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EISA, or the Expert Imaging and Sound Association, is an organization representing 60 special interest magazines and websites (including Shutterbug) from 29 countries that cover Hi-Fi, Home Theater Video, Home Theater Audio, Photography, Mobile Devices, and In-Car Electronics. Each year, EISA expert group members, including editors from Shutterbug, receive previews of the latest products, an extended process that culminates in a vote on which products are worthy of the prestigious EISA award.

The following award-winning products represent the state-of-art for their respective categories. When a product receives an EISA award, you get the assurance that its excellence has been validated by a global network of experts.

To find out more about EISA, visit www.eisa.eu

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EISA CAMERA OF THE YEAR 2020-2021
Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm's X-T4 is an outstanding mirrorless camera with a 26-million-pixel X-Trans CMOS sensor. It combines a compact size with very high image quality, impressive speed (up to 20fps at full resolution) and professional video capabilities such as 4K 60fps recording. One of its most important new features is its 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, which compensates for between 5 and 6.5 stops depending on the lens, ensuring pin-sharp shots even with long exposure times. The monitor can now be swung out to the side, allowing easy self-recording. Fujifilm has surely created the best APS-C mirrorless camera yet.

 

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EISA BEST BUY CAMERA 2020-2021
Nikon Z 50

With its competitive price and excellent quality, the Nikon Z 50 is the EISA Best Buy Camera 2020-2021
. This compact mirrorless camera with APS-C (DX) sensor is easy to use and perfect for travel, with a well-built and weatherproof body. It delivers fine image quality with good dynamic range that allows detail recovery both in the highlights and the deep shadows. The Z 50 employs the same EXPEED 6 processor as Nikon's full-frame models, which allows for 4K video recording at 30fps, or up to 120fps in Full HD. The autofocus is quick and accurate, with a very useful Eye-Detection AF function and (thanks to a firmware update) animal detection as well.

 

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EISA APS-C CAMERA 2020-2021
Canon EOS 90D

With the EOS 90D, Canon has shown that the DSLR is not finished yet. Its 32.5-million-pixel sensor sets a new resolution record for APS-C, while the Dual Pixel CMOS AF ensures fast and precise focusing in live view and video. Other advanced features include the silent electronic shutter, which allows extremely short exposure times of up to 1/16,000sec. The EOS 90D records 4K video without a crop, and in Full HD it allows slow motion at up to 120fps. The touchscreen monitor, which can be swivelled and folded out to the side, rounds off this outstanding DSLR camera.

 

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EISA FULL-FRAME CAMERA 2020-2021
Nikon D780

Nikon's D780 is a full frame DSLR with a 24-million-pixel CMOS sensor. Combined with the fast EXPEED 6 image processor, this delivers native sensitivities up to ISO 51,200, opening up more possibilities for creative photography. Its tilting LCD touchscreen helps photographers and video operators get the shot they want, even from high or low angles. This successor to the Nikon D750 brings a slew of upgrades such as superior image processing, better video capabilities (up to 4K UHD 30fps with N-Log), slow motion and time-lapse. Furthermore, the vastly improved hybrid AF system ensures fast autofocus when shooting and filming using the LCD screen.

 

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EISA ADVANCED FULL-FRAME CAMERA 2020-2021
Sony Alpha 7R IV

The Sony Alpha 7R IV is the first full-frame mirrorless camera to boast an incredible resolution of 61 million pixels. It's also equipped with one of the industry's best autofocus systems, including AI-driven Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF. Up to 10fps burst shooting with AF and AE is possible. Furthermore, with its 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, blurred pictures due to camera shake are reduced to a minimum. With its sharp electronic viewfinder and extremely fast BIONZ X processor, this camera is a highly reliable and capable tool that provides the versatility to handle virtually any photographic situation to the highest standard.

