While video is becoming increasingly popular, and cameras' video features continue to become more sophisticated, there are still plenty of photographers who simply aren't interested in it.

And, in a time where cameras are already so good that the improvements on the photo side tend to be incremental, rather than groundbreaking, it can look like manufacturers are only interested in expanding their video capabilities.

This has, perhaps understandably, led to frustration among sections of the photography community. But it can also lead to the belief that a photo-only camera would be cheaper, which is not generally the case.

Generally, manufacturers only develop separate models if they believe there is a distinct audience to target, which is why, for instance, Nikon's ZR cinema/vlogging crossover camera is intentionally missing some features that would make it more appealing to someone that might otherwise buy a Z6III. Wheras, conversely, a stills-only version of the Z6III would compete for the same audience, leaving people to choose between a full-featured hybrid and a camera with the same components but artificially restricted.

Click here to read a fuller explanation of why taking video out of your camera wouldn't make it less expensive.

This weekend, the National Association of Broadcasters show (NAB) is in full swing. While announcements stemming from it typically focus on professional video, there were a surprising number of announcements this year that may appeal to photographers and camera enthusiasts, including Canon's use of an emerging sensor technology, GoPro releasing a camera with a Micro Four Thirds mount and BlackMagic adding photo editing to Davinci Resolve.

Richard, Dale and Mitchell sat down to discuss these announcements and what impact they may have on the future of photography.

TIPA announced the 2026 photo and imaging gear awards – here are the winners:

Cameras

• Best APS-C Camera: Fujifilm X-E5
• Best Full Frame Advanced Camera: Nikon Z5II
• Best Full Frame Expert Camera: Sony Alpha 7V
• Best Advanced Compact Cinema Camera: Nikon ZR
• Best Hybrid Full Frame Camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark III
• Best Professional Cinema Camera: Fujifilm GFX Eterna 55
• Best Content Creator Camera: Canon PowerShot V1
• Best APS-C Compact Camera: Ricoh GR IV
• Best Rangefinder-Style Camera: Leica M EV1
• Best Professional Fixed Lens Camera: Sony DSC-RX1R III
• Best Medium Format Camera: Hasselblad X2D II 100C

Lenses

• Best Full Frame Wide-Angle Prime Lens: Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art
• Best Full Frame Telephoto: Sigma 200mm F2.0 DG OS | Sports
• Best Full Frame Wide Zoom: Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
• Best Full Frame Zoom: Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary
• Best Full Frame Standard Zoom Lens: Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
• Best Full Frame Travel Lens: Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD
• Best Full Frame Telephoto Zoom Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 G Master
• Best Macro Lens: Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS
• Best Ultra Macro Lens: Laowa Axon 1-5X & 5-10X Ultra Macro APO
• Best Tilt/Shift Lens: TTArtisan TS 17mm f/4.0 ASPH
• Best Specialty Lens: Canon RF 7-14mm f/2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM

Accessories

• Best ActionCam: Insta360 Go Ultra
• Best Photo Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Best Tripod: Manfrotto ONE
• Best Professional Portable Flash: Godox AD800 Pro
• Best Professional Photo/Video Monitor: BenQ PD2770U
• Best Large Format Printer: Epson SureColor P7300/P9300

Additional information:

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 TIPA World Awards, recognizing the best photo and imaging products of the year. These internationally respected awards honor outstanding achievements in imaging technology, product design, and user experience across professional, enthusiast, and consumer markets.

The winners were selected during the annual General Assembly of TIPA members, which took place this year in Berlin (Germany). Editors and representatives from TIPA’s global network of print and online publications, spanning Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, along with a delegate from the Japan Camera Journal Press Club, voted across 40 product categories. These categories cover a comprehensive range of imaging solutions, including cameras, lenses, software, accessories, monitors, and output systems.

The 2026 selections reflect an industry characterized by focused innovation and continuous refinement. Manufacturers are advancing their product lines through more powerful imaging pipelines, enhanced hybrid capabilities, and workflow-oriented solutions that address the evolving needs of today’s content creators. Significant progress has also been made in sensor technology, image processing, and autofocus performance. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on design, portability, and overall user experience, appealing to a new generation of image-makers who value both functionality and lifestyle integration.

In addition to product excellence, the TIPA World Awards highlight key developments across the broader imaging ecosystem. These include advancements in media storage, optical engineering, and lighting technologies, underscoring the depth and diversity of the industry.

The Photographers’ Choice Awards will once again invite the public to participate in the selection process. Readers of TIPA member publications and online platforms will be able to vote for their preferred products in categories such as cameras, lenses, accessories, services, and technology and design. Starting May 1, voting will take place on www.tipa.com, and the results will be revealed during the official TIPA World Awards Ceremony at Imaging World, Nuernberg (Germany).

Thomas Gerwers, Chairman of TIPA, commented: “The TIPA World Awards reflect not only excellence in imaging tools, but also the dynamics and direction of an evolving market. The 2026 winners demonstrate how innovation, user-focused design, and technological performance continue to shape the future of imaging. We extend our sincere congratulations to all award recipients.”

The post Here are the 2026 TIPA photo and imaging awards appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The previously reported Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB full-frame lens without a TFT/LCD screen was officially announced in China today (check the official website for pre-orders). Here are the details – the specs appear to be identical to the version with a TFT/LCD screen:

• Available for Sony E and Nikon Z-mount
• Focal length: 35mm (full-frame coverage; ~52.5mm equivalent on APS-C).
• Aperture: F1.2 – F16 with an 11-blade circular diaphragm for smooth bokeh.
• Optical construction: 15 elements in 10 groups (5 ED ultra-low dispersion + 3 HR high-refractive index + 2 large aspherical elements) for sharp results, reduced aberrations, and high contrast.
• Minimum focus distance: 0.34 m (13.4 in) with 0.17x maximum magnification.
• Filter size: 77 mm.
• Dimensions & weight: ≈89.2 mm diameter × 121.8–123.5 mm length (slightly longer on Z-mount); ≈920 g (Sony) / ≈970 g (Nikon) — hefty but typical for an f/1.2 prime.
• Powered by Viltrox’s Hyper VCM (Voice Coil Motor) system (multiple motors in some descriptions) for fast, quiet, and precise AF with minimal breathing. Supports advanced tracking and video use.
• All-metal construction with weather sealing (dust/moisture resistant) and multi-layer nano coatings to suppress flare/ghosting.
• De-clickable aperture ring (with click/de-click switch for photo/video).
• Two customizable Fn buttons, AF/MF switch.
• Internal focusing with dual floating elements for better close-up performance.
• Includes lens hood.

Confirmed: a new Viltrox LAB 35mm f/1.2 lens without LCD screen to be announced on April 17th

New lens teasers from Viltrox, TTartisan, and 7artisans for the 2026 NAB show

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