Barcelona, Spain—The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) unveiled the winners of the TIPA World Awards 2023. The awards recognize the best photo and imaging products of the year in 40 categories.
Moreover, as in past years, the awards reflect the current state and the future direction of products, services and technologies that appeal to professional, enthusiast and amateur consumers.
In addition, there were a strong number of contenders in each of the categories, proving that despite economic headwinds the industry remains committed to innovation and new product development. 
The annual general assembly of TIPA members was held in Barcelona, Spain. Representatives from TIPA’s group of professional, amateur and business magazines/online publications from Asia, Australia, Europe, North America voted on winners in 40 product categories. A delegate from the Camera Journal Press Club in Japan also participated.
“Every year, our process for choosing the TIPA World Award winners involves research, testing and decisions about how each winner will bring new capabilities and excitement to the photo and imaging sector,” commented Thomas Gerwers, TIPA chairman.
“This year, cutting-edge technology, new trends in professional and consumer needs, including products for the vlogging community, and the continued evolution of imaging capabilities were all on display. We offer our congratulations to the winners for a job well done.”
Product Range Reflects Trends
TIPA member representatives voted on a wide range of products as well as services that make up the imaging industry today. They comprise not only cameras and lenses but also software, on-demand print products, monitors, storage media, accessories, vlogging gear and lighting.
New trends in AI (artificial intelligence), in both cameras and processing software, were well reflected. Furthermore, the awards winners indicated a growing blending of still and video recording capabilities in cameras in every category from enthusiast to pro.
Advances in both the dynamic range and capture capabilities of advanced cameras also were apparent in new products and service. Additionally, innovations in both technology and offerings in the print-on-demand market were evident.
TIPA World Awards 2023 Winners
Following are the winners in all 40 categories of the TIPA World Awards 2023, as well as what the TIPA members had to say about them.
Best Entry-Level APS-C Camera: Canon EOS R50
The affordable Canon R50 is a gateway camera to introduce young and old alike to photo and video tools that will usher them into an expanded world of creative possibilities. Its benefits may well launch them on a lifelong journey of photo and video adventures.
Lightweight and compact, the R50 offers features that help create high-resolution stills, video as well as vlogging output. Special functions aid capture in low light; create high-speed stills at 15 frames per sec; and record 4K video at 30p as well as slo-mo video at 120p Full HD. Consumers can also use the R50 as a creative learning tool via its advanced A+ assist for night and backlit scenes, dynamic portraits, multiple exposures and macro images with depth-of-field effects.
Best Expert APS-C Camera: Fujifilm X-T5
The X-T5 is ideal for photographers who want both classic design controls and remarkable feature sets for still and video imagery. It boasts a 40MP X-Trans CMOS sensor with Fujifilm’s Pixel Shift Multishot option to produce a 160MP image. The flexible camera can also handle low-light images with AF sensitivity to -7 EV. Moreover, it captures fast action stills with a mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 second and a 15-fps rate at 40.2MP for continuous shooting of 1,000 JPEG and 19 RAW images. Those specs are even faster via the electronic shutter.
Video features for vloggers and content creators include the ability to record internally at 6.2K 30p 10-bit color and a 4K HQ mode that oversamples 6.2K takes for superior 4K output. Users can also unlock a 2x digital zoom, plus external recording is available via an HDMI connector.
Best Professional APS-C Camera: Fujifilm X-H2S
Rightfully dubbed a “multimedia” camera, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a fully capable still and video (hybrid) camera for professional photography, whether for weddings, events, reportage, sports or vlogging. Its impressive still and video capabilities incorporate refined AF and subject-detection tools. It also delivers improved low-light performance, all with reduced noise for enhanced tonality and clarity.
On the still side, a remarkable 40-fps and 140-frame RAW-format continuous capture means no action is missed. Video flexibility includes DCI/4K UHD recording at 120p and Full HD at 240p. Plus, the ILC achieves 90-minute recording times at all frame rates and resolutions. An AI adaptive algorithm also helps track moving subjects with greater speed and accuracy.
