Bright forecast for silver

Silver halide photography is poised to grow, according to Donald Franz, publisher of the Florida-based Photofinishing News.

Demand for silver in halide-based photography and digital imaging is expected to increase at least through to 2005.

“The things we read and hear would lead some to believe that the use of silver in photography is ready to plummet,” he says. “The reality seems to be that silver usage will continue to increase . . .”

His remarks appear in the December-January issue of Silver News, published by the Washington, D.C.-based Silver Institute.

Among his prediction is that silver used in the production of photographic paper will rise to 45 million oz. in 2005 from 49 million oz. in 2000.

Says Paul Bateman, executive director of the Silver Institute: “Silver halide photography continues to offer the consumer superior cost, convenience and quality over digital photography. And for that reason, we will continue to see digital systems develop in parallel to silver halide photography over the next several years.”

Last year, 200 million fewer film rolls were sold worldwide than in the previous year. Franz blames the slowdown in the world economy and the events of Sept. 11.

Total Camera Sales 2001-2005 (000s)

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Reusable film 1,083,800 1,128,100 1,176,300 1,218,100 1,264,400
One-time use 386,500 412,700 452,500 490,000 527,500
Digital 38,649 56,887 79,368 106,983 133,627
Instant 109,000 121,000 133,000 143,000 150,000

Total Camera Shipments 2001-2005 (000s)

Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Reusable film 54,510 55,150 56,500 56,550 58,500
One-time use 386,500 412,700 452,500 490,000 527,500
Digital 17,382 23,415 30,392 38,129 46,142
Instant 13,500 13,400 13,000 11,000 9,000

(Source: Photofinishing News)

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