Haslemere, UK—EISA, the European Imaging & Sound Association (eisa.eu), revealed the winners of its 2017–2018 awards. Technical experts from more than 50 leading specialist magazines in 25 countries across the globe recognized 66 products as the best in their categories.
Moreover, 2017 was also the year that EISA announced its global expansion with five new member magazines and websites from Australia and the USA.
For 35 years, EISA has been selecting the most innovative, cutting-edge products for its awards. Its judging panels cover the full spectrum of consumer electronics and photographic products. All products undergo a comprehensive multi-step judging process. Products are intensively tested at the facilities of individual EISA member magazines. They are also presented at the association’s annual convention in Antwerp in May.
The final deliberations take place at EISA’s annual general meeting in June. There, a democratic voting process establishes a consensus of excellence and determines the winning products.
“The collaboration of some 53 specialist magazines and websites from across the greater European continent, Australia and the USA brings with it a unique pool of experience that informs each and every EISA Award,” said Paul Miller, president of EISA. So whether consumers are looking to purchase a feature-rich smartphone, a versatile camera solution or a pair of high-end floor-standing loudspeakers, the EISA Awards are their unequivocal guide to the cream of today’s entertainment technologies.”
The EISA Awards will be officially presented during IFA, a consumer electronics fair held in Berlin, Germany, September 1–6, 2017.
Following are the products voted on by EISA as best in the photography category, as well as what the judging panel had to say about each winner.
EISA Photography Expert Group
Photo Innovation: Tamron 18–400mm f/3.5–6.3 Di II VC HLD
The Tamron 18–400mm f/3.5–6.3 Di II VC HLD challenges our preconceptions about what we can expect from a superzoom lens. In addition to offering the broadest zoom range of any interchangeable lens in the world, at 22.2x, it also includes an effective three-stop image stabilization system to improve sharpness at lower shutter speeds. And weather-resistant seals allow users to keep shooting even in adverse weather conditions.
Although especially suited to travel, safari and sports photographers, the Tamron 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD will also appeal to any photographer looking for a single lens solution to cover all their shooting needs. tamron-usa.com
Professional DSLR Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the tool of many professional photographers all over the world. Compared to its predecessor, Canon increased the still image quality significantly with higher resolution and wider dynamic range, while the autofocus has become more sensitive. The video function is also much more advanced with high-quality 4K recording and fast autofocus in live view mode.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV also features the innovative new Dual Pixel Raw feature. This allows sharpness and background blur to be fine-tuned later. All in all, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV will remain a class-leading camera for several years to come. usa.canon.com
Prosumer DSLR Camera: Nikon D7500
The D7500 is an advanced DSLR camera that packs much of the innovation of the acclaimed D500 into a lightweight, robust and more affordable body. Using the same 20.9-million-pixel image sensor, processor and wide ISO range as the D500, the D7500 is a capable and versatile tool in the hands of a passionate photographer.
With a burst speed of 8 frames per second and Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system, it is well suited to capturing fast action. Thanks to Nikon’s SnapBridge technology, transferring images to a smart device is fast and seamless. nikonusa.com
Consumer DSLR Camera: Canon EOS 77D
The Canon EOS 77D adopts many key features from the semiprofessional EOS 80D. The 24.2-million-pixel CMOS-sensor achieves a better dynamic range than its predecessor. A big advantage is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF that enables very fast and smooth autofocus during live view and video. Combined with STM or Nano USM lenses, the focus is very quiet. The viewfinder autofocus is also greatly improved, with 45 cross-type points.
The new Digic 7 processor delivers enough power for fast continuous shooting (6 frames per second) and Full HD video with high frame rates (1080/60p). The top plate LCD and the quick control dial allow fast operation. Other modern features are the articulated touch screen and Wi-Fi, which is accompanied by Bluetooth for easy access. usa.canon.com
Camera: Sony α9
The Sony α9 is a groundbreaking mirrorless camera that in many ways surpasses traditional DSLR rivals. Thanks to an innovative design, the 24.2-million-pixel, full-frame image sensor captures up to 20 frames per second in full resolution with no EVF blackout. It also offers completely silent, vibration-free shooting at up to 1/32,000 second.