Best APS-C Vlogger Camera: Nikon Z 30
Nikon has quickly responded to the ever-growing vlogging and livestream activities of content creators. It introduced a solution that offers greater creativity and more recording options. Notably, it represents a step up from compact P&S cameras and smartphones.
The Nikon Z 30 records 4K video at 30p and slo-mo 1080 video up to 120 fps. It also features a fully articulating, 3-inch monitor and a stereo microphone built into its top plate. Specially dedicated vlogging and creator accessories, available separately or in kit with the Z 30, make putting together a ready-to-go setup easy. These accessories include a Smallrig windmuff, a Nikon Bluetooth remote control unit as well as a Smallrig mini tripod/selfie grip. The Nikon Z 30 also accepts full-frame Z lenses (with accompanying crop) for those with other Nikon gear.
Best Advanced Full-Frame Camera: Canon EOS R8
The new breed of Canon mirrorless cameras is increasingly multimedia oriented. The camera offers impressive features to appeal to a range of photographers engaged in still and video photography. Moreover, the EOS R8 brings all of Canon’s photographic expertise to bear, including subject tracking, a broad ISO range (100–102,400) for enhanced low-light options and low-light AF light capability (-6.5 EV).
In addition, it has a rapid burst mode (40 fps up to 120 frames, JPEG). Special attention was also paid to the needs of videographers. This includes Full HD 1080 recording at 180p for slo-mo playback; numerous video options (such as HDR PQ 10-bit color with no edit needed for displays); Canon Log C for post enhancement; a vertical movie mode; and the ability to act as a webcam via USB.
Best Expert Full-Frame Camera: Panasonic Lumix S5II
Pro content creators will welcome the capabilities of Panasonic’s hybrid camera that delivers high-res stills and sophisticated video functionality. Moreover, it’s the first Lumix model to offer phase hybrid AF, which benefits fast and precise autofocus performance.
The S5II employs a new active IS (image stabilization) system to compensate for recordings made while walking. TIPA members were also impressed by its interfaces, numerous recording modes and active cooling system. They also pointed to the ILC’s impressive still capabilities. They include 9-fps (mechanical) and 30-fps (electronic) speed; wide dynamic range; and an impressive ISO recording capability, expandable from ISO 50 to 204,800.
Best Professional Full-Frame Camera: Sony Alpha 7R V
TIPA editors were unanimous in their choice of the Sony Alpha 7R V as a highly impressive, responsive and flexible camera that raises the bar on features and functions for working pro photographers. It offers a 61MP full-frame sensor; 8K video recording; and an 8-stop IS system. Plus, it has unprecedented accuracy and speed in tracking and predicting a host of subject movements with its advanced AI-powered autofocus system.
Further, thanks to its Exmor R BSI sensor and Bionz XR processor, the 7R V has a remarkable 15-stop dynamic range and expanded low-light capability. When the action is fast and split-moment shots are crucial, photographers can capture 10 fps at full resolution for up to 583 consecutive compressed RAW frames—with full-time AE/AF. In JPEG capture, this increases to 1,000 consecutive frames in a single burst.
Best Professional Content Creator Camera: Sony Alpha ZV-E1
This is a camera for demanding content creators who want to record both on-the-go and fixed-setup content without a crew or post processing. The compact, full-frame Sony ZV-E1 offers new Al functions for tracking moving subjects and can handle multiple subject interactions. Users can also benefit from various visual effects and moods via numerous cinematic vlog settings.
Control options are accessed on the camera’s touchscreen or remotely via smartphones. In addition, its dynamic active mode provides increased stabilization when shooting handheld, while the AI chip intelligently crops in the image to keep subjects at the center of attention. Numerous connectivity options include livestreaming via a USB connection. Further, an onboard 3-capsule mic covers directionality shifts and can be set manually or on auto detection. A bonus is access to the Sony Creators’ Cloud platform, which enables cloud-based editing and media sharing.
