Madrid, Spain—The Technical Image Press Association(TIPA) announced the winners of the 2020 TIPA World Awards. Along with cameras and lenses, from entry level to professional, the 40 category winners represent a wide range of imaging products and services. Moreover, the categories include imaging accessories such as inkjet papers, software, storage media, stabilizers, lighting and monitors.
“Given the extraordinary circumstances the world and our industry face today, we felt we should continue with our efforts in recognizing the best imaging products of 2020,” commented Thomas Gerwers, chairman of TIPA.
“We believe that now more than ever, our support of the industry as well as the people who work so hard, be it in production, distribution or marketing, deserve credit and our thanks and appreciation for their efforts to continue to develop new and exciting products and grow into the future. Of course, while the process of nomination and selection of award winners adapted to the circumstances, we maintained our usual rigorous standards in our considerations.”
2020 TIPA World Awards Process
Beginning in late 2019 and through March 2020, nominations within select categories were gathered by the TIPA Technical Committee. Editors from member magazines were consulted; equipment was tested and evaluated; and new categories, representing emerging imaging trends, were also considered.
Finalists are usually voted on at the TIPA general assembly by representatives from TIPA member magazines from around the world. The assembly was originally scheduled for mid-March in Las Vegas. However, when travel restrictions were established, the TIPA board implemented product recommendations and an online voting procedure for members globally.
2020 TIPA World Awards Winners
The full list of the 2020 TIPA World Award winners follows, along with what the committee had to say about each winner.
BEST PHOTO INNOVATION: Sony Real-Time Tracking Technology 
Sony’s Real-Time Tracking technology changes the game when it comes to autofocus speed and accuracy. Once a photographer indicates the subject with half pressure on the shutter release, the system tracks it regardless of where it moves within the frame. Moreover, Real-Time Eye AF for humans and animals enables the camera to automatically pick up the subject’s eye in the frame. It uses artificial intelligence and learned subject information, including color, brightness, distance as well as facial and eye patterns to maintain focus. This allows seamless and true AF lock-on without the need to change AF modes. sony.com
BEST DSLR ADVANCED CAMERA: Canon EOS 90D
This is a fast, versatile and impressive camera that has strong appeal to the DSLR user looking for the latest in-camera technology. It’s the perfect companion for the travel, family, sport or landscape enthusiasts. It features a high-resolution, APS-C 32.5MP sensor; Dual Pixel AF tech; 10–frames-per-sec burst shooting; and 4K/30p video capture. The camera also has excellent in-camera RAW processing, very good battery life and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. usa.canon.com
BEST DSLR EXPERT CAMERA: Nikon D780
Nikon created an instant classic with the D780.The camera shares the legendary D750’s DNA plus incorporates many of the latest technologies found in Nikon’s Z mirrorless cameras. As a result, in terms of speed, image processing, video capability and autofocus performance, the results check every box on a photographer’s wish list. Notable are Dual USH-II card slots and two readout modes; one dedicated to an expanded dynamic range and the other to higher gain for improved low-light performance. nikonusa.com
BEST DSLR PROFESSIONAL CAMERA: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
The EOS flagship is the highest performing DSLR ever created by Canon. It brings new breakthroughs in focusing along with extensive and professional–level video capability. The sensor and imaging systems are also new, allowing for numerous benefits. They include fast shutter speeds; high burst rates; and quality recording in low light. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS are also onboard. In addition, Canon offers an optional wireless transmitter for even faster transmission speeds. usa.canon.com
BEST APS-C ADVANCED CAMERA: Nikon Z 50
The Nikon Z 50 mirrorless Z-mount camera is ideal for family, travel and creative photography/videography. Ease of use and portability are coupled with extensive creative controls. It features easy switchover between still and video; easy connectivity; and numerous creative picture control effects. What’s more, its large, tilting LCD monitor offers a bright view even in challenging light. Other benefits are sensible as well as accessible dials and menu structures, an impressive 11–fps rate (continuous AF); and a wide ISO range. nikonusa.com
BEST APS-C EXPERT CAMERA: Sony α6600
The Sony α6600 is ideal for photographers who desire a compact, walk-around camera with versatility and creative features for stills and video. New and impressive technology from Sony includes Real-Time Tracking AF; it seamlessly transitions from subject tracking to face detection and even to eye detection. The camera shoots at up to 11 fps and comes with a large “Z”-type battery for the best battery life in this class. Content creators will also appreciate its 4K recording capability and in-body IS system stabilization. sony.com
