Awards
Cameras
BEST ENTHUSIAST MICRO FOUR THIRDS CAMERA
BEST MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA
BEST TOP-END MICRO FOUR THIRDS CAMERA
BEST TOP-END APS-C MIRRORLESS CAMERA
WINNER Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
WINNER Fujifilm GFX100S
WINNER Canon EOS R7
WINNER OM System OM-1
The Lumix DC-G9 sits towards the top of Panasonic’s range as an impressive camera with a vast array of features. Its 20.3-megapixel sensor is devoid of optical low-pass filter to resolve the finest details in a scene, supported by advanced five-axis dual image stabilisation technology with a massive 6.5EV benefit. When more resolution is needed and the subject suits, the Lumix G9 has a high-resolution mode that takes eight images and shifts the sensor between each frame to give 80-megapixel JPEGs and Raws. Add superfast AF, 20fps burst shooting, Depth from Defocus tech and 4K/Full HD video up to 60p and it’s easy to see why the Lumix G9 triumphed.
Fujifilm’s GFX System has made digital medium format photography more accessible to dedicated enthusiasts and professionals, with regular camera introductions and a growing lens range; recent additions included perspective control optics. The GFX100S features an advanced in-body image stabiliser 20% smaller and 10% lighter than its predecessor, and gives a 6EV benefit. This is a brilliant camera and thoroughly deserved award.
The EOS R7 sits as Canon’s APS-C format flagship boasting an impressive compact stature. It’s a great choice when travelling light, especially when paired with a dedicated RF-S lens. Notably, the EOS R7 is favoured by action and wildlife photographers thanks to the format’s 1.6x crop factor and 32.5-megapixel resolution. It can also rattle through frames at 30fps with the electronic shutter and 15fps with the mechanical shutter, which is the best option with moving subjects. Autofocus on Canon’s cameras has always rated highly and that is no different on this year’s winning camera. Its subject and eye detection skills are amazing, quick and responsive enough to keep pace with birds in flight. Well done to the EOS R7 for adding victory in this year’s Awards to its win in 2022. Who’s to say that the EOS R7 won’t run up a hat-trick in 2024.
The OM System OM-1 was last year’s winner, and it once again attracted the greatest number of votes. The OM-1 marked the inaugural camera release by OM System, later adorned with the Olympus name as a tribute to the original film OM-1 launched 50 years prior. It’s fair to say the digital OM-1 has had a similarly seismic impact on the camera market to its famous predecessor. It sports a stacked, back-side illuminated sensor working with a TruePic X image processor to give a superfast performance, and the OM-1 can shoot full Raws at 120fps with single AF and a remarkable 50fps with continuous AF. We don’t have the room here to dig too deep into the OM-1’s long feature list, but the camera’s AF system deserves to be singled out. It uses a 1053 Cross Quad Pixel phase detection system that is configurable to suit almost any scene, alongside very accurate subject eye detection. It gives deadly accuracy and is responsive enough to keep up with the camera’s rapid shooting skills.
ALSO NOMINATED: Fujifilm GFX50S II
Hasselblad 907X 50C Hasselblad X2D 100C Leica S3 Pentax 645Z
ALSO NOMINATED: Olympus PEN E-P7 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV OM System OM-5 Panasonic Lumix DC-G100
BEST TOP-END FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERA
ALSO NOMINATED: Fujifilm X-H2 Fujifilm X-H2S Fujifilm X-T5
BEST ENTHUSIAST APS-C MIRRORLESS CAMERA
ALSO NOMINATED:
BEST ENTHUSIAST FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERA
Olympus OM-D E-M1X Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6
WINNER Nikon Z 9
BEST INSTANT FILM CAMERA
The Z 9 is a pro-level, top-of-the-range camera and the first of its kind to have an electronic shutter only. On the face of it, this might seem a gamble, but Nikon’s implementation of the technology was a remarkable feat of design and precision engineering; the Z 9 has proven itself a reliable performer. Imaging is handled by a full-frame 45.7-megapixel CMOS sensor working with the Expeed 7 processor, allowing full-size Raw shooting at 20fps. There is also a 120fps option with lower-resolution JPEGs. Keeping up with the Z 9’s shooting speed is deep-learning hybrid phase/contrast detection AF with 3D focus tracking and a selection of subject detection options including aeroplanes, dogs and birds. Firmware updates since the camera’s launch have further embellished the Z 9’s all-round stills and video skills.
WINNER Nikon Z fc
WINNER Sony A7R III
At the Nikon Z fc’s heart is a 21-megapixel sensor working with Nikon’s Expeed 6 processor. With Creative Picture Control support, this combination ensures excellent out-of-camera JPEGs and Raws rich in detail, exhibiting minimal digital noise even at high ISO speeds. Remarkably, the Z fc boasts a top ISO of 51,200, making it unfazed by low-light conditions. The Z fc has a well-endowed AF system with a comprehensive choice of patterns to cater for all situations. There’s also animal and eye detection AF, working for video as well as stills. The Z fc was Nikon’s first Z series camera with a vari-angle monitor, so it’s ideal for low-level shooting and handy for vlogging and selfies.
Although the A7R III has been around since 2017, its formidable feature list and competitive street price continues to make it a popular purchase. While the 42 megapixels from its back-side illuminated CMOS sensor has been surpassed, its pixel count is still ideal for image makers wanting clean photos at high ISO speeds. The camera’s range spans 100-32,000, which is expandable to 102,400. The A7R III’s sensor is also capable when dealing with extreme contrast even with its generous pixel count. Clearly, it’s still a camera that appeals despite its age.
WINNER Polaroid Now
Instant print photography is enjoying a resurgence, especially among younger image creators; the same applies to film. Classically styled and made from 40% recycled materials, Polaroid Now cameras are dead easy to use and have practical and fun features including self-timer, double exposure, internal battery and a built in-flash.
ALSO NOMINATED: Canon EOS R3 Canon EOS R5 Leica M10-R Leica M11 Leica CL Sony A6600 Nikon Z 8
ALSO NOMINATED:
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Canon EOS R8 Leica SL2-S Nikon Z 5 Nikon Z 6 II Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II Sigma fp L Zeiss ZX1
ALSO NOMINATED: Canon EOS R10 Canon EOS R50
ALSO NOMINATED: Canon Zoemini S2 Kodak Mini Shot 3 Instax mini Evo Instax Square SQ40 Lomo’Instant Automat Glass Magellan
Fujifilm X-E4 Fujifilm X-S20 Nikon Z 50 Sony A6700
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R Sony A7R V Sony A1 Sony A7 IV
Issue 113 | Photography News 15
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