Best Professional Video Camera: Canon XA70/XA75
The Canon XA70 and XA75 are compact, lightweight professional cameras with 1-inch CMOS sensors. They are aimed at electronic news gathering, documentary and journalistic work. All aspects are geared towards practical features that combine excellent ergonomics with the latest technology. That includes Dual Pixel CMOS AF tech for pinpoint focus control; an integrated 15x optical zoom lens; 5-axis IS; and wide dynamic range gamma support for enhanced low-light performance.
Display monitoring features and a built-in ND filter mechanism ensure the best results are achieved in one-take situations. Image quality is exceptional as well, delivered via oversampled HD from the 4K sensor. The cameras also record in 4K UHD 30p (4K 25p in PAL regions) and 50p/50i Full HD formats. They record to dual card slots as well as output via onboard mini-HDMI and 3G-SDI (XA75 only) outputs. Livestreaming via UVC is another benefit. Twos XLR connections plus a 3.5mm and built-in stereo microphones permit 4-channel audio.
Best Wide-Angle Prime Lens: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art
Poll serious photographers about their favorite street, architecture and even landscape prime lens and the 24mm focal length is sure to be a top choice. This fast f/1.4 max aperture, 11-blade diaphragm Sigma lens also delivers ideal specs for nighttime and low-light capture, including astrophotography.
It uses two FLD and one SLD glass elements along with four aspherical elements to eliminate distortion and suppress coma flare. Also beneficial are two filter holders, a front 72mm filter thread for ND and polarizer filters, plus a rear filter holder that accommodates sheet-type filters, used by night sky photographers for special effects. The lens also delivers edge-to-edge sharpness and advanced optical and mechanical designs, critical in this focal length class.
Best Standard Prime Lens: Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
With a superfast f/1.4 maximum aperture, this Sony prime lens is ideal for low-light and candid shooting. Its 11-blade diaphragm and 16-inch close focusing make this G Master lens ideal as a general-purpose lens. It delivers startlingly smooth backgrounds as well as rich bokeh.
TIPA editors were also impressed by its new design and control features that also make it a solution for video. These features comprise two focus hold buttons and a linear response manual focus ring for fine focus control. Dust- and moisture-resistant construction pays special attention to seams, buttons and switches. Additionally, a fluorine front element coating protects it from challenging conditions. Like all Sony G Master lenses, special elements minimize aberrations and distortion to provide outstanding resolution, sharpness and enhanced clarity and color accuracy.
Best Telephoto Prime Lens: Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM
This Canon medium-telephoto lens is a perfect fit for people, landscape, travel and candid photography. Its aperture range offers an excellent combination of shallow depth-of-field (at f/1.8) and deep depth-of-field (f/22) capture. It also has many benefits for low-light shooting conditions, such as an optical image stabilizer system that offers an impressive 8-stop compensation when paired with a camera featuring an in-body image stabilizer (IBIS).
What’s more, a 9-blade diaphragm enhances bokeh effects, which are further enhanced when working at its 2.3-foot minimum close-focusing distance. Further, Nano USM AF is fast and silent, and a configurable control ring enables various settings. Plus, special Air Sphere and Super Spectra coatings add to its vivid color and contrast image rendition.
Best Super-Telephoto Prime Lens: Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S
A dream lens for wildlife photographers, the Nikon Z 600mm boasts a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that switches the lens to an 840mm f/5.6. It also optically matches the lens and maintains its weather sealing. Since outdoors often means challenging light and weather conditions, a newly developed “Meso Amorphous” coat offers the greatest antireflective performance from a Nikon lens. Complementing this is ARNEO and Nano Crystal coats that reduce ghosting, reflections and glare.
In addition, AF is greatly enhanced with a “silky swift voice coil motor” that uses magnets rather than gears to move focusing groups. As a result, it benefits both still and video recording. Vibration reduction with a lens like this is paramount, and here it achieves up to 5.5 stops with compatible camera bodies. Atop a tripod, the lens’s build and design also allow for balance that makes panning smoother and more responsive.
Best Portrait Lens: Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S
Portrait photographers will fully appreciate this classic focal length lens with its ultrafast maximum aperture, beautiful bokeh and solid construction. That all makes this Nikon lens a perfect choice for capturing stunning fashion, wedding, boudoir and, of course, portrait images.