BEST APS-C PROFESSIONAL CAMERA: Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm pioneered the hybrid viewfinder approach (optical/electronic), which it continues with the X-Pro3. Its rear LCD flips downward for waist-level TLR-type viewing or to display camera settings and/or film simulation modes in use. The camera also offers a wide variety of creative settings for exposure, focusing, image quality and effects. Furthermore, its 26MP APS-C sensor has a standard ISO range of 160–12,800 (expandable) and can record 4K video up to 30p. fujifilmusa.com
BEST FULL–FRAME EXPERT CAMERA: Sigma fp
The fp is the world’s smallest and lightest, pocketable, mirrorless full-frame camera. In addition, it provides ease of use and the ability to easily switch between still and video shooting modes. Its flexibility extends to seamless adaptability to numerous accessories for still and video use. In addition, onboard customization controls permit nuanced personalization of every subject and scene. Cinema camera user interfaces also enable users to move recordings straight to video production settings. sigmaphoto.com
BEST FULL–FRAME PROFESSIONAL CAMERA: Sony α7R IV
This camera’s 61.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor rivals medium–format camera output in a more compact form factor. Plus, its 4– or 16–shot high-resolution pixel-shift modes can yield an amazing 240MP file size. And this doesn’t come at the cost of still or video image capabilities. They include 10–fps burst rates and 4K video at full sensor width. In addition, the camera incorporates Sony’s Real-Time AF Tracking system and dual slots for high-speed UHS-II cards. sony.com
BEST FULL–FRAME PHOTO/VIDEO CAMERA: Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
The S1H stands out as a clear choice for those who want a camera with pro-level video capabilities. As such, it has strong appeal to emerging cinematographers and production teams. Video capture options include 6K/24p; 5.9K/30p; and 10-bit 4K/60p; an impressive 14+ stops of dynamic range in V-Log; and no recording time limit in any video mode. In-body stabilization, an anamorphic shooting mode, dual SD card slots and 24MP still capture add to the camera’s impressive features. panasonic.com
BEST MEDIUM–FORMAT CAMERA: Fujifilm GFX100
The 102MP GFX100 may well become the camera of choice for location and wedding pros who want to work off-tripod to capture dazzling images for wall and display prints. The versatility of the camera is expanded via a twin grip design; in-body 5-axis image stabilization; and continuous shooting at up to 5 fps. Moreover, it features a high degree of image customization via a well-thought–out menu setup. Plus, it offers twin batteries for more shooting endurance. fujifilmusa.com
BEST COMPACT EXPERT CAMERA: Sony RX100 VII
The Cyber-shot RX100 VII has definite appeal to those seeking a pocketable, integral-lens camera with a full range of imaging options rivaling professional models. It supports optical image stabilization and an amazing 20–fps continuous shooting burst rate. Numerous scene and drive modes are also offered, plus 4K video capability with motion video up to 1,000 fps. What’s more, its Exmor R CMOS sensor and DRAM memory create a superspeed data highway. sony.com
BEST VLOGGING CAMERA: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
The G7 X Mark III is a perfect step-up option for smartphone users who vlog. It offers livestreaming services to YouTube as well as handles both standard and vertical format video, all made easy with a flip-up touch screen. True 4K cinematic quality is achieved in both live action and studio environments with the 1.0-type sensor, wide aperture lens and external microphone input. Moreover, still image quality is equally impressive, with 20.1MP resolution. The point-and-shoot camera also features a 20–fps burst rate and a 4.2x zoom lens with optical image stabilization. In addition, the HG-100TBR tripod grip is the ideal vlogging companion to the G7 X Mark III. usa.canon.com
BEST PREMIUM COMPACT CAMERA: Fujifilm X100V
The X100V is described as a “second camera for pros” and a “walk-around camera” for enthusiasts. With a host of features, the compact point-and-shoot camera uses the same sensor and processor as Fujifilm’s X-Pro3. It also employs a redesigned pancake fixed 23mm (equivalent) f/2 lens that is compatible with conversion lenses. In addition, continuing Fujifilm’s hybrid optical/electronic viewing scheme, it also offers film simulation modes. 4K video features are also legion, plus battery life stretches to 420 exposures when using the optical finder. fujifilmusa.com
BEST DSLR PRIME LENS: Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD
As fast lenses become increasingly popular, Tamron responded with products that overcome classic design challenges like chromatic aberration and flare. This includes a “dense” arrangement of elements and groups; use of glass-molded aspherical lens elements; and a newly developed BBAR-G2 coating that renders fine subject detail and stunning contrast even under backlit conditions. In addition, a new dynamic rolling-cam mechanism operates the heavy focusing unit of the large f/1.4 aperture with high-speed accuracy. tamron-usa.com
