I read with interest this week that TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) have announced their awards for this year. What I found most interesting was that the Award for the best 'Pro' camera had been given to the Canon 5D, whilst the best 'Expert' camera was the Nikon D200.
Now so far as I know Canon do not promote the 5D as a 'Pro' camera. So how come TIPA give it that designation?
I have read comparison reports between the 2 cameras and they find difficulty in separating the two, so why should the D200 not be given this designation. We all know the 5D is a FF 30D and I would suggest that is an 'Expert' camera.
So what makes a Pro camera? Is it FF? No that can't be right, the Canon 1DMkIIN and the Nikon D2x are not FF yet they are most definately Pro camera. Is it therefore the Price, surely not.
I think in all truthfullness we all know what a Pro camera really is, and a lot of it comes down to build quality and robustness.
Now TIPA and other such organisations make their money with these affairs by selling a licence to the manufacturers, to use their logo etc in promotional literature for advertising and so on. Will Canon buy such a licence? You betcha life they will
So where does that leave us?
Basically is it all a marketing exercise and does it means very little? I think I would prefer to read the comments of some well respected photo journalists than be influenced by the likes of TIPA. Well thats my opinion, what's yours?