Madrid, Spain—The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) member magazines recently convened in Vancouver, Canada, for their general assembly to vote for the best photo and imaging products launched in the last 12 months.
All products and their advertising media bearing the TIPA Awards logo indicate that these have passed evaluations by TIPA’s technical committee and magazine editors. A TIPA Awards endorsement is among the highest accolades for any photo-imaging product.
TIPA membership comprises 28 leading photo and imaging magazines from 15 countries on five continents, and it has a cooperative partnership with the CJPC (Camera Journal Press Club), representing 11 top photography magazines in Japan.
Here are the 2014 TIPA Award winners and what the judging panel had to say about them.
Best Imaging Innovation: Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a phase-detection autofocus technology conducted directly on the image sensor plane. It dramatically improves AF performance over prior EOS cameras during live view and video shooting. Dual Pixel CMOS AF is currently available in the EOS 70D and as an option in the C100 and C300 cinema EOS cameras. usa.canon.com
Best Design: Sigma dp Quattro
Sigma completely redesigned the look and feel of their P&S cameras when bringing forth updated sensor technology, resulting in the dp Quattro line, which employs the company’s next-generation Foveon X3 direct image sensor. Each of the three cameras shares form and function, and each offers a fixed focal length lens (19mm, 30mm and 50mm) with sensor and lens optimized for each. sigmaphoto.com
Best Medium-Format Camera: Phase One IQ250
A CMOS-based, 50MP digital camera back with 14-stop dynamic range, it features ISO 100–6400 and expanded exposure times of 1/10,000 second to one hour. Live view allows for focus and compositional control, either on the back or connected via USB 3.0 to a computer (running Capture One software) or displayed wirelessly to an iPad/iPhone with the Capture Pilot app installed. The back supports flash sync speeds to 1/1600 second. phaseone.com
Best Digital SLR Professional: Nikon D4S
With a new 16.2MP FX-format sensor that works with the new Expeed 4 processing engine, the D4S delivers enhanced still and Full HD video with various frame rates. A new group AF function and overall improvements build upon Nikon's 51-point AF system, while the camera breaks the ISO speed range barrier at a remarkable ISO 409,600. Other features include full-resolution, 11-fps bursts with autofocus and autoexposure, a 30% increase in processing power and support for CF cards as well as the superfast XQD card format. nikonusa.com
Best Digital SLR Expert: Pentax K-3
Developed by Ricoh Imaging as the flagship of the Pentax K DSLR series, the K-3 uses a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and an anti-aliasing simulator in its low pass filter-less design. Housed in a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, it delivers 8.3-fps bursts of 23 RAW or 60 JPEG images. Other features: a sensor-shift image stabilization mechanism to control anti-moiré effects; Full HD video stereo recording; an upgraded interval movie mode for capturing 4K clips; a 27-point SAFOX II AF system with 25 cross-type sensors; and a 200,000-actuation-rated shutter. us.ricoh-imaging.com
Best Digital SLR Advanced: Canon EOS 70D
It provides a 20.2MP CMOS APS-C sensor and Digic 5+ processor that deliver 7-fps bursts and ISO 100–12,800, with an extended range to 25,600. AF is enhanced with a 19-point all cross-type AF system, but the breakthrough in the 70D is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that allows for capture of video in live view with precise AF, as well as very fast AF operation for stills. Its vari-angle, 3.0-inch, touch-screen LCD monitor sports 1.04 million dots, and built-in wireless allows for easy upload to smartphones via the Canon EOS remote app. usa.canon.com
Best Digital SLR Entry Level: Nikon D3300
One of the first entry-level DSLRs without a low pass filter, the D3300 has a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor, an ISO range from 100–12,800, with a 1EV push available, and 5-fps shooting rate. Stills and Full HD video can be shared with the Nikon WU-1a optional wireless adapter. For those stepping up to DSLR photography, a guide mode provides step-by-step instructions. The D3300 measures 4.9×3.8×2.9 inches, making it one of the new breed of compact DSLRs that compete with CSCs for those who enjoy the DSLR form factor in a more portable size. nikonusa.com
Best CSC Professional: Sony Alpha a7R
The smallest, lightest compact system camera with a full-frame chip, it boasts a 36.4MP Exmor CMOS sensor with no low-pass filter. With handling and access to controls and image parameters that will be familiar to DSLR photographers, other features include Auto HDR, picture effects, manual focus peaking, 1080p video at 60 and 24 fps, ISO 100–25,600, 4-fps continuous shooting mode and Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC. Users can utilize E-mount lenses, which automatically initiate an APS-C crop mode, and A-mount lenses via an adapter. sony.com
