Sydney, Australia, 18 August 2020 – Nikon Australia is pleased to share that four of Nikon’s recent imaging products have been awarded at the EISA Awards 2020 - 2021. The D780 won the Full-Frame Camera Award, while the Z 50 mirrorless camera received the Best Buy Camera Award. NIKKOR lenses were also winners with the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR telephoto zoom lens receiving the Professional Telephoto Zoom Lens Award, and the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S was given the Portrait Lens Award.

EISA comments about the Nikon D780

Nikon’s D780 is a full-frame DSLR with a 24.5-million-pixel backside illumination CMOS sensor. Combined with the fast EXPEED 6 image processor, this delivers native sensitivities up to ISO 51,200, opening 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/30p with N-Log[1]), slow motion, and time-lapse. Furthermore, the vastly improved hybrid AF system ensures fast autofocus when shooting and filming using the LCD screen.

Nikon D780 Overview

The D780 is a high-performance full-frame (Nikon FX-format) digital SLR camera equipped with a wide variety of useful functions. It is the first Nikon digital SLR camera that has adopted focal-plane phase-detection AF, which automatically switches between focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF in accordance with the situation and conditions, utilising 273[2] focus points that cover a broad area of the frame — 90% of the image area horizontally and vertically. The camera features an effective pixel count of 24.5 million pixels. The adoption of the EXPEED 6 image-processing engine and backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor, enable the ISO 100–51200[3] range of standard sensitivities and demonstrate superior performance at high sensitivities. The D780 is a camera that will stimulate users' creativity with support for Eye-detection AF[4], which automatically detects human eyes; and the recording of 4K UHD movies with high dynamic range utilising the HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) standard[5].

EISA comments about the 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 30p, or up to 120p 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.

Nikon Z 50 Overview

The Nikon Z 50 is an APS-C size (Nikon DX-format) mirrorless camera for which the Nikon Z mount was adopted. It inherits traits from upper models, such as design and operability, reliability, and future possibilities as a mirrorless system, condensing them into a compact, lightweight, and durable body capable of superior rendering capabilities and rich power of expression. The Z 50 is Nikon's first DX-format camera to be equipped with a CMOS sensor that incorporates focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels. This sensor has an effective pixel count of 20.9 megapixels, and works with the EXPEED 6 image-processing engine to offer outstanding high-sensitivity performance with support for the ISO 100–51200[6] range of standard sensitivities, while effectively controlling noise and preserving sharpness and clarity, even at high sensitivities. It also supports a wide variety of attractive video functions, such as recording of DX-format based full-frame 4K UHD movies, and Creative Picture Controls.

EISA comments about the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E 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, this NIKKOR lens delivers exceptional resolution on full-frame DSLR cameras with minimal chromatic aberration, thanks to the use of Nikon’s new Short-wavelength Refractive (SR) glass. It handles brilliantly too, with effective image stabilisation and comprehensive weather protection. Compatibility with Nikon’s AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III and AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III brings additional flexibility. 

AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR Overview

The AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is a fast telephoto zoom lens compatible with full-frame (Nikon FX format) digital SLR cameras, that demonstrates superior optical performance. The lens covers a broad 120 mm to 300 mm zoom range with a constant fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout that range. This makes it effective when shooting in low light indoor situations, while also enabling rendering that harnesses the contrast between a sharp and clear focal plane and beautiful blur characteristics (bokeh). The lens' optics, constructed of one ED, two fluorite, and one newly developed SR lens element effectively suppress chromatic aberration. In addition, the lens supports increased AF tracking performance with subjects whose speed of motion changes suddenly.

EISA comments about the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S

A stunning addition to Nikon’s mirrorless Z mount 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. 

NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Overview

The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a fast, mid-telephoto prime lens for the Nikon Z mount system's full-frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless cameras. It supports a focal length of 85 mm and a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing users to enjoy beautiful blur characteristics (bokeh) with the recording of high-quality still images and movies. Adoption of the multi-focusing system[7] greatly suppresses aberrations at all shooting distances, including close-up, and demonstrates superior image-formation performance. Sharp and clear focus is achieved from maximum aperture, and the contrast with stunningly beautiful bokeh emphasises the primary subject, effective not only with portrait photography, but also useful in emphasising the primary subject in a wide variety of other photographic scenes, including snapshots and still-life/commercial photography.

About EISA Awards

The Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) is a collaboration between over 60 expert magazines from 29 countries across the globe, specialised in the fields of photography, mobile devices, hi-fi, home theatre audio, home theatre display & video, and in-car electronics. For more than 35 years, EISA has chosen and honoured the best imaging products released in Europe over the previous year in a number of categories.

For more information, please visit the Official EISA website at https://www.eisa.eu/ 

[1] Footage is recorded only to the external device; it cannot be recorded to the memory card inserted in the camera.
[2] With recording of still images using the FX (36×24) image area and single-point AF. 231 focus points with movie recording
[3] Sensitivity can be expanded down to the equivalent of ISO 50 and up to the equivalent of ISO 204800
[4] With live view photography, still photography, in auto-area AF mode.
[5] Footage is recorded only to the external device; it cannot be recorded to the memory card inserted in the camera.
[6] The maximum sensitivity available with movie recording is ISO 25600
[7] Multiple AF drive units work together to control the position of multiple focus lens groups with great precision.

EISA