Hall of Fame

Adobe Photoshop 5.5

In the year 2000 TIPA awarded Adobe Photoshop 5.5 as BEST PHOTO SOFTWARE. This was the first time ever that TIPA awarded software. Although Photoshop had been around for quite a few years, photographers had never been its prime target group. But that was now changing and more and more photographers were trying their hands on digital, either using film and a film scanner, or using a digital camera.

Nikon Super CoolScan 4000 ED & 8000 ED

Film scanners became a very valuable tool in the early years of this century, because demand for digital images was on the rise, but digital cameras were still very expensive and had a limited resolution. Nikon received TIPA Awards for BEST FILM SCANNER in 2001 for the Super CoolScan 4000 ED and in 2002 for the Super CoolScan 8000 ED. Both scanners were 4000 dpi, 14-bit, 4.2D film scanners, that rivalled the quality of much more expensive drum scanners. The name ‘coolscan’ refers to the LED light source in the scanner, instead of the halogen light source used in most scanners at that time. They featured ‘DigitalICE’ an automatic dust and scratches detection system based on infrared. The Super Coolscan 4000 ED was a 35mm film scanner that could scan batches of up to 50 mounted slides using a special tray, the Coolscan 8000 ED was a multi-format scanner that could scan up to 6×9 cm film.

The area of digital cameras saw a promising innovation when Foveon announced the Foveon X3 chip, awarded by TIPA as BEST INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY. By measuring different colour light at different depths in the sensor, the Foveon X3 sensor can record full colour images without the need of a Bayer filter. The result is that the X3 sensor records very accurate colour, and has an increased resolving power compared to a Bayer sensor with the same number of pixels. Foveon was bought by Sigma in 2008.

The DSLR breakthrough – Key Milestone
Canon EOS-1Ds, Olympus 4/3 System, Hasselblad H1

The year 2003 will be remembered as the year in which DSLR cameras became a serious alternative for film cameras, and not only in sport where super fast delivery of images had favoured DSLR camera for a while already. The Canon EOS-1Ds was awarded as BEST DIGITAL SLR PROFESSIONAL. This camera was a landmark product as the first full-frame DSLR. With its 11.1 MP sensor, it provided unprecedented image quality and dynamic range, making digital photography viable for high-end commercial and studio photographers, which had previously relied on medium format film for such quality. And Olympus was recognised for the Olympus 4/3 System, which was awarded as BEST INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY. The Olympus 4/3 System was a DSLR system designed from the ground up for digital photography, unlike the other DSLR systems that were based on existing film formats. It featured some innovative technologies, but it will be remembered most as the sensor that also was the base of the highly successful Micro 4/3 system, that can be considered as ‘the mother of all mirrorless systems’. Hasselblad realised that camera backs could be a bridge between film and digital. It introduced the Hasselblad H1, awarded as BEST MEDIUM FORMAT SYSTEM. The Hasselblad H1 bridged the gap between traditional, manual medium format systems and the conveniences of modern SLRs, allowing for more versatility and faster shooting in professional settings. Its modular design meant that photographers could swap between digital backs and film backs, making it adaptable for different workflows.

Fujifilm introduced Fujifilm Velvia (RVP) 100F, awarded by TIPA as BEST COLOUR SLIDE FILM. Fujifilm Velvia (RVP) 100F was a great improvement of the legendary first version of this colour slide film. Fujifilm Velvia (RVP) 50 was the sharpest E6-process slide film, with bright and saturated colours, but it had problems with longer exposures and did not render skin colours very well. Velvia 100F improved on that greatly, and added a welcome extra stop of sensitivity, making it the professionals colour slide film choice for many years.

