you will have a chance to experience this smooth and clear imagery for yourself.

3.0-inch LCD with a 46,000,000-dot resolution. It may be hard to see in this picture, but the screen is quite big and very clear.

The "LUMIX G1" was unveiled in Europe yesterday, and at photokina, it is drawing so much attention that it's difficult to get your hands on it during the day.

By the by, do you know why "G1" calls itself the "digital interchangeable lens" rather than an "SLR"? This is because "G1" has a "mirror-less structure." A SLR has a mirror, which reflects the light captured through the lens, which then projects the image onto the finder through a penta mirror. But the "G1" employs a "Micro Four Thirds System," which allowed it to get rid of the mirror. The distance and light measurements, which were done by the mirror box in the past, are undertaken by sensors that read the information directly.
The "G1" has become significantly compact by doing away with the mirror and the penta mirror, both of which needed space to operate. But forming the foundations of this incredible size must have involved overcoming various tasks such as a higher view-finder resolution and higher auto focus speed. Unthinkable in an analogue era, the "G1" is truly a digital offspring.

There are bi-sections of the "L10" and the "G1" here at the Panasonic booth in photokina, which allow for a comparison of the mirror-less structure. In the center of the body of the "L10" (on left), you can see a part that is a bit tilted. This is the Reflex Mirror. You can see that this is not present in the "G1" on the right. Can you see how different the two are in size?

This corner named "Connectivity" introduces fun ways you can enjoy photographs and videos unique to Panasonic.

You can enjoy photographs and video taken with the digital camera or camcorders on the large, flat-screen "VIERA," by inserting the SD Memory Card on which they are stored into the SD Card Slot of the "VIERA." And you can easily watch a slide show of your photographs.

Moreover, the corner also introduces "VIERA Link," which makes it possible for you to connect the "VIERA" and DVD recorder, Blu-ray Disc player, digital AV control amp, the SD Memory Card compatible high definition camcorder, etc. with an HDMI cable, and operate these equipment with the remote control of the "VIERA."

• VIERA Link

On the main stage of the Panasonic booth at photokina 2008, the corporate stage presentation was held communicating Panasonic's message in both English and German. It was extremely successful. The MC for this main stage presentation was again Pascal. He was in charge of the presentation at IFA as well, and he has been in charge of communicating Panasonic's message for many years.

The corporate stage presentation began by introducing Panasonic's 90-year history of manufacturing epoch-making products, and then it introduced Panasonic's message about the environment. After the singer and dancers performed, the presentation focused on the evolution of digital cameras, and how the joy of taking pictures has become so familiar to us. While introducing the compact digital camera "LUMIX" and the new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera "LUMIX G1," Panasonic has promised to continue to pursue the possibilities of photography.

Once again, Panasonic's exhibition theme for photokina 2008 is "Living in High Definition." As well as emphasizing how Panasonic offers the joy of storing memories in high definition quality, the presentation also introduced the fun of expanding such joy with the easy connectivity of "VIERA LINK."

During the presentation a performance took place on stage. Kelly, the female singer from New York put on a dynamic performance with her powerful voice. According to the stage director, the performance was created while envisioning a "little Broadway." Coupled with the bright and sharp images displayed on the large screen display panel, the lively stage performance attracted great many visitors each time.

One of the features of the "G1" is that it comes in 3 colors, "comfort black," "comfort red," and "comfort blue." So, this is very different from traditional SLR cameras, but perhaps it comes in 3 colors to cater to people who have graduated from compact cameras that are offered in various colors. Nevertheless, both the red and blue are chic, so it doesn't stand out too much. I do like the colors they have selected.

And here in the Panasonic booth at photokina 2008, the "G1" shooting zone has been divided into 3 colors - each has a different image, and offers various shooting subjects. It's quite interesting so let me introduce the zone to you.

The corner with the "G1" in comfort black depicts an encampment with a motorcycle rider traveling across the desert in Australia. The theme here is "outdoors."

The comfort red corner is designed after a beach resort. A model in a bathing suit comes out periodically to pose for photographs. The theme here is "holiday."

And this corner, with "city lifestyle" as the theme, has recreated an urban bar. Models in chic get-up appear here periodically.

"LUMIX G1" the new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera was released on September 12 in Japan. And here at photokina, it is exhibited as the main product of the Panasonic booth. Today will be the very first day the "G1" will be unveiled to the public in Europe. Since I also got my hands on one in the shooting corner, I would like to tell you about my impression of it.

First of all, it is light and compact. Since I knew that it was going to weigh about 380g, I expected this but the way it fit comfortably in my hand was a pleasant surprise. This, I can hold tightly in my hand. I was interested to test out the speed of the auto focus but it was quite amazing (according to the press release, it's 3 times faster than L10's contrast AF function). Now, I can enjoy taking photographs without feeling any stress.

