Madrid, Spain—The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) member magazines convened for their general assembly on March 20, 2015 in Dubai, UAE, to vote on the best photo–imaging products launched in the last 12 months. Announced last month, the 25th Annual TIPA Awards will be presented to the winning companies in Tokyo, Japan, on June 19, 2015.
TIPA membership comprises 28 leading photo and imaging magazines from 15 countries on five continents. The organization also has a cooperative partnership with the CJPC (Camera Journal Press Club), which represents 11 top photography magazines in Japan.
Since 1991, TIPA members meet at least once a year at the general assembly to discuss projects, share opinions and comment on industry innovations and trends. During these three-day meetings, TIPA editors cast their votes for the best photo-imaging products of the year in 40 categories.
Here are the 2015 TIPA winners by category and what the TIPA judges had to say about them.
Best Imaging Innovation: Lytro Illum
This “light field” camera is a unique imaging platform driven by software that enables a selection of the depth of field of an image after the exposure is made, ranging from what would be achieved by using f/1 to f/16 during exposure. Users adjust a slider in software post exposure to choose whatever focusing effect they desire. Native RAW file format images can be shared as playable video animations or exported in JPG, TIFF, 3D and MP4. New innovations and expanded video applications are being explored by the company. lytro.com
Best Design: Leica T
With a body machined from a single solid block of aluminum that is said to be hand-polished for 45 minutes, and a design done in coordination with Audi Design, the Leica T is both pleasing to the eye and a pleasure to use. This CSC has an APS-C 16.5MP sensor (with no low-pass filter) and a 3.7-inch touch–screen LCD that allows for quick and easy image option selections and swipe control picture review. There are currently four purpose-built lenses for Leica CSC cameras, and Leica M lenses can also be mounted via the company’s M-adapter T. A tilt-and-swivel optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) can be mounted, and the camera offers integrated GPS. The free Leica App T coordinates sharing or using smartphones and tablets for remote shooting and camera control. us.leica-camera.com
Best Medium-Format Camera: Pentax 645Z
With an imaging area of 43.8×32.8mm, the 51.4MP CMOS sensor in the Pentax 645Z is about 1.7x larger than those found in full-frame DSLRs. The camera can deliver 3 frames per second (fps) with 10-image burst capability in RAW and up to 30 in Large JPEG format. The tiltable, 3.2-inch LCD monitor contains 1.037 million RGB dots and has an “anti-gapless” construction that reduces reflection and dispersion of light that is further enhanced by a special antireflection coating. There is also a large, bright optical finder. A newly designed SAFOX 11 phase-matching AF module contains 27 sensor points, including 25 cross-type sensors; when matched with a Live View function that can magnify the on-screen image, very precise focusing adjustments can be made. If desired, ISO sensitivity can be raised to an incredible 204,800. ricohimaging.com
Best Digital SLR Professional: Nikon D810
The full-frame (FX format) D810 employs a 36.3MP CMOS sensor without an optical low pass filter. The camera can deliver up to 5 full-resolution fps with enhanced noise reduction in its ISO 64–12,800 range, which is expandable to ISO 32/51,200, and broadcast quality video in Full HD. Nikon’s Scene Recognition System with the 91,000 pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter III provides balanced exposures even under difficult lighting conditions with exposure, AF, white balance, and i-TTL flash control included in the mix. For videographers, the D810 offers an HDMI port, in-camera time lapse and interval timer, a built-in stereo microphone with a selectable voice frequency range, full-time AF and full manual control. The camera has dual card slots for SD and CF memory cards. nikonusa.com
Best Digital SLR Expert: Canon EOS-7D Mark II
