Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) editors take into account innovation, the use of leading-edge technology, design and ergonomics of the products and, naturally, their ease of use and price/performance ratio. The voting of the awards takes place in April, and the eligible products have to have been introduced in the previous annual period from 1st of May to 31st of March. This year the TIPA editors awarded prizes in four categories for DSLR cameras, one more than last year.
Best D-SLR entry-level: Sony Alpha 200
This is a very important category as once photographers start with a camera system as when they upgrade their camera bodies they look for compatibility with their existing lenses and accessories.
The win by Sony marks a serious challenge to the virtual Nikon and Canon duopoly. With a clear upgrade path to high end Sony Alpha models this newcomer has the ammunition to keep Alpha 200 buyers in the family when they seek to upgrade. The 200 itself is a fine camera and TIPA praised its ease of use. They praised the in-camera image stabilization and the anti-dust systems and considered them very effective. The Canon and Nikon opposition rely on special in lens image stabilization requiring special lenses; this helped the Sony in the value for money stakes.
Best D-SLR Advanced: Canon EOS 450D
This is a new category for 2008 and rather a strange one. The Canon 450D or Rebel XSi is the latest entry level model from Canon, as the model naming suggests. The TIPA editors praised its lightweight and compact size and said the EOS 450D is simple to use. All key attributes of the entry level segment. All the entry level models are capable of advanced photography as they allow photographers to directly control camera settings when they move on from the beginner scene modes. Its lack of standard image stabilization is compensated for by its excellent 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor. This was the only Canon DSLR winner in the 2008 TIPA awards.
Best D-SLR Expert: Nikon D300
The Nikon is scored with its solid design, excellent handling and robust, weather-sealed build quality; the Nikon D300 offers professional quality at a reasonable price. This is Nikon’s best APS-C sized sensor DSLR and is packed with the features and performance from a top end camera.
Best D-SLR Professional: Nikon D3
Nikon scored a double win with D3 winning the most prestigious DSR award. The recognition of as the best camera tends to rub off on all the lesser models in a company’s range. This professional D-SLR is a milestone for Nikon as they succumbed to market pressure to produce the first camera from the company with a full-frame, ‘FX’ sensor size of 23.9x36mm. As a result of this, each pixel on the 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor has a larger size, giving this DSLR incredible low-light performance, if needed, the ISO can be cranked up to an awesome equivalent of 25,600.
See all the winners here
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