Today, TIPA is announcing its list of the best camera gear for 2024. The organization, which was founded in 1991, has been providing awards to manufacturers over the years based on various things within the photo industry. This year, the Phoblographer joined the voting process and helped to determine some of the best camera gear around. Below, you’ll see the roundup of the best camera gear and find links to our reviews.
The following words are provided by TIPA for the best camera gear of 2024
Table of Contents
BEST PROFESSIONAL MFT CAMERA: Panasonic LUMIX G9II
The Panasonic LUMIX G9II is a high-end content creator camera with enhanced AI-powered subject-recognition technology. Viewing is enjoyable thanks to its 3.68 million dot OLED EVF, and quick file transfers are provided by its two SD card slots and type C USB port. The camera’s video and still capture capabilities, which include 14 frames per second for up to 170 consecutive stills in RAW format (mechanical shutter) and cinematic quality DCI 4K and UHD 4K 60p with no time limit on recording takes in addition to high-resolution slow motion 4K 120p, really impressed the TIPA editors. A new Active IS (image stabilization) mode for on-the-go productions compensates for camera shake while filming in motion, and an EIS system is available for truly on-the-run shooting.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST APS-C ENTRY-LEVEL CAMERA: Canon EOS R100
A perfect entry level camera, one that can serve as a gateway to today’s connected camera environment and a whole world of interchangeable lenses, the EOS R100 is affordable, compact, lightweight, and a decent travel camera. There’s easy access to video and still features that allow, with an ISO range up to 12,800, for low light capture, auto subject and eye detection AF, and for capturing a wide range of activities at 6.5fps. Connectivity options apply to wireless image transfer, remote control, all the benefits of the Canon Connect app, and even GPS synching via a smartphone. In short, this is a great choice for a budding content creator and especially a perfect gift to wish someone a bon voyage.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST APS-C EXPERT CAMERA: Sony Alpha 6700
Designed for content creators who want a very wide range of still and videomaking tools, the Sony Alpha 6700 incorporates a large suite of features adapted from Sony’s Cinema Line series models. Capturing action is made easy with real-time tracking in both video and still modes, an 11 fps still rate, and candid-worthy low light performance with autofocus powered by AI to -3EV. Special video functions include enhanced AI driven auto-framing for subject tracking when vlogging, a wide choice of time lapse settings, and streaming, sharing, and Creative Cloud connectivity via USB and WiFi. The unit also offers a unique format called HEIF, or High Efficiency Image File, that uses less space while preserving image quality. This makes it especially useful for high-frame rate video and storing multiple images in burst, HDR, and similar high data modes.
Buy Now: Amazon
4
BEST FULL FRAME EXPERT CAMERA: Nikon Z f
TIPA members praised the 24.5MP Nikon Z f as an excellent example of convergence between classic design and modern technology. Combining a Nikon SLR retro style look with still and video features that invite creative engagement, the Z f camera has proven to have great appeal to photo enthusiasts young and old. On-camera controls include precision dials settings for settings and an easy flip switch for choosing still or video capture. Framing and POV flexibility are enhanced by a vari-angle LCD for live-view shooting that can also be used for quick menu selections. Plus, there’s a pentaprism-style OLED with 100% coverage. Advanced video recording and vlogging capabilities include UHD 4K 30p and Full HD 120p recording, and SnapBridge, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
Buy Now: Amazon
5
BEST FULL FRAME PROFESSIONAL CAMERA: Nikon Z 8
Sharing many attributes with the flagship Nikon Z 9, the Z 8 hits a sweet spot in terms of size and weight for enthusiast and working pro on-the-go photographers and videographers. The choice between the two has more to do with the photographer’s mode, professional demands, and need to fit into a production regimen than any major feature tradeoffs. Lightweight at just 2 lbs. (0.90kg), the Z 8 is ideal for use with a gimbal for video use and, being 30% smaller, is ideal for all day jobs, when kit bag weight is an important consideration. But being smaller and lighter does not mean a loss of features found in the Z 9, with sensor size, framing rates, and all the AI and tracking functions, among other specs, shared.
