By Keri Algar

SYDNEY, NSW: Global digital camera sales have been forecast to reach 141 million in 2010 by GfK Retail and Technology estimates.

The results offer an optimistic outlook for retailers after digital camera sales slumped in 2009. The GfK forecast tips growth to exceed the solid sales seen in 2008.

The data highlighted two trends. Firstly, the market is being driven by growth in Asia with China becoming the second largest market for digital cameras.

Secondly, the results showed strong interest in high quality cameras with build-in interchangeable lenses reporting a 32 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2010.

The statistics, released yesterday, have arrived during a time where suppliers are issuing new camera launches almost on a day to day basis.

Last week Nokia, Canon, Samsung and Ricoh all released new cameras and today Olympus announced the development of a flagship digital camera incorporating a Zuiko lens, which will be available in early 2011.

The findings have been recorded by GfK in light of the photokina trade fair starting today in Cologne.