Pixiq

Another group has published its list of the most desirable photo products. EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association), an association of 50 special interest magazines from 19 European countries, announced their 2010-2011 Photo Awards.

These differ somewhat in categories -- and, of course, in the products that were selected -- from those receiving awards from TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) discussed in last week's item: Part 1: The BEST Cameras, Lenses, etc. In The World (per TIPA)

Note: As with the TIPA awards however, it's worth noting that many new photo products were announced in September 2010, before and during the photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany. Naturally, such equipment was not eligible for awards because it was not available on the market when the editors met to make their selections.

Here are the EISA best products for Europe; all are also available in North America:

Professional Camera 2010-2011: Nikon D3S (Also a TIPA Award winner, Best DSLR Professional), a tank-like 12.1 megapixel full-frame model with oversized pixels and features such as ISO boost to 102,400, 11 frame per second Drive speed, 51-point AF sensor and 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout. The EISA panel's final comment: Together with its extremely fast EXPEED processing and an almost waterproof body, excellent battery life and high-quality construction, this is the perfect DSLR for professional sports, action and low-light photography.

Advanced SLR 2010-2011: Canon EOS 7D (Also a TIPA Award winner, Best D-SLR Expert), a semi-pro or prosumer 18 megapixel DSLR with a  new AF system employing 19 cross-type focus detectors, 8 frame per second Drive speed for action and sports photography, full 1080p movie mode and a wealth of capabilities. EISA's concluding comment: Though moderately priced, the EOS 7D has a rugged magnesium alloy body shell, is environmentally sealed, and offers a bright, 1x magnification, 100% viewfinder.

Camera 2010-2011 - Canon EOS T2i/EOS 550D (Also a TIPA Award winner, Best DSLR Advanced), a high-end 18 megapixel model in the entry-level category with full HD video recording and nearly as many features as the EOS 7D. According to EISA, This is a well-specified camera packed with features that will help all types of photographer enjoy their hobby more.

Super Zoom Camera 2010-2011:  Fujifilm FinePix HS10 (Also a TIPA Award winner, Best Superzoom Camera), a relatively compact/lightweight model with a built-in 24-720mm equivalent lens and image stabilizer with DSLR-style controls and features including RAW capture mode, Full HD video and an articulated 3-inch LCD screen. The EISA editors consider this to be .... a camera that will be appreciated by photographers of any level.

Multimedia Camera 2010-2011:  Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 (Also a TIPA Award winner, Best Compact System Camera Advanced), a 12.1 megapixel interchangeable-lens model without a reflex mirror or pentaprism with an articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 720p video capture, high resolution electronic viewfinder, effective AF system and DSLR-style features. The EISA panel's conclusion: The contrast-detection autofocus system is impressively fast, and picture quality is good in both still and video (AVCHD Lite) modes.

Micro System Camera 2010-2011: Sony Alpha NEX-5, a tiny interchangeable-lens mirrorless model with a large 14.2 megapixel (APS size) sensor, 3-inch articulating LCD, hot shoe for external flash and for an optional electronic viewfinder, modes such as Auto HDR. 720p Movie, Sweep Panorama, etc. The EISA panel commented that  the NEX-5 is aimed at compact camera users and beginners who want to improve their skills, so Sony has made the user interface simple and straightforward.

Travel Compact Camera 2010-2011: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10/DMC-ZS7, a surprisingly portable 12.1 megapixel model with a 25-300mm equivalent Leica DC lens, 3-inch LCD, built-in GPS for geo-tagging images and a wide range of creative and technical functions. The EISA editors praised this camera's AVCHD Lite video recording, versatile lens and compact size.

All-Weather Compact Camera 2010-2011: Olympus Tough-8010, a waterproof, freeze proof and drop-proof 14 megapixel model with 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens and dual system image stabilizer, a bright 2.7-inch LCD screen and HD movie mode. According to EISA, this is ... an excellent camera for using in extreme conditions ... and in dim lighting.

Advanced Compact Camera 2010-2011: Samsung EX1/TL500, a rugged 10 megapixel prestige-grade model with a fast 24-72mm f/1.8-2.4 equivalent stabilized lens, articulated 3-inch OLED screen and a wide range of features for serious photography. The EISA panel praised its very solid build, suitability for low-light photography without the need for high ISO, its RAW capture mode and mentioned that the tilt-and-swivel display is good quality and makes shooting from creative angles very easy.

Compact Camera 2010-2011: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V (Also a TIPA Award winner, Best Compact Camera), a suprisingly small 10.2 megapixel model with 25-250mm equivalent lens, 3-inch LCD, a built-in GPS for geo-tagging, a blazing 10fps Drive speed and numerous other features. The HX5V is considered by the EISA editors as an ideal companion for travel as well as everyday events ... [thanks to the] Exmor R CMOS sensor the camera is able to work well in low-light conditions, producing images with very little noise.

Professional Lens 2010-2011: Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II, a large, expensive, wide aperture pro lens with three ED glass elements, Nano-Crystal Coatings and the highly effective VR II image stabilizer. EISA considers this lens to be ... a natural choice for photographers specializing in nature, wildlife and fast-action sports.

Zoom Lens 2010-2011: Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD, the first Tamron model with ultrasonic autofocus, this zoom -- with Extra-Low Dispersion glass -- is compatible with DSLRs regardless of their sensor size. The EISA panel praised its razor-sharp image quality that makes full-frame photos look like medium-format images ... near-silent autofocus system ... and superb image stabilization...

Lens 2010-2011: Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM (also a TIPA Award winner, for Best Entry Level Lens), a fine wide aperture alternative to a kit lens, with ultrasonic HSM AF, SLD and aspherical elements, Super Multi-Coating and focusing to 8-inches for roughly 0.5x magnification. For optical quality this ... zoom can match lenses that cost three times as much. It is a very well made lens that features an excellent image stabilizing system, according to the EISA panel.

Micro System Lens 2010-2011: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6, an 18-36mm equivalent (in terms of 35mm film photography) with a 100 degree angle of view that's rectilinear, not fisheye. The EISA editors praised its lightweight, compact size, and added, It has an extremely fast and almost silent focusing system, which makes it an ideal lens for video recording as well.

Photo Software  2010-2011: Apple Aperture 3, with a vast range of features including face detection and geo-tagging plus a new edge-aware Quick Brushes tool. The program is very easy to use ... a winner when it comes to organizing your pictures ... and offers many new additional features together with high-class album printing and multimedia slide shows set to music, according to the EISA panel.

Printer 2010-2011: Epson Stylus Pro 3880 (also a TIPA Award winner for Best Expert Photo Printer), this is a 17-inch wide format 2880x1440dpi machine using 11 Ultrachrome K3 pigments including new Vivid Magenta and Vivid Light Magenta. The EISA editors consider this to be ... a great choice for photographers who print in volume, as each cartridge has a capacity of 80ml.

For additional information, visit EISA's 2010-2011 Photo Awards site which includes links to a video about each award-winning product.