E-3 wins EISA Award

[Iloca]

The E-3 won the EISA award for "Advanced Camera" The Olympus E-3 is a comfortable (but robust) camera that offers a high level of protection against water and dust. It provides very effective image stabilisation, dust removal and a Live View function on the articulated LCD screen, but most importantly, its image quality and ease of use are very impressive. The Olympus E-3 is perfectly suited for professional demands.


Other EISA winners were,

"Professional Camera" Nikon D-3 The Nikon D3 is the first full frame Nikon, offering amazing image quality due to the fact that the pixels on the 12-million-pixel CMOS-sensor are much larger than usual. These large pixels help to produce very low levels of noise, even at high ISO settings. The high-speed operation and focusing, combined with the nine images per second continuous shooting mode, make it a good camera for action and sports photography, as well as the ideal DSLR for all round professional photographers.

(not much surprise there and well deserved by all accounts)

"Consumer Camera" Canon 1000D

"Camera" Sony a350

See Here

[Malcolm_Stewart]

Are these awards worth anything at all?

For example, the Canon 1D MkIII (which I have now bought) won one of the awards last year - before all the AF problems surfaced. My guess is that they're based on published specifications - whether or not these are met and properly, I doubt whether the panel of judges is qualified to assess. Anyone know how the judging is done? Random sample? Or carefully selected sample?

I don't want to sound too cynical but aren't they more about promoting certain magazines on the back of the latest glitzy boys toys?

[Iloca]

Are these awards worth anything at all?

Only bragging rights on internet forums.

Apart from that I suppose the manufacturers can mention it on their websites if thats worth anything.

Anyone know how the judging is done? Random sample? Or carefully selected sample?

Isn't the EISA the one thats voted on by editors of various magazines?

I don't want to sound too cynical.........

The gift of accurate observation is often considered cynicism by those who don't posses it

[zuiko]

Are these awards worth anything at all?

As AP have published the results in a separate supplement enclosed with the latest magazine i think this reflects well on the products that won and how much kudos is attached to the awards. Recognition of excellence is to be welcomed.

David

[Bone_Idle]

Are these awards worth anything at all?

Not now the E-3 has won it, all credibility is out of the window!

[Rugby_Nut]

Mind you they do spread it about a bit. Sony, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic, Casio, Fujifilm all won an award. Still, Oly won 2

[Iloca]

Are these awards worth anything at all?

For example, the Canon 1D MkIII (which I have now bought) won one of the awards last year - before all the AF problems surfaced. My guess is that they're based on published specifications - whether or not these are met and properly, I doubt whether the panel of judges is qualified to assess. Anyone know how the judging is done? Random sample? Or carefully selected sample?

I don't want to sound too cynical but aren't they more about promoting certain magazines on the back of the latest glitzy boys toys?

I thought I remembered something about AP and the EISA.

See Here

AP, a founding member of EISA, rejoined this year. Commenting on the awards, AP Editor Damien Demolder said: 'This was my first time being involved with the prestigious EISA awards, and AP's first time for about six years.

'The process of choosing the best products is stringent, with much discussion – some of it quite heated – between the European editors before a conclusion could be reached.'

He added: 'It took 12 editors two days to come to an agreement. The selected products all richly deserve their awards... and we are proud to have been a part of the panel.'

Bet it took longer than 2 days this time given that they had to agree on what category the E-3 should be in.

:-)

[Malcolm_Stewart]

Thanks for the link - I still feel that there's more hidden than disclosed with regard to how the items in each category are ranked. And, bearing in mind that Europe no longer manufactures any significant number of cameras I do wonder about the use of the word "European" in the awards.

However, my main worry is that I fear the awards are based on published specifications, rather than real world performance. I just wish I could be proved wrong...

[Damien_Demolder]

Don't worry Malcolm, you are wrong!

The awards are judged by the editors of European photography magazines - one per country. AP represents the UK. Unlike some other awards, which is why perhaps you are in doubt, there has to be a majority of magazines that have actually tested the product, and those results have to be presented and discussed.

Before we meet each magazine submits its shortlist of products for each category. When we come together we discuss the nominations and agree on a winner. This year, in fact, there was not much discussion, as in most categories the winners were obvious. I vote according to the tests we have performed, but I am only one of 16 judges. Not all the awards reflect in opinions of the AP tech team, but we are very happy with the outcome of all of the categories.

The word 'European' refers of course to the fact it is European countries judging, rather than some link to the European camera manufacturing industry.

I know its exciting to assume there is some degree of corruption involved, and that's why I rejoined EISA ( ), but unfortunately its just not the case - even with all those foreigners involved!