With specs that appeal to photographers who know what a DSLR is capable of delivering, the 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor in the EOS 7D Mark II resides within a weather- and dust-resistant magnesium alloy body along with dual Digic 6 processors. It camera features 10-fps shooting rate, a 65-point (all cross type) AF system and a 100% field of view viewfinder. Other features include HDR and multi-exposure modes, an intervalometer and bulb timer for long exposure capture. The camera has dual card slots for SD and CF cards. To support Full HD video quality, it provides Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a dedicated stereo microphone and built-in headphone jack ports. usa.canon.com
Best Digital SLR Advanced: Pentax K-S2
The K-S2 is a good match for enthusiast photographers, featuring a 20MP CMOS sensor without a low pass filter, a weather-resistant body, and an optical pentaprism (100% field of view). It is the first Pentax DSLR with a vari-angle LCD (3-inch, 921K dots). The compact body incorporates a shake reduction mechanism and can handle all new and many older Pentax lenses, albeit with some requiring an adapter. It delivers a top shutter speed of 1/6,000 sec with a continuous shooting rate of 5 fps. Creative functions include multi-exposure, interval shooting, an advanced HDR mode, Full HD video and built-in Wi-Fi with a dedicated app to transfer images and for wireless tethered shooting. ricohimaging.com
Best Digital SLR Entry Level: Nikon D5500
The lightweight, compact DX-format DSLR (APS-C) contains a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and can deliver 5-fps, full resolution bursts and Full HD video with four different frames rates, from 24p to 60p. ISO sensitivity ranges from 100–25,600. This is the first Nikon DSLR with a vari-angle touch-screen 3.2-inch LCD. Using Nikon’s wireless app, users can connect the D5500 to a smartphone/tablet wirelessly with no hot spot needed. Its top shutter speed is1/4,000 second and numerous creative modes allow users to personalize each image. nikonusa.com
Best CSC Professional: Samsung NX1
Built for speed and responsiveness, the NX1 has a 28.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Samsung’s DRIMe V processor that drives both 4K video and a 15-fps full-resolution still image shooting, all with AF. Viewing is via a 3-inch, 1036K-dot AMOLED tilting, touch-screen monitor or s a 2360K-dot XGA OLED EVF. It has an ISO range of 100–25,600 (extendable to 51,200) and a hybrid AF system that combines phase- and contrast-detection AF points that cover almost the entire viewfinder screen. The NX1 supports DCI 4K 4,096×2,160 video at 24p and UHD 4K 3,840×2,160 at 24p/30p. It can also capture up to 120 fps at Full HD. Connectivity is via Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth, as well as USB 3.0. A free Samsung Camera Manager app aids in transferring images and for remote control operation. samsung.com
Best CSC Expert: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark ll
Housed in a dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof magnesium alloy body, the 16.1MP 4/3 Live MOS sensor and TruePic VII processor of the OM-D E-M5 Mark II deliver an array of creative imaging options and an ISO 25,600. The camera sports a 2.36M-dot EVF and a 3-inch 1,037K-dot swivel, touch–screen LCD monitor. Its extremely quick “Fast AF” system boasts an 81-point area, excellent low-light performance and tracking AF, delivering fast AF for the camera’s 10-fps, full-resolution bursts. The camera uses a 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system for both still and Full HD video shooting plus a special “40 Megapixel High-Res Shot” mode said to deliver resolution the equivalent to a 40MP sensor by combining eight shots into a single JPEG using sensor shift. olympusamerica.com
Best CSC Advanced: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5
Measuring a mere 2.34×3.88 inches, the 0.46-lb DMC-GM5 is a highly portable Micro Four Thirds camera. Its live viewfinder has 100% coverage and contains 1.16M RGB dots; its Digital Live View MOS sensor delivers 16MP. For connectivity, users can scan the QR code displayed on the camera monitor with a smartphone/tablet to use as a remote controller or to transfer data. The camera delivers JPEG+RAW stills and AVCHD or MP4 video. It has all the standard exposure modes plus a complement of metering patterns, plus an ISO 200–25,600 (video: ISO 200–3200). The impressive shutter speed range is 60 seconds to 1/16,000 second. panasonic.com
Best CSC Entry Level: Sony α5100