 

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EISA PROFESSIONAL CAMERA 2020-2021
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

Canon has made a big effort to renew its top-of-the-line professional DSLR, which is designed for news agencies, sports photographers and capturing wildlife. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III offers cutting-edge technology, including a newly developed 191-point autofocus system that meets professional sports photographers' demand for razor-sharp action images. The video functions are also very advanced, with 5.5K capture stored internally in 12-bit Raw format. With advanced connectivity options built in, the EOS-1D X Mark III is also tailor-made for instant delivery of images to media through news agencies.

 

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EISA PHOTO/VIDEO CAMERA 2020-2021
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H

Developed with the same technical architecture as the Lumix S1 full-frame format, the Lumix DC-S1H hybrid is strongly video-orientated with 6K recording at 24fps, along with 4K capture at 60fps. It offers excellent image quality, especially in low light, and you can record in Log mode for easy colour correction and extended dynamic range. The camera also offers an attractive 4K anamorphic mode, a great feature for shooting big-screen style movies. In addition, it features an excellent electronic viewfinder, in-body image stabilisation, and a beautiful touchscreen in a robust and versatile body.

 

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EISA COMPACT CAMERA 2020-2021
Fujifilm X100V

The Fujifilm X100V looks similar to its predecessors in the X100 series, but is in fact an all-new design that quite simply represents the state-of-the-art for compact cameras today. It sports the same sensor and brilliant hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder as the sophisticated Fujifilm X-Pro3 mirrorless camera, and its performance is in the same league too. It boasts a new and improved 23mm f/2 lens, along with a tilting screen that doesn't add to its size, while allowing full weather sealing. All this in a tiny camera that fits into a jacket pocket, making it ideal for travel and street photography.

 

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EISA VLOGGING CAMERA 2020-2021
Sony ZV-1

This innovative compact camera is aimed at content creators and vloggers, offering great video capabilities such as 4K recording and S-Log gamma. Its high-quality built-in microphone comes with a windshield for outdoor shooting; alternatively an external microphone can be used via the audio input or the multi-interface shoe. The ZV-1 is also a very good photo camera with a fast AF system and versatile vari-angle screen. Together with the optional grip that features a built-in wireless remote control and doubles as a tripod, the ZV-1 is an excellent production tool which lets vloggers easily create and share content.

 

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EISA CAMERA INNOVATION 2020-2021
Canon EOS R5

As the first mirrorless camera to be capable of recording 8K video, Canon's EOS R5 was the outstanding candidate for our Camera Innovation award this year. This extraordinary stills/video hybrid is capable of recording 4K footage at a remarkable 120fps, and shooting 45-million-pixel still images at up to 20fps. It also claims the world's most effective image stabilisation. With a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, articulated rear screen and professional-level controls, along with an optional grip that incorporates professional Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, it promises to be the complete all-round package for demanding photographers and videographers.

 

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EISA LENS OF THE YEAR 2020-2021
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM sets a new standard for professional telezoom lenses, and is Canon's best to date. Its all-new construction is tailored to Canon's RF mirrorless system, and together with a new optical design, delivers impressive image quality in a very compact lens. It's also well sealed against dust and splashes, and can therefore be used in challenging situations. In addition, the lens offers very effective 5-stop image stabilisation. It is without doubt the best lens the EISA jury has tested in the past year.

 

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EISA WIDEANGLE ZOOM LENS 2020-2021
Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art

This large aperture, wideangle zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras provides excellent quality at a very competitive price. It's available in both Sony E-mount, and L-mount for Leica, Panasonic and Sigma cameras. By optimising the design for mirrorless, Sigma has made a lens that's considerably smaller and lighter than its DSLR counterpart, yet provides fantastic optical quality. It also boasts fast and silent autofocus, and is weather-sealed for outdoor shooting. The result is a superb lens that's perfect for a wide range of subjects including architecture, landscapes and astrophotography.

 

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EISA STANDARD ZOOM LENS 2020-2021
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM

For many professional photographers, a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is the workhorse they cannot live without. The RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM combines a fast aperture with a built-in 5-stop image stabiliser and provides excellent image quality across the zoom range, with exceptionally low levels of distortion. The smooth and silent Nano USM motor ensures rapid and accurate autofocus, and is perfect for video as well as stills. The RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM offers robust, weather-sealed build quality along with fluorine coating on the front and rear elements to protect them against water and grease.

