The best cameras, lenses, and accessories of the year
THE BEST CAMERAS The finest models you can buy
FAVOURITE LENSES Wide to tele, prime and zoom
AWARDS
2022
TOP ACCESSORIES From top bags to best software 35 Awards pull-out cover.indd 35
Plus: Our special awards for outstanding individuals 19/04/2022 18:04
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Group Editor Nigel Atherton Deputy Editor Geoff Harris Andy Westlake Technical Editor Features Editor Amy Davies Technique Editor Hollie Latham Hucker News Editor Steve Fairclough Online Editor Joshua Waller Deputy Online Editor Jessica Miller Production Editor Jacqueline Porter Photo-Science Consultant Professor Robert Newman Special thanks to The moderators of the AP website: Andrew Robertson, lisadb, Nick Roberts, The Fat Controller
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Management
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Amateur Photographer
AWARDS 2022 A
The best cameras, lenses and accessories you can buy s a weekly magazine we test more photo gear than any other UK publication and our tests are respected around the world for their depth, authority and independence. Consequently the AP Awards, which have been an annual highlight in the calendar for over 40 years, are held in high regard within the global camera industry. The 2022 AP Awards were held earlier this month at the prestigious Institution of Engineering and Technology in London and the products revealed over the next few pages are this year’s winners.
The cameras and lenses available today are the most technologically advanced ever produced and the ones featured here are the cream of the crop. We’re also blessed with a greater variety of innovative and well-designed accessories than we have ever had, and this year nine of them received an AP Award. In addition to our own favourite products we also present our annual gongs to great photographers and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to photography. After all, cameras are nothing without the people behind them. Nigel Atherton, Editor
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20/04/2022 10:41
Power of Photography
Sebastião Salgado
The recipient of our Power of Photography Award this year is the social documentary photographer and photojournalist Sebastião Salgado
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SPONSORED BY
his year’s Power of Photography award goes to a legend of photojournalism: Sebastião Salgado. Salgado grew up in Brazil and earned a PhD in Economics from the University of Paris before getting a job as an economist, but by 1974 he was freelancing as a photojournalist at the Sygma agency. In 1979 he joined Magnum Photos. He first came to global attention with his now iconic images that he took at the Serra Pelada gold mine in Brazil in 1986 – the astonishing sight of 50,000 men digging for gold in the mud of the Amazon, like a scene from Dante’s Inferno. Salgado spent four weeks living and working alongside the men, and when his prints arrived at the Magnum Photos office in London, then-director Neil Burgess took them straight to the art editor of The Sunday Times Magazine, and charged them double the highest price they had ever got for a story. ‘I realised later that if I’d asked ten times the amount, they’d have still bought it,’ Burgess later recalled in an article about the pictures in the BJP. ‘The editor told me weeks later An image from Salgado’s most recent project, Amazonia
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that he had never in a very long career had so many letters from the public about a single story.’ Serra Pelada would be the first in a collection of 42 stories that Salgado shot over six years in 26 countries for his landmark 1993 exhibition Workers: An Archaelogy of the Industrial Age at the Royal Festival Hall. It was a monumental tribute to manual labour, mostly in the developing world: oil workers, miners, ship-breakers, fishermen, farmers, tea pickers, sympathetically but beautifully photographed like the heroes of an epic visual poem. After Workers, Salgado spent six years visiting over 40 countries for his next epic project, Migrations, released in 2000, which focused on the global movement of populations – migrants, refugees and displaced people worldwide, fleeing conflict or natural disasters, or abandoning the countryside for ever more crowded cities. For his next work, Genesis, he spent eight years photographing the world’s wilderness areas – unspoilt landscapes, and the wildlife and indigenous peoples who live in harmony with it. For his most recent masterpiece, Salgado returned to his country of birth, Brazil. Amazonia was published last year and accompanied by a stunning exhibition at the Science Museum, which has only just ended. Salgado made 48 separate expeditions to the Amazon to document the changes taking place there caused by deforestation, farming and climate change, but also to record the lives of some of the 188 indigenous tribes that call it home – 115 of whom have no contact with the outside world. Salgado worked closely with FUNAI, the foundation that looks after the interests of these people and acts as an intermediary with the outside world. Salgado, who is 78, spent from one www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
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Top right: Salgado’s award was collected on his behalf. L-r: Gray Levett, Neil Burgess, Nigel Atherton Above right: An image from the Genesis project, published in 2000 Left: Salgado’s 1986 images from the Serra Pelada gold mine in Brazil launched him onto the world stage www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
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to four months with each tribe, taking ten to 15 people – specialist boat pilots, guides, translators, field craft experts – and it could take up to ten days of trekking through the jungle to even reach them, sleeping in hammocks under tarpaulins. They had to take all their own food and supplies to sustain them for weeks at a time – full medical kits, solar panels to charge the batteries for the cameras, GPS, and satellite phone – as they were not allowed to rely on the tribes for anything. But perhaps Salgado’s greatest achievement is not his photographs but the Instituto Terra, a non-profit organisation founded by Salgado and his wife Lélia in 1998 dedicated to restoring a previously deforested area of Brazil and returning it to its original state. They have planted over six million native trees to restore over 5,000 acres of forest. An area that was barren is now teeming with biodiversity. Salgado’s award was collected on his behalf by his friend and UK agent Neil Burgess. 39
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Exceptional Achievement
SPONSORED BY
Michael Putland This year’s Exceptional Achievement Award goes to Michael Putland, one of the greats of music photography, who passed away in 2019
M
ichael Putland had a long and storied career, photographing such stellar names as Queen, Bob Marley, David Bowie, Madonna and Michael Jackson. When he was starting out, the young Michael was so shy about approaching the staff of NME and Melody Maker that he’d hide next door in the offices of Cage and Aviary Birds and wait till no one was around before dropping his photos on their desk. But after a couple of years of mounting debts and no work, he decided to quit photography. Then he got a phone call. ‘Can you go and photograph Mick Jagger?’ So began a 17-year relationship with the Stones; he toured the world with them and shot some of their best performances. The building housing the studio that Michael had occupied in those early days became the home of Grays of Westminster. Owner Gray Levett had no idea until a tall, distinguished-looking chap came in and introduced himself. ‘I had to come and buy my Nikon from you, because between 1969 and 1973 I was the struggling photographer in the basement of this building!’ They became great friends. Michael was renowned for his kindness, modesty and generosity in helping other young photographers. ‘I couldn’t get over how incredibly humble he was,’ recalls Gray. ‘He was a gentleman of the old school with talent to burn and everybody in the shop adored him.’ Michael went on to found Retna Pictures, which fast became one of the most respected photo libraries in the world, and he expanded into fashion and lifestyle photography. Lorraine Milligan, hair and make-up artist in the TV, film and music
industry, met Michael after she was hired for a photo shoot at Pinewood Studios and they hit it off. ‘We shared the same artistic eye,’ she recalls, ‘and we worked together for 15 years from the Hebrides to Miami.’ When Michael passed away it was Lorraine who told his story in our tribute to him in AP 20 November. But the final word should go to his partner, Sophie Putland: ‘During our 40-year friendship prior to becoming life partners I knew only a fraction of Michael’s extraordinary career, mainly from amusingly told, self-effacing stories of his experiences and travels. This is perhaps a testament to Michael’s humility and overriding interest in others rather than himself. Michael always had the utmost respect for everyone he photographed and keenly felt the privilege not only of the opportunities he was given, but the trust he was offered which, needless to say, was completely mutual.’