The other colors, red and blue, were not too bright - chic muted colors. I've always thought cameras are black, but I thought these colors were really nice. In addition, its 3.0-inch free-angle LCD had a really clear resolution, and was easy and convenient to use.

I could only see how the photos would come out on printed photos and slides on display, but there was no room for complaints there. You can also check it out on the official "G1" site. I became more and more intrigued with this camera. I would like to continue to keep a close eye on "G1" in the entries to come.

Contemporaneously to the kick off of photokina 2008, Panasonic's press conference was held at the Congress Centre North in Cologne Messe.

First, the Managing Director of Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH, Mr. Shiokawa introduced how Panasonic, a new comer to the digital camera business as it only joined in 2001, has a significant share of the digital compact camera market in Europe. He explained that this is the result of Panasonic's "continuing efforts to create products people desire." He also stated that the new-generation digital interchangeable lens camera "LUMIX G1" to be unveiled is a representation of Panasonic's declaration to become a key player in the digital interchangeable lens camera market here in Europe.

And then, Mr. Yoshida, Vice President of Panasonic AVC Networks Company touched upon the trends of the digital camera market and the history of "LUMIX," Panasonic's strong commitment to becoming a leading camera brand, and strength of owning the key technologies and devices, which have all contributed to Panasonic's number 1 position in the 5 major markets in Europe, based on units sold. Moreover he explained how Panasonic will set this year's global sales target at 13 million units, and as a midterm goal it will aspire to acquire 15% of the market share by 2009.

Next, Mr. Matsumoto, the Managing Director of the DSC Business Unit of the Panasonic AVC Networks Company described the new technologies in detail, such as the "Micro Four Thirds System" and "mirror-less structure" applied to the "LUMIX G1."

When the "G1" appeared, there was a great uproar of flashes. I later learned that 271 journalists were present at the press conference. You can see from this figure how much attention the "G1" will draw.

This is a corner where you can test out the "G1." "G1" comes in 3 colors, "comfort red," "comfort blue," and "comfort black," and so there are 3 types of scenes in the shooting corner designed after each color. This picture is of the "holiday" scene that has used the comfort red "G1" as the motif. I will talk about this more in detail in my entries to follow.

This is a consultation corner of the "LUMIX" compact models. Starting with the high-end compact digital still camera LX3, there are also new products just introduced last month such as the FZ28, FX37, FX150 last year, and together they are gatherring much attention from the visitors.

This corner introduces the technologies employed in the next generation digital interchangeable lens camera "G1." You will learn about the "Micro Four Thirds System," which has realized the compact body, and the "intelligent Auto" a convenient shooting function, like that found in the compact digital camera. Moreover, there is also a bi-section of the "G1," and many people are taking photographs of it. photokina is really worthy of the hype.

Many visitors must come to the booth with this corner in mind. This is the consultation corner for the next generation digital interchangeable lens camera, "G1." The corner is manned by very knowledgeable staff who use the "G1" to explain how it may be operated, and what the various functions are. Many visitors have rooted themselves to the corner, to take ample time to ask numerous questions they want to have answered. I thought that this may also be quite unique to Germany.

I'd like to show you what the Panasonic booth at photokina 2008, which has finally begun, looks like with a few photos.

Once you enter the booth, the stage jumps out at you. Various many presentations and events such as the corporate stage presentation will be held, and there will be multitudes of footage. All of these will work together to create a very eye-pleasing exhibition.

10:00 a.m. on September 23. The photokina 2008 has finally begun. The visitors to the Panasonic booth at Cologne Messe are increasing gradually.

Unfortunately the skies in Cologne are cloudy, the Panasonic booth is very exciting. As many members of the staff watch before the doors open, the tape cup ceremony and the corporate stage presentation was held on the main stage.

A press conference will also be held as the doors open, so I am going to pop my head in to see what it will be about. I hope to have your patronage over the next 6 days!

As you can guess, there are many posters and signage for various companies displayed around the Cologne Messe, the venue of photokina, which help liven up the atmosphere of the exhibition. Let me introduce some of Panasonic's signage and banners.

A huge banner I found along the main road to the venue. You can see just how big it is just by comparing its size with the passing cars.

The giant banner mentioned above is well visible see from the platform of the Cologne Messe/Germany railway station, the station nearest the venue.

On the way from Cologne Messe/Germany railway station to the venue, I found a large signage for the "G1." It's got great presence.

I also found one on the side of the south entrance. I think it will appeal strongly to the visitors.

This is Panasonic booth with 20 hours to go until the photokina 2008 begins.

When I looked around, I saw that construction was almost complete, and about half of the products to be exhibited were already set up. As the rehearsal on stage continues, the staff members in each corner are frantically making minor last minute adjustments.

Tomorrow at 10:00, photokina 2008 will begin. Staff working on the booth, it's the last spurt, so keep up your great work and good luck!

