Madrid, Spain - 22/04/2010 - The Technical Image Press Association voted on the best photo and imaging products of 2010 at the annual General Assembly in New York City, USA. This year marks the twentieth round of the prestigious TIPA Awards.

After in-depth discussions and analyses on the best eligible candidates, the representatives of the 28 member magazines from Europe, South Africa, Canada and the USA voted on the final winning products in all of the various Award categories. “When I look at the results of the TIPA Awards 2010, I think we did a very reputable job,” said Thomas Gerwers, Chairman of the Board. “We expect that with the economy showing first signs of recovery in most major world markets, the TIPA Awards 2010 will continue to help consumers and professional photographers make the best purchases. Additionally, we are confident that the blue TIPA logo will help boost product sales for many companies worldwide.”

The Award categories this year were updated to include two new categories. “Best Compact System Camera (CSC) Advanced” and “Best Compact System Camera (CSC) Entry Level” were established to represent the new generation of cameras with interchangeable lenses that have been launched by various manufacturers in the past year. The General Assembly agreed on implementing these two new categories to respectively separate those cameras with incorporated electronic viewfinders from those without.

An official list of the winning products of the twentieth TIPA Awards is posted on the association’s website at www.tipa.com

TIPA
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) is made up 30 member photo and imaging magazines from 5 continents and 15 countries. The association is widely known by the general public for its annual Awards and famous blue logo, which have achieved great international recognition and prestige. Taking into account innovation, ergonomics, design, ease-of-use, efficiency, price/performance ratio, as well as other guidelines, TIPA editors have been bestowing the TIPA Awards to imaging products in various categories since 1991 in order to help photo enthusiasts and professionals make the best purchasing choices. Additionally, TIPA activities include conducting surveys among the member magazine’s readers, visiting companies and factories all over the world and staying in contact with research and developmental engineers in order to follow the evolution of imaging technology.

TIPA AWARDS 2010
OFFICIAL PRODUCT CITATIONS

The best photo and imaging products of 2010 were voted on at the Technical Image Press Association General Assembly held from April 8'th to 10'th, 2010 in New York, USA. The editors of the 28 member photo and imaging magazines from 9 European countries plus Canada, South Africa and the United States met to vote on the TIPA Awards 2010 and discuss the association's activities and projects.

Best DSLR Entry Level: Pentax K-x
Equipped with a 12 MP CCD sensor, a dust remover mode, a sensor-shift stabilizer, a video mode, a shutter that goes up to 1/6000s and a sensitivity range expandable to ISO 12.800 from top speed of ISO 6400, this entry-level and compact DSLR is an excellent choice to discover the delights of the SLR camera system. The attractive price and a respectable technical content are well-combined for pleasant picture taking.

Best DSLR Advanced: Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i
With a definition of 18 MP, the Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i competes with her more expensive sistercompetitor. This advanced DSLR includes a 1920 x 1080 full-HD video mode, efficient Live View, an impressive number of settings and functions and is dedicated to the demanding consumer, but definitely usable by any amateur and enthusiast photographers. An excellent compromise.

Best DSLR Expert: Canon EOS 7D
With this EOS, designed for demanding users, Canon shows that using a small sensor APS-C is not an obstacle in achieving high image quality. The new CMOS 18 MP EOS 7D provides a superb results up to 3200 ISO. Action photographers will love shooting at 1/8000s shutter speed and ultra fast frame rates. Exceptional HD video makes this camera the choice of professional video makers.

Best DSLR Professional: Nikon D3s
Taking up most of the functions that made the success of the Nikon D3, D3s marks a milestone in the history of photography: it is indeed the first DSLR to sport the record "push" sensitivity of 102 400 ISO. Superbly constructed, with an excellent viewfinder and a top-level autofocus system, it is ideal for DSLR for the pros, in particular for reportage and sport photography.

Best Compact System Camera (CSC) Entry Level: Olympus PEN E-PL1
Positioned as an entry-level model, the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is equipped with a new Live Guide interface, which makes it easy for users to get the results they want even if they have little previous experience with photography. Based on the Micro Four Thirds System, it is an interchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash and image stabilization, offering high quality images in a compact package.

Best Compact System Camera (CSC) Advanced: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2
By using the Micro Four Thirds System standard and developing a camera body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, Panasonic was able to create a new-generation system camera that features full-time Live View, high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF, HD movie recording and now also Touch Screen Control with Touch-AF. With its lightweight body, the Lumix DMC-G2 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times.