The new superfast autofocus system, with 693 phase-detection AF points covering 93% of the image area, ensures that even fast-moving subjects are in focus. The 5-axis image stabilization allows a 5-step slower shutter speed. The oversampling process and full-frame pixel readout result in excellent 4K movie quality. sony.com
Prosumer Compact System Camera: Sony α6500
The α6500 is a very small compact system camera offering professional performance. Whether you are a 4K video or stills photographer, the α6500 offers excellent image quality with its 24.2-million-pixel Exmor CMOS APS-C sized sensor, high speed and great choice of lenses. The 5-axis image stabilization works with Sony E-mount lenses as well as A-mount lenses with adapters.
The 425 phase-detection AF points cover almost the whole picture frame. And the 3-inch, tiltable touch screen lets you choose focus points with your finger. The camera supports up to 11 frames per second shooting with continuous AF and metering with a buffer that supports up to 269 pictures in one sequence. sony.com
Consumer Compact System Camera: Fujifilm X-T20
The Fujifilm X-T20 is a compact, mirrorless consumer camera that produces sharp, clean images and 4K video quality at a competitive price. At the heart of the camera is its 24.3-million-pixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro, which are jointly responsible for the extraordinary image quality.
Despite its comparatively affordable cost, the X-T20 uses the same high-quality sensor and processor as the highly regarded X-T2 and X-Pro2. Touch-screen operation and custom AF-C settings are also big pluses. Finally the X-T20’s sharp and highly detailed 4K video recording makes this camera a great all-rounder. fujifilmusa.com
Photo & Video Camera: Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
The Panasonic DC-GH5 focuses all the brand’s know-how in both photo and video. The body is well balanced, weather resistant and has an excellent electronic viewfinder. With a 20.3-million-pixel Four Thirds sensor, it delivers good picture quality up to ISO 3,200, with excellent autofocus and internal stabilization. In video it provides an excellent compromise between image quality, features and price.
It allows recording up to 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit onto the memory card without recording time limitation. With high-end features such as a high-speed 6K photo mode, slow motion, automatic focus transition, Vlog and an XLR module for sound recording, the GH5 offers endless possibilities for creative video production. panasonic.com
Compact Camera (P&S): Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V
The Sony RX100 V is a high-tech masterpiece in a very compact body. Like its predecessor, it offers a 1.0-type sensor and an excellent retractable OLED electronic viewfinder. The new 20.1-million-pixel Exmor RS CMOS image sensor, works in conjunction with the fast Bionz X image processor and a new front-end LSI. They made it possible for Sony to shorten autofocus response time to 0.05 sec and speed up continuous shooting to 24 frames per second—with AF/AE tracking. As a result, in a series of a moving subject, every picture stays in focus with the correct exposure.
Besides the ability to shoot 4K videos, the RX100 V offers super slow motion up to 1,000 frames per second, silent shooting and a multifunction control ring for personalized use. sony.com
Superzoom Camera (P&S): Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III
At just 1095g [2.4 lb.], the Sony RX10 III is the perfect camera for sports, nature and wildlife photographers looking for an easy-to-carry all-in-one solution. The stunning Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24–600mm lens provides a 25x zoom range with a fast f/2.4–4 maximum aperture. The Exmor RS 1.0-type sensor, superfast autofocus and Optical SteadyShot ensure sharp images free from camera shake.
In addition to its incredible focal range, the RX10 III can shoot macro from as close as 3cm [1.2 in.] from the lens. And the silent shutter means you won’t disturb sensitive nature subjects. The RX10 III isn’t just great for stills, it also shoots 4K video. And there is also the option to shoot at 1,000 frames per second for a dramatic 40x slow motion effect. sony.com
Instant Camera: Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10
The Instax Square SQ10 is the first hybrid instant camera that lets you take and print square photos [2.4×2.4 in.]. You can brighten, darken or add vignettes to your images. Or choose from 10 creative filters to apply before you decide to print them.
The bright LCD viewfinder makes it easy to create and edit your pictures, which are recorded in the internal memory or on a microSD card, so you can share them with your friends and family. fujifilmusa.com
Professional DSLR Lens: Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM
The Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM has been long awaited by many professional photographers and exceeds expectations. It’s better built than its predecessor and gives astounding sharpness over the entire image, even at its full opening of f/2.8. At 16mm, it actually outperforms many ultrawide-angle prime lenses.