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Below left: Receiving the award. (From L-r Lorraine Milligan, Gray Levett, Sophie Putland, Nigel Atherton) Below middle: Michael Putland in his darkroom Below right: David Bowie on stage – one of Michael’s many great images
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Jimi Hendrix in Woburn Abbey, taken in 1968
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Hero of Photography
Jemella Ukaegbu
Jemella Ukaegbu, AP’s Hero of Photography 2022. Self-portrait taken in her kitchen during lockdown
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e created our Hero of Photography Award in 2020 to recognise people who have done something great within the world of photography for the benefit of others. This year’s recipient is Jemella Ukaegbu. The UKBFTOG community that she founded started out as a social group for black female photographers in the UK to connect with each other and share their experiences, ask questions, run training workshops and go to events together. ‘Being the only black female photographer in a room of your peers can feel very lonely,’ she told AP in our Christmas 2021 issue. ‘I wanted to hang out with other photographers like me who I could connect with and relate to and go out shooting with.’ The community grew quickly on social media and when Covid-19 arrived it evolved into a support group to help its members stay motivated and help keep their spirits up. But UKBFTOG isn’t just a friendship and social group. One of its primary aims is to raise the profile of black women in photography, help them get their work seen and published and to build successful businesses. And it is working. They have already had exhibitions – including one at the Photography Show. And their increased visibility has made it easier for brands, potential clients and publishers like AP to notice them. As a result members have been more easily able to contribute to AP. Thankfully Jemella now has a team of volunteer helpers to share the load of running it, but as the founder she is a deserving recipient of this year’s Hero of Photography Award. Bottom left: Jemella received her award from Editor Nigel Atherton at the AP Awards 2022 Above right: Jemella and UKBFTOG colleague Denise Maxwell open their exhibition at The Photography Show 2021 Right: From a promo shoot to tie in with their first exhibition in Walsall in 2020 42
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19/04/2022 16:59
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the bigger picture. 13/04/2022 14:12
Chris Cheesman Memorial Award
Colin Wilkinson
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his award was created in memory of our former news editor, Chris Cheesman who died in 2016. It is given to someone who has dedicated their life to the industry that he reported on for AP for 17 years. This year’s winner is Colin Wilkinson, founder of Bluecoat Press, who is retiring this year after a 50-year career in which he has helped to nurture the careers of some of Britain’s finest photographers. Colin founded the Merseyside Visual Communications Unit in 1973 to promote ‘the positive ways in which film, photography, video and sound recording could be used in a social, cultural and educational context’. In 1977 he acquired a derelict public house in the centre of Liverpool and turned it into the prestigious Open Eye Gallery – one of the UK’s first galleries entirely dedicated to photography. In 1992 he started Bluecoat Press, initially specialising in local visual history, before re-evaluating his focus to concentrate solely on books on British social documentary photography and photojournalism. ‘My intent,’ he told us, ‘has been to create an archive of books documenting Britain as it was, and
Right: A small selection of the books that Colin has published with Bluecoat Press
Bottom left: Colin receiving his award from AP Editor Nigel Atherton Bottom right: The Open Eye Gallery, founded by Colin in Liverpool, 1977
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as it is now, as seen through the lens of photographers, balancing contemporary issues with important historic bodies of work.’ Bluecoat has published the work of great British photojournalists and social documentary photographers like Bert Hardy, John Bulmer, Jim Mortram, Tish Murtha, Patrick Ward, Carolyn Mendelsohn, regular AP contributor Peter Dench and, most recently, Marilyn Stafford. ‘Bluecoat’s books have been big, affordable and outstanding since the beginning,’ says Peter Dench. ‘Colin has arguably done more to recognise the work of British photojournalists and social documentary photographers than anyone in the industry. He is always a privilege to work with, considerate, driven and dedicated.’
Carolyn Mendelsohn, whose award-winning work Being Inbetween was published in 2020, told us, ‘Colin fully supported me in the realisation of my dream to publish a book of my portrait series. He believed in the work, and to have a publisher of Colin’s repute backing me was just incredible. Colin is a truly ethical photo book publisher, bringing to the world photographic work that is at once significant, stunning and socially important.’ Finally, Jim Mortram, whose prize-winning work, Small Town Inertia, was published by Bluecoat in 2017 says, ‘Colin’s a believer, he believes in people, in their dreams, in their photographs. He believes in a better world and few have worked as hard as he to bring stories to the people.’
www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
19/04/2022 16:59
MADE FOR THE NEXT GEN
The VideoMic GO II is designed to make capturing incredible audio incredibly easy. Ultra-lightweight and compact, with powerful features that are simple to use, it is perfect for all forms of content creation with a camera, smartphone, tablet, or computer. It’s time to take your content to the next level.