Dubbed a “super compact,” the α5100 is about half the size of a conventional DSLR. It has a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with the same gapless on-chip lens structure as Sony’s α7R. The camera delivers a fast 0.07-sec AF acquisition time, with up to 6-fps continuous shooting with AF tracking, aided by the 179-point phase-detection AF sensor. There are numerous video options: Full HD in cinematic 24p, 60p and 60i; selectable in-camera XAVC S with a 50Mb/second bit rate; Blu-Ray quality AVCHD; and MP4 codecs, all with HDMI connectivity. The camera also delivers an ISO range of 100–25,600 and is compatible with Sony α E-mount lenses and A-mount lenses with an optional adapter. sony.com
Best Premium Camera: Fujifilm X100T
The 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR processor in the X100T deliver impressive options and capabilities in this compact, integral lens (f/2) camera. The high-resolution optical advanced hybrid viewfinder (2.360K dots) has a rangefinder aspect to it. By turning the focusing ring, users can select focus peaking and digital split image mode, plus magnification of the area focused upon can be inspected for fine focus control. The finder also allows for what Fujifilm dubs “Real-time Parallax Correction.” Other features include an incredible top shutter speed of 1/32,000 second, seven customizable Fn buttons, Full HD video with numerous selectable frames rates (with optical finder viewing) and built-in Wi-Fi for transfer and remote camera operation via the company’s Camera Remote app. fujifilmusa.com
Best Expert Compact Camera: Fujifilm X30
Compact (4.7×2.8×2.4 inches) and lightweight (14.9 oz.), the X30 contains a 12MP 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor for RAW+JPEG stills and MOV-format video with stereo sound. The Fujinon 4x zoom (28–112mm equivalent) only changes by one stop from wide to telephoto settings (f/2–2.8) and offers an f/11 minimum aperture. Shutter speeds top out at 1/4,000 second and ISO ratings at 12,800. Frame rates of 12 per second can be achieved, plus image stabilization is built in. A 2.36M-dot EVF is dubbed a “real time” viewfinder with a 0.005-second display lag time. fujifilmusa.com
Best Superzoom Camera: Nikon Coolpix P610
With a remarkable 60x integral Nikkor ED glass zoom lens (24–1,440mm equivalent), the P610 delivers 7-fps, full-resolution images and Full HD video while utilizing Nikon’s 5-stop dual-detect optical VR image stabilization. The camera has a 16MP CMOS sensor, an EVF and a 3-inch vari-angle LCD, both with 921K-dot resolution. Shooting features include filter effects and special effects, a macro mode, plus time-lapse video recording. The P610 has built-in GPS and allows users to send images to a smartphone or tablet using built-in Wi-Fi /NFC connectivity. If desired, users can double the range of the lens using Nikon’s Dynamic Fine Zoom technology. nikonusa.com
Best Rugged Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6
The compact DMC-TS6) packs a lot of features into a small package. It can handle underwater depths to 43 feet and drops from 6.6 feet, and still keep shooting in temperatures as low as 14º F. Trail aids such as onboard GPS, barometer and altimeter are included. The camera has a 16.1MP MOS sensor and an integral 4.6x (28–128mm equivalent) Leica DC Vario-Elmar zoom. ISO ranges from 100–3200 with a push to 6,400 available in certain modes. It can record Full HD video and shoot at 10 frames per second (7 frame burst); higher bursts are available at lower image resolution. There are 14 creative and 16 scene modes, plus Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. panasonic.com
Best Easy Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot Elph 160/165/170
These compact and very affordable cameras provide what cameraphones lack: long range optical zoom and stunning image quality. For example, the 170 is an exceptionally slim camera (only 22.6mm thick) with a 12x (25–300mm equivalent) optical zoom. It has a 20MP sensor and intelligent IS, Canon’s adaptive optical image stabilizer that aids in capturing shake-free stills and 720p HD video. Users can rely on smart auto mode, which automatically chooses the best settings for the scene, or select a number of special effects modes. The Elph 165 also comes with intelligent IS, while both the Elph 165 and 160 house an 8x zoom and 20MP sensor. usa.canon.com
Best Photo/Video Camera Professional: Sony α7S