Distortion is low, while the antireflective coating very effectively reduces ghosting and flare. The Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III USM is built for everyday professional use. It delivers an image quality that will satisfy even the most demanding users. usa.canon.com
DSLR Lens: Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM | Art
The Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM | Art is an extremely capable performer. The sharpness is better at its maximum aperture of f/1.8 than its competitors are when stopped down. There is simply no reason to not use this lens wide open.
Sigma has managed to make the autofocus fast and accurate, which is impressive for such a bright lens. And the wide aperture creates a particularly beautiful background blur (bokeh). sigmaphoto.com
DSLR Zoom Lens: Tamron SP 150–600mm f/5–6.3 Di VC USD G2
The second generation (hence ‘G2’) of Tamron’s SP 150–600mm f/5–6.3 Di VC USD ultra-telephoto zoom lens makes an attractive lens even better. The speed and accuracy of the autofocus system have been improved, as has the effectiveness of the built-in VC (vibration compensation) system. A ‘flex zoom lock’ mechanism keeps the lens barrel fixed at any chosen focal length.
The fluorine coating and moisture-resistant construction make the lens less vulnerable to dirt, dust and moisture. The optional TAP-in Console allows the owner to easily update the firmware as well as customize features. These include fine adjustments to the autofocus and vibration compensation. tamron-usa.com
Professional Compact System Camera Lens: Sony FE 70–200mm f/2.8 GM OSS
The Sony FE 70–200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is an impressive lens, covering the most popular angles for sports and action photography. Sharpness is extremely high and evenly distributed with almost no visible falloff towards the edges. Sharpness is also retained across the zoom range, even with teleconverters. It features a floating focusing system, implemented in an α zoom lens for the first time, that contributes to an impressive minimum focusing distance of merely 0.96m [38 in.].
The 11 rounded aperture blades ensure a beautiful bokeh. And autofocus speed is super quick, in particular with the very fast Sony α9. Finally, the FE 70–200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is built for heavy use under all weather conditions. sony.com
Compact System Camera Lens: Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS
This 100mm telephoto prime lens offers the outstanding resolution of the G Master series, combined with STF (smooth trans focus) optics for breathtaking bokeh. This lens has been designed to produce extraordinarily smooth, natural bokeh without vignetting. It also features fast, precise and quiet DDSSM autofocus. And it is capable of shooting 0.25x magnification close ups.
Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization minimizes any blur caused by camera movements during long shutter times. The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS upholds the premium G Master concept in all respects. sony.com
Compact System Camera Zoom Lens: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12–100mm f/4 IS Pro
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12–100mm f/4 IS Pro is an incredible travel lens as well as a general-purpose zoom lens. It covers an 8.3x zoom range with a constant f/4 maximum aperture and built-in optical stabilization.
Built to withstand dust, moisture and rough use, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12–100mm f/4 IS Pro is as sharp as many prime lenses from superwide angle to telephoto. And its smooth and silent focusing makes it a favorite for video as well as still photography. Combined with Olympus’s latest pro cameras, it reduces camera shake with up to 6.5 stops. And at just 562g [20 oz.] you can take it anywhere. olympusamerica.com
Photo Display: EIZO ColorEdge CG2730
The EIZO ColorEdge CG2730 fulfills the needs of a professional photographer. With a screen size of 27 inches and a high resolution, it can show an image at A3 size and still leave ample space for the adjustment palettes of your software. The picture quality is outstanding, with a high contrast ratio (1500:1), the ability to reproduce deep blacks and marvelous colors that cover 99% of the Adobe RGB color space.
The most innovative feature is its easy-to-use built-in calibration sensor. It swings onto the screen when calibrating and allows different profiles to be saved, eliminating the need for third-party devices. Furthermore the display comes with a shading hood. eizo.com
Smartphone Camera: Huawei P10
Huawei’s latest flagship is an improvement in almost every respect. Starting with its design, including a diamond-cut chassis and brave new colors, through to the faster as well as more secure Kirin 960 Octa-core chipset, and finishing with the shining star—the Leica-branded cameras.
The dual system on the back of the Huawei P10 now has a 20-million-pixel monochrome sensor and a 12-million-pixel color sensor. This enables the introduction of a brand-new portrait mode for stunning portrait photography. On the front is an 8-million-pixel f/1.9 selfie camera. It also supports the portrait mode and includes Leica technology that is smart enough to recognize if there are more people in the picture, and consequently make the shot wider. For an even more professional photography experience, EISA also recommends the Huawei P10 Plus. huawei.com