BEST DSLR MACRO LENS: Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO
The Laowa 100mm macro is a specialty lenses that offers a fun, creative addition to any photographer’s kit. This ultra-macro lens offers greater than life–size 2:1 magnification that, when paired with a 9.7–inch minimum focusing distance, makes for great close-focusing options. It also serves as an outstanding portrait lens with the ability to focus to infinity. The lens employs APO characteristics; longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberration is also suppressed better than most other macro lenses. Moreover, it comes with five different mounts for use on both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. venuslens.net
BEST DSLR WIDE–ANGLE ZOOM LENS: Tokina atx-i 11–16mm f/2.8 CF
This wide-angle zoom lens opens up a whole new world of imaging possibilities. For use with APS-C-format DSLRs, it provides an effective focal length range of approximately 16–24mm. The atx-i 11–16mm CF also offers a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout its range; an f/22 minimum aperture; and close–focusing capability of about one foot. Consequently, it hits all the marks for photographers who want to take advantage of all the visual potential the lens affords. tokinalens.com
BEST DSLR PROFESSIONAL LENS: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR
The AF-S Nikkor 120–300mm lens is an ideal single lens solution for sports, wildlife and select portrait photography. Built with an eye on outdoor work, the lens features rugged weather-sealed construction and 4-stop VR (vibration reduction) image stabilization. It also includes a dedicated sports VR mode to capture rapidly moving subjects. Equally impressive is the close-focusing distance of 6.5 feet as well as customization controls that provide useful tools for capturing the action. nikonusa.com
BEST MICRO FOUR THIRDS LENS: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10–25mm f/1.7 Asph
The Panasonic 10–25mm lens offers great image quality and focusing precision for still and video recording. It features a 20–50mm-equivalent focal length with a constant maximum opening of f/1.7. As a result, it achieves very shallow depth of field and expanded low-light capabilities. It also features a clickless aperture ring for smooth and silent operation. Moreover, its closest focusing distance of 28mm from the sensor plane opens the door to more creative work. Quiet and smooth operation of the inner focus system is made possible by use of a stepping motor drive; in addition, a focus clutch makes switching from AF to manual focusing quick and easy. panasonic.com
BEST MIRRORLESS PRIME STANDARD LENS: Nikon Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct
Superior low–light photography is one hallmark of the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct. This fascinating lens eliminates flare when shooting point light sources, even at maximum aperture. It also delivers incredible results in night scenes, landscape and nature work at dawn or dusk; astrophotography; and even backlit portraits with specular highlights behind the subject. Remarkably, this manual–focus lens shows its true brilliance when shot wide open, with clarity and a hyperreal rendition throughout the frame. nikonusa.com
BEST MIRRORLESS PRIME WIDE-ANGLE LENS: Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 RF
The Samyang superwide 14mm lens delivers a unique point of view and perspective for creative effects. It has a near 114º angle of view and close-focusing capability of 8 inches. Combined with its minimum aperture of f/22 and maximum of f/2.8, both very deep and shallow depth–of–field effects are captured. Compact in size (3.75 inches long), the lens also features weather-sealed construction and a rear filter holder that is useful for creative and light-control effects. The world’s first AF 14mm f/2.8 for the RF mount is designed for users to enjoy a broader perspective with mirrorless cameras. samyanglensglobal.com
BEST MIRRORLESS WIDE–ANGLE ZOOM LENS: Sigma 14–24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
The 14–24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens attains edge-to-edge sharpness; this is no easy task when it comes to the complex optical formulas that a superior wide zoom requires. The result is impressive resolution that suppresses chromatic aberrations and minimizes flare. What’s more, a newly developed nano porous coating minimizes the effects of strong incident light. In addition, water– and oil–repellent coatings on the front element ensure that the lens operates in challenging environments. sigmaphoto.com
BEST MIRRORLESS STANDARD ZOOM LENS: Sigma 24–70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
