Sony celebrates as six products across its portfolio have been acknowledged by EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) – the largest editorial multimedia organisation in Europe. A trusted organisation, EISA is renowned for using expertise to analyse and assess a range of products, and therefore Sony’s six awards are indicative of its continued commitment to creating truly innovative products that deliver both style and substance.
European Multimedia Smartphone: Sony Xperia™ Z3+ Dual
The Sony Xperia Z3+ Dual offers a unique combination of stylish design, versatility and ruggedness. This 6.9 mm slim smartphone is not only water and dust proof2. It also comes with advanced multimedia capabilities in terms of superb photography, razor sharp 4K video and high‐resolution audio. A new 5 megapixel 25 mm wide‐angle front camera will enable you to catch impressive group selfies, while the main camera features improved performance in low light and faster processing. The audio section is fully compatible with high resolution content and will automatically adjust its settings to any connected headphone. And on top of all this, Sony has managed to deliver up to two days battery life3.
European Soundbase of the year 2015-2016: Sony HT-XT3
Sony’s HT‐XT3 soundbase offers stunning audio quality, extensive network features and a slim, stylish cabinet that can accommodate screens up to 65in and 50kg. High‐quality performance is provided by coaxial speakers that incorporate fibreglass reinforced cones and a centred dome tweeter, while powerful bass is delivered by two down‐firing woofers. Connectivity is superb, including HDMI, Ethernet, Wi‐Fi, USB, Bluetooth, NFC and compatibility with Google Cast. Hi‐Res Audio formats, such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS‐HD Master Audio, FLAC, WAV and DSD are supported, and thanks to its networking talents the HT‐XT3 can be part of a wider multiroom audio system, controlled by Sony’s SongPal app. This is a great‐sounding, well‐equipped soundbase speaker at an enticing price.
European Design TV of the year 2015-2016: Sony KD-65X9005C
It’s not often that a TV makes you think ‘Wow’ before it’s even switched on, but Sony’s 65X9005C accomplishes this by virtue of its astonishing styling. This 65in screen brings ultra-slim appeal to your living room, being only 4.9mm at its thinnest part. It comes with an innovative mounting solution that sites the screen flush against a wall thanks to Sony’s vertical airflow system, while those installing the 65X9005C on a TV stand can choose from wide or narrow positions for the sleek aluminium feet. Design isn’t this set’s only strong point, however – the 4K Ultra HD screen together with the Sony unique Triluminos Display technology delivers colour‐rich, sharp images that are equally impressive, while Android TV collects all the set’s features in to one sophisticated homescreen.
European Professional Compact System Camera: α7 II
The α7 II is a full frame CSC of true professional quality that brings strong competition to DSLR systems and offers huge imaging potential in a lightweight body. The 24‐million‐pixel full frame sensor brings excellent dynamic range coupled with low noise at high ISO settings, and the hybrid AF system gives fast, accurate focusing. The magnesium body and new hand‐grip revolutionises the feel and operation over its predecessor, while the built‐in 5‐axis image stabilisation is extremely advantageous if you shoot handheld, especially with close‐ups and slow shutter speeds. This all makes the α7II a serious alternative to a full frame DSLR.
European Travel Compact Camera: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90/V
The Sony Cyber‐shot DSC-HX90/V is the world’s smallest super zoom compact camera with a built‐in electronic viewfinder. The Zeiss Vario‐Sonnar T* lens offers a powerful 24‐720mm equivalent range that covers a full range of travel situations. The EVF allows eye level shooting and is especially useful in bright light, and retracts into the camera body when not needed. The LCD screen tilts 180°, promoting creative shooting from different angles. Video can be recorded at 1080/60p with very high quality, and the HX90V has a built‐in GPS , and Wi‐Fi with NFC. It’s an excellent, pocket‐sized travel camera that can be carried with you anywhere.
European Compact System Lens: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS
The Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS is probably the best lens of its type, giving some of the finest test results EISA’s experts have ever seen. It is incredibly sharp, even into the corners of the image at maximum aperture, and has minimal distortion or chromatic aberration. The level of contrast it produces makes for some great pictures and at f/2.8 it produces beautifully rendered bokeh, with smooth tonal gradations, thanks to the rounded aperture blades. With sturdy build quality, silent focusing and effective optical stabilisation, it’s a lens of the very highest quality.