Every year at about this time the Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA) votes on the latest cameras, lenses, scanners, printers, software and other imaging-related products, and publishes the results in each categoy. TIPA consists of writers and editors of photo and imaging magazines, publications and web sites in Europe and the UK. As with the Grammys, Tonys, and Oscars, the TIPA awards for the year's best imaging products range from no-brainers to choices might just be a bit controversial, which makes for fine water-cooler conversation but also has sales and financial ramifications for the manufacturers of the awarded products--as well as for those who didn't make the cut.
Let's take a look at all 36 winners, along with my sometimes curmudgeonly (but always respectful) response. Do I agree with TIPA that every winner is the best in its category? Of course not--where would the entertainment be in that? Let the debate begin!
Best D–SLR Entry Level
Nikon D40x
TIPA says: "With a resolution of 10 megapixels and a sensitivity range from 100 to 3200 ISO, the Nikon D40x is an excellent D-SLR for those entering the world of digital photography, with superb image quality and a very fast shutter response. In a kit package with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens, it comes with many advanced features and offers a shooting rate of up to three frames per second. The D40x is light, compact and boasts a high quality 2.5in LCD display for camera set-up and image review."
Resnick responds: Yes, the D40x is a fine camera with excellent quality but it has one much-discussed fault: with the Nikon D40 and now the D40x, the autofocus engine has, for the first time in Nikon AF history, been removed from the camera body, and all autofocusing must be done by the lens. As a result, older lenses and most third-party models will not autofocus on the D40x! My choice? The Canon Digital Rebel XTi. It has darn near everything the D40x has (including the resolution) and all Canon branded and off-brand AF lenses will focus with it. Runners-up? The D40x (because other than the AF bugaboo, it's a worthy contender), and the Pentax K100D, which has all that, plus shake-reduction technology and a rock-bottom price.
Best D–SLR Expert
Pentax K10D
TIPA says: "With a rugged build quality featuring no less than 72 weather and dust seals, the Pentax K10D offers a solid specification: 10MP sensor, image stabilization; 11-point autofocus system; sensitivity range from 100 to 1600 ISO; high definition RAW mode plus JPEG; sensor cleaning system and interchangeable viewfinder screens. The ergonomics have been expertly designed, making the camera a useful tool in the field for the enthusiast photographer. Including an 18 - 55mm lens and coming in at a price under 1000 euros, this D-SLR represents a genuine, high quality alternative to some more expensive professional camera bodies."
Resnick responds: A reasonable choice, given that the competitive set (Canon D30, Nikon D200 and Olympus Evolt 330, all outstanding cameras) is getting a bit long in the tooth. The Olympus offers the best bang for the buck but the Pentax is not far behind. I like the fact that the Pentax has built-in stabilization (a feature Nikon and Canon would be wise to add to future DSLR bodies), and its waterproofing sets it apart. Well-chosen, TIPA.
Best D–SLR Professional
Canon EOS-1D Mark III
TIPA says: "This is an impressive D-SLR that shoots at a staggering 10 frames per second with a full resolution of 10MP. It also offers an 19-point autofocus system, a weather-sealed body, a triple mode sensor cleaning system, a permanent Live View mode and a full complement of user-defined custom functions. All this adds up to greater control and enhanced creativity for the working photographer, making the Canon EOS-1D Mark III the ideal tool for professional sport, action and wildlife photography."
Resnick responds: Okay, if you're a sports shooter, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III is definitely the camera to have--if you work for a newspaper, make sure your editor equips you with this camera for every game you cover henceforth. But don't discount the Nikon D2Xs with its 12.4MP CMOS sensor, or the high bang for the buck, Nikon-mounted Fujifilm Finepix S5 if you do photojournalism or studio work.
Best Medium Format Digital System
Hasselblad H3D, series
TIPA says: "Developed around a new digital camera engine, the H3D series is Hasselblad´s most recent D-SLR for professional photographers. The new H3D design has also made possible the launch of a new 28mm lens, designed and optimised for digital image capture. The H3D is available in three configurations – the H3D-39 and H3D-22 utilise a high-resolution 48x36mm sensor with 39 and 22 megapixel resolution, and the H3D-31 features an ISO 800 sensitivity, 31 megapixel 44x33mm sensor and a fast shooting rate of up to 1.2secs per image."