Striking backgrounds are achieved when shooting wide open. And at f/2, point light sources are rendered as soft and “dreamlike” orbs. As part of Nikon’s premium S-line family, it offers superior optics, operation and build quality for still and video capture. This is augmented with dual STM motors. Auto-priority manual focus also makes for an easy transition to manual during AF operation. And a programmable control ring allows for easy customization of operation to match photographers’ individual styles.
Best Macro Lens: AstrHori 28mm f/13 2x Macro Probe
From ultrawide to super telephoto and fisheyes, special-purpose lenses allow for unique exploration of the world around us. This AstrHori probe optic with a maximum magnification ratio of 2:1 offers an aperture range of f/13 through to f/40. Its working distance from the front element is just 0.3 inch.
Both its focusing and aperture rings use MOD gears for connecting to follow-focus systems. An integrated LED array on the front lens, with 10 intensity levels, draws power from a separate USB-C port. Photographers can also submerge the light and probe to 9.8 inches for underwater macro capture. Available in numerous camera mounts, it’s one of the most unique lenses TIPA members have seen.
Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens: Sigma 16–28mm f/2.8 DG DN | Contemporary
This is a perfect all-around lens for travel, architecture, candid street and even nature photography. The wide-angle to standard zoom offers a fast constant maximum aperture, so zooming does not sacrifice speed. Recognizing that modern lenses must handle both still and video capture equally well, Sigma designed the inner zoom and focus mechanism to maintain constant lens dimensions through the zoom range and varying focusing distances. That’s something videographers will appreciate.
In addition, a stepping motor benefits both still and video work with its fast and quiet AF performance. The 9-blade diaphragm also makes beautiful bokeh effects in close-ups. Further, its f/22 minimum aperture and 9.9-inch close-focusing capability allow for composing fascinating near-to-far subject relationships within the frame, maintaining sharpness throughout.
Best Standard Zoom Lens: Sony FE 20–70mm f/4 G
Modern lenses must meet the needs of video, including vlogging, as well as those of still photographers. The Sony FE 20–70mm hits both marks. Plus, it serves as an excellent wide to normal lens that extends the universal 24–70mm zoom to a very useful 20mm at the short end.
For videographers, when zoomed wide it offers an extensive field of view for selfies, landscape and event photography. It also achieves excellent edge-to-edge sharpness. Furthermore, the “portrait” 70mm length is perfect for PoV, interview and detail work. Additionally, its 9-blade diaphragm creates soft bokeh effects. Two XD motors also provide smooth, silent AF performance. What’s more, an updated design eliminates focus breathing, focus shift and axial shift, with active mode IS adding more quality to its video capabilities.
Best Telephoto Zoom Lens: Tamron 50–400mm f/4.5–6.3 Di III VC VXD
The Tamron 50–400mm lens is an ideal choice for a wide range of photographic applications. That’s thanks to its close-focusing distance of 9.9 inches at the 50mm setting. Whether shooting sports events, wildlife or landscapes, this lens is compact and easy to transport. It has an overall length of only 7.2 inches.
Further, to ensure sharp, stable shots, the lens features a VXD linear focusing mechanism and a vibration compensation system (VC). They help reduce camera shake in low light or when shooting at slower shutter speeds. This allows photographers to take advantage of a wider range of shooting opportunities, even in challenging lighting. In addition to its still photography capabilities, the lens is also an option for movie shooting when combined with the Tamron Lens Utility software.
Best Superzoom Lens: Sigma 60–600mm f/4.5–6.3 DG DN OS | Sports
This Sigma 10x lens is an essential tool for aerial, sports and wildlife photographers. From a close-focusing range of 17.8 inches at the wide end to its super-tele range, pinpoint focusing is assured. That’s due to a newly designed HLA (high-response linear actuator) motor that delivers high focus-following performance.
