The imaging gurus over at the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) have just awarded Sony no fewer than 4 ‘best in category’ awards, including for best mobile imaging device with the QX series. You may remember the popular QX camera attachments for smartphones which raised the game in the mobile camera wars, bringing a professional tier to our beloved gadgets. Both models filled up various regional Amazon most-purchased lists for some time and earned a resoundingly positive response in the smartphone community as a genuine new standard for mobile photography.
Sony’s other wins came in the best action cam, best camcorder and best CSC professional categories.
TIPA is represented by imaging professionals on 5 continents and this year the ceremony took place from April 3-5 in Vancouver, Canada.
Come check out the four winners.
Not happy with ‘participation medals’, Sony stole the show at the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), collecting no fewer than 4 awards. Here are the the four ‘best in category’ products that charmed the judges:
BEST CAMCORDER: FDR-AX100
The FDR-AX100 brings 4K recording to standard camcorder design offering both 14 MP and 20 MP still capture though it supports up to 50 50Mbps, allowing for heavy movement in shots too. Recording options include XAVC-S, AVCHD and MP4. You can view through the EVF or a 921K LCD. It also uses smartphone connectivity via WiFi and NFC allowing remote control via smartphone.
Key features:
- 1.0-type back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS
- Record 4K footage
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
- BIONZ X image processor
- 4K : 18x, HD : 24x
- “Xtra Fine” LCD display
- Connectivity: Microphone Jack, Headphone Jack, Composite Output (AV CABLE sold separately), HDMI Output, micro-B/USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage)
Full details are here.
BEST MOBILE IMAGING DEVICE: QX series
The QX series currently offers a choice between the QX100 (20 MP, Carl Zeiss Sonnar T lens) and the QX-10 (18.2 MP, Sony G lens, 10x optical zoom) both allowing you to transform a smartphone (Android and iOS confirmed) into a highly portable dream-snapper at your fingertips. Both use NFC and Wi-Fi for connectivity.
Key features:
QX-10 QX-100
- 18.2MP 20.2MP
- Exmor R™ CMOS sensor Carl Zeiss wide-aperture Sonnar T lens
- G Lens Bionz processor
- Bionz processor 3.6 optical zoom
- 10x optical zoom Dedicated control ring for adjustment of manual focus and zoom
We did a video comparison and also covered features extensively. Full details via Sony.
BEST CSC PROFESSIONAL: Sony a7R
More than just gadget accessory success, Sony’s professional equipment continued to earn praise, with the a7R compact system camera claiming the best in its category. The camera features a 35mm full frame (35.9×24.0mm), Exmor CMOS sensor with BIONZ X engine at a stunning 36.4MP. It even sports Smart Remote Control allowing you to snap your shots via your smartphone.
Key features:
- 36.4 megapixels
- BIONZ X processor
- E-mount interchangeable lens system
- High contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder
- 7.5cm (3.0-type) type TFT
You can check out all the details on Sony’s site.
BEST ACTION CAM: HDR-AS100V
Here’s the cam to capture adventures on a mountain bike, ski slope or kayak without fear of what the terrain might do to the videocam. A case is already included for basic protection but for those going deep underwater, the MPK-AS3 case will protect it down to 60m. The action cam will even adjust the white balance to the watery environment allowing it to capture the perfect blue effect.
Key Features:
- 1/2.3” (7.76mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS
- BIONZ X Processor – 50Mbps recording with SteadyShot image stabilisation
- Wide-angle Zeiss Tessar lens – panoramic 170° viewing angle
- Pro XAVC S format professional grade codec
- SPK-AS2 case included to protect from heat, dust, water splashes, glossy finish to reflect sunlight to keep camera cool
The full lowdown is over at Sony.
You can read more about the TIPA organisation here.
Discuss:
Are any of these on your buy list?