Resnick responds: Don't forget the Leaf Aptis system, which also offers ultra-high resolution results and is in the similar if-you-have-to-ask-you-don't-have-adequate-financing price range. It may not have the Hassy cachet, but it does have pro studio must-have features; don't overlook this Leaf.
Best Rangefinder Digital Camera
Leica M8
TIPA says: "The Leica M8 digital rangefinder camera combines Leica tradition in optical and mechanical components with latest digital technology, and fully preserves the look and feel of the M-Family. The M8 features a 10.3 Megapixel CCD sensor, and images can be recorded on SD Card in JPEG or DNG file formats. A 6-Bit-Code on the M-Lenses enables the M8 to optimize image processing specifically for each lens. The 2.5in LCD provides RGB histogram and clipping information, and the new shutter sports a top speed of 1/8000sec and a flash sync of 1/250sec."
Resnick responds: No contest--and no competition! Despite the Leica M8's early problem (its sensor's infrared sensitivity resulted in black fabric in photos taking on a purplish color cast) the camera's been embraced by serious photojournalists. Anyone, besides doctors,lawyers, dentists, and Jason Schneider interested in film rangefinder cameras any more?
Best Ultra Compact Digital Camera
Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd
TIPA says: "The Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd is a compact, technological marvel that combines elegant design with a host of practical features. On top of its Face Detection system, it offers a 6MP Super CCD HR sensor, a top sensitivity of 1600 ISO and an innovative “with and without flash” feature which shoots two pictures in quick succession and allows the user to choose the best. All the Z5fd’s features are dedicated to producing the best possible result for the enthusiast, and to cap it all, this fast, responsive and easy-to-use ultra-compact is on sale at a very attractive price."
Resnick responds: Another good choice, and I'm glad to see TIPA isn't blinded by the trend towards tiny cameras with more pixels than necessary. 6MP is enough for the target user; more is overkill and can adversely affect overall image quality. However, I prefer the Casio Exilim EX-Z60, which offers similar basic features, looks kinda cool, and unlike the FinePix Z5fd, is available now.
Best Compact Digital Camera
Nikon Coolpix P5000
TIPA says: "The Nikon P5000 brings the creative controls of a D-SLR into the body of a compact camera. It is designed with a prominent grip for stable shooting, and features both an optical viewfinder and a large 2,5 inch LCD that offers an excellent display for image composition and review. For the seasoned photographer, the MASP modes are fast to access, making this camera feel more like a D-SLR in operation. The hotshoe is i-TTL compatible and works fluently with the SB400, SB600 and SB800 Speedlights. To deliver quality images, the P5000 boasts a 10MP sensor, a 36 - 126mm (equivalent) f/2.7-5.3 zoom lens and the Vibration Reduction optical stabilizer."
Resnick responds: Sure, the Nikon has lots of DSLR-like creative controls but it also has enough pixels on its minuscule sensor to gag an equine, resulting in a high signal-to-noise ratio which translates into golfball-sized digital grain. At $390, you might as well buy a low-end DSLR, whose larger sensor will produce higher-quality images and will give you more lens options. If you're gonna buy a compact that's part of a system and has an optica viewfinder, try the 9MP Fujifilm FinePix E900, which costs around $150 less but also has a hot shoe and a couple of accessory lenses (although it still has too many pixels for such a small sensor). Again, for a relatively small amount more, you can upgrade to a DSLR, which will give you better overall image quality. At $490, the 10MP Canon Powershot G-7 is a distant third choice.