Best Compact Camera: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V
The Sony Cyber-shot HX5V is the world's first camera that integrates GPS and Compass functions, as well as Sony's unique Sweep Panorama function. It features a 25-250mm (equivalent) lens and a 10.2-megapixel Exmor R ™ CMOS sensor. The built-in HDR (High Dynamic Range) Backlight Correction produces natural, balanced results with high contrast and strongly backlit scenes. The Optical SteadyShot with new Active Mode provides up to 10x more shake correction than conventional cameras.

Best Expert Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G11
Well built and user friendly, the PowerShot G11, with all the manual functions that photographers need, is a great tool to work with precision and discretion. The 28-140mm zoom (equivalent) and its sensor smartly limited to 10 MP are two evidences of its positioning as an "expert" camera. It does not try to dazzle the beginner but to reassure the specialist.

Best Superzoom Camera: Fujifilm FinePix HS10
Serious photographers wanting the versatility and performance of an SLR system without the bulk or expense now have the perfect solution in the shape of the Fujifilm FinePix HS10. The FinePix HS10 offers an extensive feature set that combines a powerful 24-720mm (30x) zoom lens with sophisticated photographic controls, advanced functionality and SLR-like handling and excellent image quality in a single compact, affordable unit.

Best Rugged Compact Camera: Casio Exilim EX-G1
The water and freeze proof Casio EX-G1 is designed with shock-resistant elements throughout the camera, both inside and out, creating a smart look in a slim-line camera with functional beauty. In addition to capturing high-resolution 12.1 megapixel images, the EX-G1 with a 3x optical zoom, also features modes such as interval shooting and multi-image capture, which utilize the camera's endurance qualities.

Best Medium Format D-System: Hasselblad H4D-40
The H4D-40 features a 40 Megapixel medium format sensor and True Focus with APL (Absolute Position Lock), making auto-focus easier and more accurate for photo professionals. The H4D series has been designed to meet the demands of high-end commercial photographers who require the ultimate in both image quality and performance.

Best Prestige Camera: Leica M9
Long awaited by the rangefinders addicts, the Leica M9 has immediately conquered a demanding public. With its full frame 18 MP sensor, it can be used with all Leica-M famous lenses with the advantage of the nominal focal length. Beautifully constructed with a luxurious simplicity, it offers great image quality and sends Leica brand back to the heart of photo reportage work.

Best Entry Level Lens: Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
Designed to be used on APS-C sensor DSLR cameras, this versatile zoom corresponds to a 26-105mm (equivalent). It differs from standard models by its top diaphragm aperture (f/2.8-4), the stabilization OS function and its appreciated autofocus HSM system. This modern, good zoom makes high-end optical features accessible to all.

Best Expert Lens: Sony 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM
This strong trans-standard Sony zoom lens offers a beautiful constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and an effective SAM fast autofocus technology for a reasonable investment. It also delivers sharp and wellcorrected images in terms of distortion and vignetting. That means no post-production work would be necessary to improve the quality of images it produces.

Best Professional Lens: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II telephoto zoom lens has been developed for use with digital and film based Nikon SLR cameras. A number of unique Nikon technologies have been adopted for this lens, including the use of seven ED glass elements, Nano Crystal Coat, a vibration reduction (VR II) system that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps, and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM).

Best Expert Photo Printer: Epson Stylus Pro 3880
Using Epson's advanced, fourth generation UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks to deliver long lasting, high quality prints up to A2+ size in both black and white and full colour, the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 offers fast, flexible printing suitable for a number of applications. With a uniquely small footprint, the Stylus Pro is fully equipped with all of the additional features such as high-speed connectivity with USB 2.0 and Ethernet.

Best Multifunction Photo Printer: Canon PIXMA MP990
Developed with the idea of making photo printing easier, the Canon PIXMA MP990 has several innovative features such as Multi-Zone Exposure Correction, improvements in overall face detection, scene analysis, plus brightness and saturation correction. The MP990 printers utilizes the Auto Photo Fix II feature to help users get the most out of photos and help to correct many common photo errors, such as underexposed images.

Best Large Format Printer: Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6350
The 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6350 features Canon's new 12-colour LUCIA EX pigment ink system and innovative printing technologies to produce prints with increased accuracy and a wider colour gamut – built to fulfill the demands of professional users for sophisticated print quality. The imagePROGRAF iPF6350 features a colour calibration function that uses an internal high-performance multi-sensor sensor to achieve consistency of colour reproduction.