Sony’s strategy of using larger pixels on a full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor (12.2MP) pays dividends in a very high dynamic range (15.3 stops), excellent low-light capability (Fast Intelligent AF to -4EV and low noise) and extremely high sensitivity (extended ISO 50–409,600). Their “direct pixel readout” uses the entire width of the sensor without line skipping or pixel binning, which means that HD and 4K video data is processed from each and every one of the sensor’s pixels. The camera records uncompressed 4:2:2 Full HD and QFHD 4K video in 8-bit 4:2:2, with the latter put through to a third-party 4K recorder via HDMI. It comes equipped with SLog2 gamma, also found in Sony’s professional video cameras, which offers the ability to include a picture profile for gamma, black, level and color adjustments that can be saved for use in a multi-camera shoot. sony.com
Best Photo/Video Camera Expert: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
For enthusiasts who want a quality still and video camera, the LX100 has a 12.8MP 4/3-inch High-Sensitivity MOS sensor. It has an integral 24–75mm (equivalent) f/1.7–2.8 Leica DC Vario-Summilux lens and numerous control and exposure dials that allow for complete control over still imaging, including the ability to deliver 11-fps full-resolution images. The video side is quite impressive, with the ability to record Full HD 1,920×1,080 AVCHD Progressive or MP4 at 60p plus 4K 3,840×2,160 at 30 fps. Panasonic’s 4K photo mode grabs an 8MB still image from the 4K video footage. Other features include Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity and a RAW+JPEG format choice. panasonic.com
Best Action Cam: Ricoh WG-M1
This hot market segment continues to grow, and the Ricoh WG-M1 offers a unique design that is waterproof to 32 feet without an additional protective housing, shock resistant to 6 feet and freezeproof to 14º F. The cam has large control buttons and a 1.5-inch LCD monitor. Its 14MP sensor and processor record Full HD movies and deliver 10-fps high-speed shooting through its ultra wide-angle lens. To help users get right into action, the camera comes with a carabiner-equipped strap for carrying and a WG adhesive mount to help attach the camera to different surfaces. Optional accessories expand its usability. ricohimaging.com
Best Mobile Imaging Device: Sony DSC-QX1
Smartphone photographers often see little point in carrying both phone and camera for picture making, but more and more come away wanting better image quality and shooting flexibility. The Sony QX1 offers true mirrorless camera capability in a compact, “bodiless” solution. The unit attaches to a smartphone with an adapter or it can be used independently if desired with the smartphone used as the viewfinder via an NFC/Wi-Fi connection. It has a 20.1MP APS-C image sensor, a built-in flash and a mount to attach any Sony α E-mount lens. Third-party lenses can be used via the appropriate adapter. Once a picture is made it can be stored on both camera and phone. The QX1’s low-light performance is clearly superior to that delivered by smartphones, as are the resultant 30p HD videos. sony.com
Best Professional DSLR Lens: Canon EF 11–24mm f/4L USM
Canon users now have access to the widest angle of view yet for a rectilinear full-frame DSLR zoom lens. With a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches, the EF 11–24mm f/4L USM delivers minimally distorted images throughout its range. It is constructed of 16 elements in 11 groups with a three-group zoom system and rear focus. The new design incorporates four aspherical elements to minimize distortion from the center to the frame edge and an optical array that provides straight lines with minimal curvature throughout the entire range. It also features one super UD and one UD lens element to reduce chromatic aberration plus Canon’s SWC coating to reduce flare and ghosting. It is well sealed against dust and water and allows for manual focusing overrides, even when in AF mode. usa.canon.com
Best Expert DSLR Zoom Lens: Canon EF 100–400mm f/4–5.6L IS II USM
Designed for full frame but equally beneficial for APS-C DSLRs, the lens incorporates a 4-stop image stabilizer and a fast, near-silent AF motor (USM). It’s constructed of 21 elements in 16 groups, including fluorite and super UD (ultra-low dispersion) elements for high image quality across the frame. It also features Canon’s air sphere coating (ASC) for reduced ghosting and flares. A nine-bladed circular aperture delivers smooth and impressive bokeh. The rear focusing design, with a floating element, enhances AF speed and ensures uniformity in image quality at all focusing distances. Additionally, zoom operation includes a mechanism for adjusting zoom ring torque. usa.canon.com