Best Superzoom Digital Camera
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3
TIPA says: "With a 10x Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens equivalent to 28-280mm, the small Lumix DMC-TZ3 provides a new step forward in the battle against blur. Stabilizers can compensate for camera shake, but not for the movement of the subject in low light conditions. Combining the well-known Mega O.I.S. optical stabilizer with the new Intelligent ISO Control feature, Panasonic offers a world-first solution to capture sharp images in most lighting conditions. The camera’s image-processing Venus Engine III is able to detect the movements of the subject and, if necessary, it automatically raises the ISO sensitivity to let the shutter work at a faster speed."
Resnick responds: While the Panasonic Lumix line has a growing and dedicated following, and the DMC-TZ3 has an attractive price of just under $300, the Lumix line in general has been plagued by grain. There are several very capable superzoom cameras that I'd have chosen over the Panasonic. The Fujifilm IS-1, for instance, is a 10.7x zoom camera that can capture the infrared spectrum, which is great for both scientific and creative use, so if you're willing to spend nearly $800 you can get its extensive feature set. I'm also surprised the Panasonic was chosen over the $475 Olympus SP-550UZ. Want a superzoom? It's got an 18x optical zoom (28-504mm 35mm equivalent)!
Best Multimedia Camera
Samsung i7
TIPA says: "After first inventing the multimedia camera, Samsung have now perfected the concept. The i7 is a slim, high quality 7 megapixel camera equipped with a 3x optical zoom, face recognition, a shake reduction system and 14 shooting modes. It is also a camcorder, an MP3 and multimedia player, a text viewer, a voice recorder and a portable storage drive. Rotate the 3in LCD touch screen display and you will find the feature you need. Exclusive too is the World Tour Guide: 4000 nuggets of information and images from 30 countries in a user-friendly graphical interface."
Resnick responds: Although it's not yet available here, the Samsung i7 has lots of features that gadget heads will love. Credit Samsung for inventing an intriguing new category.
Best Entry Level Lens
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF ED
TIPA says: "This new 3.6x telephoto zoom lens from Nikon makes the Vibration Reduction image stabilisation system available to everyone. This feature compensates for the image blurring caused by camera shake, which is particularly prevalent when hand-holding with telephoto zooms. Thanks to the VR mode, it is possible to shoot sharp images with up to 3 stops less light, so for the enthusiast, an aperture of f/5.6 behaves more like f/2.0. This lens, the perfect complement for the standard 18-55mm model, is made with 15 elements (one with extra low dispersion ED glass), and seven diaphragm blades form a near circular aperture to reduce diffraction significantly."
Resnick responds: Finally! A low-priced (around $250) Nikon zoom with built-in Vibration Reduction. Given that neither Nikon nor Canon build stabilization into their entry-level cameras, and Pentax and Sony do--and both Nikon and Canon's IS lenses cost hundreds of dollars more--Nikon had to come up with an inexpensive VR lens just to stay competitive. Are you listening, Canon?
Best Expert Lens
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro
TIPA says: "Why make it complex, when you can make it simple and still enjoy superb quality? For this telephoto macro lens, Sigma has used a very simple optical design, but has developed and included two decisive ingredients – a group of floating elements and the new SML multiple surface coating. The result is an excellent macro lens that’s purpose-built for D-SLRs with APS-C sized sensors. And there’s more: chromatic aberration is absent, distortion and vignetting are invisible, and the optics achieve a 1:1 reproduction ratio at the minimum focusing distance of 25cm. A great reference lens at an affordable price."
Resnick responds: While the 70mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro is a fine lens for serious closeup work, I respectfully submit that another Sigma lens, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Macro is an excellent value for enthusiasts (another word for "experts") that offers a wider range of focal lengths than the fixed-focal-length 70. One of the key attractions of this lens is its f/2.8 wide aperture, which remains constant through the zoom range--a pro-friendly feature. While 1:3 magnification may fall a bit short of true macro, this lens is an excellent choice if you own a digital SLR with a smaller-than-35mm sensor....and most enthusiasts fall into this range. (If you're an enthusiast with a full-sized sensor, you might want to consider the next item...)
