Radiologic imaging has made dramatic progress over the last decades. The authors analyse all areas of current radiological imaging including conventional radiology, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, interventional radiology and nuclear medicine. Future opportunities and challenges regarding the subsequent development of imaging in general and radiology in particular are highlighted. Thus, the authors seek answers to questions such as: Will there be a need for radiologists? Will imaging become too costly? Possible remedies are suggested.