Best Expert DSLR Prime Lens: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art
Combining a fast maximum aperture with a wide-angle lens, the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | Art lens is designed for full-frame sensors and is constructed with 15 elements in 11 groups. It contains both “F” low dispersion (FLD) and special low dispersion glass (SLD) to minimize chromatic aberration, especially at the edges of the image. Close focusing distance is 9.8 inches. To enhance maximum aperture performance, aspherical elements are positioned at the rear of the lens, plus a new lens element design optimizes peripheral brightness. The lens incorporates a new full-time manual focusing mechanism even with AF mode selected. sigmaphoto.com
Best Entry-Level DSLR Lens: Sigma 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3 DC Macro OS HSM | Contemporary
For DSLRs with APS-C sensor, this lens handles a wide range of shooting situations, delivering an effective range (due to APS-C multiplication factor) of 27–450mm. It contains an improved optical stabilization system and is constructed with 17 elements in 13 groups. It offers a minimum focusing distance of 15.4 inches, thus the “macro” designation. Perhaps the most intriguing specs are the size and weight for such a lens: 4 inches in length, unextended, and 20.6 ounces in weight, making it an extremely portable lens. sigmaphoto.com
Best CSC Expert Zoom Lens: Fujifilm Fujinon XF16–55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
The well-sealed XF16–55mm is constructed with 17 elements in 12 groups with three aspherical and three ED glass elements. It offers a 24–84mm equivalent range and uses 14 sealing points in its weather- and dust-resistant design. It features a nine-bladed diaphragm, 1/3-EV increment settings, a minimum focusing distance of less than 12 inches and a newly developed Nano-GI (gradient index) coating technology said to effectively inhibit flare and ghosting. The lightweight internal focusing system and twin linear motor make for quiet, speedy AF with an acquisition time as fast as 0.06 second. fujifilmusa.com
Best CSC Prime Lens: Zeiss Loxia Line
Zeiss Loxia manual-focus and aperture-setting lenses are made specifically for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. There are two current lenses in the lineup, both with a maximum aperture of f/2—a 35mm and a 50mm. The 35mm lens is based on a Biogon design; it is constructed with nine elements in six groups and has a minimum focusing distance of slightly less than a foot. The 50mm is based on a Planar design, has six elements in four groups and a similar close-focusing distance of 1.2 feet. A “declickable” aperture setting (free range) can be used for video shooting. A large focus rotation angle of 180º allows for very precise focusing. zeiss.com
Best CSC Entry-Level Lens: Tamron 14–150mm f/3.5–5.8 Di III
In line with the more portable approach of mirrorless system cameras, Tamron created a lightweight, compact Micro Four Thirds lens. Delivering an equivalent focal length range of 28–300mm, it weighs a mere 10.1 ounces and is 3.16 inches in length (unextended). Constructed of 17 elements in 13 groups, the lens has an impressive close focusing distance of 1.64 feet and contains AD (anomalous dispersion) glass as well as hybrid aspherical and LD (low dispersion) elements. An IF (internal focusing) system means the lens does not extend during focusing. tamron-usa.com
Best Accessory: UniqBall Ball Head
UniqBall created a ball head that combines traditional functionality with that of a gimbal head, a pan-and-tilt head and a fluid video head, while also having an integrated leveling ball for shooting with a perfectly straight horizon. The UniqBall, which comes in two sizes/load capacities, is an Arca-type compatible ball head with a leveling base and bubble level. It comes with a quick-release plate and case. Uniqball heads are designed so that once the outer red shell is leveled and fixed, the inner ball only allows a pan-and-tilt movement. Conventional ball head use can be accomplished by locking the inner black ball and only using the outer red shell for adjustments. uniqball.eu
