Each year, the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) undertakes a wide-ranging search for the best imaging products of the year. TIPA consists of editors from 29 professional, amateur, and business publications in print and online from Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America, with a delegate from the Camera Journal Press Club in Japan. PDN and Rangefinder became members in 2017.

This year’s global awards recognize products across 40 different categories. So, without further ado, here are this year’s TIPA World Awards 2018 winners:

Best Enthusiast DSLR: Canon EOS 200D
Best APS-C DSLR Expert: Nikon D7500
Best Full-Frame DSLR Expert: Canon 6D Mark II
Best DSLR Professional: Nikon D850
Best DSLR Wide Angle Zoom Lens: Sigma 14-24 f/2.8 DG HSM | A
Best DSLR Standard Zoom Lens: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | A
Best DSLR Telephoto Zoom Lens: Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD
Best DSLR Superzoom Lens: Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD
Best DSLR Prime Lens: Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
Best Professional Lens: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4FL ED VR
Best Mirrorless CSC Enthusiast: Canon EOS M50
Best Mirrorless CSC Expert: Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
Best Mirrorless CSC Expert Full Frame: Sony a7 III
Best Mirrorless CSC Professional High-Res: Sony a7R III
Best Mirrorless CSC Professional High-Speed: Sony a9
Best CSC Standard Zoom Lens: Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
Best CSC Telephoto Zoom Lens: Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Best CSC Prime Lens: Samyang/Rokinon AF 35mm f/2.8FE
Best Expert Compact Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS200
Best Superzoom Camera: Sony RX10 IV
Best Professional Compact Camera: Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III
Best Rugged Camera: Nikon Coolpix W300
Best Professional Photo/Video Camera: Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s
Best Photo Printer: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-1500
Best Inkjet Photo Paper: Hahnemuhle Photo Gloss Baryta 320
Best Imaging Software: DxO PhotoLab
Best Camera Accessory: Manfrotto Camera Cage
Best Imaging Storage Solution: WD G-Drive mobile SSD R-Series
Best Professional Flash System: Elinchrom ELB 500 TTL
Best Portable Flash: Nissin MG10
Best Tripod: Vanguard Alto Pro 2+ 263CGHT
Best Tripod Head: Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head
Best Photo Monitor: LG 34WK95U-W 34″ 5K UltraWide Monitor
Best Photo Smartphone: Huawei P20 Pro
Best Camera Drone: DJI Mavic Air
Best 360 Camera: Samsung 360 Round
Best Photo Print Service: Cewe Photobook Cover w/ Enhancement
Best Photo Bag: Vanguard Alta Fly 55T
Best Photo Innovation: Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI
Best Design: Fujifilm instax Square SQ10

How the Winners Are Chosen

Beginning right after the main trade show season, stretching from late September through early February of the following year, nominations within categories are gathered by the TIPA Technical Committee. Equipment is tested and evaluated, and new categories, representing emerging imaging trends, are considered.

A list of finalists is compiled and sent to editors of the TIPA member publications from around the world, who then comment and make further suggestions about products that should be added to specific categories. The information is collated and evaluated and a list of finalists is chosen. Winners are then voted upon and chosen at a General Assembly of all member publications.