Best CSC Expert: FujifilmX-T1
A weather-resistant interchangeable-lens camera with an OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) and the company’s latest 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor, the X-T1 has a 3.0-inch LCD with 1.04m-dot resolution that’s made of tempered glass. Phase-detection pixels integrated into the sensor offer the benefit of a “digital split image” manual focusing aid, which helps bring precision to wide aperture or macro shooting. Lens Modulation Optimizer technology integrates focal length, aperture and image data for each lens mounted for optimal results. fujifilmusa.com
Best CSC Advanced: Samsung NX30
Employing a 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, it offers a 1/8,000-sec shutter speed and a 9-frames-per-second shooting rate. It sports a very handy and unique tiltable EVF plus a high-res 3.0-inch Super AMOLED swivel and touch-control display. While many cameras have 'connected' options, the NX30 seems to embody the state of the art in this regard, including Tag & Go (NFC) functions, MobileLink to connect to four distinct smart devices, and AutoShare, which automatically sends every photo to a smartphone or tablet. Dropbox web storage service and Flickr is preloaded on the NX30. samsung.com
Best CSC Entry Level: Olympus OM-D E-M10
The nicely designed, extremely compact, metal-bodied OM-D E-M10 convinces with great image quality and operation thanks to the TruePic VII processor inherited from the OM-D flagship E-M1, a 16MP Live MOS sensor, built-in Wi-Fi with QR code-scanning technology, a 1.4-million RGB-dot EVF and a tilting 3.0-inch touch-screen monitor with 1,039k dots. It incorporates 3-axis image stabilization and FAST AF, making it the fastest ever Olympus AF system, with 81 target areas covering the entire image. With 8-fps shooting speed, burst rates can deliver 16 RAW images and an unlimited amount of JPEGs; with continuous AF, the camera delivers up to 3.5 fps. olympusamerica.com
Best Rugged Camera: Nikon 1 AW1
The first waterproof (down to 49 feet), shockproof (6.6 feet) and freezeproof (14ºF) CSC interchangeable-lens camera, it incorporates built-in GPS, an altimeter, a depth gauge, an electronic compass and a visual horizon indicator. It even has a built-in waterproof flash. The 14.2MP CMOS sensor and Expeed 3A processor deliver still and HD video with a wide ISO range of 160–6400. While all 1 Nikkor lenses can be used, two new sealed lenses are dedicated for the camera: an 11–27.5mm and 10mm f/2.8. nikonusa.com
Best Premium Camera: Nikon Df
The Nikon Df is a full-frame camera designed along the lines of Nikon’s classic film SLRs, with numerous controls dials that handle photographic functions. But inside this retro, magnesium-alloy body sits a 16.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, a 2016-pixel matrix metering system and a 39-point AF system. The camera offers up to five-frame auto-bracketing, 5.5-fps shooting and ISO settings to 204,800. It can be uses with all current Nikkor lenses as well as all Ai and non-Ai classics. There’s a glass pentaprism finder and a 3.2-inch LCD. nikonusa.com
Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
It offers 13.1MP with a multi-aspect 1.5-type sensor, an f/23.9 5x zoom (24–120mm equivalent) and numerous custom functions. Capture options include 14-bit RAW plus JPEG images, with fast and accurate AF via 31 AF points. Composition options are enhanced with the 3.0-inch tilt-type touch-panel LCD, with 1.04 million sRGB dots and 100% coverage, while exposure/camera control is expanded via the new dual control rings on the lens barrel. Full HD is available, as is Wi-Fi with NFC capability. usa.canon.com
Best Superzoom Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40
Lightweight at about half a pound, it comes in a very compact form factor (4.3×2.5×1.35 inches) for a camera with a 30x (24–720mm equivalent) Leica integral lens. The camera has an 18MP MOS sensor and a 3.0-inch LCD plus an EVF with 100% field of view. It offers RAW plus video recording, focus peaking and advanced hybrid OIS+ to effectively suppress hand movement in both photo and video recording. The ZS40 also has a built-in flash, plus Wi-Fi, GPS and NFC capability. panasonic.com
Best Easy Compact Camera: Samsung WB50F
The 4×2.6×1-inch camera has a 16MP CCD sensor that allows for still and HD video recording with a 12x optical zoom (24–288mm equivalent). It also has a 3.0-inch LCD and optical image stabilization to assure steady shots at longer focal lengths and in low light. Numerous smart modes allow for creative interpretations, and there is a 'soft flash' feature for more pleasing portraits and close-ups. As with all Samsung models, the camera has a host of connectivity options. samsung.com
Best Hybrid Photo/Video Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