Canon EOS 300D

The year 2004 has gone into history as one of the most important moments for consumer DSLR cameras. Until 2004, consumers who wanted to shoot digital would buy a digital compact camera. DSLR cameras were the exclusive domain of professionals. But then Canon introduced the Canon EOS 300D, awarded as BEST DIGITAL SLR BREAKTHROUGH for a very good reason. This was the first DSLR to bring digital photography to the masses at an affordable price. Even though its price was still quite high for todays standards, the 300D’s release democratised digital photography, making high-quality cameras accessible to hobbyists and amateurs, accelerating the transition from film to digital photography in the consumer market.

Tamron 18–200mm F/3.5–6.3 XR Di II LD Asph. (IF)

Advanced computer software allowed lens manufacturers to calculate designs for extreme lenses, which was shown by Tamron in 2005, when they introduced the Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Asph. (IF). Aimed at consumers who wanted to use only one single lens on their DSLR, this staggering 11x zoom was awarded BEST ENTRY LEVEL LENS. This lens was designed specifically for DSLR cameras with an APS-C format sensor, making it comparable with 27-300mm on full frame.

Epson Ultra Chrome K3 Technology

Since the introduction of the first Epson Stylus Photo printer in 1997, inkjet has become the most widely used technology for producing photographic quality prints. Until 2006 it still had its limitations, however. One problem was ‘metamerism’, the effect that black & white prints would have a Conor cast when shown under certain types of artificial light. The other one was that dye ink produced great colours but was unstable, while pigment ink produced stable prints, but was not scratch resistant and often subdued. In 2006 Epson introduced Epson Ultra Chrome K3 Technology, awarded BEST INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY. Utilising a unique three level black ink technology, Epson UltraChrome K3 ink significantly improved overall grey balance while enhancing mid-tone and highlight detail yielding a smoother tonal range. And by virtually eliminating metamerism and bronzing, both black and white and colour prints could now be produced with the look and feel of a traditional photograph while utilising all the advantages of a digital workflow.

Hasselblad H3D series & Epson Stylus Pro 3800

By 2007 digital had definitely taken over from film, even though film still saw some new introductions and still had a loyal group of followers. The Hasselblad H3D series was awarded as BEST MEDIUM FORMAT D-SYSTEM. The Hasselblad H3D was the first fully integrated medium format DSLR camera system, meaning it combined the 48mm full-frame digital sensor, body, and lenses into one cohesive system designed for digital photography. Its large sensors, 22 or 39 MP, offered stunning image detail, dynamic range, and Conor accuracy, setting a new benchmark in medium format digital photography. What the EOS-300D did for DSLR cameras, the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 did for wide format digital printing by consumers. It was awarded BEST EXPERT PHOTO PRINTER for being an A2 paper size desktop printer at a very affordable price. Using Epson’s award-winning Ultra Chrome K3 inks, it produced wide tonal range, long-lasting prints and quickly became a favourite among enthusiasts as well as professionals.

Aperture 2, Nikon D3, Nikon 14–24mm

The non-destructive editing workflow.
At the end of 2005 Apple had shocked the world of photography with the introduction of Apple Aperture, a complete new way of using (raw) images in a digital workflow application. TIPA awarded the next major version, Apple Aperture 2 as BEST PHOTO SOFTWARE in 2008. Apple Aperture 2 was a user-friendly editing tool that served as a strong competitor to Adobe Lightroom. It simplified image editing and management for Mac users before Apple discontinued Aperture in 2014. Though it’s no longer available, it influenced later software with its streamlined design. The year 2008 was also a breakthrough year for Nikon in both cameras as well as lenses. The Nikon D3 was Nikon’s first full-frame DSLR and revolutionised professional photography with its high ISO capabilities, exceptional low-light performance, and fast shooting speed (9 fps). It redefined what sports, action, and low-light photographers could achieve, setting a new benchmark for performance in a professional DSLR. It was awarded as BEST D-SLR PROFESSIONAL for setting this new standard. The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED redefined ultra-wide-angle lenses with its incredible sharpness, low distortion, and ability to maintain constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. TIPA awarded it as BEST PROFESSIONAL LENS. It became the go-to lens for landscape, architecture, and event photographers. Its superior optical performance at such wide angles was previously unheard of, setting a new standard for ultra-wide zooms in both DSLR and, later, mirrorless photography.