"LUMIX G1" the main star of the Panasonic booth at photokina 2008 is also waiting to play its part.

Visitors coming to Cologne Messe by train will be pass through the south entrance. I'm sure this area will be overflowing with visitors starting tomorrow.

The skies in Cologne today are slightly overcast, and it was a little chilly in the morning. Unlike Japan, autumn has already begun here. Anyway, in this entry I would like to introduce the city of Cologne where photokina 2008 will be held starting tomorrow, September 23.

Cologne is a city located in western Germany. It lies on the River Rhine and has prospered for a long period of time as a major transport hub. The construction of the Cologne Cathedral, the symbol of the city so renown, it has been registered as a World Heritage Site, began in 1248 and it was finally completed in 1880. Right next to the cathedral, you will find the Cologne Central Station. And only one station from there, across the Rhine, is the Cologne Messe where photokina will take place. This means that the messe is located near the city center, in an easily accessible location.

Even now, Cologne is a great city where there are international trains to and from France and Netherlands. It is a very attractive city with a great history and culture, so it attracts many tourists, but it is also a commercial city, with facilities such as the Cologne Messe. And here at the Cologne Messe the photokina 2008 will begin tomorrow. Over the next 6 days, the city will be buzzing with a somewhat different atmosphere.

This is the Cologne Cathedral registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is a representative symbol of Cologne, and with various many museums in its periphery, you will always find many tourists from various countries here.

The highest part of the cathedral, which was completed in 1880, is 157 meters tall. It's only half the height of Tokyo Tower, but it was the world's highest architectural structure before the Washington Monument in the U.S. was erected in 1884.

This is the third report about the "G1" press event held at TMG near Cologne on September 21, 2 days before photokina's begins.

The third place we went to was the shooting area where a model sat on the tire of the lit up F1 car. In this area, natural outdoor lighting was intentionally mixed with interior lighting, so that people may better experience the accuracy of "G1's" auto white balance. Moreover, the face detection function of the intelligent auto mode and the accuracy of auto focus, etc. were featured.

The last area we went to was a space where many F1 machines were on display. This area was offered, so that we could test out the ease of low-angle shooting using the free-angle LCD, and the various advantages it offers such as the large LCD monitor and the full-time live view, which allows you to check the exposure compensation before shooting.

So, that was the key points of the press tour. Since the event was held at the headquarters of the F1 Panasonic Toyota Racing, we were able to enter areas that are usually unaccessible, and it was a very relaxed and friendly environment where we could take photographs of the F1 machines and models using the "G1," ask questions as they came up. My personal view is that the tour created a "very good" impression, and provided opportunities to received positive feedback such as "I hope that it will become even more compact in the future," and that "it will be popular among not only women but also among young people as well." I'm looking forward to see how the journalists from the various countries will introduce the "G1" in their articles.

Jarno Trulli, a driver of the Panasonic Toyota Racing team showed up at the TMG and amicably accepted requests for photographs.

Let me continue my report about the press event held at TMG, the headquarters of the Panasonic Toyota Racing team for F1.

Journalists who each received a "G1" were given the opportunity to experience the performance of the new digital interchangeable lens camera in the 4 shooting areas.

The first place we went to was the track where the "Pitstop Challenge" was to be held. In this area, using a replica F1 car, a tire changing competition took place to see who could change the tires the fastest. The time trial was performed by 2 teams of 2 representatives selected from the group and the teams attempted to change the front and rear tires. And the journalists standing around the car took photographs of the event. The participants received some guidance from the real pit crew, but their times were just over 10 seconds, so it was unexpectedly fast, and the event caused great excitement.

The next area we went to was a small room with a table. A female dancer came in and performed a "Snake Dance" acrobatically on the table right before our eyes. This corner helped us experience the "AF Tracking" function that lets you lock down on your subject by operating the button, always keeping your camera focused on the moving subject. The journalists took photographs of the dancer with great seriously as she used her agility to do handstands and spin around on the small table.

I'll wirte about the other 2 shooting areas in the next entry.

This August, Panasonic and Olympus jointly announced the "Micro Four Thirds System." And I just went to take part in the press tour conducted in Germany for the first model incorporating this system, the LUMIX DMC-G1. This event, which took place near Cologne on September 21, 2 days before photokina, attracted more than 100 journalists primarily from Europe.

The main event in particular was the test photo shoot held at TMG (Toyota Motorsport GmbH), the headquarters of the Panasonic Toyota Racing for F1. I was able to attend that as well, so I would like to give you an detailed report about it in a few entries.

The guests were divided into groups of ten or so people, and provided each with a sample camera. We were then given a presentation about the various features and the functions of the G1. Since the guests had the actual camera in their hands, their questions seemed to especially keen and interested.