 

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EISA TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS 2020-2021
Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD

This Tamron lens is a classic telephoto zoom for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, with a large aperture of f/2.8. It delivers excellent sharpness and contrast across the frame at all focal lengths, even wide open. It also boasts weather-resistant construction, using lightweight yet durable materials. The optical design exploits several special elements and coatings, while a floating focus system ensures crisp and sharp images, even at close subject distances. With a very quiet but responsive autofocus mechanism, this lens is a bargain in its class, both for photography and video.

 

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EISA TRAVEL ZOOM LENS 2020-2021
Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD

This all-in-one zoom lens is the first in its class to offer a fast aperture of f/2.8 at the wideangle end, together with compact size and light weight. Thanks to a combination of special lens elements and intelligent software corrections, the Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD achieves an impressive optical performance, giving clean, sharp images. In combination with the fast aperture, a close focus distance of just 19cm allows users to shoot close-ups with nicely blurred backgrounds. The autofocus is fast, accurate and quiet, which is a boon for photographers and video makers alike.

 

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EISA SUPER TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS 2020-2021
Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS

This ultra-telephoto zoom will be appreciated by those who love nature and sports photography but don't want a heavy lens. It is affordable and lightweight for its class, yet delivers great sharpness even at maximum aperture, which is very important for a lens that will often be used between 400mm and 600mm. Autofocus is very fast, and the large zoom ring moves smoothly from 200mm to 600mm without changing the length or balance of the lens, making it comfortable to use. The range can be extended even further with Sony's 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, maintaining full autofocus capability.

 

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EISA PROFESSIONAL TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS 2020-2021
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR

This powerful telephoto zoom is suitable for professional use in challenging conditions. Its constant fast maximum aperture across the full focal-length range offers advantages in many situations, including portraits, indoor and outdoor sports, and nature photography. Even at its maximum aperture of f/2.8, the NIKKOR delivers exceptional resolution on full-frame DSLR cameras with minimal chromatic aberration, thanks to the use of Nikon's new Short Wavelength Spectrum (SR) glass. It handles brilliantly too, with effective image stabilisation and comprehensive weather protection. Compatibility with Nikon's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters brings additional flexibility.

 

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EISA WIDEANGLE LENS 2020-2021
Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G

The compact and lightweight Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G is an exceptional lens that provides really sharp images in all areas of the frame, even at f/1.8. Its optical design features advanced aspherical elements and extra-low dispersion glass to deliver high corner-to-corner image quality with minimal distortion, while suppressing chromatic aberration. The 9-bladed diaphragm allows the photographer to create beautifully blurred backgrounds. Two XD Linear Motors guarantee very fast, precise and silent focusing, while the 18cm minimum focus distance (in manual focus mode) can be used for striking close-ups.

 

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EISA PORTRAIT LENS 2020-2021
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm F1.8 S

A stunning addition to Nikon's mirrorless Z system, this is a superb portrait lens with the classic 85mm focal length, where it stands out among some very tough competition. As Nikon's best 85mm lens to date, it performs admirably at f/1.8, with just the right amount of edge softness and shading that demanding portrait photographers require, while the optical performance is technically perfect when the aperture is closed down a couple of stops. In addition, this lens has no distortion, provides fast autofocus speed, and is built to high standards, including weather-resistance for use under all conditions.

 

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EISA LENS INOVATION 2020-2021
Canon RF 600mm & 800mm F11 IS STM

These two innovative ultra-telephoto lenses owe their unparalleled low weight to a novel design that combines diffractive optics with a small, fixed aperture. They also employ a retractable sliding barrel that enables a remarkably short packed length. What's more, the inclusion of optical stabilisation means they can readily be used handheld, without needing a monopod or tripod. Together this provides a combination of portability, affordability and telephoto reach for Canon full-frame mirrorless users that was previously only available with cropped-sensor cameras. As a result, they look sure to become popular for subjects such as wildlife, sport and aviation.