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19/04/2022 14:50
Photo Editing Software of the Year
Zoner Photo Studio X Why we like it
● Comprehensively featured ● E xcellent tonality controls ● Attractive output ● Affordable subscription
AWARD WINNER NG I 2022 DIT O E RE T A PHOSOFTW
Within the crowded imaging software market, Zoner Photo Studio X (ZPS) stands out for its sheer breadth of capabilities. In fact, it promises to do pretty much everything you might need once when you get home from taking pictures. It can be used to download and organise pictures from your camera, develop and edit raw files, and then build web galleries or buy prints. It’ll even integrate with external services such as Dropbox and Facebook. Available for Windows only, ZPS boasts a full suite of raw development tools, with a particularly useful range of tonality controls that go beyond those offered by other programs. It also provides a degree of layer-based editing. Then when you’ve finished working on your images, it includes a range of templates for using them further, for example to design photo books or calendars. Once you’ve familiarised yourself with how everything works, it’s also reasonably easy to use. While some photographers object to paying a subscription for software, ZPS costs less than most of its rivals and benefits from regular updates. Crucially, it delivers high-quality output. As an all-in-one option for all your imaging needs, Zoner Photo Studio X is difficult to match.
Specialist Software of the Year AWARD WINNER T LIS 2022 CIA RE SPE FTWA SO
Why we like it
● Simple to use ● Integrates well with other
software
● Supports existing workflows ● Delivers fantastic image
quality
DxO PureRAW
DxO is famed for its excellence in image processing, particularly its profiled lens corrections and AI-based PRIME and DeepPRIME denoising algorithms. But the firm has recognised that many photographers will always prefer to work with familiar software such as Adobe Lightroom, rather than learning another, similar program in DxO PhotoLab. With PureRAW, it’s set out to appeal to a wider range of users. In essence, PureRAW takes your camera raw files and applies DxO’s raw processing, including lens corrections and noise reduction. It then saves them as 16-bit DNG files that can be used with your favourite imaging software, just like conventional raw files. The aim is to produce the most faithful reconstruction of the scene that was in front of the camera, providing the best possible image data for creative processing. The software supports a huge range of camera and lens combinations,
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now including Fujifilm X-series cameras that use the proprietary X-Trans sensor. PureRAW is incredibly easy to use and delivers excellent results that demonstrably improve on Adobe’s processing. It’s not just for high-ISO files, either; almost any image will benefit. With the improved image quality it delivers from your raw files, it’s almost like getting a new camera.
www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
19/04/2022 17:06
Camera Support of the Year AWARD WINNER 2022
BAG ERA M A C
Camera Bag of the Year
Vanguard VEO Adaptor S46 Why we like it
● Sensible capacity ● Comfortable to carry ● Good kit access ● High-quality construction This high-quality backpack is perfectly sized for a day out shooting. It’ll hold a camera and four or five lenses, along with a laptop with a screen size of up to 15in. There’s a tripod holder on the front, along with elasticated pockets on either side for carrying such things as a water bottle or umbrella. Camera kit is easily accessed via zipped flaps on either side, and a separate top section provides space for personal items or accessories. Where the Adaptor S46 really shines, though, is with regards to comfort. Both the shoulder straps and the back are deeply padded and designed to facilitate airflow, which should stop you getting sweaty in hot weather. Along with a sternum strap to stabilise the load, there’s a waist belt that can be tucked away when you don’t need it. The bag is constructed to an impressively high standard, with waterproof outer fabric, a soft liner material, and generous padding in between. A rain cover is also included to help keep everything dry. As the icing on the cake, it boasts a USB pass-through feature that allows you to charge your camera or phone on-the-go from a powerbank stored inside the bag. www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
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Benro SupaDupa Pro MSDPL46C It may be pricey and have a cheesy name, but this is genuinely one of the best monopods we’ve ever used. Benro has looked at every aspect of how monopods are used and re-thought the ideal solution. This starts with the unusual combination of leg locks, with a single clip-lock at the top that enables quick and easy height adjustment. It’s joined by four twist-type locks which provide waterproofing while keeping the weight down. The innovation continues at the top, with a bowl head of the kind more usually seen on video kit that allows the camera to be adjusted freely in any direction by up to 20°. The Arca Swiss-compatible quick-release clamp also rotates, to allow smooth panning of the camera. As usual for Benro, the fit and finish is excellent, while the gun metal and matte silver finish looks smarter than the usual dull black. Most importantly, the SupaDupa Pro provides robust support for hefty lenses. It extends to 157cm and weighs 900g, despite its 32kg load rating. If you regularly shoot with large telephoto and heavy lenses and need a mobile support, it’s a superb choice.
Why we like it
● Supports large telephotos ● E xcellent fit and finish ● Clever design ● Arca Swiss compatible
AWARD WINNER 2022
T POR SUP A ER CAM
‘Benro has looked at every aspect of how monopods are used and re-thought the ideal solution’ 47
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Video Accessory of the Year
RØDE Wireless Go II Why we like it
●D ual-channel recording ●Q uick and easy connection ●G ood working range ● B ack-up recording
AWARD WINNER O 2022 IDE
V SSORY E ACC
RØDE’s original Wireless Go established a new template for wireless microphone kits, with its extremely compact, rechargeable transmitter and receiver units. The updated Wireless Go II improves on it in almost every conceivable way, most obviously with its support for dual, rather than just single-channel recording. Kits are available with either one or two transmitter units. Another significant upgrade is the addition of onboard recording to the transmitter units, with each capable of storing seven hours of top-quality audio, or 43 hours compressed. The transmitter can output audio in a choice of Split mode, where the sound from each mic is recorded separately, or Merged, where it is blended together. Further advanced features are controlled using the free RØDE Central app for Windows and Apple computers. The transmitters offer an impressive 200m range, given a clear line of sight to the receiver, and boast up to seven hours battery life. Even the microphone windshields have been improved, with a secure bayonet fitting. To produce video successfully, getting the sound right is crucial, and the RØDE Wireless Go II makes this easier than ever. This makes it one of the most attractive microphones around for recording interviews, vlogging audio or ambient sounds.
