The Nikon D5000 digital SLR camera has won a DIWA Gold Award. The Nikon D5000 managed to convince the DIWA jury simply by its superior image quality, innovative functionality and user-friendliness. DIWA Awards are based on test results carried out in the DIWA Labs, and evaluations on more than 200 different criteria carried out by DIWA members.

DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) has honoured the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 with a prestigious Gold Award. Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs, commented: “Our unbiased, computer generated lab measurements reveal that the G1 delivers premium overall image quality, and the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. Standard zoom lens outperforms any of its rivals. The G1 may look simple, but it acts and performs on par with most comparable D-SLR’s.”

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX3 compact camera has received a DIWA Gold award. According to Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs, “The LX3 is by far the most powerful compact camera available, even when compared to much larger cameras. Despite its record-breaking 24mm wide angle zoom and f/2.0-2.8 lens speed, lens performance is outstanding.” The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging.

Canon’s EOS 40D and 450D DSLR cameras have both won the coveted DIWA Gold award. “In many parts of the world, the Canon EOS 40D and EOS 450D are top sellers in their respective categories, and our unbiased DIWA Labs tests and DIWA expert opinions tell us why. Reputed Canon quality and excellent value for money are the key reasons behind the Canon EOS success story” commented Kai Thon, Test Manager of DIWA Labs.

The Fujifilm S100fs super-zoom compact camera has won DIWA Gold. “Choosing the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS with the powerful high-performance 14.3x Fujinon zoom lens covers virtually any photographic task; all in one lens. Although the camera’s image quality may not quite match a comparable D-SLR in all respects, many versatile features and a comfortable D-SLR-like design make the Fujifilm FinePix S100FS into a very sensible and budget friendly alternative.” concluded Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Labs.

DIWA has today announced two prestigious DIWA Gold Awards for the Nikon D300 and D60 DSLR cameras. Test Manager of DIWA Labs, Kai Thon, commented: “For many years, Nikon have been an industry leader in technological developments, but in recent months they have displayed elevations larger than ever, most of them included in models like the D60 and the D300. Computer-based analytic test results from our sophisticated DIWA Labs and expert reviews from DIWA member websites unanimously conclude that both models are highly competitive in either market segment”. The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging.

DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association) has given a DIWA Innovation Award to the Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 camera. The EX-F1 is capable of ultra-high speed shooting of 60 frames per second for 6 megapixel still images. Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager, says: “Casio initiated the digital amateur photo age about a decade ago with its legendary QV-10. Since then, digital cameras have gradually become faster, even amateur models are nowadays capable of shooting several frames per second. With the EX-F1, Casio more than tenfold the top speed of the currently fastest competitor. That’s truly innovative!”

The Olympus E-3 DSLR camera has won a coveted DIWA Gold Award. Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager commented: “The long overdue E-3 was well worth the wait. Olympus enthusiasts can finally make use of their highly admired Zuiko Digital lenses on a top specified body with professional capabilities. The E-3 and its compact E-System handles and performs like a pro, making it an exciting alternative for photographers who wish to travel light.” The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging.

DIWA today proudly announces the establishment of DIWA Labs, one of the most sophisticated camera testing facilities in the world. This is a fully equipped testing studio with controlled lighting, advanced test targets, experienced testers and the world’s most sophisticated software for unbiased analysis of image quality, DxO Analyzer v. 3.1. The software provides roughly 1 million measurements for each camera, carefully coordinated and summarised by complex mathematical calculations to deliver useful and comparable data of about 20 image quality issues. The lab serves the international DIWA Awards organisation and its extensive lab results are now available on a new website. As a long-standing member of DIWA, PhotographyBLOG will be taking full advantage of what DIWA Labs has to offer.

