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 (Digital Imaging Websites Association), a world-wide organization of collaborating websites, today has the pleasure of announcing the winners of the annual DIWA Platinum Awards for 2006. DIWA members from Europe and North America continuously test and review digital imaging products. For digital cameras, more than 200 details must be checked, tested and evaluated. Each review is then carefully monitored and compared by DIWA to ensure error-free, reliable and comprehensive test results.

Each year, all gold winners from the previous year are re-evaluated by the 10 member websites of the DIWA Awards organization. The very best from each of the three digital camera categories are honored with a DIWA Platinum Award. For 2006, the DIWA group of experts has selected the following digital cameras from Fujifilm, Panasonic and Nikon to win the prestigious DIWA Platinum Award:

Nikon D200 DIWA Platinum Award 2006 for “Best Digital System Camera”
Despite fierce competition in the Digital System Camera market, Nikon once again hit the jackpot with the D200. As Platinum Award winner for the second year in a row, Nikon proved their position as the leading DSLR camera manufacturer. The market for digital SLR cameras has increased considerably and prices are becoming more consumer friendly, making DSLR cameras more affordable for everyone. With the D200, Nikon have set a new market standard with near professional performance and image quality at a surprisingly attractive price. It is fair to say that the Nikon D200 is been a breakthrough in terms of price vs. performance configuration.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ7 DIWA Platinum Award 2006 for “Best Advanced Digital Camera”
Step by step, Panasonic is effectively building their reputation as a leading manufacturer of digital cameras. They have joined forces with one of the most renowned lens manufacturers in the world, Leica of Germany and Panasonic now deliver attractive and highly competitive LUMIX cameras in all classes. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ7 is only one of many recent success stories from Panasonic’s engineering team. All DIWA reviewers were pleased with the performance of this “megazoom” camera from Panasonic. No other DSLR camera 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) and 5 cm macro. The FZ7 simply delivers fabulous features and qualities in a compact and user-friendly housing.

Fujifilm FinePix F30 Platinum Award 2006 for “Best Digital Amateur Camera”
The easiest way to describe the FinePix F30 compact camera is that it offers the best value for money. Therefore, it was no surprise that this remarkable camera was selected as the best of the DIWA Gold Award winners of 2006 in the amateur cameras category. First and foremost, the DIWA members have praised its impressive image quality at high ISO, a highly appreciated feature that makes the camera more versatile in any lighting condition. The technologies behind this achievement are the unique 1/1.7” Fujifilm Super CCD HR VI image sensor, its tailor-made Real Photo Image Processor and a sharp 3x Fujinon zoom lens. The F30 also offers a super-bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor to enhance the camera’s overall user comfort. Yet, its strongest point is indisputably its excellent image quality with natural colours. A most worthy DIWA Platinum winner!

About DIWA
The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) is a fast growing group of independent Web-based specialist publications dedicated to digital imaging. DIWA harnesses the collective talent and expertise of its members, resulting in industry awards that command unparalleled confidence and value, both for consumers and the industry alike. DIWA awards come in the form of bronze, silver and gold medals for various product categories.

DIWA test scoring procedure
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. A very detailed and comprehensive standardized scoring procedure is employed, tailored carefully for each category of product. Multiple testing eliminates the chance of an isolated, unrepresentative product sample or test error or a hidden bias from affecting the trustworthiness of the overall result.

Awards throughout the year
DIWA is also unique in its policy in issuing awards for deserving products throughout the year, culminating in annual best of the year Platinum medal awards in all product categories.

DIWA Awards members
• Canada: www.photoxels.com
• Czech Republic: www.fotoaparat.cz
• Germany: www.digitalkamera.de
• Hungary: www.fotovilag.hu
• Netherlands: www.letsgodigital.org
• Norway: www.digit.no
• Poland: www.fotopolis.pl
• Slovenia: www.e-fotografija.com
• Spain: www.nuevafotografia.com
• United Kingdom: www.photographyblog.com

DIWA Awards multi-lingual Web site
At the heart of the DIWA organization is its multi-lingual Web site, www.diwa-awards.com, where you can find links to the latest reviews published by DIWA member publications. The site also archives DIWA awards and is designed to aid consumers in their choice of imaging products.

For further information about DIWA please visit our Web site - http://www.diwa-awards.com - or email us at [email protected]

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