Lighting Product of the Year
Rotolight NEO 3 LED lighting technology has advanced dramatically over the past ten years, and UK-based Rotolight has been at the forefront of its development. Five years ago, the NEO 2 blazed a trail by combining variable colour temperature with both continuous light and flash. Now the NEO 3 goes several steps further, with increased brightness and full-colour output via its RGBWW LEDs. With its intuitive touchscreen control, the NEO 3 offers photographers a choice of modes. In CCT, you get variable colour temperature from 3,000 to 10,000 K, while HSI gives a choice of 16.7 million colours covering pretty much the entire spectrum. In Gel mode, Rotolight has programmed in the spectral characteristics of 2,500 different filters. In any of these modes, the NEO 3 can be used either as a continuous light or flash. A variety of special effects is also available for video work. Powered by a Sony NP-F type battery, the NEO 3 measures 145mm in diameter and weighs 354g, which means it’s small enough to be used on a camera’s hot shoe. We’d recommend getting the Ultimate kit, which includes a diffusion dome that noticeably improves the quality of the light. Overall, it’s a great option for those who shoot both stills and moving images on the move. 48
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Why we like it ● Compact, lightweight
design
● Full colour output ● Continuous light and flash ● Intuitive touchscreen
control
AWARD WINNER NG 2022 HTI T LIG ODUC PR
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19/04/2022 17:06
©Jason Lanier
ROTOLIGHT NEO 3 BEST LIGHTING PRODUCT - AP AWARDS 2022
BRIGHTEST ON-CAMERA LED
16.7M COLOURS, 2500 FILTERS
HIGH SPEED RGBWW FLASH
TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY
NATIVE IOS & ANDRIOID APP
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13/04/2022 11:56 14:23 14/04/2022
CELEBRATING THE YEAR’S BEST PRODUCTS
GLOBAL AWARDS 2021-22 visit www.eisa.eu for the winners
EISA is the unique collaboration of 60 member magazines and websites from 29 countries, specialising in all aspects of consumer electronics from mobile devices, home theatre display and audio products, photography, hi-fi and in-car entertainment. This truly international association includes expert members in Australia, India, Canada, the Far East, USA and the wider European community, ensuring the EISA Awards and official logo are your guide to the best in global consumer technology!
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Why we like it ● Makes beautiful prints ● Portable design ● Intuitive app ● Bluetooth connection
AWARD WINNER LE 2022 OBI RY M ESSO ACC
Mobile Accessory of the Year
Fujifilm Instax Link WIDE
We’ve long admired Fujifilm’s Instax film printers, which produce instant prints from images stored on your smartphone, so were especially pleased when this wide-format model finally appeared. It produces prints that measure approximately 6x10cm, which is more than double the size of Instax Mini, and 60% larger than Instax Square. It’s portable, too, being powered by an integrated Li-ion battery that promises 100 prints per charge, equating to ten packs of film. It recharges via a Micro USB port. Operation is via the eponymous app for Android and iOS, with the printer linking to your phone via a robust and easy-to-use Bluetooth connection. After initial pairing, all you have to do is switch on the printer, start up the app, and send off a picture. A print will pop out a few seconds later and then take a couple of minutes to develop fully. The app also includes editable templates for more complex creations, and allows you to build collages with a wide choice of layouts. We think the Instax Link WIDE is the best portable printer you can currently buy. It’s easy to use and produces lovely-looking prints with bright, strong colours. But now, they’re bigger and better than ever.
Why we like it
Film Accessory of the Year
Intrepid Compact Enlarger
AWARD WINNER 2022 FILM
ORY ESS C C A
● Well-featured ● Easy to use ● Compact size ● Affordable
With film photography continuing to remain popular, one problem facing analogue enthusiasts is how to make prints at home. Conventional enlargers tend to be expensive and bulky, especially those capable of holding medium format film as well as 35mm. By exploiting the latest LED technology, Hove-based Intrepid Camera Company has completely re-imagined how enlargers should work and come up with a remarkably compact, affordable unit. The Intrepid Compact Enlarger is built around a compact light source that employs full-colour LED technology. It attaches magnetically to the bellows that hold the enlarging lens and is operated from a separate control unit. This serves as both an exposure timer and a focus light, and lets the user switch between black & white and colour printing at the touch of a button. Without any need for filters, it offers both contrast control with multigrade B&W papers, and full colour balancing when making colour prints. Intrepid has created a fun, easy-to-use enlarger that’s both extremely versatile and very affordable. It has the potential to open up home darkroom printing to a whole new generation of photographers, and especially those who can’t accommodate a permanent darkroom set-up. www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
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THANK YOU We are thrilled to have won the Amateur Photographer Good Service Award for the third year in a row. Add an award-winning service to your kit bag, make sure hiring equipment for your next shoot is quick, easy and reliable. Book kit online 24/7, get next-day delivery and collection from your door, backed up with expert advice from our friendly, experienced team.
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Why we like it ● Quick and easy to use ● High-quality build ● Uses protective filter
frames ● Remarkably little vignetting
AWARD WINNER 2022
TEM SYS R E FILT
Filter System of the Year
Cokin NX-Series Filter Holder System Cokin was one of the first companies to popularise square filter systems. Now, with its new NX-Series holder, it’s gone back to first principles and come up with an innovative design that aims to minimise vignetting with wideangle lenses. Strikingly, the firm has done away with conventional screw threads and slots for attaching filters to the holder. Instead, they’re all held in place via a unique system of small sprung ball bearings. Both neutral density (ND) and graduated ND filters are housed in metal frames, which maximises their usable area and protects them against accidental drops. Meanwhile the matched polariser is an unusually generous 95mm in diameter, and simply snaps into place from the front of the holder with a little firm pressure. Impressively, we saw no vignetting with lenses as wide as 15mm.
Cokin is offering the holder both on its own and in a variety of kits that include selected filters from its premium Nuances Extreme range. The most expensive Professional Kit includes seven filters and a welldesigned case for £690, which represents very decent value for money. For serious landscape photographers looking to invest in a high-quality 100mm filter set-up, it’s a fine option.