Best Professional Lens
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM
TIPA says: "The new Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM has been redesigned to deliver higher contrast levels and improved resolving power to the professional user. To ensure edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast throughout the focal range, the weatherproof lens includes three types of aspherical lens elements (ground, replicated and glass moulded). Two UD lens elements offset chromatic aberration and Supra Spectra coatings suppress flare and ghosting, completing the all-new optical setup. The AF-system provides improved autofocus algorithms and passes distance information to E-TTL II flash units. To round off, a near circular aperture allows for superb rendition of out-of-focus areas."
Resnick responds: Call me crazy, but I love Lensbabies! While previous incarnations didn't let users lock in focusing and special effects, the Lensbabies 50mm 3G got it right, with lock-in focus and effects...and has been rapidly adopted as the special-effects lens of choice by professional photographers looking to emulate the view camera look. So yeah, the Canon 16-35mm lens is possibly the best photojournalism lens on the planet, but sometimes even shooters gotta have fun.
Best Prestige Camera
Ricoh Caplio GX100
TIPA says: "The Ricoh Caplio GX100 is one of the very few digital compact cameras with a true wide-angle zoom lens, starting at 24mm (35mm film equivalent). The optional wide conversion lens enables users to shoot 19mm ultra wide-angle photography. The Caplio GX100 is also the first digital camera to support a removable electronic viewfinder. This option is great for photography in bright, outdoor environments, while still offering 100% viewfinder coverage without parallax error and multi information display similar to a LCD monitor."
Resnick Responds: I work for Adorama, and Adorama is the exclusive distributor for Ricoh cameras in the U.S. I realize that creates a conflict of interest, so I'll recuse myself from commenting on this category--except to say that I wrote a review of the the Ricoh GR Digital, which is the GX100's sister model; as a Leica-weaned street photographer, I liked it.
Best Innovative Design
Olympus µ 770 SW
TIPA says: "The Olympus µ 770 SW compact succeeds in combining a heavy-duty body with an elegant design. But the all-metal finish isn’t merely cosmetic – it can withstand loads of up to 100kg, can be submerged to a depth of 10 metres, can survive falls up to 1.5 metres and still keeps shooting at a temperature of –10°C! With its stylish casing and all-round good looks, the µ 770 SW is as happy in a designer handbag just as much as it is in an outdoor photographer’s camera bag. An entirely unique design, it offers a great range of features beyond its rugged build, including a 3x zoom lens (38-114mm equivalent), a 7 megapixel sensor, and Olympus’ excellent BrightCapture Technology, which allows sharp, high-quality images to be taken in low-light conditions."
Resnick Responds: We've seen this design before: the periscope-style internal-zoom lens in a pocket-sized camera. What's innovative here is that the camera's ape-proof. It can be submerged, dropped, banged around and frozen and it'll keep shooting. For its durability and ability to withstand extreme conditions, I agree with TIPA: the Olympus Stylus 770 SW (that's what we call it on this side of the pond) is a winner.
Best Multifunction Photo Printer
Canon PIXMA MP810
TIPA says: "The Canon PIXMA MP810 Photo All-In-One offers consumers a versatile device that can deliver 9600x2400ppi color scans, and can produce a photo-lab quality 4x6in borderless photo in approximately 21 seconds. The five-tank ChromaLife100 ink system supplies long-lasting prints, while the individual ink tanks feature Smart LED lights to alert the user to low ink levels. The MP810 is also easy to use. Canon has reduced the number of buttons by approximately half compared to competing multifunction models."
Resnick responds: The Pixma is a respectable machine and its high resolution color scans are a plus. However, the Epson RX580 can do almost everything the Pixma MP810 can, and costs about $100 less. The only difference, which is key for some but not for most, is that the scan resolution is a lower (5760x1440), which is still good enough for sharp 100 percent copies and scans. Unless you need the resolution, I'd say the Epson's the best in its class--for now.