Buy Now: Amazon
6
BEST PROFESSIONAL HYBRID CAMERA: Sony Alpha 9 III
Global shutter systems record all pixels in the frame simultaneously rather than capture with “rolling shutters,” and the Alpha 9 III is the first full frame iteration in a hybrid, or video/still camera. The amazing benefits include a maximum shutter speed of 1/80,000 sec, framing rates up to 120 frames-per-second with full AF/AE tracking, as well as flash sync at all shutter speeds and a new Pre-Capture function that records the moments that occurred before the shutter was released. For videographers global shutters eliminate artifacts and defects like panning jitter, light flicker, and screen tearing, the latter resulting from flash going off during video recording. TIPA editors see global shutter technology leading to a new breed of hybrid cameras that will change what cameras can capture and bring newfound tools and techniques to the pro’s kit.
Buy Now: Amazon
7
BEST PREMIUM CAMERA: Leica M11-P
P-series Leica cameras are aimed at pros and photojournalists, and this rangefinder model is the first to incorporate Content Authenticity Initiative credentials, a standard for digital content creation that encrypts images with metadata that can be verified as to provenance and credits, a growing concern in these days of image “fakes” and AI generation. It’s also a photographer’s camera, one that prioritizes manual operation in a classic rangefinder design. Yet, the M11-P also offers very modern pixel-based technology with Triple Resolution Technology, that allows for prioritization of balancing image size with resolution, dynamic range, and noise level (60MP, 36MP and 18MP options), an internal memory of 256GB, and a host of connectivity options with the Leica FOTOS app.
Buy Now: Amazon
8
BEST COMPACT CAMERA: FUJIFILM X100VI
The original X100 was an instant hit and created a cult following which has only strengthened with every new generation model. The 6th is the most appealing yet, combining the series’ classic good looks with the imaging performance and cropping flexibility of a 40 megapixels sensor. Furthermore, IBIS is provided , extending the camera’s already-excellent low-light shooting capabilities. Fujifilm’s ‘X Processor 5’ engine boosts the autofocusing performance, shooting speeds and video recording capabilities. The AI-based object recognition is extended to detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones. Many other useful upgrades have also helped turn the Fujifilm X100VI into an unbeatable combination of performance and portability.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST PROFESSIONAL VIDEO CAMERA: RED V-RAPTOR 8K VV
This highly versatile “Netflix approved” pro video camera allows for use of a wide variety of pro cine and still camera lenses, plus offers a full palette of format selections, including 8K VV, 6K, Super 35, HK, 4K and more, all of which means that it can deliver whatever the project requires. The 35.5MP full frame sensor offers 17+ stops of dynamic range, which means that rich, vibrant images result no matter what the lighting conditions might be. A bonus is the incorporation of phase detection autofocus, a decided advantage for single operators when grabbing fast paced or unpredictable action. For slo-mo effects, the V-Raptor offers a very wide range of frames-per-second rates using different recording formats, from 8K 17:9 at 120 fps to an incredible 2K at 600 fps.
BEST INSTANT CAMERA INNOVATION: Polaroid I-2
Three quarters of the century after the release of the first Polaroid Land Camera No 95, the principle of instant photography still fascinates the world of photography, even more the younger generations. In get together occasions, a Polaroid adds the fun factor by instantly producing printed memories and precious moments of life and giving this special artistic look. Polaroid model I-2 is the response to the brand’s fans who were seeking something more high-tech in the range. It’s the first Polaroid with autofocus, in this case based on LiDAR technology, plus full Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual exposure functions. It also integrates Exposure compensation, multiple exposure, self-timer etc. thus enhancing versatility. The optics are redesigned with a 98mm f/8 higher performance lens. Bluetooth support is the way to connect to a smartphone and control the camera remotely by means of the relevant app.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA: FUJIFILM GFX100 II
Combining the image performance of a larger sensor with the capabilities and convenience of FUJIFILM’s G mount mirrorless cameras, the GFX100 II presents itself as a viable alternative for the high-end user. With the Mark II model, FUJIFILM adds yet more versatility with faster continuous shooting at 8.0 fps, 10-bit HEIF capture, enhanced IBIS and an upgraded AF system with additional subject recognition modes. More significantly, the GFX100 II suite of video features—topped by 8k/30p and internal Apple ProRes recording—is sufficient to compete with much higher priced dedicated cinema cameras. Consequently, the GFX100 II qualifies for the description of “all-rounder” in the digital medium format realm.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST APS-C WIDE ANGLE ZOOM LENS: SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary
One of the principal ways photographers can expand their image making horizons is to work with lenses that provide a unique view of the world, and this SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary certainly delivers that. With an equivalent focal length of 15-27mm on APS-C cameras, and a constant maximum aperture of F2.8, this lightweight (260g / 9.2oz.) and compact (72.2 x 62.0mm / 2.8 x 2.4in.) lens is perfect for travel, intimate views of nature, and with its minimum focusing distance (11.6cm / 4.6in.) and F22 minimum aperture, sweeping perspectives with deep depth of field, and more. Versatile for video capture as well, its stepping motor provides high-speed focus and smooth recording. Available in a variety of mounts, this is an ideal companion lens for unique and exciting image capture.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST APS-C STANDARD LENS: Viltrox ProLine AF 27mm f/1.2
If many photographers were asked if they only had one focal length and maximum aperture to use as a walkabout lens, many would choose specs that match what’s on offer from this all-metal offering from Viltrox. Ideal for street photography, candids, and travel, and available in mounts that fit APS-C FUJIFILM, Nikon, or Sony cameras, the all-metal body with metal electronic contacts, which insure Exif data transmission to the image file, can be used in either auto or manual focus mode. A newly designed STM stepping motor affords fast AF and smooth video capture, while its 11-bladed diaphragm, close focusing distance of 11 inches (27.9cm) and maximum aperture of f/1.2 means amazing bokeh effects can be created with ease. The lens also supports the numerous automatic focusing modes available with contemporary APS-C cameras today.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST ULTRA WIDE ANGLE PRIME LENS: Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF
Change the lens and you often change how you see the world, sometimes in quite radical fashion. This super-wide, full-frame lens from Venus Optics certainly encourages a new way of looking at the world and does so with construction and build that earns its “Zero D” (zero distortion) moniker, with lens elements that limit aberrations and enhance sharpness. Available with a wide assortment of mounts, it is the first lens in the Laowa lineup to offer autofocus operation (with Sony E and Nikon Z cameras, manual with others). Focus can be as close as 4.7 inches (12cm) and its 130-degree angle of view, and f/2.8 to f/22 aperture makes for fascinating compositions, from nature to cityscapes, and will feed the imagination of many photographers.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST STANDARD PRIME LENS: Voigtländer NOKTON 40 mm F1.2 Aspherical
For hands-on photographers who understand the charms of a fast, manual focus lens that delivers notable sharpness and clarity, the Nokton 40mm delivers even when set at its f/1.2 aperture. Previously introduced for the Leica M, Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount, this new lens couples with the Canon RF mount, making it one of the first independent lenses to be accepted into the RF club. The lens contains two aspherical elements, which notably suppress spherical aberrations and distortions, plus allows for close focusing down to 1.6 ft (0.48 meters). A ten-bladed diaphragm brings added charm to bokeh images, plus allows for candid and creative work in very low light conditions. The lens allows for clicked or click-less aperture change, a welcome feature for videographers.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST TELEPHOTO PRIME LENS: Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
Steadiness at lower shutter speeds; versatility in all focusing modes; lightweight for long working days; and fast—these are attributes sought by working pros in a tele lens when covering sports, special events and wildlife. TIPA editors agreed that this GM class lens ticks all the boxes, with an added special feature of an 11-blade diaphragm for exciting and distinctive bokeh effects. Delivering impressive resolution and sharpness, even whilst using tele-converters, precise image capture is enhanced by fast, reliable and quiet operation, with three optical stabilisation modes including ones for panning and fast subject capture. Truly lightweight, the lens weighs in at 3.2 lb. (1.45kg) and measures 10.4 inches (0.26m), resulting in balanced and smooth operation when working handheld or on a tripod when capturing video or stills.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST SUPER TELEPHOTO PRIME LENS: SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports
For many years the thought of using a 500mm lens handheld was unrealistic, but with optical stabilization and the use of lightweight lens construction materials, new opportunities for sports, event, nature, and wildlife photographers have arrived. The SIGMA 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS | Sports is built from materials such as Thermally Stable Composite and magnesium, a lightweight yet robust and splash resistant combination, while SIGMA’s OS2 stabilization algorithm delivers up to 5.0 stops of image stabilization that allows for both working at slower shutter speeds and narrower apertures without busting the ISO budget. Two stabilization modes in the Intelligent OS, one for normal shooting and the other ideal for panning and sports action, get in the game even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally regardless of horizontal or vertical framing.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT LENS: NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