Wideangle Zoom Lens of the Year
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4 PRO This premium ultra-wide zoom offers Micro Four Thirds users a uniquely useful range, from 16mm equivalent ultra-wideangle to 50mm equivalent. It also benefits from an impressive close-up capability, with a minimum focus distance of just 23cm. This makes it dramatically more versatile than conventional wide zooms, which means it can stay on the camera more of the time. Like the rest of the Pro line, the 8-25mm f/4 is designed for use in harsh conditions, with an IPX-1 rating for dust- and splash-proofing, while also being freezeproof to -10°C. A space-saving retractable design reduces the packed length by 25mm. Autofocus is quick and silent, and the focus ring can be pulled back towards the camera to engage manual mode. Optical quality is excellent, with the 8-25mm offering similar levels of sharpness to other M.Zuiko Pro zooms, despite its extended range. It also continues to perform well at close focus distances. In short, it consistently delivers extremely clean, detailed images. In practical use, this turns out to be a uniquely versatile wideangle zoom. Indeed, in a way it’s better seen as an everyday lens that can zoom out to ultra-wide. For photographers who are shooting subjects such as landscape and architecture, it could be the perfect choice.
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Why we like it ● S uperb optical quality ● R emarkably useful zoom
range
● I mpressive close-up
capability
●G reat build quality
AWARD WINNER E GL 2022 EAN NS WID OM LE ZO
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Sigma’s ultra-wide-aperture Art primes combine exceptional optical performance with superb handling and build quality. Available in a range of DSLR and mirrorless mounts. Made in Aizu.
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd, 1 Little Mundells, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 1EW | 01707 329999 | sales@sigma-imaging-uk.com | sigma-imaging-uk.com
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Why we like it ● E xcellent optical quality ● Versatile zoom range ● Effective stabilisation ● Moisture-resistant build
AWARD WINNER RD 2022 NDA NS STA OM LE ZO
Standard Zoom Lens of the Year
Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Designed for use on APS-C Sony E-mount cameras, this versatile standard zoom lens offers a compelling mix of features. It combines a useful 25.5-105mm range with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, while also incorporating weather-resistant construction and optical stabilisation. The latter is crucial, given that most of the cameras that it’s designed to be used with lack in-body stabilisation. What’s most attractive about this lens is the quality of the images it creates – quite simply, they’re excellent. Detail rendition is very impressive indeed, especially towards the middle of the zoom range. But this doesn’t come at the cost of bokeh, with out-of-focus areas being rendered with a smooth, attractive blur. It also deals elegantly with shooting into the light, with no obvious flare, while Tamron’s effective optical stabilisation keeps images sharp at slow shutter speeds. Autofocus is quick and silent, too.
With its versatile zoom range, bright aperture and impressive image quality, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is one of the best standard zooms currently available for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Given its feature set, it’s also very attractively priced. As a result, it hits a real sweet spot for Sony APS-C users.
Telephoto Zoom Lens of the Year
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II With a significant head-start over the likes of Canon and Nikon in building up its full-frame mirrorless systems, Sony is now revisiting some of its older optics and coming up with new designs. One standout example is its second-generation pro-spec large-aperture telephoto zoom. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II improves on its predecessor in almost every way while weighing in at just 1,045g – strikingly lightweight for this type of lens. Sony has also updated the external controls, with the lens now featuring an aperture ring that can be switched between clicked and clickless operation. Autofocus now employs four XD linear motors for fast, silent operation. Another benefit is a reduced minimum focus distance, which delivers a maximum magnification of 0.3x. Of course, what’s most important from this kind of lens is image quality, and there’s absolutely nothing to complain about here. Images are incredibly sharp even when shooting at f/2.8, with very good levels of www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
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sharpness across the frame and throughout the zoom range. Background blur, or bokeh, is extremely pleasing, and flare resistance is impressive, too. Quite simply, it’s a lens that consistently performs exceptionally well, giving impressive shots time and time again.
Why we like it ● S uperb optics ● I mpressively light weight ● R apid autofocus ● C omprehensive controls
AWARD WINNER OTO 2022 EPH NS TEL OM LE ZO
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Prime Lens of the Year
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN | A Why we like it ● Superb image quality ● Weatherproof build ● Includes aperture ring ● Attractively priced
AWARD WINNER 2022
S LEN ME I R P
Sigma’s Art-series f/1.4 primes have long been favourites of DSLR users, having gained a strong reputation for truly excellent optics. Now the firm has turned its attention to rebuilding the line-up for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Its latest 35mm F1.4 DG DN is a completely new design, with improved optics, build quality and handling. It’s available in both Sony E mount and L mount. One welcome operational improvement is the addition of an aperture ring that provides click-stops at 0.3EV intervals. For video recording, the click mechanism can be disengaged to give smooth, silent adjustments. Autofocus is quick and quiet, with the lens also gaining an AF-stop button. Another important update is weather-resistant construction for outdoor use, complete with a fluorine coating on the front element to shrug off raindrops and fingerprints. In use the lens delivers sharp
images, even when used at f/1.4. It improves appreciably on stopping down, with truly excellent results achieved between f/4 and f/11. Flare is very well controlled, while out-of-focus regions of images look nice and smooth. Overall, it’s a reliable workhorse of a lens that comes at a very attractive price.
Macro Lens of the Year
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM In a year that saw the launch of several superb macro lenses, one stood out for its sheer ambition. Canon’s latest 100mm f/2.8 prime lens is designed from scratch for full-frame mirrorless, with several unique features. Its 1.4x maximum magnification is the highest of any autofocus lens, allowing users to fill the frame with a subject as small as 26mm x 17mm. What’s more, the lens boasts a unique spherical aberration (SA) control ring that allows a trade-off between sharpness and smoother bokeh. Two nano-type ultrasonic motors provide impressively rapid, silent autofocus, which isn’t a characteristic we’d often associate with macro lenses. Canon’s optical stabilisation is rated for five stops of shake suppression on its own, rising to eight stops when used on a camera with in-body stabilisation. As usual for Canon’s L-series line, the barrel 56
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boasts a weather-sealed construction. Optically, the lens produces sensationally sharp images right across the frame at f/2.8, regardless of whether it’s focused at a long distance or for extreme close-ups. Background blur is really attractive, but manipulating the SA ring can make it smoother still. All told, this is a sensational optic for both macro and portrait shooting.