Best Fine Art Inkjet Paper: Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique
Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique 310gsm is a true baryta paper developed for inkjet technology and optimised for pigment inks. It consists of an alpha-cellulose, acid free, pure white paper, coated with a layer of barium sulphate - the same coating as for traditional silver halide - and a premium inkjet colour receiver layer. This museum grade photo paper offers the look and aesthetic of the original darkroom baryta print and complies with the ISO 9706 standard for maximum longevity.

Best Expert Photo Projector: Panasonic PT-AE4000
The Panasonic PT-AE4000 projector delivers 1080p full-HD images with remarkable clarity, 1600 lumen brightness, 100,000:1 contrast ratio and 100Hz Intelligent Frame Creation blur reduction technology. Home theatre enthusiasts can now benefit from a 2.35:1 wide aspect screen, eliminating the Cinemascope issue and bringing the original picture quality intended by film and TV directors to the domestic market.

Best Pro Photo Projector: Epson EH-TW5500
The Epson EH-TW5500 reaches an outstanding contrast ratio of 200,000:1 and incorporates 3LCD panel technology, delivering images that are sharp, bright and crystal clear. In addition, ISF certification allows the video projector to be calibrated by an Epson dealer to ensure it is expertly fine-tuned for optimum performance. The frame interpolation feature means that video output is smooth and the addition of super resolution software contributes to a brilliantly clear picture.

Best Photo Software: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Adobe Photoshop has been the undisputed standard for professional digital imaging software for a long time. Photoshop CS5 builds this reputation further with innovative new features such as Content-aware fill, a new Content-aware spot healing brush, Puppet warp and various new 3D functions. The new Lens Corrections, based on a lens database or on ones own lens profiles, are also exciting news for any serious photographer.

Best Photo Scanner: Epson Perfection V600 Photo
The Epson Perfection V600 Photo scanner has low power consumption for maximum efficiency and no warm-up time for instant scanning. The scanner creates high-quality images thanks to its 6400 dpi optical resolution and 3.4 Dmax optical density. The Epson Perfection V600 Photo features a built-in Transparency Unit that supports full panoramic medium format film. A unique feature of this scanner is the Digital ICE dust and scratch removal, which works not only when scanning film, but also when scanning photos.

Best Imaging Innovation: Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1 Technology
Fujifilm´s 3D technology offers an uncomplicated way for consumers to create and perceive 3D images and movies. Advanced 3D digital shooting is as easy as 2D photography with the FinePix REAL 3D W1 camera. The camera´s display allows immediate displaying of the 3D visual captures. The additional Fujifilm 3D photo display frame is an option to show the images outside of the camera in a larger size. Finally 3D prints can be produced for which Fujifilm has succeeded in the precision lamination of highresolution, low-halation prints with lenticular sheets that create the 3D effect.

Best Accessory: Manfrotto RC2 Joystick Heads, series
The latest Manfrotto joystick heads offer a uniquely ergonomic way of quickly unlocking, moving and blocking a camera, so the photographer can frame and reposition freely. The latest generation of Manfrotto joystick heads makes full use of new technologies and materials to improve both design and technical specs. The heads have been optimized to provide intuitive, fast operation, improved comfort and reduced weight.

Best Digital Accessory: Wacom Cintiq 21UX
Designed to meet the demanding needs of professional photographers, designers, artists and animators, the Wacom Cintiq 21UX is capable of capturing the slightest nuance of pen pressure against the LCD surface, as well as offering 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity. Eight fully programmable ExpressKeys, located on each side of the display's bezel, help to improve workflow and productivity by placing application-specific commands at the fingertips.

Best Photo Frame: Sony DPF-X1000N
Sony took advantage of the TruBlack technology to reach the high contrast and low reflection required to show high quality photographs on a LCD display. The Sony DPF-X1000N photo frame comes with a 2GB built-in memory and a special software that optimises skin tones thanks to a face detection feature. An additional feature is a smart search function that makes it easy find a picture in the entire archive. Last but not least, this high-end user photo frame can be connected to a HD TV to enjoy slide shows on big screens.

Best Storage Media: SanDisk Extreme Pro, series
The SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card series was designed to serve within an enhanced workflow for professional photographers. Ranging from 16 to 64 GB, the series offers up to 90 MB/s read/write speed allowing continuous burst shooting with professional DSLRs of RAW+JPEG images or long HD video recording sessions. The SanDisk Power Core Controller ™ distributes image data across the card more rapidly and thus efficiently ensures professional performance. SanDisk Extreme cards operate at temperatures from –13 ºF (–25 ºC) to 185 ºF (85 ºC) and feature RTV silicone coating which adds protection against moisture and humidity.

