Boot Düsseldorf

Type: trade show
Frequency: annual (January)
Location: Messe Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
First Wetpixel coverage: 2003 (via Digideep.com)
Direct Wetpixel reporting: 2006–2019

Overview

Boot Düsseldorf (styled “BOOT” or “boot”) is the world’s largest consumer watersports trade show, held annually in January at the Messe Düsseldorf convention center in Germany. The show spans 14–17 giant halls covering every water-based activity from super yachts and surfboards to scuba diving. ([1]) Diving occupies one full hall (Hall 3), and from the mid-2010s onward, a dedicated underwater imaging zone expanded into an adjacent hall (Hall 4). ([2])

For the underwater photography industry, Boot serves as the primary European counterpart to the DEMA Show, which is held in the United States. The show is particularly important for European housing manufacturers — Seacam, Subal, Sealux, UK-Germany, Hugyfot, BS Kinetics, and Subtronic — who use it as a key venue for product displays and launches. ([3]) By 2012, the show included a dedicated imaging area called the “Underwater Pixel World” with 25 exhibitors from the diving and photography industry, plus a program of lectures, seminars, and workshops. ([4])

The show typically runs for 9–10 days and attracts exhibitors and attendees from across the global diving industry. ([5]) One notable absence from Boot was Ikelite, which historically did not exhibit at the show, leaving a gap in American manufacturer representation. ([6])

History

Early Coverage (2003–2005)

Wetpixel’s earliest Boot coverage came indirectly through the German underwater photography website Digideep.com (run by Andreas Voeltz and Lars Kirchhoff). In late 2002, Digideep organized user meetings for digital underwater photographers attending the Boot Expo in January 2003. ([7])

For Boot 2004, Digideep posted comprehensive coverage of the show, which Wetpixel linked to for its readers. ([8])

At Boot 2005, Digideep again provided show reports. Among the highlights were photos of a prototype Seacam housing for the Nikon D2X, posted to the Wetpixel forums by James Wiseman. ([9]) Eric Cheng also highlighted this coverage. ([10]) The forum thread generated significant discussion, with Alex Mustard and others analyzing the new Subal Canon 20D housing design from Boot photos. ([11])

Boot 2006

The 2006 show was the first to receive a dedicated Wetpixel show report, written by Julian Scheunemann with photos by Ivo Vaessen. The Canon EOS 5D and Nikon D200 were the dominant new cameras, with all major metal housing builders showing support:

Boot 2007

Enhanced viewfinders dominated the 2007 show, continuing a trend that Julian Scheunemann had predicted would define 2006. Three detailed show reports were filed for Wetpixel:

Sealux introduced the GV150 “Grand View” viewfinder, angled at 150 degrees from the lens axis (effectively 30 degrees off the standard viewfinder axis). It could rotate over six positions for portrait orientation and retailed for approximately 900 euros. New housings for the Nikon D80 and Canon 400D were also displayed, along with a Panasonic AG-HVX200 DVCPRO HD video housing. ([19]) ([20])

Seacam showed its Nikon D200 housing and a pair of stackable wet diopters. Reporter Simon Klaiber described the Seacam 45-degree viewfinder as “definitively the best but also the most expensive” of all sport finders at the show. ([21])

Subal displayed Canon 400D and Nikon D80 housings (the D80 still a prototype). They had no angled viewfinder in the pipeline. ([22])

Hugyfot was now distributed in Germany by Digideep’s Andi Voeltz. They showed Canon 5D, Canon 400D, and Nikon D80 housings with a distinctive design and INON 45-degree viewfinder. They also demonstrated an alternative vacuum-pump locking solution prototype. ([23]) ([24])

UK-Germany finalized its 45-degree viewfinder (shown as a prototype at Boot 2006) and displayed dome port sunshades. ([25])

BS Kinetics showed carbon fiber housings with improved designs and a housing for the Sony HVR-V1E HD camera with LANC-based electronic controls and integrated LCD. Owner Bodo Sutterer announced plans to evaluate all sport finders on the market. ([26])

Subtronic had incorporated a modified Heinrichs TTL converter into their strobes. ([27])

The show also featured lesser-known German brands: Gun-Lux (acrylic video housings including a stereo 3D housing for IMAX-style movies), Silverfish (Red Dot Design Award-winning video housings), and Top Dawg (affordable video housings). ([28]) ([29])

Gerard Wijnsma’s report noted that “BOOT is more aimed at displaying what you got (and possibly selling) rather than presenting something new” — a contrast with DEMA’s focus on announcements. ([30])

Boot 2008

Subal introduced an angled viewfinder and a 10-inch dome port (1 to 1.5 f-stops sharper than the previous 9-inch dome), as noted by Andrej Belic in a later article. ([31])

Boot 2012

Adam Hanlon attended Boot for the first time, beginning Wetpixel’s era of direct, firsthand show coverage that continued through 2019. The show featured 320 exhibitors across 17 halls, and the dedicated imaging zone “Underwater Pixel World” occupied 2,500 square meters with 25 exhibitors. ([32])