It’s rare for Nikon to name a lens, so we looked it up and Plena is defined as “the condition of quality of being full.” If the compliments paid to this lens by photographers from around the world are any indication, the appellation is apt. Aimed at commercial, wedding, portraitists, and even landscape and nature photographers, pro reactions have been overwhelmingly positive worldwide. In particular, there has been special praise for its edge-to-edge buttery bokeh for stills and cinematic video, thanks to its 11 blade diaphragm; its edge to edge brightness and minimization of ghosting, flare, and fringing, due to special elements and coatings; and its customizable control and function buttons, notable for cinemaphotographers who admire its smooth aperture transitions and Nikon’s Multi System Focus AF performance.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST WIDE ANGLE ZOOM LENS: TAMRON 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD
Photographers looking for a lens that excels in both video and still photography will find this full-frame Sony E-Mount lens perfect for their needs. It’s ultra wide to normal zoom range is versatile for travel, landscape, and nature shots, as well as videography. Lightweight and compact, it’s great for carrying around. Its close focusing ability enhances creativity, with a distance as short as 0.19m at the wide end. The lens maintains sharp video quality with its fixed barrel and internal zoom, suitable for gimbals. Its VXD autofocus is quick and silent, ensuring accuracy. Weather resistance makes it ideal for outdoor use, and it supports the TAMRON Lens Utility for customized settings that are unique to videography, expanding creative options.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST MACRO ZOOM LENS: Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II
This classic focal length’s major update brings all the latest focusing and tracking tech into a shorter and lighter-weight body. This is the first zoom lens in its class to offer half-macro capability throughout the zoom range, increasing to full macro when used with the 2x teleconverter. Close focusing capability has been enhanced via a floating focusing element that permits a minimum focusing distance of 10.2 inches (@26cm) at 70mm that, in union with the rounded 9-bladed diaphragm, makes for beautiful bokeh effects. For videographers, a new Direct Manual Focus feature for quick focus ring adjustments in AF modes. Four XD linear motors support focus tracking while zooming for locked on sharpness, a benefit for still photography as well. Sony’s OSS (Optical Steady Shot) works as a team with the camera body’s stabilisation system to aid in challenging lighting scenarios.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS: TAMRON 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
The TIPA editors highlight this zoom lens for its complete optical overhaul, marking it as part of Tamron’s new generation that leverages Sony E-Mount mirrorless technology. It’s compatible with Eye AF, Fast Hybrid AF, AF Assist and has an improved VXD motor. Notably smaller and lighter than its peers, it enhances fieldwork and offers superior close-up performance across all focal lengths. Its linear motor is quiet and swift, ideal for video, while Tamron’s VC image stabilization ensures sharp shots in various conditions. Special lens elements reduce aberrations and flare. With the support of the TAMRON Lens Utility, users can customize settings unique to videography or create their own personal settings, making it versatile for both still and video shooting.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST SUPER TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Specifically designed for nature, wildlife, and sports enthusiast photographers, this long-range zoom lens brings it all together in terms of focal length range, fast, responsive autofocus, an STM motor for quiet and smooth video capture, and weather-sealed construction with a fluorine lens coating that, to quote, “anticipates a high frequency of lens wiping.” TIPA editors know that in pro offerings it’s often the small touches that make a big difference in the field, and with this super tele it’s the ability to adapt 1.4X and 2X teleconverters, maintain lens size when zooming, only a 70-degree turn to zoom out to maximum focal length, 5.5 EV image stabilization, and a host of on-lens controls to switch or lock modes and settings.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST HYBRID ZOOM LENS: Canon RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z
Combining features and functions with strong appeal for video and still photographers, this fast aperture signals the growing trend of the hybridization of cameras to equally handle both in all manner of light and shooting conditions, whether it be breaking news, weddings and events, or when doing personal projects in the studio or field. The lens offers minimal focus breathing and electronic par focal performance for videographers and also two types of Power Zoom adapters as optional accessories. With dual Nano USM motors, focusing is fast and quiet, with low light conditions no problem due to the 5.5 stop in-lens optical image stabilization, which reaches an amazing 8 stops when using Canon’s Coordinated IS with a compatible camera featuring In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). Full-time manual focus for making quick adjustments on the fly is also available via the dedicated aperture ring. With an eleven-bladed aperture, out of focus areas are beautifully rendered in portraits and other close focusing compositions.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST PHOTO SMARTPHONE: Xiaomi 14 Ultra