Why we like it ● Unusually high
magnification
● Stunning optics ● Rapid autofocus ● Effective image
stabilisation
AWARD WINNER 2022
S LEN CRO A M
www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
19/04/2022 17:07
Budget Prime Lens of the Year
Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 Why we like it
● Very decent image quality ● Quick, quiet autofocus ● Small and lightweight ● Weather-resistant build
AWARD WINNER T 2022 DGE NS BU E LE M PRI
This compact, lightweight optic is built for use on Nikon’s Z-system full-frame mirrorless cameras. In effect, it’s a much more affordable alternative to the firm’s premium S-line 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8 optics. With its 40mm focal length, it also slots neatly in between its siblings in terms of angle of view. Indeed many photographers find 40mm to represent the perfect ‘standard’ lens, offering a very natural perspective to images. At just 46mm in length and 170g, the 40mm f/2 is half the length and weight of the 50mm f/1.8 S. But despite its relatively low price of just £259, it boasts weather-sealed construction, aided by an internal focus design. Autofocus is generally very snappy, too. There’s a lot to like in terms of image quality. Naturally the 40mm f/2 doesn’t reach quite the same heights as its pricier siblings at large apertures, but stop it down to f/8 and it delivers more than enough detail to match the 45.7MP sensor used by Nikon’s high-resolution cameras from corner to corner. This is the kind of lens that you can throw in your bag and carry around all day without a second thought, which makes it perfect for travelling light.
Budget Zoom Lens of the Year
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C In a camera market that can appear to be obsessed with full-frame mirrorless to the detriment of anything else, it’s been refreshing to see third-party lens makers continue to support the smaller APS-C format. Sigma’s 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN is a compact, lightweight zoom that combines a 27-75mm equivalent range with a bright f/2.8 aperture. Available in L-mount and Sony E-mount, it’s also one of the most affordable standard zooms to have appeared recently, at £429. As part of Sigma’s Contemporary range, the design emphasises compact dimensions and light weight, along with simple external controls. At 65mm in diameter, 75mm in length and 290g, it balances nicely on the small rangefinder-style bodies on which it’s most likely to be used, most obviously Sony’s A6000-series cameras. A degree of dust- and splash-proofing is provided, including a rubber O-ring seal around the metal mount. Autofocus is rapid, decisive, and practically noiseless. www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
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Why we like it
● Compact and lightweight ● Impressively sharp ● Quick, silent AF ● Affordable price
Optically, the lens is very sharp in the centre of the frame, even at f/2.8, and it still records plenty of fine detail right out into the corners. At large aperture settings, it’ll also render attractively blurred out-offocus backgrounds. It’s one of the finest standard zooms available for APS-C mirrorless cameras.
AWARD WINNER T 2022 DGE NS BU M LE ZOO
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Smartphone Camera of the Year
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Why we like it ● Four focal lengths ● Pro shooting mode ● Stunning display ● Records 8K video
AWARD WINNER ONE 2022 TPH R RA SMACAME
We’ve long been impressed with the quality of Samsung’s flagship smartphones when it comes to photography. The firm’s latest model is the Galaxy S22 Ultra, and once again it boasts a host of features that are squarely aimed at the enthusiast photographer. Most obviously, it employs four camera modules including two telephoto lenses, giving longer real optical zoom than its competitors. Looking at this in more detail, the main wideangle camera employs a 23mm equivalent f/1.8 lens, with a 108MP sensor that normally gives a 12MP output. There’s also a 13mm f/2.2 ultra-wideangle with a 12MP sensor, while the telephotos are 69mm f/2.4 and 230mm f/4. Optical image stabilisation is on hand to keep things sharp, and the camera app offers loads of options including full manual control and DNG raw recording. Image quality is excellent, with plenty of detail and bright saturated colours. Other highlights include a stunning 6.8in screen, a hefty 5000mAh battery, and IP68 water- and dust-resistance. It comes with Samsung’s unique S-Pen stylus, which among other things can be used as a remote shutter release. Overall, if you want the best smartphone for photography at the moment, it’s the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Drone Camera of the Year
DJI Mavic 3 Top of DJI’s consumer-focused Mavic line, this latest model distinguishes itself by having the best camera we’ve yet seen on this type of relatively affordable folding drone. Its main camera employs a 20MP Four Thirds sensor with a 24mm equivalent f/2.8 lens, and is joined by a supplementary 12MP telephoto camera with a smaller 1/2in sensor. Along with the ability to record DNG raw files, the Mavic 3 is capable of shooting 5.1K video at 50fps, or 4K at 120fps. The main camera offers shutter speeds from 8-1/8000sec, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400 and a variable aperture from f/2.8-f/11, which both improves low-light image quality and means there’s no need to use ND filters for recording video in bright light. A compact folding design makes the Mavic 3 easy to transport between flights, while omnidirectional
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Why we like it sensors help it steer clear of obstacles when it’s in the air. There’s 8GB of storage on board, plus a microSD card slot for greater capacity and easier file transfer. The rechargeable battery promises a flight time of up to 46 minutes. Most importantly, thanks to the large sensor and high-quality optics, the Mavic 3 is capable of capturing superb-quality video and stills. It’s the best imaging drone available right now.
● Superb stills and video ● DNG raw recording ● Very easy to fly ● Long flight times
AWARD WINNER 2022 ONE
DR ERA CAM
www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
19/04/2022 17:07
One editor for everything you say?
zoner.com
Yes Zoner Photo Studio X.
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19/04/2022 11:34
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*Offer available to new UK Direct Debit based subscribers, including print and digital editions, available until 30th May 2022. You will pay £19.50 for 13 issues via Direct Debit – saving 57% off the usual shop price. You will then continue to pay £24.99 every 3 months. Discounts are calculated on the full cover price and digital edition download fee. For overseas credit/debit card offers, visit our website at shop.kelsey.co.uk. For digital subscriptions, visit shop.kelsey.co.uk/ amp. Calls charged at your local network rate. Order lines open 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday-Friday. Full T&Cs can be found at shop.kelsey.co.uk/terms. Kelsey Publishing takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the products and services you have requested from us. We will only contact you about our special offers via the preferences you will indicate when ordering and you can update these at any time by emailing us at cs@kelsey.co.uk or by calling us on 01959 543 747. **You can unsubscribe from the weekly newsletter at any time.