Its dual action zoom is also a great aid in the field by allowing both rotary and straight zooming. It also features a zoom lock control at all marked focal distances and three easy-access AFL buttons. To assure steady shots even in challenging conditions, the lens incorporates Sigma’s new OS2 optical stabilizer algorithm. Thus, it delivers a startling 7 stops at the wide end and 6 stops at the telephoto end.
Best Content Creator Lens: Tamron 20–40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
The Tamron 20mm f/2.8 lens is a compact and versatile option for mirrorless camera systems. In addition, its ergonomic design works well with gimbals or camera rigs. The lens is a great choice for vloggers and content creators, particularly when used with Tamron Lens Utility software.
The lens’s wide field of view is ideal for selfies, while the 40mm focal length is well-suited for close-ups and scene setting. It is also lightweight and compact, making it ideal for on-the-go photography, including landscapes, travel, street and family events. For use with Sony E-mount cameras, it also features a VXD linear motor focusing mechanism for accurate autofocus. Plus, it supports Sony’s fast hybrid AF and eye-AF functions on select cameras.
Best Drone: DJI Mini 3 Pro
With a regulation-friendly weight of 249 grams (8.8 ounces), the portable DJI Mini 3 Pro offers a foldable, compact design. As such, it’s easy to bring along to record events and locales as well as capture dramatic points of view. Capable of delivering 4K 60-fps video and 48MP photos, the lens has a fast f/1.7 aperture. It is useful for both day and low-light, even nighttime, capture.
Ideal for social media, its gimbal rotates up to 90º and offers true vertical shooting for portrait shots. Flight time is extended to 34 minutes, plus there’s a tri-directional obstacle sensing system to ensure safety in all environments. The package includes a DJI remote controller, with its Fly app preinstalled. Moreover, its built-in 5.5-inch HD display offers excellent viewing even in bright sunlight.
Best Storage Media: Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Diamond Series
The Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Diamond series card enables seamless and sustainable performance content capture. With capacities from 128GB to 512GB, the series delivers read and write speeds up to 1,900MB/s and 1,700MB/s, respectively.
This premium card can easily handle smooth RAW 8K video capture, making it ideal for users who demand the highest performance and durability. It is also compliant with the VPG-400 standard and uses PCI Express Gen 3×2 and NVMe high-speed protocols. The rugged card can withstand the harshest conditions and is shock/vibration-proof as well as resistant to extreme temperatures. Backward compatible with select XQD cameras, it has a lifetime warranty.
Best Enthusiast Imaging Software: Skylum Luminar Neo
TIPA members recognize that AI image editing can serve a broad base of digital photographers interested in getting great results without spending hours in front of their computer. This Skylum software offers numerous presets and AI-driven tools for face, body, sky replacement and more. Luminar Neo is an easy-to-use toolbox filled with effects to apply broad tonal effects or specific tasks, such as retouching skin, noise reduction, background removal, file size upscaling and focus stacking. 
The program can also serve as a teaching tool that opens new doors to creativity. That’s because it will analyze images and suggest a variety of presets that might work best. While Luminar NEO works as a stand-alone program, users can also install it as a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic.
Best Professional Imaging Software: DxO PhotoLab 6
DxO PhotoLab 6 allows photographers to get the utmost quality from their RAW files. Its wide range of tools includes unique processing features such as the AI-powered DeepPrime XD. This tool removes unprecedented levels of noise, enhances detail and delivers more accurate colors—in a few clicks. The software’s optical correction tools can also make even entry-level lenses look professional.
Additionally, the new DxO wide gamut working color space ensures end-to-end accuracy. It’s complemented by a soft proofing mode and an innovative ColorWheel tool that gives users absolute control over hue, luminance and saturation. Other creative and corrective tools include Smart Lighting (automated highlight and shadow balancing); ClearView (haze reduction); and an ingenious ReTouch tool that offers sophisticated cloning and healing. DxO also recently introduced DxO PureRAW, an application that eliminates noise and enhances detail in RAW files at the beginning of a workflow.
