Each year, the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) selects the world’s best photographic gear. Recognised globally, these awards set the benchmark and recognise the best photographic gear on the market. The TIPA World Awards 2024 brings forth a dazzling array of cutting-edge cameras and lenses that redefine the art of visual storytelling. Let’s delve into the winners that have captured the imagination of photographers and videographers around the globe.
Best in camera:
Canon EOS R100
The EOS R100 is an exceptional entry-level camera, lauding its affordability, compact design, and versatility. Positioned as an entry point into the connected camera ecosystem, it offers compatibility with a vast array of interchangeable lenses. Boasting features such as an ISO range extending up to 12,800 for excellent low-light performance, advanced auto subject and eye detection AF, and a continuous shooting speed of 6.5fps, it caters to a wide range of shooting scenarios. Moreover, its connectivity features, including wireless image transfer and remote control via the Canon Connect app, make it an attractive option for aspiring content creators and a perfect companion for globetrotters.
Sony Alpha 6700
The Sony Alpha 6700 caters to content creators seeking versatile still and videomaking capabilities. Inspired by Sony’s Cinema Line series, it boasts real-time tracking in both video and still modes, an 11 fps still rate, and impressive low-light performance with AI-powered autofocus up to -3EV. Unique features include AI-driven auto-framing for vlogging, diverse time lapse settings, and seamless connectivity with USB and WiFi for streaming and sharing. Its HEIF format preserves image quality while conserving space, ideal for high-frame rate video and burst modes.
Nikon Z F
TIPA lauded the 24.5MP Nikon Z f for its fusion of classic design and modern tech. With its retro SLR look and versatile still/video features, it captivates both young and seasoned photo enthusiasts. Precision dials and a flip switch ensure intuitive control, while a vari-angle LCD and pentaprism-style OLED offer enhanced framing options. Its advanced video capabilities, including UHD 4K 30p and Full HD 120p recording, along with connectivity features like SnapBridge, Bluetooth, and WiFi, make it ideal for vlogging and creative shooting.
Fujifilm X100VI
The Fujifilm X100VI earned its place in the TIPA Awards for its exceptional blend of performance and portability. With a 40-megapixel sensor, it delivers stunning imaging performance and cropping flexibility, all while retaining the classic good looks of its predecessors. The addition of IBIS enhances its low-light shooting capabilities, while the ‘X Processor 5’ engine improves autofocus, shooting speeds, and video recording. Moreover, its AI-based object recognition extends to detect a wide range of subjects, making it a versatile choice for photographers seeking both quality and convenience.
Fujifilm GFX100 II
The Fujifilm GFX100 II stands out as a remarkable addition to the TIPA Awards due to its unique combination of features. With a larger sensor and the convenience of Fujifilm’s G mount mirrorless cameras, it offers high-end performance. The Mark II model enhances versatility with faster continuous shooting, HEIF capture, improved IBIS, and an upgraded AF system. Moreover, its suite of video features, including 8k/30p recording and internal Apple ProRes recording, competes with higher-priced cinema cameras. As a result, the GFX100 II earns the title of an “all-rounder” in the digital medium format realm.
Best in lenses:
Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens was recognised by the TIPA Awards for its ability to provide photographers with a unique view of the world. With an equivalent focal length of 15-27mm on APS-C cameras and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lightweight and compact lens is perfect for travel, nature photography, and capturing sweeping perspectives with deep depth of field. Its versatility extends to video capture, thanks to its high-speed focus and smooth recording capabilities. With a minimum focusing distance of 11.6 cm and available in various mounts, it’s an ideal companion for photographers seeking innovative image capture.
Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS
The TIPA Awards recognised this telephoto lens for its remarkable attributes essential for professionals. With steadiness at lower shutter speeds, versatility in focusing modes, and lightweight design, it’s ideal for sports, events, and wildlife photography. Its 11-blade diaphragm creates stunning bokeh effects, while maintaining impressive resolution and sharpness even with tele-converters. Featuring fast, reliable, and quiet operation, along with three optical stabilisation modes, it ensures precise image capture. Weighing just 1.45 kg and measuring 26cm, it offers balanced and smooth handling for both handheld and tripod use in capturing video or stills.
Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS Sports
The Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS | Sports lens, recognised by the TIPA Awards, revolutionises handheld photography with its optical stabilisation and lightweight construction. Made from Thermally Stable Composite and magnesium, it’s both robust and splash-resistant. SIGMA’s OS2 stabilisation algorithm provides up to 5.0 stops of image stabilisation, enabling photographers to shoot at slower shutter speeds and narrower apertures without compromising image quality. With two stabilisation modes in the Intelligent OS, it’s ideal for various shooting scenarios, including panning and sports action.
Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
Nikon’s ‘Plena’ lens received recognition at the TIPA Awards for its exceptional qualities. Designed for various photography genres, including commercial, wedding, portrait, landscape, and nature, it received praise worldwide. Renowned for its buttery bokeh, edge-to-edge brightness, and minimal ghosting and flare, thanks to special elements and coatings, the lens offers customisable controls and function buttons for smooth aperture transitions and outstanding autofocus performance, making it a favourite among cinematographers.
