The imaging association, EISA, is unique in that it’s made up from 53 special interest magazines from an impressive 25 countries

Each year, their Photo Panel reveal those cameras, lenses and accessories that they believe to be the very best for the year.

This year’s crop of winners includes the following:

EISA BEST PROFESSIONAL DSLR CAMERA 2017-2018: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the tool of many pro photographers around the world. Compared to its predecessor, Canon has increased the still image quality significantly with higher resolution and wider dynamic range, with the autofocus now also being more sensitive. The video function is also more advanced with high-quality 4K recording and fast autofocus in live view mode. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV also features the innovative new Dual Pixel Raw feature, which allows sharpness and background blur to be fine-tuned later. All in all, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is likely to remain a class-leading camera for several years to come.

EISA BEST PROSUMER DSLR CAMERA 2017-2018: Nikon D7500

The D7500 is an advanced DSLR camera that packs much of the innovation of the acclaimed D500 into a lightweight, robust [and less expensive] body. Using the same 20.9 million pixel image sensor, processor and wide ISO range as the D500, the D7500 is a capable and versatile tool in the hands of a passionate photographer. With a burst speed of 8 frames per second and Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system, it is well suited to capturing fast action. Thanks to Nikon’s SnapBridge technology, transferring images to a smart device is simple and fast.

EISA BEST CONSUMER COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA 2017-2018: Fujifilm X-T20

The Fujifilm X-T20 is a compact, mirrorless consumer camera that produces sharp, clean images and 4K video quality at a competitive price. At the heart of the camera is its 24.3 million pixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro, which are jointly responsible for the extraordinary image quality. Despite its comparatively affordable price, the X-T20 uses the same high-quality sensor and processor as the highly regarded X-T2 and X-Pro2. The touchscreen and custom AF-C setting are also big pluses. Finally, the X-T20’s sharp and highly detailed 4K video recording makes this camera a great all-rounder and a worthy winner, this year.

EISA BEST CAMERA 2017-2018: SONY α9

The Sony α9 has been hailed as a ground-breaking mirrorless camera that in many ways surpasses its traditional DSLR rivals. Thanks to the 24.2 million pixel full-frame image sensor, that captures up to 20 frames per second in full resolution with no EVF blackout, the Sony α9 offers completely silent, vibration-free shooting at up to 1/32,000th second. The new super-fast autofocus system, with 693 phase detection AF points covering 93% of the image area, ensures that even fast-moving subjects stay in focus. The 5-axis image stabilisation allows a 5-step slower shutter speed. The oversampling process and full-frame pixel read-out result in excellent 4K movie quality.

EISA BEST PHOTO & VIDEO CAMERA 2017-2018: Panasonic LUMIX DC-GH5

The Panasonic DC-GH5 cleverly packs-in all the brand’s know-how in both photo and video. The body is well balanced, weather resistant and has an excellent electronic viewfinder. With a 20.3 million pixel 4/3 sensor, it delivers good picture quality up to ISO 3200, with excellent autofocus and internal stabilisation. In video mode, it provides an excellent compromise between image quality, features and price and allows recording up to 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit onto the memory card without recording time limitation. With high-end features such as a high-speed 6K Photo mode, slow motion, automatic focus transition, Vlog and an XLR module for sound recording, the GH5 offers limitless possibilities for creative video production.

Read our GH5 review HERE and take a look at our GH5 test film, shot with PhotoBite’s Mark Richards and Rider Jack Clark below:

EISA BEST DSLR LENS 2017-2018: SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art

The SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art is an extremely capable performer. The sharpness is better at its maximum aperture of F1.8 than its competitors are when stopped down. There is simply no reason to not use this lens wide open. SIGMA has managed to make the autofocus fast and accurate, which is impressive for such a bright lens, and the wide aperture creates a particularly beautiful background blur [bokeh].

EISA BEST COMPACT SYSTEM ZOOM LENS 2017-2018: OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO is an incredible travel lens as well as a general-purpose zoom lens. It covers an 8.3x zoom range with a constant F4.0 maximum aperture and built-in optical stabilisation. Built to withstand dust, moisture and rough use, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO is as sharp as many prime lenses from super wide angle to telephoto, and its smooth and silent focusing makes it a favourite for video as well as still photography. Combined with Olympus’ latest pro cameras, it reduces camera shake with up to 6.5 stops, and at just 562g you can take it anywhere.

EISA BEST PHOTO DISPLAY 2017-2018: EIZO ColorEdge CG2730

The EIZO ColorEdge CG2730 reaches the needs of a professional photographer. With a 27in screen size high resolution, it can display an image at A3 and still leave ample space for the adjustment palettes of your software. The picture quality is simply outstanding, with a high contrast ratio [1500:1] the ability to reproduce deep blacks and marvellous colours that cover 99% of the Adobe RGB colour space. TheEIZO ColorEdge CG2730’s most innovative feature is it’s easy to use built-in calibration sensor, which swings onto the screen when calibrating and allows different profiles to be saved, eliminating the need for third-party devices. The display comes with a shading hood, included.

EISA BEST  INSTANT CAMERA 2017-2018: Fujifilm Instax Square SQ10

The Instax SQUARE SQ10 is the first hybrid instant camera that lets you take and print square photos [62x62mm]. You can brighten, darken or add vignettes to your images or choose from 10 creative filters to apply before you decide to print them. The bright LCD viewfinder makes it easy to create and edit pictures, which are recorded in the internal memory or on a microSD card, so they’re easily shared.

You can see the entire list of EISA’s BEST PRODUCTS for 2017/18 by clicking HERE