Best Professional Photo Monitor: ViewSonic ColorPro VP2786-4K
Professional and enthusiast photographers want to invest their processing efforts with equipment that ensures what they see on-screen matches what they see in the final print. The ViewSonic ColorPro 4K does just that with factory calibration that yields true 10-bit color with an accuracy of Delta<2. In also covers 100% of Adobe RGB and 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut, plus has a 3,840×2,160-pixel 4K UHD resolution.
Processing flexibility is also enhanced with an included ColorPro wheel that allows for easy, flexible color and display adjustments, as well as calibration via Colorbration+ software. There are numerous connectivity options, including four USB 3.2 Gen Type A hubs. Plus, users can customize the monitor to content and workflow requirements by rotating it 90º and adjusting it using height, swivel and tilt movements.
Best Professional Video Monitor: Dell UltraSharp 34 Curved
This fully integrated Dell video monitor is equally at home with enthusiast or pro video-editing demands. Affordable yet fully specified, the Dell Ultrasharp 34-inch curved type monitor offers an ultrawide 3,440×1,440-pixel IPS black panel. It also features 100% of the Rec. 709; 98% of the DCI-P3; and 98% of the sRGB color gamut for enhanced color accuracy.
In addition, there are numerous interfaces to handle any connection needs. For instance, there are double HDMI 2.1, a USB-C supporting DP 1.4, a USB 3.2 Gen 2, and 90W of power delivery for laptop charging. There’s also 3.5mm audio output as well as RJ45 for LAN connection. Included speakers are also a boon for video editors.
Best Video Accessory: Zhiyun Weebill 3 Gimbal
Gimbals are an important tool for content creators and vloggers. They help create smooth, steady and creative imagery. The latest Zhiyun Weebill 3 has everything needed for any assignment. It includes a built-in noise-cancelling HiFi microphone (and extra mic-in jack) and adjustable color temperature fill light. Plus, extra filters are integrated into the sling structure.
Content creators can handhold the setup’s L-shaped design or stand it on its own. They can also mount it on a tripod using an included tripod accessory. For smooth and flexible work, a built-in motor with stabilizer controls can be locked or disengaged for tilt, panning and rolling movements. Operators can also use the included control cables with select cameras to coordinate functions, which are also available using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi via the ZY Play app.
Best Professional Portable Flash: Elinchrom Five
Portability and flexibility are hallmarks of this battery powered flash head. This go-anywhere Elinchrom monolight features 522Ws (watt seconds) output and recycles in a mere 1.6 seconds at full power. Its removable lithium-ion battery delivers up to 450 flashes at full power and an incredible 14,600 flashes at minimum power.
TIPA members were impressed by its fast battery recharge time—a quick 70 minutes for an 80% recharge and full charge in a bit over an hour and a half. Moreover, recharging is possible during shooting regardless of the battery’s power level. Pros will also appreciate the unit’s high-speed sync of up to 1/8000 second; a proactive cooling system; and built-in Bluetooth for control settings via Elinchrom’s Studio app.
Best Professional Led Light: Godox KNOWLED MG1200Bi Bicolor LED Light
When setups and productions require a bright, durable light—whether indoors or out, day or night, rain or fog—they need a light that withstands conditions and delivers consistent performance. Godox’s MG1200bi features full-power draw across color temperatures, from 2800K to 6500K with CRI and TLCi ratings of 96 and 0.1%. It also offers stepless dimming and is IP54-certified weather resistance.
What’s more, 11 FX (special effects) modes allow for simulation of flash, lightning, cloudy, candle and more. Settings and controls are selected on-unit via four buttons and a control knob, or wirelessly via 2.4GHz remotes and a Bluetooth app. A new accessory mounting system additionally eliminates mismatches. A 45º reflector is also included, as is a 26-foot power cable. Plus, there’s a high-powered fan that provides cooling during long operation times.
Best Photo Service: CEWE PhotoBook
TIPA members wanted to call special attention to the important environmental stance of CEWE. The introduction of a 100% recycled digital printing paper for the CEWE PhotoBook is a significant innovation. The search for the right paper proved difficult. The photo paper must have a bright white, smooth surface with as few color inclusions as possible from the recycling process to meet the high demands of customers. 
