Just received this exclusive press release (which will go out elsewhere tomorrow). Looks like Nikon are quite proud to announce they've been awarded Best Digital Professional Product 2000-2001 for the Nikon D1 and Best Digital Compact Camera 2000-2001 for the Nikon Coolpix 990 by TIPA (Technical Image Press Association).

Full release:

Nikon Scores Digital Double in latest TIPA awards.

Nikon Coolpix 990; Best Digital Compact Camera 2000-2001 Nikon D1; Best Digital Professional Product 2000-2001

Amsterdam; July 14 th 2000/ The Nikon D1 and Nikon Coolpix 990 have achieved a double first in the latest TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) awards announced this month, the first time these two major categories have been awarded to the same manufacturer.

Crowning a string of accolades already heaped on the Nikon D1, the editors of 31 publications across Europe voted the benchmark professional digital SLR "Best Digital Professional Product 2000-2001’.

In making this award the TIPA panel said; "The Nikon D1 sets a new standard for professional digital SLR cameras, thanks to the excellent image quality, fast shooting modes and very attractive package price. From its introduction onwards, this camera has been the one to beat for all competitors. More professional photographers have 'gone digital' since the introduction of the Nikon D1 than ever before and the TIPA editors commend Nikon for this achievement by awarding the Nikon D1 the "Best Professional Digital Product 2000-2001" award.

Commenting on this latest award; Robert Cristina, Professional product manager, at Nikon Europe said; "TIPA clearly recognize that thousands of D1 photographers across Europe are leading a digital revolution throughout the imaging industry, challenging software developers, storage and printer manufacturers, publishing and printing houses to keep up."

Revolutionary was the word used by TIPA last year regarding the award winning Nikon Coolpix950. Nikon has done it again this year as the new Nikon Coolpix 990 takes the TIPA "Best Digital Compact Camera of the Year 2000-2001".

The TIPA panel said: "It's not only the size of the CCD that ensures good quality in a digital image. By combining an excellent Nikkor lens and accurate matrix metering with a 3.34 million pixel CCD Nikon have created an outstanding camera. This together with the fact that Nikon listened to the users and in many important functions improved the already excellent Coolpix 950, makes them a worthy winner of the TIPA’s digital compact camera award."

Speaking about both awards; Michio Miwa, General Manager, Imaging Division, Nikon Europe said; "We are delighted that TIPA have noted our policy of listening to our users and implementing those changes on our products particularly here with the great new Coolpix990. Nikon value this close relationship with our "family’ of users both professional and amateur." He added; "Our D1 and 990 design teams in Japan highly appreciate this important acknowledgement by the TIPA jury."