The 14 Ultra redefines smartphone style and versatility. It starts with the 6.73 inch OLED display with a super-sharp 3700×1440 resolution at 522ppi. The Leica Summilux quad lens offerings, including 12mm, 23mm, 75mm, 120mm focal lengths, each deliver 50 MP resolution. Creative fun is enhanced by “styles and looks’, including Swirly Bokeh, 90mm Soft Focus, and Documentary for stills. For video, there’s 8K 30 fps recording, a new Movie Mode that delivers cinematic effects including HDR videos in 10 bit, and even a Director’s Mode for advanced post production integration. Add in a main 1-inch sensor, 14 EV dynamic range, a dual ISO system that seamlessly raises ISO without losing dynamic range, and 1 TB storage and you have a most impressive camera phone indeed.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST ANALOG PHOTO PRODUCT: HARMAN Phoenix 200
The growing interest in analog (film) photography has spurred a new entrant from HARMAN, an England based company that has years of experience in the monochrome realm. Unlike other color negative films, Phoenix 200 does not have a colour mask, the orange layer normally part of the color negative look, and in some ways resembles a cross-processed chrome color film (slide film processed in color negative soup), with punchy colors, high contrast, and visible grain. They do provide parameters for lab and home scanning and exposure recommendations to temper any “ill” effects, although the company considers it an experimental film and that more work needs be done to evolve the product. Yet, it must also be said that unique looks are all part of the analog fun.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTO MONITOR: BenQ PhotoVue SW272U 4K Photo Editing Monitor
Boasting excellent color accuracy and hardware calibration, this new professional 27-inch 4K photo monitor from BenQ pursues the compelling precedent of the renowned SW series. Retaining the main assets of the previous SW321C, it offers a class-leading 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 coverage with 16-bit 3D LUT, BenQ uniformity technology, and ICCsync. The Fine-Coated Panel for reflection-free performance results in a simulated texture screen effect which, with Paper Color Sync software, delivers industry-leading screen-to-print results as the ultimate platform for accurate photo editing and reliable soft proofing. Photographers will appreciate conformity to the Pantone Validated, SkinTone, and Calman Verified standards. Color management is cleverly implemented by storing color data internally, and users can easily carry out the calibration with the help of the supplied Palette Master Ultimate software.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST PROFESSIONAL VIDEO MONITOR: Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Monitor (U4025QW)
Looking for a plush, 5K, Thunderbolt 4.0 ultrawide hub monitor with excellent 40in. curved panel? The Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW) ticks all the boxes and more. With its 5120×2160 resolution it replaces two side by side monitors making life easier for professional video editors. And what a visual experience! IPS black panel technology combined with 120Hz High refresh rate, Ambient Light sensor and ConfortView Plus emission protection, ensure day long work with minimal eye fatigue. The rest of the specifications are also top notch: abundant interfaces with one upstream and one downstream (140W capable) Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, six USB downstream, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, integrated speakers etc. cover all connectivity needs. And of course it is color accurate with 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3 99% Display P3 efficiency.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTO PRINTER: Epson SureColor P5300/P5360/P5370
With the high-resolution cameras and scanners available today, labs, pro studios, galleries, and photo artists seek a printer that delivers prints that bring out all the color, tone, and sharpness of their images. The Epson Surecolor P5300 (different model numbers in different regions) offers a 10-channel Micro Piezo print head armed with Epson Precision Dot Screening Technology that utilizes 10 color Ultrachrome inks in 200ml cartridges, including violet for an extensive range of blues and a wider color gamut. Along with separate ink channels for glossy or matt black, a “carbon black” mode increases D-Max for vivid monochrome renditions on glossy surface paper. The printer comes with a built-in roll feeder for bordered or borderless printing and a control panel for easy inputs of paper and ink selections.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST PROFESSIONAL PRINTING APP: Hahnemühle App
Printmakers now have an online resource to guide them on Hahnemühle paper choices, ICC profiles, paper characteristics, optimal image to paper matches, and more, plus open the door to a worldwide community of fellow artists and technical contacts that will enhance their creative endeavors. Hahnemühle’s downloadable Pro App 2.0 provides access to customer support, with the ability to upload images with a query, a full library of articles and tutorials on papers and printmaking guides, and access to the company’s blog. The app also serves as a gateway to the Hahnemühle Excellence Program, where registrants can be listed as a Hahnemühle Certified Studio, as well as exhibit in an online gallery via the company’s My Art Registry, a prestigious showcase seen by fellow artists and curators from around the world.
