Canon’s EOS 7D Mark II digital SLR camera (launched in October 2014) has been honoured with two prestigious Camera Grand Prix (GP) Japan 2015 awards—Camera of the Year and Readers Award. Additionally, the company’s EF11-24mm f/4L USM ultra-wide-angle interchangeable zoom lens (launched in February 2015) was selected for the Lens of the Year award.

This is no small feat, especially as the Camera Grand Prix (GP) Japan awards are considered one of the most sought-after camera and lens product awards in Japan. The awards have some significant weight behind them, as they are organised by the Camera Journal Press Club (CJPC), comprising journalists from major photography and camera magazines in Japan. This year marks the award's 32^nd time to be held.

The Camera GP Japan 2015 Camera of the Year title was presented to the most outstanding camera from among the 111 launched in Japan between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015. As further indication of the EOS 7D Mark II's overwhelming popularity, the camera was also honored with the Camera GP Japan 2015 Readers Award, based on an online vote by general users. In addition, the EF11-24mm f/4L USM took home the Lens of the Year award, resulting in Canon taking home three out of the four Camera GP Japan awards presented this year.

Fast and furious

The EOS 7D Mark II was lauded for its fast continuous shooting speed of 10 fps, 65-point all cross-type AF system, and other advanced features that, according to the committee, befit a flagship-level digital SLR camera. The camera was also recognized for bringing these high-level features together into an easy-to-use design, enabling users to effortlessly capture not only moving subjects, but any type of subject.

Furthermore, the jury members highlighted the camera's “revolutionary” anti-flicker function, which ensures optimal exposure when shooting in environments lit by fluorescent or mercury-vapor lighting. The EOS 7D Mark II was said to be the only digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C-size sensor that made its presence felt and, thanks to its telephoto effect, continuous shooting speed and other features, once again brings new value to the APS-C-size sensor format.

In addition, the committee noted that Canon's promotional efforts in Japan were successful in generating buzz for the camera, lauding the company's marketing materials, which included seven catalogues that each focused on a different photography genre, as appealing and easy to understand.

Leader of a lens

Winner of the 2015 Lens of the Year award, the EF11-24mm f/4L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens was recognized by the committee for achieving the world's widest angle of view starting at a minimum focal length of 11 mm, without any of the image distortion unique to fisheye lenses.

The committee also noted that, thanks to the generous use of cutting-edge optical technologies and lens-coating technologies, the EF11-24mm f/4L USM effectively corrects for aberrations commonly associated with ultra-wide-angle lenses, delivering a level of image quality capable of supporting use even with cameras with high pixel counts. Concluding, the committee said that the lens offers specifications and a perspective that are “truly unique.”