This mirrorless, 16MP Live MOS sensor camera is housed in a magnesium alloy body and can record 4K video. Its newly developed Venus engine processor was enhanced with a quad-core CPU to handle the high data rate. While the GH4 can be thought of as a pro video camera, especially when coupled with the dedicated Lumix DMW-YAGH pro workflow module, it can also deliver 12-fps still recording with burst rates of 40 when shooting RAW and 100 in JPEG. The Live View OLED Finder (LVF) has a remarkable 2.359-million RGB dots, while the monitor has 1.036-RGB dots. panasonic.com
Best Camcorder: Sony FDR-AX100
The Sony AX100 is among the first to deliver 4K video in a standard camcorder design. It has a 1-inch Exmor R sensor and delivers 14MP and 20MP still capture. It offers a variety of recording options, including XAVC-S, AVCHD and MP4, as well as a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 12x optical zoom and 120-fps recording with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with active mode. Viewing is through EVF or a 921k LCD. Smartphone connectivity is via Wi-Fi and NFC. sony.com
Best Action Cam: Sony Action Cam HDR-AS100V
This action cam offers a variety of Wi-Fi and connection options, built in GPS and still (13.5MP) and video (XAVC-S 60p available) recording capabilities. The diminutive (about 1x2x3 inches) device has an advanced image stabilization system and built-in stereo mike, plus an ultra-wide (170º) Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar lens. All functions can be controlled via smartphone, and the unit comes supplied with a waterproof case, adhesive mount and tripod adapter, with various other optional mounting systems available. sony.com
Best Mobile Imaging Device: Sony QX series
Rather than rely on the smartphone for making quick images and videos on the go, the Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 (20MP, Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens) and DSC-QX10 (18.2 MP, Sony G lens) are “lens style” cameras that use the smartphone as the transmitter of high-quality images and videos it records. Using Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app, the units connect wirelessly to a smartphone and convert the phone’s LCD to a real-time viewfinder with shutter release, video activation and adjustment of various settings. They can be attached to the phone with an adapter or used independently. Images are saved to the smartphone and lens/camera. sony.com
Best Professional DSLR Lens: Canon EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
Aimed at pro sports and wildlife photographers, the Canon EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens is a super-telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched, built-in 1.4x extender. The benefit is in applications where it is not possible to change lenses quickly, while also protecting delicate equipment such as a DSLR’s sensor in dusty environments. The lens incorporates one fluorite and four UD lens elements and a 9-blade circular aperture. usa.canon.com
Best Expert DSLR Lens: Tamron SP 150–600mm f/5–6.3 Di VC USD
For full-frame and APS-C DSLRS (with 1.5x magnification factor), it incorporates Tamron’s Vibration Compensation image stabilization technology, a fast USD (ultrasonic silent drive) and eBAND (extended bandwidth and angular dependency) coating, for flare and ghosting reduction. The lens employs 20 elements in 13 groups, with the front group containing 3 ED glass elements. The circular, 9-bladed diaphragm provides exciting bokeh effects. The included SilkyPix Developer Studio for Tamron uses optical data to correct any distortion, light falloff and chromatic aberrations. tamron.com
Best Entry-Level DSLR Lens: Sigma 18–200mm f/3.5–6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
The amazingly compact (2.8×3.4 inches) and affordable 27–300mm equivalent lens is exclusively for APS-C-sized sensors. It is smaller and lighter than the previous version and offers a closer focusing distance. It also has a newly incorporated SLD glass element plus 3 aspheric elements among its 16 elements, 13 groups construction. The lens incorporates an optical stabilizer (OS) system for those cameras that do not have OS built-in, with automatic panning detection to shift the OS to one axis. It has a close focusing range of about 1.5 feet throughout the focal length range. sigmaphoto.com
Best CSC Expert Lens: Fujinon XF10–24mm f/4 R OIS
This 15–36mm equivalent lens incorporates optical image stabilization and a newly designed optical system using 4 aspheric lenses and three extra-low dispersion glass lenses. An internal steeping motor and enhanced focusing system, with high-speed AF and internal focusing, makes zooming a silent and rapid process. Close focusing distance via the macro setting is about 11 inches, while normal focusing (about 1.5 feet to infinity) allows for extremely deep depth of field images at narrower apertures or wonderful soft backgrounds at wider ones. Attention has been paid to reducing ghosting and flare with HT-EBC multilayer coatings. fujifilmusa.com
Best CSC Prime Lens: Zeiss Touit Series