It took many months to find a 100% recycled paper with which the previous quality level was maintained. This move is expressed in the company’s sustainability statement: “As our company belongs to an industry that relies heavily on paper, climate change and environmental protection are both incredibly important to us. All the materials we use are selected with long-term sustainability in mind. We place environmental conservation at the heart of our business,” stated by Thomas Mehls, member of the board.
Best Photo Paper: Hahnemühle Photo Rag 188 Layflat
This new paper offering from Hahnemühle expands the creative and expressive options for photographers who want to offer their best work in a layflat book format. Photo Rag 188, already esteemed for fine art digital printing, is now qualified for layflat binding. The process permits full appreciation of an image and other content without the need to hold down the book to view the image information that might otherwise be lost in the gutter.
One of the chief uses of this format is for photographers—landscape and architectural, for example—who do not want to be constrained in their layout options. The format allows for fully viewable “double-truck” (i.e., a two-page spread) images as well as numerous additional design and layout options.
Best Photo Cards: Hahnemühle Fine Art Photo Cards
These 4×6-inch or DIN A5 (5.8×8.3-inch) photo cards are used professionally as a mini portfolio, as a small remembrance gift, or as a personalized postcard. They are available in a variety of high-quality Hahnemühle paper surfaces and weights. This includes all four sustainable Natural Line media, the classic Photo Rag 308 and the high-gloss, metallic-shimmering Photo Rag Metallic.
The 30-sheet packs are designed to match every photographer’s personal taste as well as coordinate with the mood and subject matter of the images. The company provides a printing guide for the cards as well. It entails creating a template, sizing instructions for borderless printing, printer settings and specific paper profile settings.
Best Frame Design: WhiteWall Design Edition by Studio Besau-Marguerre
TIPA members were impressed by how Whitewall’s Design Edition frames, created in collaboration with internationally famed Studio Besau-Marguerre, make for an eye-catching, distinctive finishing touch. And they do so for fine art, home décor as well as gallery display images. Available in custom sizes from 6×6 inches to 70.8×47.2 inches, the frames are bold and colorful. They come in yellow, purple and green options, with four color profiles in the respective color schemes. 
In addition, being a leading custom lab, Whitewall offers a wide variety of print surface and mounting options. These comprise matting and glossy acrylic glass, all selectable in their “mounting” ordering setup. It also provides a wall mount clip in every print/frame package. What’s more, to ensure the best rendition, Whitewall offers downloadable ICC profiles for use by professionals for soft proofing.
Best Photo Lab: WhiteWall 3D Wall Art Configurator
WhiteWall has further developed its wall art configurator and significantly optimized the user experience. This includes, among other things, a more user-friendly design process. It also offers a more detailed representation of the works and a new image optimization tool. In all, this allows for full collaboration between Whitewall labs and its clients for not only the best print and frame presentation but also how the work will display in select environments.
In each step of the individual configuration, attention is paid to the small details that matter. For this purpose, the new mural configurator uses a real scene in which the structure and properties of the selected materials are realistically represented. When simulating the work in its display environment, the optimum color richness, tone and contrast are rendered in real time. This is done using AI-based professional photo-editing functions that optimize the image in its setting. Moreover, the client can accept the editing, not apply it or adjust selectively via sliders.
Best Design & Technology: Fomanu AG | fotobuch.de ColorScience Workflow
Many photographers are creating and publishing photo books, a process that involves various challenging aspects. Fomanu AG introduced an ingenious workflow that elevates digital printing to a new level. The color management with the ColorScience workflow and PROfile+ eliminates losses and deviations during the transformation from RGB to CMYK. It improves shadow details as well as generates deeper blacks and vibrant colors. 
The technically elaborate system is now used for all photo books and calendars ordered through fotobuch.de. Print data is meticulously optimized, processed and then printed using state-of-the-art Ultra HD printheads. They achieve double the print resolution compared to the industry-wide standard. The result is usually superior to chemical exposure. It impresses with unparalleled sharpness, brilliance, depth and color stability—regardless of paper type, cellophaning or varnish. This is unique in the photo book industry and underlines the company’s passion, which started with the first-ever individually printed photo book 20 years ago.