Major highlights from Hanlon’s extensive day-by-day coverage:

Linda Pitkin of the British Society of Underwater Photographers presented a lecture on composition as part of the Underwater Pixel Zone program. ([40])

Boot 2013

Andrej Belic filed a personal show report. Key observations:

The show also featured a large array of rebreathers (15+ models), reflecting the growing crossover between technical diving and underwater photography. ([49])

Boot 2016

Adam Hanlon provided multi-day coverage. By 2016, the show occupied 14 halls, and the underwater imaging area continued to grow. ([50])

Boot 2017

The imaging section had grown considerably, centered around the Water Pixel World Stage with talks and lectures. ([55])

John Kendall gave a presentation on 3D photogrammetry at the Water Pixel World Stage. Edi Frommenwiler of the liveaboard Pindito displayed his archive of 4K underwater footage. ([62])

Boot 2018

The show consisted of 15 halls. Underwater imaging had firmly established itself in Hall 4 with “a significant and discrete space.” The show ran 9 days total. ([63])

GUE’s John Kendall spoke again about 3D photogrammetry, with the audience provided 3D glasses for fly-through models. Lembeh Resort, Murex, and Siladen exhibited. Simon Lorenz of Insider Divers/Isotta presented on wreck diving. ([69])

Boot 2019

The show expanded to 17 halls over 10 days. The imaging zone had grown to include the “Water Pixel” stage with a series of imaging presentations. ([70])

Inon’s Takuya Torii attended Boot 2019 as part of his perpetual global circuit of underwater imaging events, sandwiching the show between a UK dealer visit and an Italian event. ([75])

COVID Cancellations (2020–2022)

The 2019 World Shootout called for entries with results to be announced at the Boot Show on 25 January 2020. ([76]) However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted subsequent Boot shows. By January 2022, Boot was cancelled due to COVID restrictions, forcing the 2021 World Shootout awards ceremony to move online via Facebook Live. ([77])

The World Shootout at Boot

From 2016 onward, the World Shootout underwater photography competition used Boot Düsseldorf as its primary awards venue. Producer David Pilosof and the competition team maintained a booth at the show, and the awards ceremony became a highlight of the imaging zone. ([78])

The competition partnered with PADI and the Boot show to launch the “Underwater Photography World Championship” (also called the “Global Championship”), where national teams competed with combined portfolios. ([79]) Prizes grew substantially, reaching $70,000 at the 2017 ceremony. The Boot Düsseldorf Directors’ Prize — a bronze statuette called the “Andromeda” — was awarded to the Best Picture of the Year. ([80])

Notable Exhibitors

Boot Düsseldorf has been particularly important for European and German manufacturers:

ExhibitorTypeNotes
SeacamHousings/strobesAustrian; regular exhibitor with Harald Hordosch and Kurt Amsler
SubalHousingsAustrian; displayed full range including mirrorless and video
SealuxHousings/viewfindersGerman; pioneered the GV150 angled viewfinder
UK-GermanyHousingsGerman; showed medium format and viewfinder innovations
BS KineticsCarbon fiber housingsGerman; unique carbon fiber construction by Bodo Sutterer
SubtronicStrobes/lightsGerman; TTL innovations and video lights
HugyfotHousingsBelgian; distributed in Germany by Andi Voeltz/Digideep
NauticamHousings/opticsHong Kong; large booth from 2013 onward, represented by Edward Lai and Ryan Canon
KeldanVideo lightsSwiss; Daniel Keller regularly showed new light models
EasydiveHousings/lightsItalian; Fabio Benvenuti showed WiFi/USB camera control innovations
HartenbergerDive lightsGerman; specialty lights including fluorescence LEDs
InonStrobes/opticsJapanese; Takuya Torii attended regularly

Key People at Boot

Wetpixel Coverage History

Wetpixel’s Boot coverage evolved significantly over the years:

References


Sources

  1. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2017: Shoe Report Boot 2017
  2. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2018: Show Report Boot 2018
  3. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Report By Simon Klaiber
  4. Wetpixel article, Jan 13, 2012: Wetpixel At Boot 2012
  5. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2019: Show Report Boot 2019
  6. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Report By Simon Klaiber
  7. Wetpixel article, Nov 29, 2002: Digideepcom Usermeeting On Boot Expo In Germany
  8. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2004: Digideep Covers Boot Expo
  9. Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2005: Digideepcom Boot Expo Coverage
  10. Wetpixel article, Jan 19, 2005: Digideep Boot Coverage
  11. Forum thread: New Housings Etc At Boot 20d D2hx Etc
  12. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report
  13. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report
  14. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report
  15. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report
  16. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report
  17. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report
  18. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report
  19. Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2007: Sealux To Announce New Angled Gv150 Viewfinder At Boot
  20. Wetpixel article, Feb 8, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Impressions By Julian Scheunemann
  21. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Report By Simon Klaiber
  22. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Report By Simon Klaiber
  23. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Report By Simon Klaiber
  24. Wetpixel article, Feb 8, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Impressions By Julian Scheunemann
  25. Wetpixel article, Feb 8, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Impressions By Julian Scheunemann
  26. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Report By Simon Klaiber
  27. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Report By Simon Klaiber
  28. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2007: Boot 2007 Show Report By Gerard Wijnsma
  29. Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2007: Boot 2007 Expo Report By Simon Klaiber
  30. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2007: Boot 2007 Show Report By Gerard Wijnsma
  31. Wetpixel article, Jun 16, 2011: Preview Subal Nd7000 Housing
  32. Wetpixel article, Jan 13, 2012: Wetpixel At Boot 2012
  33. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  34. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  35. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  36. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  37. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  38. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  39. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  40. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2012: Linda Pitkin On Composition
  41. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  42. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  43. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  44. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  45. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  46. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  47. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  48. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  49. Wetpixel article, Jan 29, 2013: Show Report Boot 2013
  50. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2016: Wetpixel At Boot 2016
  51. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2016: Report Boot Show 2016
  52. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2016: Report Boot Show 2016
  53. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2016: Report Boot Show 2016
  54. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2016: World Shootout Announces Live Broadcasts
  55. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2017: Shoe Report Boot 2017
  56. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2017: Shoe Report Boot 2017
  57. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2017: Shoe Report Boot 2017
  58. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2017: Shoe Report Boot 2017
  59. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2017: Shoe Report Boot 2017
  60. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2017: Shoe Report Boot 2017
  61. Wetpixel article, Feb 3, 2017: Results Of World Shoot Out Announced
  62. Wetpixel article, Jan 27, 2017: Shoe Report Boot 2017
  63. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2018: Show Report Boot 2018
  64. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2018: Show Report Boot 2018
  65. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2018: Show Report Boot 2018
  66. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2018: Show Report Boot 2018
  67. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2018: Show Report Boot 2018
  68. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2018: Live On Stage World Shootout 2017
  69. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2018: Show Report Boot 2018
  70. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2019: Show Report Boot 2019
  71. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2019: Show Report Boot 2019
  72. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2019: Show Report Boot 2019
  73. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2019: Show Report Boot 2019
  74. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced
  75. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2019: Travels With Inons Takuya Torii
  76. Wetpixel article, Oct 21, 2019: Call For Entries World Shootout 2019
  77. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2022: Awards Ceremony 2021 World Shootout
  78. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2016: World Shootout Announces Live Broadcasts
  79. Wetpixel article, May 31, 2014: Contest World Shootout 2014
  80. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2018: Live On Stage World Shootout 2017
  81. Wetpixel article, Nov 29, 2002: Digideepcom Usermeeting On Boot Expo In Germany
  82. Wetpixel article, Jan 30, 2006: Boot 2006 Show Report
  83. Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2007: Boot 2007 Show Report By Gerard Wijnsma
  84. Wetpixel article, Jan 21, 2012: Wetpixel Coverage Of The Boot Show 2012
  85. Wetpixel article, Jan 26, 2022: Awards Ceremony 2021 World Shootout
  86. Digideep user meeting announcement for Boot 2003 (article)
  87. Digideep covers Boot Expo 2004 (article)
  88. Digideep Boot Expo Coverage 2005 (article)
  89. Digideep Boot Coverage 2005 (Cheng) (article)
  90. Boot 2006 show report (article)
  91. Sealux GV150 viewfinder announcement at Boot (article)
  92. Boot 2007 show report by Gerard Wijnsma (article)
  93. Boot 2007 expo report by Simon Klaiber (article)
  94. Boot 2007 expo impressions by Julian Scheunemann (article)
  95. Subal ND7000 preview (mentions Boot 2008) (article)
  96. Wetpixel at Boot 2012 (article)
  97. Wetpixel coverage of Boot Show 2012 (article)
  98. Linda Pitkin on composition at Boot 2012 (article)
  99. Show report: Boot 2013 (article)
  100. World Shootout 2014 and Boot partnership (article)
  101. World Shootout live broadcasts at Boot 2016 (article)
  102. Wetpixel at Boot 2016 (article)
  103. Report: Boot Show 2016 (article)
  104. Show report: Boot 2017 (article)
  105. World Shootout 2017 results at Boot (article)
  106. Show report: Boot 2018 (article)
  107. World Shootout 2017 ceremony at Boot 2018 (article)
  108. Show report: Boot 2019 (article)
  109. Travels with Inon’s Takuya Torii (Boot 2019) (article)
  110. 2018 World Shootout results at Boot 2019 (article)
  111. World Shootout 2019 entries, results at Boot 2020 (article)
  112. 2021 World Shootout (Boot cancelled due to COVID) (article)
  113. Forum: New housings at Boot 2005 (forum)