Sony Won Five Categories of the TIPA World Awards 2021

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) revealed the winners of the prestigious awards on 20 May in Madrid, Spain. The awards are presented to the very best photo and imaging products launched in the previous year.

Established in 1991, TIPA is composed of numerous member publications in the imaging field, both print and online. The editors create a global panel of experts with a reputation for an honest and trustworthy appraisal of the products. Each member publication is engaged in the selection and final vote in the TIPA World Awards process.

Every year, TIPA members come together with the TIPA Board at the General Assembly to choose the winners through a voting process. However, on account of COVID-19 and travel restrictions, the board decided to set up an online voting procedure for members from around the world on 30 April 2021. The associations selected the best 40 products from numerous nominees. The panel of 26 jurors from Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America, along with a delegate from the Camera Journal Press Club. Better Photography, the only Indian member of TIPA, was represented by Shridhar Kunte, Deputy Editor—Technical.

“We believe that now more than ever our support of the industry and the people who work so hard, be it in production, distribution, or marketing, deserve our thanks and appreciation for their efforts to continue to develop new and exciting products that both expand imaging creativity and potential and point the way to new technologies in the future,” said Thomas Gerwers, Chairman of TIPA.

Here is a look at the five categories that Sony has won: 

1. Best Full Frame Professional Camera: Sony Alpha 1

The Sony Alpha 1 offers new dimensions of imaging performance and efficient workflow, giving new creative freedom to professional photographers in the field of sports, wedding, wildlife photography, and portraiture, amongst others. The flagship model is one of the most versatile cameras. The camera comes with a 50.1 MP full frame stacked Exmor RSTM CMOS image sensor and BIONZ XR processor. It offers a blazing-fast reading speed at up to 30fps, blackout-free continuous shooting, a reduced rolling shutter distortion, as well as 8K and 4k 120fps video capabilities. It also achieves the 1/400sec flash sync speed of the mechanical shutter, while its first-time electronic shutter can be used with an external flash, enabling the use of the renowned Real-time Eye AF for studio portraits.

For more information, visit www.sony.co.in/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-1.

2. Best Photo/Video Camera Expert: Sony Alpha 7S III

The Alpha 7S III is a prime choice for hybrid and video-oriented users, including commercial, freelance, and cinema production. Paired with the new 12.1MP back-illuminated full frame Exmor RTM CMOS image sensor and the powerful BIONZ XR processor, it delivers the best 4K imagery with up to 120fps recording with pro codecs, an ISO range of 80–1,02,400 and a 15+ stop dynamic range for movies (S-log3). Users can monitor their subject with the 3.0-type LCD screen and the 9.44M dot OLED EVF. Get optimum workflow with S-Cinetone, including 16-bit RAW output over HDMI for recording and processing video, as well as tenacious Real-time Eye AF in all recording modes. You can also rely on the 5.5EV in-body image stabilisation for steady shots.

For more information, visit www.sony.co.in/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-1.

3. Best Vlogger Camera: Sony ZV-1

Vlogging has become increasingly popular for personal, instructional and promotional use. The Sony ZV-1, aimed at established and aspiring vloggers, offers UHD 4K output and numerous features and effects, which are purpose-built for content creators. A special grip, close focus capability, and side-flip 3.0-type LCD enable users to constantly monitor during shooting. The recording lamp is visible with Directional 3-capsule Mic, ensuring that front-facing sound gets priority. There’s even an included and attachable windscreen to muffle bothersome ambient sound. Other features include a “Product Showcase Setting” that focuses on handheld items close to the lens, a Background Defocus function, a Soft Skin Effect, and image stabilisation for smooth footage when the vlogger moves through a scene.

For more information, visit www.sony.co.in/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/india-zv-1-vlog-series.

4. Best Prime Standard Lens: Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

Simply put, this lens of Sony’s G Master TM line is fast. Its f/1.2 lens combines with an 11-bladed diaphragm for stunning bokeh for portraiture and nature photography. That light-gathering ability is coupled with an advanced optical design that delivers a high degree of sharpness and clarity. The inclusion of three XA (extreme aspherical) elements control and virtually eliminate a variety of aberrations, colour fringing and distortion. The Nano AR coating II is applied for flare and ghosting suppression that is important for strongly backlit subjects. Four XD Linear motors ensure quiet, precise and rapid AF that benefits both still and video shooting, plus the lens aperture ring can be “de-clicked” for smooth, silent aperture changes during video shooting. The lens is portable as it measures 87mm in diameter, 108mm in length, and weighs merely 778g.

For more information, visit www.sony.co.in/electronics/camera-lenses/sel50f12gm.

5. Best Photo Smarphone: Sony Xperia 1 II

The Xperia 1 III utilises the expertise of engineers from Sony’s Alpha cameras. It offers four focal lengths, including the world’s first variable telephoto lens paired with a Dual PD sensor—reaching up to a focal length of 105mm from 16mm, as well as delivering 12MP and RAW formatted images. Each lens features ZEISS optics calibrated specifically for the Xperia 1 III. Fast focus is enhanced by AI for Real-Time Tracking and allows for 20fps bursts with 60fps continuous AF/AE calculation. The 4K HDR OLED display is enhanced for video and other mobile apps with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Cinematography Pro feature is designed for creating movies up to 4K and 120fps slow-motion recording for creative flexibility.