 

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EISA CAMERA DRONE 2020-2021
DJI Mavic Air 2

The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a compact drone that's very easy to operate and can be folded conveniently for transport. With its 1/2in CMOS sensor, the camera lets you take photos with a resolution of 48 million pixels, and in video mode the drone supports 4K at 60fps. Both photographs and videos are stored on convenient microSD cards, and the amazing gimbal makes sure neither turns out blurred. The Mavic Air 2 has a lot to offer for creative filmmakers, including HDR panorama, 8K Hyperlapse mode, and SmartPhoto mode with scene recognition that optimises the picture depending on the situation.

 

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EISA PHOTO SOFTWARE 2020-2021
Nik Collection 3 By DxO

Nik Collection 3 by DxO is a suite of eight powerful photo-editing plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and DxO PhotoLab, that helps photographers take their images to the next level. Together the plug-ins allow a wide range of effects to be applied quickly and easily to images, such as great black & white conversions, attractive colour adjustments and creative treatments, and new in this version, comprehensive geometric corrections. A new non-destructive mode allows you to export images as TIFF files and tweak your edits, while keeping your original images safe and your adjustments reversible.

 

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EISA MONITOR OF THE YEAR 2020-2021
EIZO ColorEdge CS2740

The EIZO ColorEdge CS2740 is a 27in monitor with a 4K UHD resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, or four times the resolution of Full HD. This high-quality monitor is ideal for creative tasks such as photo and video editing, and offers a wide gamut with vivid and accurate colour reproduction in the Adobe RGB space. Thanks to its high pixel density images are displayed with pin-sharp clarity. It offers essential features such as colour calibration with the ColorNavigator 7 software, along with modern and versatile connectivity options including USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort and crucially USB Type-C ports.

 

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More EISA Awards 2020-2021:

 

HI-FI EXPERT GROUP

EISA LOUDSPEAKER 2020-2021

SVS Prime Pinnacle

EISA WIRELESS LOUDSPEAKER 2020-2021

System Audio legend 5 silverback

EISA BEST VALUE BOOKSHELF LOUDSPEAKER 2020-2021

Monitor Audio Bronze 100

EISA BEST VALUE FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKER 2020-2021

Focal Chora 826

EISA AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

ARCAM SA30

EISA SMART AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

NAD Masters M33

EISA HIGH-END INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

Musical Fidelity M8xi

EISA HIGH-END PRE/POWER AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

Michi P5/S5

EISA TURNTABLE 2020-2021

Thorens TD 1601

EISA BEST VALUE TURNTABLE 2020-2021

Pro-Ject T1

EISA DIGITAL SOURCE 2020-2021

Volumio Primo

EISA BEST VALUE DAC 2020-2021

iFi Audio ZEN DAC

EISA PHONO PREAMP 2020-2021

Primare R15

EISA AUDIO ACCESSORY 2020-2021

Pro-Ject VC-E

 

COMBINED WITH MOBILE EXPERT GROUP

EISA HEADPHONES 2020-2021

DALI IO-6

EISA MOBILE AUDIO PLAYER 2020-2021

FiiO M11 Pro

EISA PORTABLE DAC/HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt

 

HOME THEATRE AUDIO EXPERT GROUP

EISA HOME THEATRE SPEAKER SYSTEM 2020-2021

Arendal Sound 1961 Series

EISA BEST BUY HOME THEATRE SPEAKER SYSTEM 2020-2021

Triangle Borea Series

EISA SMART SOUNDBAR 2020-2021

Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 700

EISA PREMIUM SOUNDBAR 2020-2021

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

EISA HOME THEATRE RECEIVER 2020-2021

Denon AVC-X4700H

EISA HOME THEATRE SUBWOOFER 2020-2021

SVS SB-2000 Pro

EISA HOME THEATRE HIGH-END 2020-2021

Trinnov Altitude platform

EISA HOME THEATRE HEADPHONE 2020-2021

JVC EXOFIELD XP-EXT1

EISA HOME THEATRE AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

Emotiva XPA Gen3

EISA SOUNDBAR 2020-2021

LG SN8YG
LG DSN8YG (Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands)
LG SN8
LG SN8Y

