Epson has swept the board at the Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA Awards), winning in four categories: Best Prestige Camera, Best Flatbed Scanner, Best A3 Photo Printer and Best Image Storage Back-Up.

TIPA, which recognises the best products in the photo market, has 31 member magazines across Europe, making it by far the largest and most influential photo and imaging press association in Europe. Widely regarded as experts, the editors of the magazines meet once a year to judge the best photographic products available on the market today.

The Epson R-D1 rangefinder digital camera won Best Prestige Camera for its unique blend of traditional analogue features combined with state-of-the-art digital functionality. Whilst preserving the look and feel of a classic camera, it is the first digital camera to incorporate a rangefinder. Judges said it “gives twenty-first century photographers a way to use the famous Leica lenses from our photographic heritage.”

The Best Flatbed Scanner was awarded to the Epson Perfection 4990 Photo. Ideal for both professionals and enthusiasts, it allows restoration of torn or damaged film, making it possible to recapture those precious memories. The judges were impressed by the stunning results produced by the 4800 x 9600 ppi resolution and 4.0 DMax optical density. Digital ICE was also highlighted for allowing fast scanning without the need to use software to digitally remove scratches and dust.

In a highly contested category, the Epson Stylus Photo R1800 won the Best A3 Photo Printer award. The Ultra-Chrome High Gloss™ ink made it a clear winner in this category. The ink acts as a gloss on the photographs, making them highly durable – a state previously difficult to obtain with glossy prints. The judges decided that the fast printing times and flexibility made it the ideal photo printer for professionals.

Best Imaging and Storage Back-up went to the Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer, which allows users to store their imaging files and view them on the crystal clear 3.8” Photo Fine colour display. Incorporating 40GB of memory, it can store photos, music and even movies. It also impressed the judges with its long battery life. Files can be backed up from CompactFlash and SD memory cards, via the slots, as well as directly from a PC or Mac with a 2.0 USB interface.

“Winning four such prestigious awards is a strong endorsement of the quality and value-added features of our products,” said Khalil El-Dalu, General Manager, Epson Middle East. “In the Middle East, all four products have been doing extremely well, especially the Perfection 4990 scanner and the R-D1 rangefinder digital camera. The recognition boosts our profile further in a region where we are constantly adding new customers to our growing list.”

Source: presstrust