19/04/2022 23/03/2022 12:07 12:36 19/04/2022 12:25
Consumer Camera of the Year
Fujifilm X-T30 II Why we like it
● Lovely JPEG colours ● External manual controls ● Compact metal body ● Great value for money
AWARD WINNER ER 2022 SUM
A CON AMER C
This follow-up to Fujifilm’s popular X-T30 doesn’t necessarily bring a whole lot of new features. It boasts a higher-resolution screen, an improved AF system borrowed from the flagship X-T4, and a refreshed menu set-up with separate stills and video settings. But that’s not really the point; it has all the same charm as its predecessor, giving exactly the same image quality as the X-T4 in a compact, attractively designed body. At the heart of the X-T30 II you’ll find Fujifilm’s 26.1MP X-Trans 4 CMOS sensor, which offers a sensitivity range up to ISO 51,200. The camera is capable of shooting at 20fps at full resolution, and 4K video recording at up to 30fps. For composing your images there’s a central electronic viewfinder and a tilting touchscreen. Despite its compact size, the X-T30 II has a host of external controls, including shutter speed, exposure compensation and drive mode dials and a joystick for positioning the AF area. Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation modes give a wide choice of really attractive JPEG colour looks, while Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity make it easy to share images via your
smartphone. This makes the X-T30 II a great choice for those looking for excellent image quality in a portable camera.
Enthusiast Camera of the Year
OM System OM-1 Why we like it
● Excellent handling ● Robust IP53-rated build ● 50fps shooting with C-AF ● S uperb in-body
stabilisation
AWARD WINNER AST 2022 USI A H ENT AMER C
It may be the last camera to bear the Olympus logo, and nostalgically named after a classic 35mm film SLR, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about this highspeed powerhouse. With its new 20MP Four Thirds stacked CMOS sensor, the OM System OM-1 is capable of shooting at up to 50 frames per second with continuous autofocus, or a remarkable 120fps with focus fixed. It also boasts the world’s first quad pixel AF system, which enables cross-type phase detection AF using 1,053 focus points arranged across the entire frame. This works with updated AI Detection AF, which recognises planes, trains, motor vehicles, birds, cats, and dogs, as well as faces and eyes. Other highlights include rugged weather-sealed construction, with an IP53-rating, and the superb in-body image stabilisation system inherited from its predecessor, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. But in comparison, the OM-1 gains an enhanced user experience, thanks to its large, high-resolution 5.76m-dot electronic viewfinder and comprehensively
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updated user interface and menu system. The camera also boasts an array of unique features, including Pro Capture, Live ND, and handheld high-resolution multi-shot modes. Image quality is excellent, with particularly attractive colour rendition. For fans of small mirrorless camera systems, the OM-1 offers a really compelling option. www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
19/04/2022 17:07
Premium Camera of the Year
Sony Alpha 7 IV Why we like it ● Excellent image quality ● Superb autofocus ● Refined interface and
handling
● Fully articulated screen
AWARD WINNER M 2022 MIU
PREAMERA C
Sony’s latest enthusiast-focused full-frame mirrorless model counts as a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Its headline update is undoubtedly a new 33MP sensor that offers usefully higher resolution compared with the 24MP units more commonly found at this price point. But the camera also gains a fully articulated screen, a higher-resolution viewfinder, and improved control layout and handling. This includes, at long last, a proper touch interface that speeds up operation when changing settings. Indeed the A7 IV boasts a particularly comprehensive spec sheet, including 10fps continuous shooting and 4K video recording at up to 60fps. Its 759-point autofocus system includes face and eye recognition for humans, animals, and birds, and works phenomenally well when tracking moving subjects. Other highlights include in-body image stabilisation that’s rated for 5.5 stops compensation, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control and sharing images to your smartphone. Image quality is superb, with no real penalty for the
increased resolution in terms of noise or dynamic range. As a result, the Sony Alpha 7 IV counts as a seriously impressive all-rounder that can do almost anything you might ask of it. For any serious enthusiast contemplating buying a new camera, it has to be right at the top of the list.
Specialist Camera of the Year
Fujifilm GFX100S Why we like it
● Sensational image quality ● Relatively compact body ● Effective stabilisation ● Lovely in-camera colour
AWARD WINNER 2022 LIST CIA
A SPE AMER C
With the GFX100S, Fujifilm has taken all the best bits of its 102MP medium format GFX100 and placed them in a considerably smaller body at little more than half the price. The result is a camera that delivers sumptuous image quality, yet takes up no more space in your bag than a high-end full-frame DSLR. It’s a particularly attractive proposition for landscape photographers, or indeed anyone who demands the ultimate image quality without sacrificing portability. Fujifilm has also made it remarkably easy to get the best from all those pixels, regardless of whether you’re using a tripod or shooting handheld. The low-shock shutter and effective in-body stabilisation combine to minimise image blurring from camera shake, and the phase detection autofocus is snappy and accurate. The firm’s peerless colour science is also available via its Film Simulation modes, with the camera delivering lovely JPEG files. The electronic viewfinder gives a large, detailed view, and includes a Natural Live View option that mimics the optical viewfinder of a DSLR. Meanwhile, the
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three-way tilting rear screen aids shooting at creative angles in both portrait and landscape formats. For professionals and committed amateurs looking to make really large prints without sacrificing portability, the Fujifilm GFX100S is in a class of its own. 61
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Hybrid Camera of the Year
Sony Alpha 1 Why we like it
● Exceptional image quality ● Records 8K video ● Compact size ● Sensational viewfinder
AWARD WINNER D 2022 BRI
HY MERA CA
OVER the past couple of years, we’ve seen the emergence of a new level of high-end mirrorless hybrid cameras that employ stacked CMOS sensors to deliver both high-speed, high-resolution stills shooting and 8K video recording. Sony’s Alpha 1 is capable of recording both 50MP stills at 30 frames per second, and 8K video internally at 30fps in 10-bit 4:2:2 colour. It’s also possible to output 16-bit raw footage to an external recorder. Further enhancing its video credentials, the camera has a built-in heat management system for extended recording times, a full-size HDMI output, and a digital audio interface built into the hot shoe. It can also be powered via its USB-C socket for extended shooting. The dual card slots accept either standard UHS-II SD cards, or the faster CFexpress type A. In-body image stabilisation helps keep stills sharp and footage steady when shooting handheld. Another highlight of this breathtaking camera is its sensational viewfinder, which is a 9.44m-dot unit that offers a huge 0.9x magnification. Yet this all fits in a
compact body that’ll easily fit on a gimbal. For those who need a camera that can do practically everything across both stills and video, it’s difficult to beat.