Best Storage Back-up
Epson Multimedia Storage Viewer P-5000
TIPA says: "The Epson P-5000 Photo Viewer offers 80GB of storage capacity and a large, 4in LCD based on Epson Photo Fine Ultra LCD technology. Besides JPEG and RAW files, a variety of video and audio formats are also supported, making this a true multimedia device. The Epson P-5000 displays 24-bit color images with up to 16.7 million colors, and compatibility with both sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces allow for a more accurate display. The P-5000 provides SD and CF card slots plus a USB 2.0 interface, which allows for fast transfer to and from a PC."
Resnick responds: If the Epson P-5000's $600-plus pricetag is too rich for your blood, consider Digital Foci's $430 Picture Porter Elite 80. It has a 3.6-inch LCD monitor, can store JPEG, TIFF, BMP, GIF and RAW as well as the usual music and video files. While the Epson's still the winner, I think the Picture Porter Elite 80 is a close second. (It would be nice if TIPA gave runner-up awards next year.)
Unchallenged Categories
OK, so I don't know everything. Here are winners in categories where I simply haven't had enough experience to comment. But if you have experience with any of the products below, Email your expert opinions to me, and I just may post them (along with links to your web site if applicable). Don't forget to include the category and model you're talking about, as well as your alternate choice if you have any. (If you just want to say you agree with TIPA's selection, that's fine too.)
Best Flatbed Photo Scanner
HP Scanjet G4050
TIPA says: "The Hewlett-Packard Scanjet G4050 gives superior color accuracy and photo reproduction, thanks to its innovative 6-color, 96-bit scanning engine. It scans up to sixteen 35 mm slides or 30 negative frames, and also can scan other film sizes using a built-in adapter. Dust and scratches on the film are removed at the touch of a button, and faded color is corrected using the included software. The Scanjet G4050 even automatically removes red eye and enhances details in dark photos using HP Real Life technologies."
Best Small Format Photo Printer
Canon SELPHY ES1
TIPA says: "The Canon SELPHY ES1 sports a new all-in-one ink and media cassette, with one-touch operation for greater ease of use. This convenient system also reduces the risk of spoiled prints, because the paper is not exposed to dust. The SELPHY ES1 incorporates Canon’s DIGIC II image processor, based on the same technology used in Canon’s professional digital SLRs, for near-instant start up and fast operation. A new print head controller allows the SELPHY ES1 to achieve a class-leading print resolution for dye-sublimation printers of 300x600dpi."
Best Expert Photo Printer
Epson Stylus Pro 3800
TIPA says: "The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 is a 17in wide printer using new photographic screening technology. Epson UltraChrome K3 Ink technology features three-level Black ink, along with new color pigments. A 1-in print head allows both photo and matte Black ink to be installed and switched automatically. The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 handles print sizes from 4x6 up to 17x22in and is capable of handling media up to 1.5mm thick plus a single-sheet feeder optimized for fine art papers."
Best Large Format Printer
HP Designjet Z3100
TIPA says: "The HP Designjet Z3100 Photo Printer is a professional printer available in 24 or 44in models. The 12-ink printing system with HP Vivera pigment inks improves gamut, durability and printing quality in color as well as in black & white. Color control and reproduction is improved due to the embedded spectrophotometer with X-Rite i1 color technology, which allows the printer to calibrate color reproduction in an automated process. In addition to this, the HP Designjet provides a complete coverage of standards for color accuracy in pre-press applications."
Best Fine Art Inkjet Paper
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320
TIPA says: "Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320 FineArt Paper is a natural white, OBA-free, pure cotton rag paper with a soft, smooth surface combined with the innovative Hahnemühle pearl coating. The paper features a high Dmax and a large color gamut that enables the reproduction of the finest color and black & white images. Due to the exclusive use of cotton rag this premium paper is extremely age-resistant and complies with the highest conservational standards."
Best Imaging Storage Media
Lexar Professional 300x CompactFlash
TIPA says: "The new Lexar Professional 300x CompactFlash provides high-speed memory card performance for professional photographers and photo enthusiasts. The Lexar Professional 300x CF memory cards increase card-to-computer transfer rates when paired with an UDMA-enabled reader, improve functionality of the latest rapid-fire D-SLR cameras and provide support for the next generation of high-resolution UDMA-enabled digital cameras. The read/write speed goes up to 300x (45MB/sec) in all capacities and available in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB storage sizes."