Adobe Lightroom 2, Canon EOS 5D Mark II & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G

Not long after Apple had launched Aperture, Adobe answered with Lightroom. The first version was a bit unfinished and looked like it was a rushed release to respond to Apple, but Adobe Lightroom 2 was a landmark release, introducing features like localised editing and improved workflow, making it the go-to software for photographers. TIPA awarded it BEST PHOTO SOFTWARE in 2009. Now called Lightroom Classic, it continues to shape the editing workflow for professional photographers, influencing nearly every modern photo-editing software. That same year the Canon EOS 5D Mark II was awarded BEST D-SLR EXPERT. The EOS 5D Mark II was the first full-frame DSLR with 1080p video recording. It was able to compete with hugely more expensive high-end digital movie cameras available that time. As a result of that price difference, its release significantly changed the world of independent filmmaking for many years. In August 2008 the Micro 4/3 System was introduced by Olympus and Panasonic. The new system uses the same sensor as Olympus 4/3 System, but removes the mirror box and uses an electronic viewfinder. Based on this new “mirrorless” system, Panasonic introduced the world’s first electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. It was also the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera. TIPA decided to award the G series as BEST DESIGN INNOVATION, rather than this first model in the series, because of the highly innovative nature of the system.

Blurb

Photo books printed using on demand printing services had been around for a while already, but in 2010 Blurb democratised the publishing and selling of photo books, making high-quality, customisable books accessible to amateurs and professionals alike, and providing a selling place for them. Its impact is notable for those in fine art photography, as it enabled the creation of tangible, personal portfolios. A few years later Blurb teamed up with Adobe, and added integration with Adobe Lightroom. TIPA awarded Blurb as BEST PHOTO SERVICE that year.

Pentax 645D, Nik Software, Sony SLT

The year 2011 saw innovations in several areas. The medium format Pentax 645D was awarded BEST DSLR PROFESSIONAL. Unlike most competing medium format DSLRs, which use a detachable digital camera back, the Pentax 645D had a fixed-back design, making it a remarkable compact and lightweight medium format camera, that handles much like a 35mm DSLR. The 40 Mpixel fixed back also allowed the Pentax 645D to be fully weather-sealed, making it the ideal medium format digital camera for outdoor photography. That same year Nik Software Complete Collection was introduced, which was awarded BEST PHOTO SOFTWARE. The Nik collection of Photoshop and Lightroom plugins introduced the unique ‘U-point’ technology, making it possible to add local adjustments to an image, without having to create complex masks or selections. This technology creates selections based on each pixel’s hue, saturation, brightness, and contrast. The plugins could also be used as stand alone applications. The Nik plugins are still available today, but were taken over by DxO and completely rewritten. A third remarkable award was for the Sony SLT, Translucent Mirror technology, awarded as BEST IMAGING INNOVATION. This technology can bee seen as a kind of ‘bridge’ between the traditional (D)SLR with its fast moving mirror, and the ‘mirrorless’ cameras of today that do not have a mirror at all anymore. Sony Single Lens Translucent (SLT) cameras have a stationary semi-translucent mirror inside the camera body. This mirror directs light to both the image sensor and Phase Detection auto focus sensor of the camera simultaneously. Since the mirror does not move, it allows the camera to maintain constant focus on the subject and enables continuous high-speed shooting as well as video recording.