Available for Fujifilm X-mount and Sony E-mount cameras, the Touit family of 12mm f/2.8 and 32mm f/1.8 lenses has recently been joined by the 50mm f/2.8 macro. Among the top tested lenses, the Touit 50mm f/2.8 offers 1:1 magnification and is also a perfect focal length for portrait work (the crop factor being 1.5x for these lenses). Offering floating element design, it has 2 aspheric elements and 2 low dispersion elements, plus a 9-blade diaphragm for fans of bokeh. The Touit 2.8/12 is of Distagon design, while the Touit 1.8/32 is a Planar design. All three lenses feature T* coatings. zeiss.com
Best CSC Entry-Level Lens: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14–42mm f/3.5–5.6 EZ
This extremely compact (2.4×1.9 inches, 3.2 ounces), high-quality yet highly affordable Micro Four Thirds electronic zoom lens (28–84mm equivalent) is an OM-D E-M10 kit lens that is also sold separately. Even when zooming, the MSC technology delivers rapid and nearly silent AF operation for still and video recording, thanks to its screw drive system, a high-speed drive motor with precise stop/start controls, fine tolerance guide shafts, and a low focusing optical mass. The lens is constructed of 8 elements in 7 groups with 3 aspherical glass elements. Closest focusing distance is 7.87 inches. olympusamerica.com
Best Photo Service: Sigma Mount Conversion Service
While photographers might be attracted to a new format or different brand camera, the ownership and investment in legacy lenses of a specific mount may stop them from exploring new options. The Sigma Mount Conversion service offers the opportunity to change the mount on a specific set of Sigma lenses, regardless of the mount, to Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-mount. Pricing depends on the type and focal length of the original lens. Service details are handled by the local Sigma representative or distributor and takes two–four weeks. sigmaphoto.com
Best Accessory: SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive
Available in 16, 32 and 64GB storage capacities, the 3.11-inch device can create wireless connections to eight devices with three simultaneous media streams, including to iPads, iPhone, iPod Touch, Kindle Fire, Android devices and MAC or PC computers. The free SanDisk Connect app allows for easy coordination of all operations. The drive’s battery recharges via USB and offers up to four hours of continuous streaming on a charge. It works without an Internet connection or need for a router, and it can operate in a range of 150 feet from the host device. sandisk.com
Best Storage Media: SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC/SDXC UHS-II Memory Card
Available in capacities from 16GB to 64GB, the Extreme Pro UHS-II cards are optimized for high-end DSLRs and pro video cameras that support the UHS-II standard. The card delivers write speeds of 250MB/s and transfer speeds of 280MB/s, enabling users to take high-resolution RAW and JPEG images in quick succession. In addition, it offers the highest video performance available for sustained video capture of 30MB/s, allowing the capture of cinema-quality 4K, 3D and Full HD videos. sandisk.com
Best Professional Lighting System: Profoto B1 Off-Camera Flash
Battery-powered and cordless, the Profoto B1 has become an instant hit with pros that understand the benefits of the freedom and facility off-camera flash shooting affords. Its Air Remote TTL controller attaches to the camera’s hot shoe and becomes a command center for light output and balance, even for manual settings. Each monobloc-styled flash can be assigned a channel and controlled from up to 1,000 feet away, with results previewed and modified by the photographer without leaving the camera position. The 500 w/s units have a nine-stop range, fast recycling time and LED modeling light. A lithium-ion battery powers their 220 full-power flash capacity. profoto.com
Best Portable Lighting System: Nissin i40
The small (3.35×2.4×3.35 inches) and lightweight flash is available in models dedicated (TTL) to Canon, Nikon, Sony, MFT and Fujifilm models. It covers a lens angle of view from 24–105mm, with additional coverage to 16mm with the supplied diffuser. The guide number is 40 at the 105mm setting and 27 at 35mm. An innovative LED illuminator sits where smaller fill flash modules were in the past, and the light can be used for still and video recording with nine steps of output. The i40 offers rear, front curtain and high-speed sync, wireless slave and the ability to swivel 180º right and left and 90º vertically. nissindigital.com
Best Tripod: Manfrotto 190 Collection
Manfrotto’s 190 collection tripods appeal to advanced hobbyist photographers. Two configurations are available: aluminum or carbon fiber. This collection features the new quick power lock lever that allows release of all locks on each leg with one hand and a single movement. A 90º center column mechanism and flat top disc for the center column reduce the overall length of the closed tripod, plus allow easy setup in a horizontal position for macro shooting. An easy link attachment in the top casting permits the attachment of accessories, such as an LED light or reflector. manfrotto.us
Best Photo Bag: Thule Perspektiv Series