EISA BEST BUY SOUNDBAR 2020-2021

TCL TS9030 RAY·DANZ

 

COMBINED WITH HOME THEATRE VIDEO&DISPLAY EXPERT GROUP

EISA HOME THEATRE MEDIA PLAYER 2020-2021

Zappiti Pro 4K HDR

 

HOME THEATRE VIDEO&DISPLAY EXPERT GROUP

EISA 8K TV 2020-2021

LG 75NANO99
LG
75NANO999NA
LG
75NANO996NA
LG
75NANO99UNA

EISA BEST PREMIUM OLED TV 2020-2021

LG OLED65GX
LG
OLED65GX6LA
LG
OLED65GX9LA
LG
OLED65GXPUA

EISA LARGE SCREEN TV 2020-2021

Samsung QE75Q950TS

EISA BEST BUY TV 2020-2021

TCL 65C815
TCL 65C815K (UK)

EISA HOME THEATRE TV 2020-2021

Philips 65OLED935

EISA BEST BUY OLED TV 2020-2021

Philips 55OLED805

EISA PROJECTOR 2020-2021

Optoma CinemaX UHZ65UST

Optoma P1 (Australia)

Optoma CinemaX P1 (North America)

 

COMBINED WITH HOME THEATRE AUDIO EXPERT GROUP

EISA HOME THEATRE MEDIA PLAYER 2020-2021

Zappiti Pro 4K HDR

 

MOBILE DEVICES EXPERT GROUP

EISA BEST SMARTPHONE 2020-2021

OnePlus 8 Pro

EISA ADVANCED SMARTPHONE 2020-2021

OPPO Find X2 Pro

EISA FOLDABLE SMARTPHONE 2020-2021

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

EISA MULTIMEDIA SMARTPHONE 2020-2021

Sony Xperia 1 Mark II

EISA SMARTPHONE CAMERA 2020-2021

Huawei P40 Pro

EISA IN-EAR HEADPHONES 2020-2021

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2

EISA ON-EAR HEADPHONES 2020-2021

Bowers & Wilkins PX5

EISA MOBILE SPEAKER 2020-2021

LG XBOOM Go PL7
LG XBOOM Go PL7W

EISA BEST SMARTWATCH 2020-2021

Huawei Watch GT 2

 

COMBINED WITH HI-FI EXPERT GROUP

EISA HEADPHONES 2020-2021

DALI IO-6

EISA MOBILE AUDIO PLAYER 2020-2021

FiiO M11 Pro

EISA PORTABLE DAC/HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt

 

IN-CAR ELECTRONICS EXPERT GROUP

EISA IN-CAR HEAD UNIT 2020-2021

KENWOOD DMX9720XDS

EISA IN-CAR SOUND PROCESSOR 2020-2021

Helix DSP ULTRA

EISA IN-CAR BEST VALUE DSP 2020-2021

Ground Zero GZDSP 4-8XII

EISA IN-CAR AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

MOSCONI GLADEN ATOMO 2

EISA IN-CAR DSP AMPLIFIER 2020-2021

Eton Stealth 7.1 DSP

EISA IN-CAR SPEAKER SYSTEM 2020-2021

ESB 8.6K3U LE

EISA IN-CAR SUBWOOFER 2020-2021

Hifonics ZRX6D2

EISA IN-CAR HIGH END COMPONENT 2020-2021

Audison bit One HD Virtuoso

EISA IN-CAR DASHCAM 2020-2021

KENWOOD DRV-A501W

EISA CAMPER VAN HEAD UNIT 2020-2021

Zenec Z-E3766