Best Imaging Innovation
Samsung Smart Touch User Interface
TIPA says: "This new user interface offers an ingenious and rapid solution for changing camera modes and settings. Instead of the familiar approach, where buttons often need to be pushed a number of times to alter and confirm a choice, Samsung camera models featuring Smart Touch allow the photographer to change settings by touching the switch next to, say, the ISO screen icon, and then simply stroking a finger along the row of touch-sensitive pads to select the desired speed. With a matrix of seven horizontal and six vertical pads, it’s fast, efficient, accurate and a real joy to use."
Best Photo Software
Apple Aperture 1.5
TIPA says: "Apple Aperture 1.5 is a high quality, all-in-one post production tool for photographers, that makes shooting in RAW as easy as shooting in JPEG. It features sophisticated file management including ‘Smart Albums’ for automatic searching, comprehensive RAW image support and non-destructive image editing for JPEG and TIFF files. New adjustment options in Aperture 1.5 include a luminance-based Edge Sharpen filter for high-quality sharpening, and a color tool that lets photographers tune the hue, saturation and luminance of specific color ranges within each image."
Best Color Management System
X-Rite i1PhotoLT
TIPA says: "The X-Rite i1PhotoLT offers RGB color management for professionals and high- end enthusiasts. The multi-purpose Spectrophotometer device can be used for color calibration and ICC profiling of CRT, LCD and notebook displays plus all printers capable of printing RGB data. The system comes with hardware and i1-Match 3.6 software, and a backup board allows test charts to be scanned, too. The i1PhotoLT enables users to build a consistent color management workflow and can be upgraded to include CMYK capabilities, or profiling of digital cameras, scanners and projectors."
Best Accessory
Manfrotto 190XPROB
TIPA says: "The innovative design of the 190XPROB allows photographers to quickly switch the tripod’s centre column from a vertical to a horizontal position. This is important for macro and nature photographers, and previous versions required the centre column to be unscrewed prior to horizontal placement – a time consuming process. This new model allows the switch to be completed in seconds, and there’s also a refined leglock system to further improve use in the field."
Best Expert c
Casio XJ-S35
TIPA says: "This new projector from Casio boasts a slimline body just 43mm thick, and offers a great fusion of portability and technology for photo presentations. Ultra-compact yet powerful (2000ANSI lumen), it can create slick photo shows directly from USB drives and can also add WiFi connectivity through an optional adaptor. Its native XGA resolution is more than adequate for data and image display, and it benefits from a motorised 2x zoom lens which adjusts easily and quickly in any projection environment."
Best Pro Photo Projector
JVC DLA-HD1
TIPA says: "The JVC DLA-HD1 is a full HD (1920 x 1080) front projector with a native contrast ratio of 15,000:1, which is the industry’s highest native contrast ratio without the use of an iris. The new optical engine dramatically improves the precision of light polarization, preventing light leakage into the projection lens, thus allowing the closest so far to true black reproduction. The DLA-HD1 offers a 2x zoom lens, a lens shift mechanism, and front fan intake and exhaust for placement flexibility."
Best Digital Accessory
Delkin SensorScope
TIPA says: "Delkin’s innovative SensorScope enables photographers to check their digital camera sensor to see if it needs cleaning, or to see if a cleaning action was successful. Up until now, the latter was only possible by taking a picture of a white surface and checking this on the computer, making cleaning a frustrating process. The SensorScope provides a 5x magnification lens and 4 ultra-bright LED lights, which are focused to completely illuminate the field of inspection."
Best Film
Kodak Portra II
TIPA says: "The latest series of Portra by Kodak includes four color negative professional films that offer fine grain, excellent resolving power and superb color precision. These four films are the Portra 160 NC and VC, and the Portra 400 NC and VC. With both NC films, photographers can get the ultimate in neutrality, with accurate, lifelike colors, and with the VC versions, there’s the opportunity to exploit enhanced color brilliancy thanks to the superior contrast on offer. First created for portrait photographers, these films are also a popular choice with photo journalists who choose silver halide to document the world."