DIWA has unveiled the winners of the annual DIWA Platinum Awards for 2006. The Nikon D200 won “Best Digital System Camera”, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ7 “Best Advanced Digital Camera” and Fujifilm FinePix F30 “Best Digital Amateur Camera”. DIWA product test awards are exclusively decided through the analysis of multiple test scores from different DIWA testers, testing different samples of the same product.

DIWA, a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Nikon D40 digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) camera for its high overall performance at a very competitive price. Kai Thon, DIWA’s test manager says: “The DSLR camera market is booming and new models are introduced at rapid pace. DIWA members are pleased to confirm that the Nikon D40 is far more than just another DSLR. Built on Nikon’s long experience and indisputable reputation for quality, filled with the most important goodies from more advanced Nikon models, with priority on performance rather than marketing tricks and gimmicks, the D40 is currently as close to the perfect DSLR you can get for a reasonable sum of money”.

DIWA Press Release

Last summer, Sony launched their first digital SLR camera; the 10.2 Megapixel DSLR-A100. Numerous DIWA web sites have tested and evaluated the camera’s improved Super SteadyShot CCD shift image stabiliser, automatic sensor dust removal, D-Range Optimizer, Zone Matching metering and many other fine features. The Alpha 100 also delivers high image quality, a user-friendly design, and excellent value for money.

Amsterdam, January 9th, 2007 : DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Sony Alpha 100 for high overall performance at a most competitive price.

DIWA Press Release

The first DIWA Gold Award to Ricoh for their GR Digital camera

A decade ago, Ricoh launched their classic GR1 camera for 35 mm film, a durable and robust camera that offered a professional performance and a high-quality 28 mm lens. The Ricoh GR Digital is a modern, digital version of the GR1 with many high-tech modifications, yet based on the same unique philosophy. This puts the GR Digital in a class of its own, a perfect photographic companion for the photographic connoisseur.

Amsterdam, December 20, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the remarkable Ricoh GR Digital semi-pro compact camera.

DIWA Press Release

Canon cameras come in all shapes, sizes and price levels, from easy-to-use amateur models to professional D-SLRs. Three of the most popular models have recently passed the merciless DIWA testing procedure with excellent results. The semi-professional EOS 30D, the high-zoom PowerShot S3 IS and the stylish and compact Digital IXUS 800 IS all ranked high in their respective classes, and proved well within the demands of a DIWA Gold Award.

Amsterdam, December 2006, 15:00 CET : DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing DIWA Gold Awards to three high quality Canon models; the EOS 30D, the PowerShot S3 IS and the Digital IXUS 800 IS. The Canon EOS 30D is based on the DIWA Gold winning predecessor, the EOS 20D. At first glance, their appearance may seem identical, apart from the larger 2.5-inch LCD screen. Inside the ergonomic and solid body, however, a number of advanced improvements have been made, such as the implementation of Canon’s revolutionary “Picture Styles” image processing parameters. Spot metering and other useful features are also among the improvements.

DIWA Press Release

Photography is all about light and the Fujifilm FinePix F30 masters any lighting conditions with brilliance. Its low-noise images at high ISO speeds, incredible flash range and fast, precise auto focus even in dim light distinguish the F30 from the crowd. The ultra-compact and robust metal body in a versatile and user friendly design, high performance lens and powerful rechargeable battery make the F30 a worthy winner of a DIWA Gold Award.

Amsterdam, 24 November 2006, 15:00 CET : DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the palm-sized 6.3 Megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F30 digital camera. The FinePix F30 outperforms any competitor in low light situations thanks to its amazing 1/1.7” Fujifilm Super CCD HR VI image sensor with 6.3 Megapixel resolution. Its light sensitivity up to an incredible ISO 3200 is not just a marketing term, but a truly useful feature, delivering low image noise comparable to ISO 400-800 in most other compact cameras. This expands the camera’s shooting capability both with and without flash; therefore the F30 is equipped with an option to shoot two images almost simultaneously, one with and one without flash. Furthermore, Fujifilm have developed a highly responsive auto focus function and a powerful AF lamp to permit accurate and fast photography also in low light situations.