If you have any direct questions please ask, because I don't want anyone to feel there is anything deceitful about what we are doing.

damien

[Iloca]

Before we meet each magazine submits its shortlist of products for each category. When we come together we discuss the nominations and agree on a winner. This year, in fact, there was not much discussion, as in most categories the winners were obvious. I vote according to the tests we have performed, but I am only one of 16 judges. Not all the awards reflect in opinions of the AP tech team, but we are very happy with the outcome of all of the categories.

damien

It sounds as if it would be quite interesting. Do you all meet up prior to the awards to discuss things with cameras on hand or is it done at a distance? (e-mail/phone etc)

Do you find that different countries place a different emphasis on the various qualities of a camera. The UK IMO is very much geared towards DSLR's, most people I imagine would aspire to own a Pro camera such as the 'Full Frame'/FX models or one of the Pro/Semi Pro models such as a 40D/D300/E-3/K20D/a700. Difficult to explain what I mean but take the example of motorcycles, the UK market is pretty much geared towards Sportsbikes (R1, Blade, GSXR) while some of our European friends are geared more towards Trailbikes or Tourers?

Richard

[Repton]

I bet you all get well fed and watered

[Iloca]

I bet you all get well fed and watered

Well you know it's a tough old job, you can't do it on an empty stomach.

[Damien_Demolder]

It sounds as if it would be quite interesting. Do you all meet up prior to the awards to discuss things with cameras on hand or is it done at a distance? (e-mail/phone etc)

Do you find that different countries place a different emphasis on the various qualities of a camera.

We meet formally twice a year. Once for presentations from the manufacturers on their technology and any new kit they are planning to launch. We have our own discussions on the last day (of about 3). This is usually held in Brussels (the Demolder Homeland).

The second meeting is for agreeing the winners. This year it was in Budapest, and the year before in Barcelona, but actually it could have been anywhere as we only usually get 1/2 day to see the place when we have a bus tour! This meeting lasts about four days, and is pretty intensive. There are lots of products to discuss and plenty of people with opinions. Usually the sticking point will be a fine detail, but that just makes it all the more entertaining.

It is great fun, but tiring. I'm the only native English speaker so I have to help explain what Poland really means when Finland thinks his wife has just been insulted.

I had expected that there would be significant differences between countries in their taste for cameras, but they are just the same as us. The magazines vary very slightly in their emphasis, so some cover more compacts than we do, and the French magazine is aimed more at professionals, but in all we are much of a match.

The Eastern countries are more art focused than the UK, while the French and Germans are as kit mad as we are.

Informally I meet individuals at press events and shows throughout the year, and we discuss products and ideas via email quite a lot. They are a brilliantly interesting bunch of people I find really quite inspiring.

[Iloca]

Thanks for the detailed and informative reply. The awards process sounds very interesting, no wonder you got back into it.

p.s. If Belguim is the Demolder homeland shouldn't you be a gritty determined 'Classics' cyclist rather than an arty photographer

[Fen]

Informally I meet individuals at press events and shows throughout the year...

Normally in the bar. Well, that's my experience at meeting various AP Editors at shows over the years

[Damien_Demolder]

p.s. If Belguim is the Demolder homeland shouldn't you be a gritty determined 'Classics' cyclist rather than an arty photographer

Fortunately, we are now two generations normalised, hence I don't own a bike. Though I do have a soft-spot for chips and mayonnaise. And lace.

[Iloca]

Fortunately, we are now two generations normalised, hence I don't own a bike. Though I do have a soft-spot for chips and mayonnaise. And lace.

Quite

I've just noticed the link in your signature so I had a quick look, very nice indeed. I haven't been through it all yet but it's bookmarked. It's interesting to see your style and hear your thoughts outside of the magazine.

Thanks for Sharing.

[Damien_Demolder]

It's interesting to see your style and hear your thoughts outside of the magazine.

Yes, I dress as Wonder Woman when I'm not in the office. Such a nice change from all those suits and ties.




[Crystal Ball Mode]Fen heads to Google images and returns with neat composite demonstrating artists impression of said situation[/Crystal Ball Mode]

[Photocracy]

Yes, thanks Damien; interesting information about EISA.

I also followed the link to your site and ended up looking at 'Hans' in the Damien Demolder Galleries. I love this picture. Do I remember reading somewhere that you took this, or a similar one, with an Ensign Selfix?

[Damien_Demolder]

I also followed the link to your site and ended up looking at 'Hans' in the Damien Demolder Galleries. I love this picture. Do I remember reading somewhere that you took this, or a similar one, with an Ensign Selfix?

Hans was shot with my Speed Graphic, but there's a shot of St Pauls that was shot on my red, white and blue Ensign Ful-Vue. Ancient Bust was shot with an Ensign Commando, but I don't have any Selfix 820 or 20 pictures up there yet. I will though.

[Dreamy eyed mode] I love Ensign cameras, they are astonishingly good. [/Dreamy eyed mode]