Best Professional Lighting System: Profoto B2
The Profoto B2 off-camera flash can be utilized for a variety of lighting setups in both on- and off-camera operation. It has TTL and HSS compatibility with Canon and Nikon models, but the B2 also works in manual mode with most other camera brands. The 250Ws B2 head can be set in a wide 9-stop energy range and has a fast recycle time ranging from 0.03 to 1.35 seconds. It can also be used with Profoto’s entire assortment of Light Shaping tools. Users can choose from more than 150 different tools and shape the B2’s light into any light imaginable. profoto.com
Best Portable Flash: Nissin Air System
The Nissin Air system is a radio-transmission wireless flash that includes the company’s Di700A flash and Commander Air 1. The 2.4GHz radio transmission has a coverage of about 100 feet and is uninterrupted by angle of view or normal obstacles that would plague optical wireless transmitters. Different transmission channels and radio IDs can be set, ensuring no misfires due to other units that might be operating in the vicinity. The Nissin Commander Air 1 controls up to three groups of Di700A units, and combinations can be mixed for use as wireless TTL or manual flash. The flash offers high-speed sync of 1/8,000 second, second-curtain sync and an electronic zoom head for enhanced coverage in the 24–200mm range. nissindigital.com
Best Tripod: Manfrotto Befree Carbon Series
Compact, portable Manfrotto Befree Carbon series tripods are offered in both aluminum and carbon fiber models for camera/lens combinations less than 9 pounds. The design results in a 15.7-inch folded length, and the quick-release adapter makes for very tight packing of the legs. The carbon fiber version weighs a mere 2.4 pounds. Both versions have handy lock/release leg extensions and two leg-spread options, with a maximum extension of 56 inches with the center column extended. manfrotto.us
Best Photo Bag: Think Thank Photo Airport International LE Classic
Being able to use a well-built roller camera bag designed for airline travel, which meets U.S. and international carrier carry-on specifications and has TSA-approved combination zipper locks for security, certainly makes travel more pleasant. The roller bag holds up to a 500mm f/4 lens (unmounted), additional smaller lenses and up to two gripped DSLR bodies, or a standard pro camera kit with two bodies, multiple lenses and flash and accessories, plus a 15- or 17-inch laptop. The exterior is water resistant with extra skid plates and replaceable in-line skate style wheels; the interior offers a rain cover and closed cell foam and reinforced dividers. thinktankphoto.com
Best Storage Media: Eyefi Mobi Pro
This Wi-Fi SDHC card makes transfer of images easy to a variety of devices. The 32GB SDHC class 10 card can be used to selectively transfer JPEG and RAW format stills and video wirelessly. Using an easy setup protocol, it connects to iOS and Android devices as well as PC and Mac laptops and desktop computers. It can use direct and networked Wi-Fi in both home and studio environments. Included in the card purchase is a free one-year membership in the Eyefi Cloud service with unlimited photos, which allows access to images from any device, with EXIF data, albums and tags synched. Users can access images anytime, anywhere and share privately with immediate notification. Also included is an Eyefi USB card reader and activation card for the Eyefi Mobi app. eyefi.com
Best Imaging Software: Phase One Capture One Pro 8
RAW converters should bring the most out of any RAW image, regardless of camera or shooting conditions. Capture One Pro 8 handles RAW conversion from 300+ high-end cameras with digital asset management, extensive and comprehensive adjustment tools and a flexible workflow environment. Exhaustive testing by Phase One means that each RAW-format conversion is customized to bring out the best in color and optimize noise reduction. Users can import images from cards or drives, and in a studio environment, directly from the shoot by using remote operation and live view. Clients can even follow the shoot remotely using Capture Pilot. For sharing and display, the software helps format images for different viewing environments and to create slideshows and web galleries. phaseone.com
Best Photo Printer: Epson SureColor P600