Sony Alpha NEX-7, Canon EOS-1D X, Fujifilm X-Pro1, Sigma APO MACRO 180mm

By 2012, ‘mirrorless’ cameras were getting increased momentum. TIPA initially used the term ‘Compact System Cameras’ (CSC) for these types of cameras, as it sounded a bit strange to name a camera system after something it does not contain, but in later years the term ‘mirrorless’ became more widely used, and so TIPA adopted that too. The Sony Alpha NEX-7 was awarded BEST CSC EXPERT. Despite having a very small ‘rangefinder-style’ form-factor, the NEX-7 had the best image quality among any mirrorless interchangeable-lens compact camera which had been tested by DxO Labs. This APS-C format camera used the same lens mount as the full frame mirrorless Alpha series that was introduced two years later. DSLR was far from dead, however. Canon introduced a new professional DSLR line, starting with the Canon EOS-1D X, awarded BEST DSLR PROFESSIONAL that same year. The EOS-1D X replaced the two professional bodies from the previous line-up: the high-speed EOS-1D Mark IV which had a 1.3 crop factor and the full frame EOS-1Ds Mark III. The camera was built around an 18MP full-frame sensor, capable of shooting at 12fps with full AF. It offered a maximum ISO sensitivity of 204,800. The EOS-1D X line saw two more updates (EOS-1D X Mark II & III) before Canon’s Chairman and CEO Fujio Mitarai announced at the end of 2021 that no new DSLRs would be developed anymore. 2012 was also the year that Fujifilm introduced their highly successful Fujifilm X-Pro1, awarded BEST CSC PROFESSIONAL by TIPA. The camera was based on Fujifilm’s X-Trans sensor, which uses a different pattern of pixels than the Bayer sensors, in order to reduce moiré without the need for an AA filter. The unique hybrid viewfinder facilitates seamless switching between an optical and electronic view, catering to both traditionalists and modern shooters. Its retro aesthetic combined with cutting-edge performance made it a popular choice among street and travel photographers. And finally, Sigma was awarded for the Sigma APO MACRO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM as BEST EXPERT DSLR LENS. The 180mm focal length offers a significant working distance, which is advantageous for macro work. It allows photographers to stay further from subjects, like insects or shy wildlife, while still achieving full magnification. This focal length also compresses the background beautifully, enhancing the subject separation. The f/2.8 maximum aperture is exceptional for a macro lens of this focal length, allowing for better low-light performance and giving it the versatility for use in portrait photography. It also provides shallow depth of field, creating creamy, smooth bokeh.

Canon EOS-1D C

The Canon EOS-1D C was a groundbreaking camera that bridged the gap between photography and cinema, marking a significant moment in professional imaging. TIPA awarded it as BEST VIDEO DSLR in 2013. It was one of the first DSLRs to feature 4K video recording at 24p directly to onboard CF cards, revolutionising the way filmmakers approached production. Its ability to capture high-resolution stills and cinematic-quality video in a single device made it a versatile tool for professionals in both fields. The EOS-1D C set a new standard for hybrid cameras, influencing the development of modern filmmaking tools.

Canon EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, Sony Alpha 7R, Tamron SP 150–600mm

In 2014 a lens design was awarded that had never been seen before. The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, awarded as BEST PROFESSIONAL DSLR LENS, introduced a groundbreaking innovation: a built-in 1.4x extender that can be activated instantly, changing the focal range from 200-400mm to 280-560mm without needing to detach the lens or extender. This offers flexibility and convenience in fast-paced shooting environments where switching lenses or external extenders would cause delays. The optical quality remains superb even with the extender engaged. Strangely enough, Canon never introduced another lens based on this unique design. The Sony Alpha 7R, awarded BEST CSC PROFESSIONAL, was one of the first full-frame mirrorless cameras, which was revolutionary in terms of size, weight, and image quality for mirrorless systems. This camera played a significant role in establishing Sony as a dominant player in the professional camera market and marked the beginning of the transition from DSLRs to full-frame mirrorless cameras. It could take lenses from virtually any other DSLR camera brand, using an adapter such as the ones made by Metabones. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD, awarded as BEST EXPERT DSLR LENS, was a game-changer for making super-telephoto lenses accessible to a broader audience, particularly wildlife and sports enthusiasts. Its vibration control (VC) system provided stabilised shooting even at long focal lengths, and its relatively low price made super-telephoto zooms more affordable without significantly sacrificing performance.