Innovation of the Year
Canon EOS R3 Why we like it
● Unique Eye-control AF ● AI subject-recognition AF ● 30fps shooting ● World’s fastest shutter
AWARD WINNER 2022
N TIO OVA INN
WE’VE seen a lot of innovative kit over the past year, not just cameras but also lenses and lights. However, the one that really stood out was the Canon EOS R3. By resurrecting and updating an old technology, in the shape of Eyecontrol AF, and combining it with the latest AI-based subject-recognition algorithms, Canon has revolutionised autofocus. Because this camera can detect the subject you’re looking at in the viewfinder, and then track focus on it as it moves around the frame. For high-speed sports and action shooting, this is a revelation. You simply look at your desired subject in the large, high-resolution EVF and half-press the shutter button. The camera locks on instantly, outlining the subject and tracking focus on it. This works so well that after a few minutes, you almost forget it’s even happening. The AF system just does exactly what you want it to. This wouldn’t be of much use if the EOS R3 couldn’t keep up with the action, but it’s one of the quickest cameras around. It can shoot at 30 frames
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per second, and boasts a world-record top shutter speed of 1/64,000sec. It’s a remarkable camera with a unique and brilliant superpower.
www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
19/04/2022 17:07
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21/01/2022 13:55
Professional Camera of the Year and Product of the Year
Nikon Z 9
WHEN it comes to talking about the Nikon Z 9, it feels like there aren’t enough superlatives to quite do it justice. Nikon has thrown everything it knows at building the most accomplished professional camera possible. The result is an absolute powerhouse of a camera that combines high-resolution, super-fast shooting and 8K video recording, all in a body that feels rugged enough to shrug off anything that demanding professional users might throw at it. Even a quick scroll down the spec sheet reveals that the Z 9 is well out of the ordinary. It can shoot 45.7MP stills at 20 frames per second in raw or 30fps in JPEG, and keep going for more than 1,000 shots. Switch to 11MP JPEGs and it can shoot at 120fps, complete with continuous AF. It can also record 8K video. Technically, the Z 9 is innovative in the way that it does without a physical shutter, instead relying entirely on a super-fast electronic shutter provided by its stacked CMOS sensor. It also boasts Nikon’s most advanced autofocus system yet, which is capable of recognising and tracking focus on people, animals, cars, motorbikes, trains, and planes simultaneously.
AWARD WINNER L 2022 ONA SSI FE RA PRO CAME
electronic viewfinder is superb and the three-way tilting screen facilitates low-angle or overhead shooting. Pro-spec connectivity is also built in. All told, we’re incredibly impressed by the Nikon Z 9. In real-world use it works brilliantly and gives fantastic image quality. Even in a year when we saw top-spec pro super-cameras from all the main manufacturers, it stood out for its sheer capability and tough-as-nails build quality. It’s arguably the most impressive and capable camera you can currently buy.
AWARD WINNER OF 2022 UCT
D AR PRO HE YE T
Why we like it
● E xceptional image quality ● E xtraordinary continuous
shooting
●G round-breaking AI
autofocus
● P ro-level build and
handling
Pro-level usability
All this technological cleverness comes in a robust, weather-sealed body that operates in much the same way as Nikon’s D6 DSLR, meaning it’ll look very familiar to the firm’s professional user-base. However, it gains five-axis in-body stabilisation that works in concert with optically stabilised lenses, which means you’re more likely to get sharp shots. The large, bright 64
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The Z 9 combines sensational image quality with blistering speed and pro build www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
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14/04/2022 16:40
Best UK retailers
Good Service Awards Whether in store or online, good specialist retailers play a vital role in helping photography to thrive as a hobby and an industry. That’s why we launched the Good Service Awards over ten years ago. Voted for by our readers, and the retailer’s customers, a Good Service Award logo is a signpost that says: ‘This is a business you can trust.’ By shopping at one of the firms that display a Good Service Award you are assured of a great customer experience while also supporting jobs and businesses in the UK. So congratulations to our Good Service Award winners for 2022, and a special mention to Grays of Westminster for gaining the sought-after Platinum Award for receiving the most votes overall. Here are the winners, in alphabetical order.
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Congratulations to: CameraWorld Carmarthen Camera Centre Clifton Cameras Grays of Westminster Hire a Camera London Camera Exchange MPB Europe Park Cameras SRB Photographic Wex Photo Video
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Visit shop.kelsey.co.uk/AMP0322P Call us on 01959 543 747 and quote AMP0322P *Offer available to new UK Direct Debit based subscribers, including print and digital editions, available until 30th May 2022. You will pay £19.50 for 13 issues via Direct Debit – saving 57% off the usual shop price. You will then continue to pay £24.99 every 3 months. Discounts are calculated on the full cover price and digital edition download fee. For overseas credit/debit card offers, visit our website at shop.kelsey.co.uk. For digital subscriptions, visit shop.kelsey.co.uk/amp. Calls charged at your local network rate. Order lines open 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday-Friday. Full T&Cs can be found at shop.kelsey.co.uk/terms. Kelsey Publishing takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your account and to provide the products and services you have requested from us. We will only contact you about our special offers via the preferences you will indicate when ordering and you can update these at any time by emailing us at cs@kelsey.co.uk or by calling us on 01959 543 747. **You can unsubscribe from the weekly newsletter at any time.
23/03/2022 12:37