BEST PHOTO PAPER: Hahnemühle Baryta Photo Papers
The Hahnemühle inkjet printing paper lineup continues to expand and with each new entrant comes newfound creative options. These new papers are in the Baryta family, renowned for their look, feel, and richness of surface that matches high quality silver halide prints. All are in the medium/heavy range (slightly above 300gsm) and can be used in most quality inkjets without special platen settings. Bamboo Gloss Baryta, part of the company’s “sustainable” group, is made with 90% bamboo fibers. It’s a warm tone, high gloss paper that delivers rich contrast and wide tonal range. Photo Rag Matt delivers vivid colors and deep blacks with sharpness and clarity. The Photo Silk Baryta X paper has been optimized for inkjet printing with a smooth white look and a silky gloss finish.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST STORAGE MEDIA: Lexar Professional CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card DIAMOND series
The new mirrorless cameras require memory cards with high-speed read and write capabilities, durability to withstand shock and vibration that may come with a sometimes hectic production pace. Designed for professional use, the Diamond series card has now announced its new 1TB variant, offering a blistering-fast maximum read speed of 3600MB/s and maximum write speed of 3300MB/s. It also boasts a minimum sustained write speed of 3200MB/s. Harnessing the power of the latest PCIe Gen 4, this card delivers exceptional performance, accelerating post-production efficiencies that professionals demand. Furthermore, it supports VPG 400 specifications, ensuring it has been tested and guaranteed for high-quality video use. It may be the fastest CFexpress 4.0 products currently available on the market.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST PROFESSIONAL PORTABLE FLASH: Godox V1Pro
Keeping a small yet versatile flash in your kit bag allows for more creative capture and can be especially useful for “run and gun” and candid, social, and street photographers. TIPA editors liked the looks and features of the hot shoe mount V1 Pro, with its distinctive round flash head, detachable front fill flash module, versatile rotation and tilt capabilities, combability with the Godox wireless radio system, and fast recycle time. The attractively designed V1Pro offers 28-105mm lens coverage and a full menu of adjustable outputs, from a wink to full power, with sync up to 1/8000 second. Designed to handle any assignment, the battery can deliver up to 500 full power flashes on a single charge.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST LED LIGHT: Godox P600Bi Hard KNOWLED LED Light Panel
Studio commercial still and video production environments require a robust light that offers a wide range of effects, color, and intensity output. The AC-powered KNOWLED P600Bi is a 60cm square (1 ft) panel with a u-shaped bracket mount that can be ganged with two or four units via a Godox accessory. Its built-in dimmer, used to control the 93,8000 lux/meter, 650 watt light, can be set in increments 0.1% increments and delivers flicker-free illumination throughout the range. Being an LED it spans the full range of color temperature output, from 2800-6500K, plus incorporates an aerospace-grade Thermal pad for heat dissipation, plus a cooling fan. Settings can be made via the Godox Light app from up to 30 meters (98ft.) away, or with DMX512 control.
Buy Now: Amazon
BEST IMAGING SOFTWARE ENTHUSIAST: Skylum Luminar Neo
This latest version builds on the company’s award-winning software by incorporating new AI-powered tools. New items include GenErase, GenExpand, and GenSwap, which, respectively, removes unwanted objects, expands a canvas, and replaces and then adds specific elements into a photo. The company points out that their AI tools are there to serve the photographer’s vision, not replace it, a sentiment widely praised by TIPA editors. Other new features include Neon and Glow, a visually striking manipulation that delivers dramatic nightscapes or adds a glowing, futuristic look to any scene, and Tilt/Shift Blur, which transforms “real” locations into miniature scale model representations. The software can be used as a standalone or Photoshop and Lightroom Classic plug-in, and is now available in an iPad version as well.