Lytro Illum & Samsung NX1

“This is the camera of the future”, wrote one reviewer about the Lytro Illum in 2015, awarded by TIPA as BEST IMAGING INNOVATION. The Lytro Illum camera was a sensation because it introduced light field photography to the mainstream, allowing photographers to refocus images after they were taken. It captured the direction, colour, and intensity of light rays using a unique sensor, creating “living pictures” with interactive focus and depth adjustments. This groundbreaking technology redefined how images could be experienced and edited, offering unparalleled creative flexibility. While limited by resolution and niche appeal, the Lytro Illum sparked excitement about the future of computational photography and demonstrated the potential of light field technology for both art and science. Finally, the Samsung NX1, awarded BEST CSC PROFESSIONAL, was a significant milestone in photography, showcasing advanced technology in a compact, mirrorless system. It featured a 28.2MP APS-C BSI CMOS sensor, the first of its kind, delivering outstanding image quality with exceptional low-light performance. Its 15fps continuous shooting and advanced autofocus system, featuring 205 phase-detection points, made it a powerhouse for action photography. The NX1 also pioneered 4K video recording with high bitrate support, catering to hybrid shooters seeking professional-grade video capabilities. Its durable, weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body and intuitive touchscreen interface rivalled high-end DSLRs. Though Samsung eventually exited the camera market, the NX1 demonstrated how innovation in mirrorless technology could push the boundaries of professional photography and videography.

Leica SL & Nikon D5

The Leica SL, awarded BEST PREMIUM CAMERA in 2016, was Leica’s entry into the full-frame mirrorless market, offering unparalleled build quality, an incredibly sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF), and a focus on optical excellence. The SL system’s lenses, known for their precision and image quality, set new standards in mirrorless optics. DSLR was still going strong as well however, especially in the professional market. The Nikon D5 was awarded as BEST DSLR PROFESSIONAL / ACTION by TIPA. The Nikon D5 featured a 20.8MP full-frame CMOS sensor, enabling 12fps continuous shooting with full autofocus and exposure tracking. Its ISO range was expandable to an industry-leading 3,280,000. The 153-point autofocus system ensured precise tracking, ideal for sports, wildlife, and action photography.

Fujifilm GFX 50S & Panasonic LUMIX DC-GH5

In 2017 ‘mirrorless’ had arrived in medium format cameras as well, and the FUJIFILM GFX 50S, was awarded as BEST MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA by TIPA. The Fujifilm GFX 50S offers exceptional image quality in a compact and lightweight design. Its 51.4MP medium format sensor delivers unparalleled detail, dynamic range, and colour reproduction—ideal for landscapes, portraits, and commercial photography. Its modular design includes a detachable electronic viewfinder and customisable controls. The GFX 50S is equipped with Fujifilm’s renowned Film Simulation modes, enhancing creativity. Despite its medium format sensor, it maintains a portable form factor, making it a versatile tool that bridges the gap between studio and on-location shooting. It redefined accessibility and usability in the medium format market. ‘Hybrid’ cameras started to appear around 2017, and the Panasonic LUMIX DC-GH5 was a perfect example of that new breed of cameras. TIPA awarded it as BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTO/VIDEO CAMERA. It features a 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with no low-pass filter, ensuring sharp image quality. The GH5 revolutionised filmmaking with 4K video recording at 60fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, and support for anamorphic shooting, making it a favourite among videographers. Its dual image stabilisation system and high-speed autofocus excel in both video and still photography. The DC-GH5 set a new standard for mirrorless cameras, particularly in bridging the gap between professional video production and high-quality stills.