Best Consumer AI App: Picsart Photo Editor AI
Offering a wide range of tools, templates and filters, this Picsart app meets the creative photo- and video-editing needs of content creators and small business entrepreneurs. Relying on AI, the app opens the door to quick and easy image processing tools. They include upscaling, text editing, background removal and other intuitive editing options, as well as more creative filters and effects.
Also available are an extensive collection of designs and sizes for various social media outlets and formats. These are ready-to-use templates for media platforms and mobile devices. In all, it serves as a layout, design and image-processing service, making it a one-stop shop for image communicators.
Best Professional AI App: Neurapix
Imagine an image-processing software that “learns” your photographic style and preferences over a range of imagery and lighting conditions. Once the analysis takes place, the image information is sent to Lightroom via a plug-in. Then, photographers process their photos “semiautomatically” in a way that imitates their previous editing sessions. 
Throughout, the photographer has control to adjust, fully accept or reject the suggested edits. The Neurapix AI-powered algorithm, dubbed a “smart preset” is a learned and personalized application of various parameters and processing options. Moreover, it does all the work. While professional social and wedding photographers will benefit, enthusiast photographers who are unsure of the best editing moves can use the Smart Preset store that’s filled with styles used by pros.
Best Photo Smartphone: Huawei P60 Pro
This is a versatile companion for those seeking a high-quality smartphone camera for both still and video photography. The Huawei P60 Pro offers enhanced low-light capture with a fully upgraded Ultra Lighting XMAGE camera. It features a 48MP Ultra Lighting main camera; a 48MP Ultra Lighting telephoto; and 13MP ultrawide-angle camera. The Ultra Lighting telephoto camera, exclusive to Huawei, is so named because it innovatively added an Ultra Lighting lens group and f/2.1 large aperture to gather more light. Thus, users can capture distant objects clearly even with insufficient lighting.
With an f/1.4–4.0 auto adjustable physical aperture, the system will automatically help capture sharp, high-definition photographs without needing professional skills and complicated operations. Highly accurate color, rich detail night capture is thanks to its intelligent ambient sensing system. And impressively high dynamic range makes this one of the most fully featured smartphone cameras on the market.
Best Workflow Provenance Concept: Adobe Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI)
The Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) aims to strengthen trust in digital content and curb the spread of fake news. CAI seamlessly tracks information from capture to final editing. This includes when, how and where an image was taken and, in case of any manipulation, was changed, to avoid fake news. 
The Content Authenticity Initiative is an Adobe-led initiative with more than 800 partners. The goal is to strengthen trust in digital content through provenance, i.e., the provision of origin data of a digital medium. The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) standard, developed in collaboration with CAI, is implemented in cameras from Leica and Nikon for the first time this year as part of the collaboration.
Best Photo Event: Photopia Hamburg
Inspiration occurs when we experience something special and share it with others. Photopia Hamburg is an event that creates a new form of industry platform with a unique approach to inspiration for users. And that’s whether they are smartphone photographers or imaging pros. The exhibition includes a one-day business platform for established players and newcomers in the photo-imaging space from Europe and around the world. It’s followed by a three-day public event. 
Now in its third year, Photopia Hamburg is a destination for inspiration and interchange on both a business to consumer and business to business level. Under the banner of “Share Your Vision,” Photopia also helps point to the future when smart imaging solutions will enrich the lives of more and more people. With an innovative format and show space, the event engages a large audience through active involvement in and enjoyment of the fascination of photography, video and other imaging technologies. For TIPA, there is no better place to celebrate its award ceremony.
Finally, winners chosen by TIPA photo and imaging editors from around the world are granted the TIPA World Award logo. The logo is universally recognized as designating the highest quality products. These awards serve as a source of pride among companies receiving the TIPA World Award as well as a benchmark that provides helpful guidance to consumers in making their purchasing decisions.
TIPA will hold the awards presentation ceremony this year at Photopia Hamburg, Germany, in late September 2023.