BEST IMAGING SOFTWARE PROFESSIONAL: DxO PhotoLab 7 ELITE
Working with an editing software that can bring out the full potential of RAW files is key to a full realization of the image’s fidelity and photographer’s expression. Building on the DxO PhotoLab tradition, this latest version adds even more versatility with a new color calibrating tool for establishing color profiles, 17 new LUTs (look up tables/image styles), a newly designed color wheel for local hue, saturation, and lightness adjustments, and an enhanced Monochrome Workplace with 6-channel mixer/toner controls. When combined with the latest DxO optics modules, which correct for lens aberrations and distortions, plus DxO’s Deep PRIME for image noise reduction and demosaicing, enthusiast and pro photographers will realize newfound image enhancement potential for their images in an intuitive and attractive workspace.
BEST AI PORTRAIT EDITING SOFTWARE: Retouch4me AI plugins
Years back, studio portraiture, senior, and special event work like weddings often required the hand of a retoucher on the final print, with the work done with airbrush, pigment applied with cotton swabs, or hand coloring pencils and inks. This required training and a deft hand and could be quite laborious, for example when the job covered an entire senior graduating class. The trick was to make someone look better while keeping them recognizable. Now, Retouch4me offers AI retouching software for skintone enhancement, blemish removal, eye and teeth brightening, and even removing age-related wrinkles via an online download store that supplies numerous AI plug-ins for this work, including batch processing jobs. They promise to save working studios time and money and also offer “try for free” samples of their various offerings.
BEST CONSUMER PHOTO PRINT APP: Pixum App
The Pixum App makes it exceptionally easy for consumers to create and order high- quality photo products. It enables the direct transformation of mobile photos into physical memories. The portfolio includes customizable photo books, stunning wall art, premium photo prints and personalized photo calendars. These and other photo products can be ordered and customized right from your smartphone, whether you are at home or on the go. The user-friendly interface of the Pixum App allows effortless navigation and editing options. With just a few taps, you can enhance your images, add captions, and choose from various design templates. Bringing smartphone photos to life has never been more fun.
BEST PHOTO LAB: WhiteWall ultraHD sharpening for black and white photo prints
WhiteWall is expanding its extensive range of gallery-quality photo finishing products with ultraHD sharpening for black and white prints. This sharpening option, often under- or unused as a final step before printing, is available for three Ilford photo papers – glossy, matte and true baryta – and brings every detail and nuance of black and white images to life. Each image sharpening level is precisely matched to the output process used in combination with the increased production resolution. This guarantees results that maintain and improve tonal range and detail and are absolutely free of color casts. Customized formats up to 240x122cm are available with numerous options for finishing, framing and hanging.
BEST PHOTO BOOK: Fomanu Layflat Fotobuch
There are collections of images that deserve special treatment, be they commemorative albums, weddings and anniversaries, or a shared memorable trip or voyage. These Layflat Pro Photo Books from Fotobuch.de are perfect for treasured treatments. Limited to 6 to 24 pages, due to the special bonding process of pages with extra strong inserts in between, each unique book cover offers a choice of designs using graphics, text and photos, and feature red, white or black backgrounds with UV printing or embossing available. Interior pages are printed on Phothentic Brilliant silk or Hyper-Gloss papers and are available in 21×12 or 30x30cm (8-1/4” or 12”) square sizes. Special care is taken in printing by utilizing an Ultra HD process that doubles print resolution and delivers exceptional sharpness.
BEST PHOTO SERVICE: CEWE Freeform Stickers from CEWE Photostations
The CEWE Freeform Sticker redefines the possibilities of personalisation and instant printing. Place motifs on high-quality, smooth, glossy photo paper with a printing area of 9 x 14 cm. Whether adorning gadgets or crafting unique gifts, they inspire individual expression. Photo motifs can be selected in the preferred format. The motif is cut out along its contour, giving the sticker a unique shape. They can also be enhanced with clip arts, texts, lettering, or emojis for more individuality. Printing is hassle-free: customers need only a PNG-format photo or a smartphone capable of object separation. With options for single or mixed images, users create bespoke stickers effortlessly. Available at CEWE Photostations, this innovation makes personalisation fun and accessible for all.