<p>Few organizations shoot with as many cameras and lenses as we do in the course of a year and fewer still conduct the same level of objective testing. We've pretty well seen it all when it comes to image-capture technology and devices, so it takes a lot for us to recognize a camera or lens in our annual awards. The cameras and lenses we recognize truly represent the very best of what the market has to offer in each category, as determined by our extensive laboratory testing and real-world usage.</p><p>It is often hard to pick just one Camera or Lens of the Year in each category, though. For this reason we present our Product of Distinction awards to the one or two other products that also stand out from their peers. While these cameras and lenses don't receive a Product of the Year award, it is a mistake to consider them mere runners-up. You'll note that while some categories contain a couple of Products of Distinction, others have one or none. Only products that truly stand out from the field receive this recognition.</p><p>We have no interest in filling a number of fixed, preordained slots for these awards, but instead want to respond intelligently to the rapid evolution of the photo industry. Our goal is to recognize truly exceptional products and developments in categories that remain meaningful and responsive to the market as it evolves. To that end, we have added, removed and split categories, bringing the total to 13 this year.</p><p>2013 was a year of extraordinary development and evolution in the photography business. These are truly exciting times for photographers, perhaps without equal. There is no substitute for photographic ability and vision, but developments this year extended the boundaries of the possible and have made it easier than ever to take great photographs under challenging conditions. Read on to see what products made the grade for 2013! Best Cameras of the Year</p><p><a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2013/12/11/13-best-cameras-for-2013-ir-cameras-and-lenses-of-the-year">Keep reading...</a></p>