Next, we took pictures in the various corners within the TMG using the G1 prototype. The main purpose of the tour was to offer the press a chance to experience how the G1 operates and its numerous functions, so this is when the main event began. Being held in the Panasonic Toyota F1 headquarters, great many photographic opportunities and subjects were offered, and the tour was full of amazing events. I'll tell you about it more in detail later on.

Press conference with Mr. Yorihisa Shiokawa, the Managing Director of Panasonic Marketing Europe GmbH. It was held in a brick facility with a chic atmosphere near Cologne.

Many members of the press, primarily from Europe, experienced shooting with the G1 at TMG. Don't miss my entries about the specific events that were held.

It's only been 2 weeks since IFA was held in Berlin, but I found myself back in Germany, in the Frankfurt Airport. I then took a train and got to Bonn where I will be staying this time around. As night falls, the wind becomes chillier and it seems that it has become more like autumn since I was in Germany for IFA.

Bonn, the capital of the former West Germany, is located about 20 kilometers south of Cologne, where photokina will be held. Like Cologne, Bonn faces the Rhine river and is known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. 　I will be going to Cologne Messe every day from Bonn.

I'm still jetlagged, but I'll try to get a good night's sleep tonight, so that I can be completely refreshed by tomorrow. And from this entry forward, I will be switching to local time.

This is a photograph of the city Mainz that I took from the train window. After passing Mainz, the train traveled north along the Rhine, famous for Lorelei. (The river in the photograph is the Rhine. Forgive me for the dark photograph, but I took it from the train window in the evening.)

I will be off to Germany tomorrow, a little earlier than when photokina 2008 will start (September 23). I am going early, as I will be attending a press event, which will be held in Germany on the 21st. I have no idea what kind of event it is going to be, but I will let you know in detail once I find out. In any case, the course of the approaching typhoon is a bit worrying.

My partner for this exhibition will be the FZ28. It's a model that I was interested in during IFA held in Berlin and, well, I bought it on an impulse a few days ago. With a wide-angle of 27mm and a powerful 18x zoom, I have high expectation of its performance during my reporting.

photokina 2008 will finally begin next week on September 23. On its official site you can learn about the overview of the exhibition as well as detailed information about the various events and symposiums, which will be held during the exhibition. Please visit the site to get an overall view of the exhibition.

■ If you want to learn about the overview of photokina, please click here. In the lower right corner of the page, you can also watch a video introducing the Cologne Messe.

■ You can download a map of the hall here. The Panasonic booth will be in Hall 3.2.

■ Numerous photo exhibitions will take place at the venue. Here, you can learn about the programs.

■ The information of events and activities to be held in various parts of the venue can be accessed here. I really am looking forward to getting there and checking everything out for myself!

■ You can learn about the information on symposiums held with the participation of specialists from each field from here.

Taking a look at the official site, I discovered that there are many "supporting programs" such as photo exhibitions and other events, etc. As it is an exhibition, of course it is very important for it to be successful as a business, but I could also sense the organizer's desire to communicate the greatness of the culture of photography and videography to many consumers who will visit the exhibition.

photokina takes place every other year at Cologne Messe in Germany. At the previous exhibition held in 2006, 1,579 companies from 46 countries took part, gathering some 162,000 visitors from 153 countries. So, you can imagine how extraordinary the scale of this exhibition is.

Germany has birthed legendary products such as Leica, which may even be described as the origin of compact cameras. And photokina is an exhibition that has been held in this country for more than 50 years. As you are already aware, in recent years, the world of cameras and other video equipments has undergone a holistic digital transformation. Nevertheless, the fact that many manufacturers still unveil their new products and technologies at photokina is a representation of this exhibition's status, history, and the great business opportunities it continues to offer.

Most of the exhibitions I have seen thus far have been comprehensive consumer electronics exhibitions, but this time, the main stars of the Panasonic booth will be the "LUMIX" and the SD Memory Card compatible high definition camcorders. Of course I am interested to find out what products and ideas will be on exhibit, but I am also very much looking forward to the various events that will be held on stage.

Hello! This is mino, a writer for the Cyber Showcase Blog. It's now September, and we've set foot into the true season for exhibitions. It seems like IFA 2008 ended only yesterday, but photokina 2008 is about to begin. It will be held for 6 days, September 23 ~ 28, 2008, at Cologne Messe in Cologne, Germany.

photokina is a compound word that comes from photo (pictures) and kino (movies). As you can gather, it is an exhibition where companies from all over the world in the photo and movie industry come together, and it boasts a history of more than 50 years.

Renowned companies from around the world come to photokina, but as it is only held once every other year, many companies must have lots of fresh and exciting news in store, just like Tokyo Motor Show in the past. I'm very interested to find out what Panasonic will unveil at the photokina this year. I am leaving for Cologne quite soon to report about it in detail, so please look forward to my entries!