Best Expert Camcorder
JVC HD Everio GZ-HD7
TIPA says: "The JVC Everio GZ-HD7 is a consumer-level High Definition 3-CCD camcorder capable of shooting and recording full HD images (1920x1080i). Because JVC’s pixel-shift system uses progressive scan CCDs, signals are processed first as 1920x1080p progressive signals, then converted to 1920x1080i interlace signals for recording. As a result, the system records a higher resolution HD image than an interline (IL) CCD system. To accentuate the image quality, the GZ-HD7 features a Fujinon lens normally used in broadcast video cameras, and this is the first time such a lens has been used in a consumer camcorder."
Best Pro Camcorder
Sony HDR-FX7E
TIPA says: "The Sony HDR-FX7E camcorder extends the benefits of 1080-line full HD shooting to a wide range of applications. Its HDMI interface allows digital connection of uncompressed High Definition video and audio signals to HD-ready televisions and other displays via a single cable. The Sony FX7E marks the first-ever use of 3ClearVid CMOS Sensor technology, a process that uses a new pixel distribution to achieve higher resolution and increased sensitivity (4 lux minimum), boosting resolution, sensitivity and color accuracy compared with conventional sensors."
Best Mobile Imaging Device
Nokia N95
TIPA says: "The Nokia N95 is a small mobile wonder and a camera as well. The Carl Zeiss Tessar 5.3mm f/2.8 autofocus lens (35mm equivalent) and the 1/2.5in CMOS 5MP (2592x1944) sensor combine to make sharp, large prints. The adoption of a real mechanical shutter from 1/3 to 1/1000sec lets light hit the pixels instantly, thus avoiding distortions of moving subjects. The Zeiss lens focuses down to 10cm and, if needed, the 20x digital zoom helps the user get closer to distant subjects. The N95 saves images on a microSD card, and edits and transfers them over WLAN, USB or Bluetooth. Beyond other top audio, video and web capabilities, the GPS functionality makes it possible to check street maps in more than 100 countries."
Best Digital Minilab
Fujifilm Frontier 550
TIPA says: "Fujifilm’s Frontier 550 digital lab system delivers up to 1200 prints (4R size) per hour in spite of its compact size. Its dry-to-dry processing time is only one minute and 22 seconds, which brings total processing time for a single order of 24 prints down to only 2 minutes and 24 seconds. This performance is achieved by using Fujifilm’s new CP-49E Chemical System and Crystal Archive Paper Type II. Fujifilm’s Frontier Manager lab management system also improves operator workflow and maximizes output capabilities."
Best Photo Kiosk
HP Photosmart Studio
TIPA says: "Printed photo albums are becoming more popular every day, but so far they have been time consuming to produce. The Hewlett-Packard Photosmart Studio is the first and only in-store solution where consumers can design creative products in about five minutes and pick them up in one hour or less. Simple and quick to use, the process does not require people to select, crop or place photos into templates on each individual page. Instead, hundreds of photos are laid out in minutes using sophisticated proprietary image management algorithms."
Best Monitor
EIZO ColorEdge CG211
TIPA says: "The EIZO ColorEdge CG211 is a professional color display for softproofing with 12-bit hardware calibration capability and uniform brightness and color across the screen. The Digital Uniformity Equalizer (DUE) ensures proper display of color and the 21-Inch panel runs at an optimum resolution of 1600x1200, with 225 cd/sqm brightness and an impressive contrast ratio of 500:1. The EIZO-developed software, ColorNavigator, offers 12-bit hardware calibration when used with a GretagMacbeth, X-Rite, or ColorVision measurement device. The CG211 also comes with support for portrait mode with both Mac and Windows systems."
Mason Resnick is the Editor-in-Chief of the AIRC - Adorama Imaging Resource Center. You can email him at mresnick@adorama.com.
© 2007 Adorama
|
