When it comes to photography awards, we have often seen full-frame or medium-format cameras on the list. That’s because one of the misconceptions is that full frame cameras are the best when it comes to making award-winning images. However, we are here to prove the concept wrong. Here are some APS-C cameras that have won different awards. If you are someone who is looking to purchase a new camera, these offerings are a good start.
Fujifilm XT2
The camera was used by Fatima Shbair, who won the Asia Singles in the World Press Photo winners in 2022. Launched in 2016, the X-T2 has a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor, different display modes, and an ISO up to 51,200. The camera captures great images, has versatile RAW files, a great build, and 4K video recording. Plus, you get fast FPS shooting and fast autofocus.
Nikon D3200
Launched in 2012, the Nikon D3200 is an APS-C camera that has a 24MP sensor, 11 AF points, and an LCD with a resolution of 921,000 dots. The device won the South America Single in the World Press Photo 2022. The DSLR has a light and nimble design, and it is versatile and does a great job. As we said in our review, “The image quality from the Nikon D3200 was fantastic. Image files were nice and big. The images had a lot of detail. The color was nice when the image was properly exposed.”
Canon 7D
The Canon 7D was launched in 2009, and it features an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a burst rate of 8fps, and ISO up to 12,800. There are also the 19 AF points, and it weighs 820g. The device is a direct competitor to the D300 and has a faster shooting system. The image quality is great, and as we said, it can be used by event, wedding, sports, concert, and celebrity photographers, as well as photojournalists. The device won the World Press Photo Award in 2022 by Abriansyah Liberto.
Canon 1300D
The Canon 1300D is an entry-level APS-C camera launched in 2016. It features a 10MP sensor, a DIGIC 4+ processor, 9 AF points, and a 3-inch 920k dots LCD. While we have not tested the device, it won the open format category in World Press Photo 2023. This shows that you do not really need a higher-megapixel camera but better vision.
Fujifilm XT1
The Fujifilm X-T1 was launched in 2015. It features a 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor, a 2,360k-Dot 0.77x OLED, a 1,040k-dot LCD, and a burst rate of 8fps. The camera excels at image quality, has great film simulation, fast autofocus, and a great build. We liked it so much that it got our Editor’s Choice Award. The camera helped Antonio Faccilongo win the World Press Photo Award 2021.
Fujifilm X100F
The Fujifilm X100F is a compact camera used by Antonio Faccilongo for his series in the World Press Photo Award 2021. The device has a 24.3MP APS-C camera with an X-Trans CMOS III sensor, Fujinon 23mm f2 lens, and a 1.04M-dot 3-inch LCD. Some of the things we liked about the camera include great image quality, autofocus, and Acros film simulation. There is also much better battery life. The camera also won our Editor’s Choice Award.
Canon EOS 550D
The Canon 550D was launched in 2010 and, despite being a decade old, helped to win the Wildlife Photographer 2020 People’s Choice Award. The device is entry-level and features an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, ISO up to 12,800, and a burst rate of 3.7 fps. There are also 9 AF points, Full HD 1080p videos at 30fps, and a 3-inch 1,040,000 dots LCD.
Canon EOS 70D
The Canon 70D is a 2014 DSLR, which features a 20MP sensor. The device was used by Jose Pessoa Neto, who helped him become one of the winners of the Sony World Photography in 2022. The camera has 19 AF points, a 3-inch 1,040,000-dot LCD, and can record Full HD video at 30 fps. It has the fastest autofocus, is built well, and also has versatile RAW files. However, the challenge is the sensor, which is pretty old.
Sony a6500
The Sony a6500 is an APS-C camera that features a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS and BIONZ X processor. The device was used by Yasuhiro Takachi, who helped him win the Sony World Photography 2022. The device has 2.36m-Dot OLED, 921.6k-dot LCD, and internal UHD 4K video recording. Some of the things we liked include the image quality, the feel of the camera, fast autofocus, and great weather sealing.
Nikon D7200
Launched in 2015, the D7200 has a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor, an EXPEED 4 processor, and ISO up to 102,400. You also get 51 AF points, a burst rate of 7fps, and full HD at 60fps. The camera helped Sasha Jumanca be shortlisted in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024.
Some of the APS-C cameras are quite old, and many are DSLRs. But they did not prevent photographers from winning the award. So, perhaps you can consider purchasing them for your next best shot.