DIWA Press Release

At a time when the sales of digital single-lens reflex cameras are booming, it is a relief to see that the “megazoom” class too undergoes continuous development. Panasonic is a leading brand in this field and their LUMIX DMC-FZ7 is a perfect example that with a fast 12x zoom lens, virtually any photographic challenge can be overcome without the need for interchangeable lenses. Moreover, the camera is a far cheaper option than any D-SLR package.

Amsterdam, 17 November 2006, 15:00 CET : DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ7 digital “megazoom” camera. There are many reasons why a “megazoom” camera is a better choice than a D-SLR. One of the key reasons is in fact the LUMIX FZ7. There isn’t a reflex camera that comes with a 12x zoom lens as standard, and certainly not with f/2.8-3.3 brightness, nor with world-renowned LEICA quality, built-in optical image stabilizer (MEGA O.I.S) or 5 cm close-ups at wide angle and 1 m at telephoto. To get all these obvious advantages in a D-SLR camera, the lens price alone would be astronomical. A large 2.5-inch LCD screen with live view is also rare in a D-SLR, making it a handy alternative to the electronic viewfinder. The LCD screen even features a high-angle viewing option.

DIWA Press Release

Last year, the 4 Megapixel Canon PowerShot A520 received a DIWA Gold Award for excellent test results. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the 7.1 Megapixel PowerShot A620, passes the merciless DIWA test procedure with an impressive scoreboard.  With its comfortable and user-friendly design, high image quality, flexible lens construction, and budget-friendly price, the A620 has all it takes to deserve a DIWA Gold medal.

Amsterdam, 26. May, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Canon PowerShot A620 digital compact amateur camera.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX1 is the world’s first digital camera with an image sensor in the new, popular 16:9 wide-screen format. The camera also offers many exciting features, such as 8.4 MP image resolution and a 4x Leica 28mm wide angle zoom lens with optical stabiliser. Its robust metal body underlines the camera’s overall qualities, while a large 2.5” LCD screen and user-friendly design make it suitable for most photo enthusiasts.

Amsterdam, 19th May, 2006 – DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites within digital imaging, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX1 digital compact camera. The LX1 proves that Panasonic has serious ambitions with its LUMIX digital camera range. The public has embraced their compact models for various reasons, but the most obvious benefit is Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S optical stabiliser. In the LX1, this valuable feature is combined with a 4x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit wide angle zoom lens from the world-renowned lens manufacturer Leica, featuring focal lengths equivalent to 28 – 112 mm f/2.8-4.9. The lens is tailor-made for the camera’s unique 8.4 Megapixel image sensor in the popular 16:9 wide-screen TV format, which also provides the world’s first 848x480 16:9 Wide VGA format movie recording at 30 fps.

DIWA Press Release

The DSC-R1 is a digital camera unlike any other, by design and in terms of performance. Thanks to its unique combination of a powerful 5x Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens and a large SLR-type 10.3 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, the R1 delivers outstanding image quality. Furthermore, numerous user-friendly features and fully automatic and manual controls make the R1 a perfect choice for any quality-minded photo enthusiast.

Amsterdam, 17th May, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today announces a DIWA Gold Award to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-R1, based on excellent scores from numerous product tests made by DIWA camera experts.

DIWA Press Release

High expectations met the Nikon D200 when it was introduced a few months ago. Would it live up to them? The answer is an overwhelming “yes”. The D200 outperforms most of its rivals, even those at a much higher price. The Nikon D200 is not only an extraordinary camera on paper. It also performs like a pro. Even our demanding DIWA test procedure was an easy match for the Nikon D200 - a worthy winner of a DIWA Gold Award.

Amsterdam, 12. May, 2006: DIWA (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organisation of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing a DIWA Gold Award to the Nikon D200. The international group of DIWA experts found it to be one of the finest cameras ever made.