Sigma set out to design a standard zoom lens that takes full advantage of mirrorless capabilities and succeeded admirably with this large aperture zoom. Lens size and weight were reduced; uniform and high-resolution capture is also delivered from the center to the edges throughout the zoom range. Furthermore, the lens is compatible with eye detection AF, a feature available in mirrorless models that can deliver high-precision focusing for portrait photography. sigmaphoto.com
BEST MIRRORLESS TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS: Canon RF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM
The RF 70–200mm brings a classic tele-zoom focal length into the Canon RF family, long regarded as the optimum tool for a range of photography and environments. The lens highlights the advantages of marrying new optical design with mirrorless camera bodies. It is both lighter and shorter than its EF counterpart and offers enhanced operational features, balance as well as portability. It incorporates 5-stop IS and two nano USM motors for fast, quiet AF operation. usa.canon.com
BEST PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT LENS: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM (DS)
Portrait, fashion, wedding and event photographers now have an exciting technology available for enhancing their work in a classic portrait focal length lens. In addition to a standard version, the lens is offered in a DS version. The DS model incorporates Canon’s new vapor-deposited coating on two lens elements. Dubbed Defocus Smoothing, it has the effect of smoothing the edges of out–of–focus areas. Subsequently, images made at wider apertures display smooth bokeh free from artifacts. usa.canon.com
BEST INKJET PHOTO PAPER: Hahnemühle Natural Line
The Hahnemühle Natural Line boasts sustainable manufacture and unique surface characteristics. The cellulose in these papers is supplied by raw materials that require minimal maintenance and do not need pesticides. Each 290 gsm paper has a unique look and feel. Bamboo is a warm tone paper with a lightly textured surface; Hemp is a bright white matte paper with a slight textural surface; Agave has a more textural surface with a bright white base. hahnemuehle.com
BEST PORTABLE PHOTO PRINTER: Fujifilm Instax Mini Link
The Instax Mini Link makes easy work of smartphone printmaking via a Bluetooth connection and the Mini Link app. Features include quick transfer, continuous printing and delivery of about 100 prints per charge. Still and video frames are printable, and the app can connect to up to five smartphones to create one Instax print collage. A bonus is that connectivity is also achieved with Fujifilm X cameras using the company’s Camera Remote app. fujifilmusa.com
BEST IMAGING SOFTWARE: DxO PhotoLab 3
DxO PhotoLab 3 is an amazing RAW processing software. Its wide range of adjustments adds to the already large arsenal of creative tools available in previous versions. Among the new options is an innovative HSL color control tool for fine-tuning color values. Moreover, an improved repair tool retouches and replaces image parts with powerful feathering and opacity controls. Also, an optimized asset management tool supports enhanced keyword management. All the tools are easily accessible from a well-designed user interface. dxo.com
BEST IMAGING STORAGE: SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress 2.0 Type-B Card
SanDisk’s Extreme Pro CFexpress card provides the increased data workflow requirements for both high-speed still and video recording as well as readout. Available in capacities ranging from 64 to 512GB, it delivers up to 1700MB/s read speed and write speeds up to 1400MB/s. It also acts as a bridge between past cameras via backward compatibility with select XQD-compatible cameras that adopt firmware enabling CFexpress. sandisk.com
BEST PORTABLE FLASH: Nissin MG80 Pro
The MG80 Pro is a fully featured flash for wedding, journalistic and location photographers. The flash unit scores highly in all respects, including a 1.2–second recycle time. It also provides approximately 360 flashes when used with four lithium, 14500–type batteries with 1000mAh or 280 flashes when used with 2450mAh rechargeables. In addition, the device communicates with other units as radio commander or slave; it also supports TTLs, manual control and HSS. Moreover, it is compatible with almost every hot-shoe camera on the market today. nissindigital.us
BEST PROFESSIONAL LED LIGHT: ARRI Orbiter
The Orbiter sets a new bar in high-end, professional LED light sources. Its build meets the demands of heavy and daily use, plus also allows complete flexibility of color output to match every subject and scene. Moreover, the system offers a wide variety of light–shaping control accessories; variable output; and smart control panels for ease of adjustments. A newly developed LiOS (software for light operating system) delivers tools for setup control and recall. arri.com
BEST TRAVEL TRIPOD:
Working with the 3.9-pound GT XPRO—a flexible, rock-steady and lightweight tripod—makes creative field work a joy. It allows the photographer to quickly and easily adapt to any subject and scene, whether it’s a low–angle macro or distant landscape. Photographers can splay its legs out to a minimum height of 3.5 inches for low-angle or macro work. What’s more, they can pull out the center column and slide it back in on its side to shoot right over the subject. manfrotto.us