Marked by an ergonomic chassis system that provides an excellent balance of support, cushioning and breathability, the Thule Perspektiv series comes in various sizes and configurations. Their Cloudburst construction, with welded and taped critical seams, including a hideaway rain fly, specially treated fabric and YKK RCPU zippers, provides excellent protection from the elements. Included in carriers such as the daypack are removable SafeZone compartments for advanced protection of fragile gear that can be removed for safe storage in, for example, hotel safes. The interiors can be fully customized. thule.com.en-us
Best Imaging Software: DxO ViewPoint 2
Marketed as a companion processor for those who enjoy working with wide-angle and super wide-angle lenses, it can fix perspective (keystoning, etc.) and restore previously distorted shapes and subjects at the corners of the image. It can be used as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Elements as well as Apple’s Aperture. It features automatic distortion correction using DxO Optics modules, manual distortion correction and an eight-point perspective correction tool. dxo.com
Best Mobile Photo App: Photosmith 3
Its mobile workflow solution helps photographers keep photos organized by allowing for the export of images in the field via the Camera Connector Kit or an Eyefi card. Images can be exported directly from the camera onto an iPad into Photosmith. Photographers can sort, rate, tag and add copyright and keywords singularly or as a batch. Once done, the images can then be wirelessly synched back into Adobe Lightroom. Images that have not been labeled within Lightroom can be exported to Photosmith and worked on as time allows. The app also allows for native camera RAW rendering for a growing list of cameras. photosmithapp.com
Best Photo Printer: Epson Expression Photo XP-950
Taking the all-in-one concept (including text and photo printing, scanning and copying) to a new level, it provides 11×17-inch printing using Claria Photo HD six-color inks. Delivering 4×6 photos in less than 10 seconds, the unit allows for wireless printing from phone/tablet or computer plus mobile solutions using the Epson Connect collection of apps. Scans up to 4800 dpi are available, as well as direct CD/DVD printing and a dedicated photo paper tray. A dedicated rear tray allows for printing on heavier card stock, and a 3.5-inch LCD with “gesture” navigation helps users make use of all functions quickly and easily. epson.com
Best Inkjet Photo Paper: Hahnemühle Photo Silk Baryta 310
Photographers who seek the look, feel and tonal depth of traditional silver halide in an inkjet paper will be pleased with this Hahnemühle offering. The paper’s unique barium sulphate coating offers rich monochrome and brilliant color reproduction in a weight that speaks to both its high quality and ease of handling for mounting and display. The 100% alpha cellulose paper is acid-free and meets the criteria for durability according to ISO 9706. It is available in all cut-sheet sizes starting at 8.5×11 inches / DIN A4 plus rolls on a 3-inch core up to 50-inches wide. hahnemühle.com
Best Photo Projector: Epson EH-TW7200
While aimed at the home video viewer, it also delivers stunning photo quality. The unit offers wide and tele lens shift options, which allows for versatile setups and projection distances, as well as 2000 lumen output in color and white light. Vivid color and contrast is delivered via a 120,000:1 contrast ratio. Resolution is Full HD 1080p and there’s a manual keystone correction control of up to +/- 30º. Interfaces include USB 2.0, HDMI 1.4, composite in, component in and S-video in. It’s also capable of delivering 3D content and one set of RF 3D glasses come with the unit. epson.com
Best Photo Monitor: LG 21:9 UltraWide 34UM95
With a combination of a 21:9 aspect ratio and 34-inch size, the LG 34UM95 offers numerous display options and versatility for photo and video-editing functions. Features include an AH-IPS panel, superb 3,440×1,440-pixel resolution and over 99% of the sRGB color space. Connecting a Mac Pro to the 34UM95 with its Thunderbolt 2 technology, users will experience the fastest cable-based connectivity speed on the market (up to 20 Gbps, 4x faster than conventional USB 3.0). It also comes color calibrated and supports hardware color calibration. Connectivity options include HDMI x 2, Thunderbolt 2 x 2, DisplayPort and USB 3.0/2.0. lg.com
Best Photo TV: LG Ultra HD TV (UB980 Series)
For those who enjoy viewing photos and videos on their TV monitor, the LG Ultra HD TV (UB980 series), consisting of four models from 65 to 98 inches, allows the enhanced viewing benefits of 4K quality and resolution. The units feature 3,840×2,160-pixel resolution and a proprietary chip that enhances Ultra HD resolution and optimizes overall image quality. An upscaling function takes SD, HD and Full HD content to near Ultra HD quality. The Tru-Ultra HD Engine Pro supports a technique called 4K Motion Estimation Motion Compensation that makes 4K Ultra HD content appear free of motion blur. There are numerous connectivity options, including HDMI 2.0, USB and LAN ports. lg.com
To view all the winning 2014 TIPA Award products, visit tipa.com
