BEST FULL FRAME EXPERT CAMERA
Sony Alpha 7 IV: B&H Photo / Amazon / Momentum / Adorama
TIPA editors felt strongly that photographers who are ready to grow and expand their creative options in both still and video work will find a lot to like in the A7 IV. The 33MP Exmor R full-frame sensor’s back- illuminated design delivers low noise and vivid colour images, with low light performance enhanced by a native ISO up to 51,200, plus there’s a remarkable 15-stop dynamic range at the lowest ISO settings. The BIONZ XR processor is fast and can handle 10 fps for up to 800 consecutive raw + JPEG images, while the video side is equally impressive, with long continuous recording times of up to one hour at 4K 60p and with the editing flexibility brought by the possibility to record in 10-Bit 4:2:2. Numerous connectivity options include a built-in HDMI port, an enhanced connection to smartphone via the Imaging Edge application via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and numerous live streaming options.
BEST FULL FRAME STANDARD ZOOM LENS
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
The TIPA jury considered this lens as thoroughly designed to respond to the changed needs of today’s still, video and hybrid content creators. This second generation lens comes six years after the original G Master 24-70mm zoom. It is smaller and lighter, has enhanced (2X) AF tracking speed driven by four of Sony’s XD linear motors, plus an all-new new optical construction that includes three aspherical elements, of which two are unique XA (extreme aspherical) for high resolution, two extra low dispersion elements, and two Super ED elements, plus Nano AR Coating II. Video enhancements include extremely smooth and quiet AF, reduced focus breathing and shifts when zooming, and Linear Response MF, for newfound manual focus control, plus support for the breathing compensation function in compatible Alpha series cameras. Other new features include an updated lens hood for working with variable filters, an 11-blade diaphragm, and improved dust and moisture resistance.
BEST FULL FRAME TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
The 70-200 focal length is perhaps the most popular tele zoom range, considered essential piece of kit for expert and professional alike. The TIPA jury agreed that the Sony 70-200mm ups the ante on this classic focal length by incorporating a brand-new AF system with 4X the speed and a weight reduction of almost 30% (under 1 kilo/ 2.3 lbs) from previous models, plus incorporates improvements that dramatically limit the effects of focus breathing and focus shift, essential to quality video production. Enhanced optics, including a Sony unique XA (extreme aspherical) element offer corner-to-corner sharpness, even wide open, and a newly designed 11-blade diaphragm helps create soft and pleasing bokeh. The supporting AF system sports 4 XD Linear motors for improved focus tracking, 30fps continuous shooting, and near-silent AF. Multi-mode on-board Optical SteadyShot image stabilization insures steadiness at even the longest focal length settings.
BEST PHOTO SMARTPHONE PROFESSIONAL
Sony Xperia PRO-I: B&H Photo / Amazon
The Xperia PRO-I brought Industry-leading Imaging Technology to Sony’s Advanced Smartphone. Along with numerous connectivity options and a remarkable 512GB internal storage, TIPA jury members were impressed by it being the world’s first smartphone with a 1.0-type sensor with phase detection AF and 4k video recording capability at 120 fps, plus Eye AF and Object tracking for use in both still and video modes. PRO-I boasts three Zeiss rear camera lenses, all with T* coating, for capturing 12MP images, a 24, 50 and a 16mm focal length, and an 8MP front lens. The brilliant 6.5 inch OLED display with 3840×1644 pixels, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, can also be used as a vivid monitor for video capture. Xperia PRO-I also contains the BIONZ X Processor, which delivers enhanced noise reduction.
via TIPA