Tamron 18–400mm, DJI Mavic Air & DxO Photolab

Over the years quite a few very long zoom lenses had been introduced, but the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD was still a groundbreaking all-in-one zoom lens, offering an unparalleled 22.2x zoom range for APS-C cameras. TIPA awarded it as BEST DSLR SUPERZOOM LENS in 2018. It covers everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto, making it ideal for travel, wildlife, and everyday photography. Its compact and lightweight design makes it portable without sacrificing versatility. With a minimum focus distance of 45 cm (17.7 inches), it also excels at close-up photography. The 18-400mm lens was the first superzoom lens to combine convenience, reach, and good optical performance in one package. While not the world’s first consumer drone, the first DJI Mavic Air brought drone photography to the masses like no other drone model. TIPA awarded it as BEST CAMERA DRONE for that reason. The DJI Mavic Air delivers powerful performance and advanced features for both enthusiasts and professionals. It is capable of shooting stunning 4K video at 30fps and capturing detailed HDR photos. The Mavic Air has obstacle avoidance, intelligent flight modes like ActiveTrack and QuickShots, and a range of up to 4 km. It folds up and is light, so it’s easy to carry. The TIPA award for BEST IMAGING SOFTWARE went to a new kid on the block. DxO Photolab marked a significant evolution in photo editing by combining advanced RAW processing with powerful, user-friendly tools. Known for its DxO PRIME denoising algorithm, Photolab delivered exceptional noise reduction, especially in high-ISO images, while maintaining sharpness and detail. The software also offered excellent optical corrections using DxO’s extensive lens and camera database.

Sigma 60–600mm & L-Mount Alliance

In 2019 another remarkable superzoom received special recognition. The SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports was awarded BEST DSLR TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS. The Sigma 60-600mm is the world’s first 10x zoom lens that can reach from 60mm to 600mm, offering unparalleled versatility for sports and wildlife photographers. Despite its extensive range, it delivers impressive sharpness throughout the zoom, making it a one-lens solution for many professional and enthusiast photographers. Another development in lens design was that three companies joined forces to introduce a universal lens mount. Leica, Panasonic and Sigma received a SPECIAL INDUSTRY AWARD for their new L-Mount Alliance. Its significance lies in the flexibility it offers photographers, providing access to a wide range of cameras and lenses from all three brands, ensuring compatibility and expanding creative possibilities. It promotes innovation by pooling expertise and resources while giving users the freedom to mix and match equipment without being locked into a single ecosystem. The alliance reflects a shift toward openness and collaboration in the industry, benefiting both professionals and enthusiasts.

Panasonic LUMIX DC-S1H

The year 2020 was the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, but of course most products that received an award were introduced just before the world went in lockdown. The Panasonic LUMIX DC-S1H was awarded BEST FULL FRAME PHOTO/VIDEO CAMERA. It was one of the first L-mount cameras, designed specifically with videographers in mind. It was the first mirrorless camera to achieve Netflix certification, highlighting its cinematic capabilities. It features a 24.2MP full-frame sensor with Dual Native ISO, delivering excellent low-light performance and dynamic range. The S1H supports 6K video recording at 24fps, 4K at 60fps, and 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, making it a powerhouse for high-resolution video production, setting a new standard for video-centric cameras.

Sony Alpha 1, Nikon NIKKOR Z 14–24mm f/2.8 S & Sony ZV-1

In 2021 Sony introduced the Sony Alpha 1, awarded by TIPA as BEST FULL FRAME PROFESSIONAL CAMERA. The Sony Alpha 1 delivers a remarkable combination of 50.1MP resolution and 30 fps burst shooting, along with 8K video recording. Its versatility and ability to excel in multiple types of photography (sports, studio, and video) make it a highly innovative product, that set the standard for professional mirrorless cameras up to the introduction of its successor, end of 2024. Nikon was awarded the BEST WIDE ANGLE ZOOM LENS for the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S. The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is the successor of the highly acclaimed Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens, redesigned for Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless cameras. The lens is renowned for its sharpness, minimal distortion, and excellent edge-to-edge clarity, making it ideal for landscapes, architecture, astrophotography, and video. Vloggers were pleasantly surprised with the Sony ZV-1, awarded as BEST VLOGGER CAMERA. Specifically designed for vloggers and content creators, the Sony ZV-1 made high-quality video more accessible in a compact form. While not a traditional photography powerhouse, it showcases Sony’s innovation in meeting new content creation demands, indirectly shaping the photography and videography landscape.