This 8-color photo printer features sheet and roll feed, the ability to print on CDs and DVDs, and USB and Ethernet connections plus wireless options. Its Epson UltraChrome HD ink has been reformulated with pigmented inks that include light black, light light black, photo black and matte black cartridges, which give a good indication of the printer’s ability to satisfy the needs of black-and-white and monochrome printmakers on both glossy and matte surface papers. It features a new Epson print engine and screening technology, as well as ink droplets as small as 2 picoliters to enhance print quality. A 2.7-inch LCD touch–screen panel allows access to printer controls. epson.com
Best Inkjet Photo Paper: Canson Infinity Photo Lustre Premium RC 310 gsm
Canson Infinity Photo Lustre Premium RC 310 gsm offers a flexible and sturdy weight of 310 gsm (grams per square meter) that does not pose challenges to most inkjet printer feeds yet delivers a print that will mount well and will not be easily damaged during handling. It consists of an alpha cellulose acid-free paper base coated with a structured polyethylene and a microporous receiver layer. It is compatible with both dye and pigmented inkjet printers, and the combination of an extra-white base and a stunning lustre finish bring out the best in color and monochrome images. en.canson.com
Best Photo Scanner: Epson Perfection V850 Pro
The Epson Perfection V850 Pro inspired TIPA members to bring back the photo scanner category this year. The V850 Pro allows for scanning of all film sizes up to 4×5 inches using the supplied frames, and up to 8×10 inches without them. It utilizes an LED light source that opens up tonal values, especially noted in black-and-white negatives. The newly designed frame film holders are sturdy and snap tight and snugly over strip and cut film sizes. An Anti-Newton ring plate helps eliminate moiré patterns and color shifts. Included in the software supplied are Digital Ice Technologies, LaserSoft’s SilverFast SE Plus 8, Xrite i1 Scanner and IT8 targets. The V850 incorporates what Epson calls “High Pass Optics” with a high reflection mirror and antireflection-coated CCD glass for enhanced image quality. epson.com
Best Photo Service: Zenfolio
Zenfolio can be thought of as a one-stop shop for all photographers’ sharing and marketing needs. The company offers two main options: a display and sharing service for the enthusiast photographer; marketing and transactional services for those who want to use the service to sell their work. For website building, the company offers dozens of customizable designs that include numerous templates and color and design options. For e-commerce and other marketing tools, photographers can create customized portfolios, blogs and direct sales scenarios. In addition, Zenfolio offers numerous products through their integrated fulfillment vendors. Photographers may sell digital downloads as well as create any product that they wish, such as custom photo books, CD/DVDs, photo stamps, mugs and other personalized items. zenfolio.com
Best Photo Projector: Epson EH-LS10000
This projector features 4K enhancement for increased sharpness, an unprecedented absolute black contrast ratio and color and white brightness at 1,500 lumens. The EH-LS10000 projector boasts a wide color gamut, which produces richer colors and smoother gradations. It also offers Epson’s advanced 3LCD Reflective three-chip technology and comes with vertical and horizontal motorized lens shift to allow for easy configuration of the projector setup. epson.com
Best Photo Monitor: LG Digital Cinema 4K
To meet the exacting demands for both still and 4K video editing, the LG Digital Cinema 4K (model 31MU97Z) offers 10-bit color depth, which is said to be 64x richer than an 8-bit display with smoother transitions in gradients and more natural color rendition. It supports Adobe RGB over 99.5% on the IPS display. DCI color standard compatibility ensures edited video footage will have accurate rendition of shadow, color saturation and brightness. Still images can be split via a “Dual Color Space” feature that makes viewing of an image for both sRGB (web) and Adobe RGB (print) possible. The unit has a pivot function for viewing landscape or portrait orientation and built-in color management controls. Connectivity is via Thunderbolt 2, and there are two internal MAXXAUDIO 5W speakers. lg.com