Best Storage Backup System: LG Electronics NAS N2B1
The LG NAS N2B1 is a device previously only available for the world of business: a NAS storage device with a recordable Blu-ray in a network environment. The LG NAS N2B1 has two bays for hard disk drives of up to 2 TB each, which can be configured individually and are "hot swappable". It has USB 2.0, e-SATA and Ethernet up to 1 GB interfaces, as well as a card reader for SD, MMC, MS and xD, making it very convenient for any advanced or professional user.

Best Entry Level Camcorder: Samsung HMX-H205
The Samsung HMX-H205 boasts an impressive list of advanced features, offering unparalleled value to consumers looking to experience high-quality, full-HD video recording at a competitive price. The new H205 camcorder features new BSI CMOS imaging sensor, designed to absorb more light than other conventional sensors and deliver exceptional low-light performance. The H205 utilizes a Solid State Drive (SSD), which offers a substantial advantage over the use of Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in a digital camcorder.

Best Expert Camcorder: JVC Everio GZ-HM1
In the area of low light performance, the JVC GZ-HM1 provides superior results thanks to a new CMOS sensor that boosts sensitivity to 4 Lux. JVC made improvements in camera shake compensation at wide angle performance. Most stabilization efforts focus on high zoom ratios, but camera shake also occurs at wide-angle settings, especially when the camera user is moving along with the subject. JVC uses prism technology in the GZ-HM1 to provide effective results at the wide-angle end of the zoom range.

Best Mobile Imaging Device: Kodak Playsport
In today's world, it is difficult to ignore the importance of social networks and the important role that imaging plays in them. In recent years, the so-called pocket camcorders are becoming more and more popular amongst regular users of social sites. The Kodak Playsport pocket camcorder breaks away from its competitors with its water-resistant body (down to 3.5 meters). It also features 1080p HD video as well as 5 megapixels stills, with easy to use buttons in an attractive and sleek but tough design.

Best Retail Finishing System: HP Photosmart ML1000D Minilab Printer
The HP Photosmart ML1000D Minilab printer is the first dry, inkjet minilab capable of producing traditional single-sided photo prints as well as duplex photo book pages and calendars in a single machine in retail. Retailers using the Minilab can increase their operating efficiency by vastly reducing energy consumption, eliminating hazardous chemicals and water consumption, and lowering labour costs.

Best Photo Kiosk: HiTi Mini Photo Kiosk P510K
HiTi P510K photo printer provides the most practical standalone professional photo-finishing solution by giving photographers a smallest integrated roll-type dye-sublimation Mini Photo Kiosk P510K. P510K has a large 10.2-inch TFT LCD touch screen, giving great flexibility with its solid chassis, but it weighs only18kg. It can either be operated through a computer or standalone by shop customers.

Best Flash System: Multiblitz PROFILUX PLUS, series
The Multiblitz PROFILUX PLUS flash series with its 200 Ws, 400 Ws and 600 Ws performance classes imposes new technological standards. The units can be either main operated or battery operated on location. The integrated 16 channel radio receiver photo cell ensures flexible remote operation. The PROFILUX Plus series features short flash duration from only 1/3000 sec and recycle times from 0.2 second. A step-less output control over 7 f-stops with PROFILUX PLUS and 6 f-stops with PROFILUX PLUS 400/200 enables finest adjustments.

Best Photo Bag: Vanguard Up-Rise, series
The Up-Rise series comes in five solutions and breaks the mold of camera bag standards with its ability to expand in size to accommodate your changing lens and gear needs. Every Up-Rise model expands with one easy zipper motion and shrinks back down when you don't need the room. Up-Rise bags have a removable rain cover, multiple pockets for extra memory cards and lens caps as well as an orange interior, making it easy to spot loose gear.

Best Photo Monitor: Eizo Color Edge CG243W
Designed to handle both still and moving images equally well, the 24.1-inch widescreen Eizo CG243W monitor features an in-plane switching LCD panel with a native resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The monitor boasts wide 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles. Its wide gamut reproduces 98% of the Adobe RGB color space. The ColorEdge CG243W offers hardware calibration, so the monitor itself is calibrated rather than the computer's graphics card.