Camera Grand Prix 2026

The Camera Grand Prix is held every year by the Camera Journal Press Club (CJPC, Japan, President Makoto Shibata), It celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. The Camera Grand Prix 2026 awards were selected from products released in the Japanese market between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026.

The Camera Grand Prix is decided by a vote by the Camera Grand Prix Executive Committee, which is elected every year. The Camera Grand Prix is selected by members of the Camera Journal Press Club, media managers affiliated with the Camera Grand Prix, external selection committee members commissioned by each media, and a special selection committee of scholars, camera mechanic writers, photographers, etc. commissioned by the Camera Grand Prix Executive Committee of that year. The Camera Grand Prix 2026 Camera of the Year and Lens of the Year were selected by a selection committee consisting of 57 people (including organizations).

In addition, awards are given in five categories: the "Readers Award-Camera" and the "Readers Award-Lens", which are decided by general user votes, and the "Editors Choice", which is selected by Camera Journal Club（CJPC）members from all photography-related products.

About The Camera GP emblem

The Camera GP emblem is the trademark (registration pending) of the C.J.P.C (Camera Journal Press Club of Japan). The use of the emblem is not permitted except for the purpose of creating news articles on the Camera Grand Prix. In that case, however, any alteration or partial use of the mark is not allowed.

【GUIDELINE】
Color:Use it by the color basically.
Size:Use it by 8mm or more in width.
Others:The ratio in length and breadth cannot be changed/A part alone cannot be used/The color cannot be changed/Other elements cannot be added.
All inquiries:Camera Journal Press Club /JAPAN
Website: http://www.cjpc.jp/
Email: camera-gp@cjpc.jp

SONY α7 V

Reasons for choice
The Sony α7 V achieves both advanced processing power and low power consumption thanks to its next-generation "BIONZ XR2" engine, which integrates an AI processing unit. Equipped with a partially stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, it boasts a wide dynamic range of up to approximately 16 stops and enables blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second in 14-bit RAW.

The real-time Recognition AF, inherited from the flagship model, boasts further improved tracking accuracy and reliability. Features such as 4K60p video recording with full-pixel readout and a highly versatile 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor meet the diverse needs of creative professionals at a high level.

The α7 V overturned the conventional concept of a "basic model." Its high level of perfection, which established a new standard for full-frame mirrorless cameras, received very high praise from the selection committee. We highly value the importance of providing cutting-edge technology to a wide range of users, and for this reason, we have selected this model as Camera of the Year for Camera GP 2026.

SONY FE 50-150mm F2 GM (SEL50150GM)

Reasons for choice
The SONY FE 50-150mm F2 GM is the world's first large-aperture zoom lens to achieve a constant F2 aperture across the entire zoom range from 50mm to 150mm. Its innovative optical design, effectively utilizing two ultra-high-precision aspherical XA lenses, delivers superior resolution comparable to prime lenses and a natural, soft bokeh. It also features excellent close-up shooting capabilities with a maximum magnification of 0.2x. All of this is condensed into a lightweight design of approximately 1,340g (excluding the tripod mount). It has been highly praised in professional settings where mobility is essential, such as portrait photography, weddings, indoor events, and sports. We have selected this model as the Lens of the Year for Camera GP 2026.

Canon EOS R6 Mark III

Voices of Voters
*The following is a selection of reasons for voting (partial excerpt/edited)

• This camera is a well-made, upgraded standard model. That's why I feel confident that I can shoot anything with it.
• This camera is just as good as the EOS R5 Mark II, but it's cheaper than the R5. Since it now uses CFexpress cards, I don't need anything more.
• I tried taking some test shots at the Canon booth in CP+2026, and I was very satisfied with the focus accuracy and the pleasant feel of pressing the shutter button.
• I feel a philosophy in this camera that goes beyond its specifications, one that "never betrays the photographer's intentions." As someone who will begin studying photography in April, I chose this camera as the "standard of reliability" that will accompany me for the next few years. I am confident that it will become the best textbook and partner for students aiming to become professionals, helping them to master the fundamentals of expression.
• I chose this camera because it beautifully captures the movements of children and fleeting moments in everyday life. I believe it's a camera that can preserve precious memories more vividly.
• I was impressed by the overall high level of refinement, which is reminiscent of the DSLR, the EOS 5D Mark IV.
• This camera has just the right specifications for me in terms of performance, weight, and everything else.
• This camera offers the best balance of image quality and price.

Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM

Voices of Voters
*The following is a selection of reasons for voting (partial excerpt/edited)

• This lens is inexpensive and unique. Plus, it has a wide aperture of f/1.2. I want to applaud the lens development team!
• I'm amazed that I was able to get my hands on an f/1.2 lens, which I've always dreamed of owning, at such a low price. It's made taking portraits and street photos even more enjoyable for me. I chose this lens because it demonstrates technical prowess in ways beyond just high specifications.
• This is an antithesis to the trend of lenses becoming solely focused on high resolution and directional characteristics. I hope to see lenses with a wider variety of vectors emerge.
• I'm a Sony user, but I'm interested in the Canon RF45mm. Despite being a new lens, it offers the kind of rendering you'd expect from an old lens. And it's incredibly affordable at around 60,000 yen, even with its wide aperture of f/1.2. It looks like it would be fun to use, so I'd really like to try it out.
• Canon RF lenses were always out of my price range. However, this lens, despite its bright f/1.2 aperture, is surprisingly affordable. I hope to see many more similar lenses released in the future.
• This lens is a new concept product that overturns the conventional notion that large aperture lenses are expensive and high-performance. It meets the needs of users who require a large-aperture lens but do not necessarily demand the highest resolution.

RICOH GR IV Monochrome

Reasons for choice
The RICOH GR IV Monochrome is the first monochrome-only compact camera equipped with an APS-C sensor. To perfect monochrome expression, it features a dedicated monochrome image sensor. Furthermore, by eliminating color filters and interpolation processing, it maximizes the superior optical performance of the GR lens, demonstrating its true value in monochrome photography with high resolution, rich tonality, and low distortion.

Additionally, the ND filter found in the GR IV has been replaced with a red filter built into the lens unit, enabling impressive photographic expression that resonates with photographers.

As a model commemorating the 30th anniversary of the "RICOH GR" series, its unwavering commitment to pursuing the ultimate snap shooter was recognized by CJPC members as a truly outstanding and unparalleled product, and it was selected for Editor's Choice Technical Award for the Camera GP 2026.

SIGMA BF

Reasons for choice
The SIGMA BF is based on a design philosophy that returns to the essence of the act of "taking a picture," simplifying the control and display systems to the extreme. This creates a unique user interface that allows for deep concentration on the act of shooting itself. We highly valued this aspect. Furthermore, the unibody structure, machined from aluminum, combines high rigidity with craftsmanship, boldly expressing the material appeal of a camera as a product.

Its innovativeness, which re-examines the raison d'être of the camera from an approach different from the conventional trend of increasing multi-functionality, and presents new value and direction, is particularly noteworthy. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of these factors, the CJPC members selected this model for the Editor's Choice R&D Award for Camera GP 2026.

FUJIFILM X half (FUJIFILM X-HF1)

Reasons for choice
The Fujifilm X Half is a new concept compact digital camera inspired by the half-frame format of film cameras, primarily designed for vertical shooting. Its small and lightweight design (240g) and appearance reminiscent of film cameras make it particularly popular with younger generations due to its ease of use in everyday life. It features unique filter effects such as "Expired Film," "Mirror," and "Light Leak." Furthermore, it includes a "Film Camera Mode" that lacks live view display and image playback functions, requiring the user to wind the film lever to take the next shot.

This unique concept, offering a film camera-like shooting experience despite being a digital camera, was highly evaluated by CJPC members selected this model for the Editor's Choice R&D Award for Camera GP 2026.

Camera Grand Prix 2026 / CJPC