BEST TRIPOD HEAD: Gitzo 3-Way Head 
The Gitzo 3-Way head provides ultimate flexibility in camera movements along with the ability to handle up to nearly 29 pounds of gear. Lightweight at 2.2 pounds, thanks to its magnesium build, it employs innovative solutions for precise control on three independent axes. Each one has its own fluid cartridge to provide accurate movements with little effort. A quick release holder also makes it easy to switch from vertical to horizontal composition or shoot from overhead to below. gitzo.com
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTO MONITOR: BenQ PhotoVue SW321C
The new PhotoVue SW321C features a generous 4K–resolution, 32-inch screen that strongly appeals to imaging professionals for both still and video processing. In addition, color accuracy is assured with 99% Adobe RGB color space coverage, 100% sRGB and 95% DCI P3 gamut. What’s more, BenQ Uniformity technologies provide even brightness and color across the entire screen, and their unique Paper Color Sync software with Art panel accurately simulates photo print colors on–screen. The SW321C also features powered USB-C compatibility, enabling users to connect directly to laptops and other devices. benq.com
BEST PROFESSIONAL VIDEO MONITOR: LG UltraWide 38WN95C
LG’s UltraWide 38WN95C sets the new standard in the widescreen market for video professionals and gamers alike. The large 38-inch Nano IPS curved screen with 24:10 aspect ratio features an impressive 3,840×1,600 resolution. It is also VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified and has highly accurate 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. Users can seamlessly edit several clips and simultaneously run various programs without enlarging or reducing timelines. Furthermore, connectivity excels with Thunderbolt 3 and two HDMI 2.0 ports; DisplayPort 1.4; and two USB 3.0 ports. Featuring a 144Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-Sync compatible, it also has excellent image quality in games. lg.com
BEST PHOTO SMARTPHONE: Huawei P40 Series
All three Huawei P-series smartphones—the P40, P40 Pro+ and P40 Pro—use the Kirin 990 5G chipset, a large 1/1.28-inch sensor. They were also developed in conjunction with Leica. Noteworthy features of the models include AI-powered white balance algorithms, including those dedicated to optimizing skin tone and texture; greatly enhanced dynamic range; low–light performance; color temperature sensors; focus capability on all pixels; and an XD Fusion engine for smooth zoom and optimization of image quality. huawei.com
BEST MOBILE ACCESSORY: Godox R1
Avid mobile photographers who want to add an extra touch of lighting creativity to their images will appreciate the Godox R1 LED. The rounded unit attaches to metal surfaces via magnets, and even more surfaces with round Velcro hooks. Its built-in battery delivers an hour of use after charging. Moreover, the dimmable RGB LED of the R1 features adjustable color temperature settings for warm and cool mood tinting. It also has a power output control to control light intensity from off to full brightness, plus additional modes for creative lighting effects. godox.com
BEST COLOR MANAGEMENT: X-Rite i1Display Studio/i1Display Pro Plus
The X-Rite i1Display Studio is an excellent color calibration tool for photographers looking for a cost-effective, quick, easy professional solution to achieve a color–accurate display. It calibrates monitors, laptops, projectors and mobile devices, making this a great choice for amateurs with limited technical knowledge and pros alike. Moreover, the i1Display Pro Plus is ideal for professional filmmakers and photographers looking for better shadow detail and better performance in dark colors. It is also a solution for those working in a 3D LUT or an HDR workflow, as well as anyone working with high brightness displays and displays that achieve close to zero black. xrite.com
BEST PHOTO LAB: WhiteWall Masterprint
Photographers and artists who use high-resolution professional cameras and lenses will find full expression of their vision with WhiteWall Masterprints. Masterprints use an exclusive fine art paper and a printing system designed under the guidance of WhiteWall engineers. Photographers can order prints up to 71 inches wide. Seamlessly printed using Epson pigment inks and face-mounted under a single piece of acrylic glass, these impressive prints, available in sizes up to 197×71 inches, display astonishingly rich color and detail. whitewall.com
BEST PHOTO SERVICE: CEWE Photo Books
CEWE is now offering two new album covers that give an elegant look and feel to the completed volume. Their leather-bound book is perfect for a photographer’s portfolio or a family album. It has the traditional style of a vintage photo album. Conversely, the linen cover book has a tactile feel with stable and secure premium linen binding, providing a modern, stylish look. Both styles are available for books up to 114 pages. In addition, consumers can personalize them by choosing between different colors. Another unique feature is the custom cover design with its embossed highlights. cewe-photoworld.com