Tamron 17-50mm f/4 DI III VXD
This full-frame Sony E-Mount lens stands out for its exceptional performance in both video and still photography, earning it recognition and acclaim. Its versatile ultra wide to normal zoom range makes it ideal for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from travel and landscape photography to videography. Despite its powerful capabilities, it remains lightweight and compact, making it convenient to carry around. Additionally, its close focusing ability adds a layer of creativity, allowing photographers to capture stunning images from as close as 19 cm at the wide end. The lens maintains sharp video quality thanks to its fixed barrel and internal zoom, making it compatible with gimbals for smooth filming. Its VXD autofocus system ensures fast and silent focusing, guaranteeing accuracy in every shot. Designed for outdoor use, it boasts weather resistance, further enhancing its suitability for various shooting conditions. Moreover, it supports the Tamron Lens Utility, enabling photographers to customise settings tailored specifically for videography, thus expanding their creative possibilities. This lens’s exceptional features and performance make it a deserving recipient of awards and accolades in the photography industry.
Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
This lens embodies a perfect blend of features tailored to meet the diverse needs of both video and still photographers, marking a significant stride in the evolution of camera technology towards hybridisation. It caters to a wide range of shooting scenarios, from dynamic news coverage to capturing the timeless moments of weddings and events, as well as personal projects undertaken in various environments. Specifically designed to minimise focus breathing and offer electronic parfocal performance, it caters to the meticulous demands of videographers. Additionally, it provides versatility with two optional Power Zoom adapters. Enhanced by dual Nano USM motors, the lens ensures swift and virtually silent focusing, even in challenging low-light conditions. Its in-lens optical image stabilisation system delivers an impressive 5.5-stop advantage, which extends to a remarkable 8 stops when paired with Canon’s Coordinated IS on compatible cameras featuring In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS). Furthermore, photographers benefit from full-time manual focus control via a dedicated aperture ring, enabling seamless adjustments on the go. With an eleven-bladed aperture configuration, this lens beautifully renders out-of-focus areas, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of portraits and close-up compositions.
Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Tailored for the discerning nature, wildlife, and sports photographers, this long-range zoom lens encompasses an extensive focal length range, rapid autofocus capabilities, and an STM motor ensuring discreet and seamless video recording. Its robust construction, complemented by weather-sealing and a fluorine lens coating, guarantees durability in challenging conditions, with the added convenience of minimised lens wiping. Recognising the significance of nuanced features in professional gear, the TIPA editors laud this super telephoto lens for its compatibility with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, maintaining a consistent lens size during zooming, and requiring only a 70-degree turn to reach maximum focal length. With a remarkable 5.5 EV image stabilisation, photographers can capture crisp shots even in dynamic environments. Further enhancing usability are the array of on-lens controls for effortless mode switching and settings adjustment, ensuring seamless operation in the field.
Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 DI III VC VXD G2
The TIPA editors commend this zoom lens for its comprehensive optical redesign, positioning it as a flagship within Tamron’s latest generation that harnesses Sony E-Mount mirrorless technology. This lens stands out for its compatibility with Eye AF, Fast Hybrid AF, and AF Assist, bolstered by an enhanced VXD motor. Impressively compact and lightweight compared to its counterparts, it enhances on-the-go photography and excels in close-up performance across all focal lengths. Its linear motor operates quietly and swiftly, making it particularly suitable for video applications, while Tamron’s VC image stabilisation ensures crisp imagery in diverse shooting conditions. Specialised lens elements effectively minimise aberrations and flare for pristine image quality. Moreover, with the support of the Tamron Lens Utility, users can tailor settings tailored to videography or craft personalised presets, making it a versatile tool for both still and video shooting endeavours.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II
This updated iteration of the classic focal length introduces a host of cutting-edge focusing and tracking technologies within a more compact and lightweight body. Distinguished as the first zoom lens in its category to offer half-macro capability across its entire zoom range, this lens achieves full macro capabilities when paired with the 2x teleconverter. Its enhanced close-focusing ability, facilitated by a floating focusing element, allows for a minimum focusing distance of 26 cm at 70 mm, producing stunning bokeh effects complemented by the rounded 9-bladed diaphragm. Videographers benefit from the addition of a new Direct Manual Focus feature, enabling quick adjustments via the focus ring in AF modes. The lens is further bolstered by four XD linear motors, ensuring precise focus tracking while zooming, thereby guaranteeing sharpness in both still photography and video. Sony’s OSS (Optical Steady Shot) collaborates seamlessly with the camera body’s stabilisation system, providing invaluable support in challenging lighting conditions.
The TIPA World Awards 2024 celebrate the very best in photo and video gear, showcasing the groundbreaking cameras and lenses that redefine the art of visual storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, these award-winning products are poised to elevate your creative journey to new heights of excellence and innovation.
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