Nikon Z 9, Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 & Canon EOS-R5 C

The year 2022 saw no less than three remarkable new professional cameras. The Nikon Z 9 was awarded as BEST FULL FRAME PROFESSIONAL CAMERA. It introduced several groundbreaking features, including the complete elimination of a mechanical shutter, relying entirely on a fast electronic shutter, a first for Nikon’s flagship cameras. It also introduced advanced AI autofocus, 120 fps burst shooting, and 8K video. The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6, awarded as BEST PROFESSIONAL 4K HYBRID CAMERA is a pivotal camera in the micro four-thirds ecosystem, notable for its video capabilities, such as 5.7K recording. It’s become popular with hybrid photo and video creators, showcasing how compact, adaptable cameras can compete with larger formats. And last but not least there was the Canon EOS-R5 C, awarded as BEST PROFESSIONAL 8K HYBRID CAMERA. The R5 C combines the features of the EOS R5 with full cinema video capabilities, making it an exceptional hybrid camera for both high-resolution photography and professional 8K video recording.

Adobe Content Authenticity Initiative & Sony FE 20–70mm F4 G

In this world of Generative AI, capable of creating images that look like real photographs and editing photographs in an unprecedented way, the world of photography needs tools to safeguard the credibility of real photos. Adobe Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), awarded by TIPA as BEST WORKFLOW PROVENANCE CONCEPT in 2023, is a vital effort to combat misinformation and build trust in digital media. It provides a secure framework to verify the authenticity of photos and other content by embedding metadata about their origin, editing history, and creators. For photographers, this ensures that their work is accurately attributed, preventing misuse or forgery. It helps audiences distinguish between authentic and manipulated images, fostering transparency in journalism, social media, and art. The Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G, awarded as BEST STANDARD ZOOM LENS offers a unique 20-70mm zoom range, providing a wider starting point than traditional 24-70mm zooms. This makes it particularly useful for landscape, architecture, and travel photography, where extra wide-angle capabilities are often needed. Its constant f/4 aperture and lightweight design make it versatile for video and stills shooting, particularly for content creators and vloggers.

Sony Alpha 9 mark III, Sigma 500mm F5.6 & Canon RF24–105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z

With the Alpha 9 mark III, Sony introduced the world’s first full frame camera with a global shutter in 2024. This eliminates the problem of the ‘rolling shutter’ distortion of moving objects, a very important advantage especially for video shooters. And it gives still shooters flash sync at any shutter speed up to 1/8000 sec. and a shooting speed of up to 120 fps. For this reason TIPA awarded the Alpha 9 mark III as BEST PROFESSIONAL HYBRID CAMERA. For many years the thought of using a 500mm lens handheld was unrealistic, but with optical stabilisation and the use of lightweight lens construction materials, new opportunities for sports, event, nature, and wildlife photographers have arrived with the SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports. This lens redefines ‘value for money’ in prime telephoto lenses, making it a more than worthy winner of BEST SUPER TELEPHOTO PRIME LENS. Another groundbreaking lens introduction was the Canon RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, awarded by TIPA as BEST HYBRID ZOOM LENS. This fast zoom signals the growing trend of the hybridisation of cameras. The lens offers minimum focus breathing and parafocality for videographers and also two types of Power Zoom adapters as optional accessories. Focusing is fast and nearly silent, and with an eleven-bladed aperture, out of focus areas are beautifully rendered in portraits and other close focusing compositions.