These are the stunning images of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 — and there are some surprising camera choices among the winners | Tech Radar

Overview

News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets

Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more

Details

Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards.

These are the stunning images of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 — and there are some surprising camera choices among the winners

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: © Santiago Mesa / Sony World Photography Awards 2026 / Creo)

Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.

SWPA is one of the most prestigious global photo contests

This year attracted Over 430,000 entries from more than 200 countries

The winner takes home a $25,000 top prize and Sony camera gear

I've had the pleasure of attending the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 in London, where the overall winner and 10 category winners have unpacked their photography projects to the press.

Legendary street photographer Joel Meyerowitz was also in attendance to receive a lifetime achievement award, and he was as engaging as ever.

It has been a real treat, and if you get the chance, I encourage you to visit the contest's exhibition, which contains over 300 works, is situated in London's Somerset House, and is open to the public from April 17 to May 4, 2026.

How 2025's Travel Photographer of the Year used 'immense skill' in low light to create in-camera magic

CP+ 2026 live: the latest camera gear at the world's biggest photography show

"Patience paying off" – stunning early contenders for DJI and Sky Pixel's $200,000 drone prize revealed

In previous years, it very much felt like AI was an inescapable subject around the contest, but in 2026, it feels like that AI storm has passed, and we purely enjoyed the photography and the stories inspiring the works.

I had a fascinating long chat with the wildlife category winner, Will Burrard-Lucas, and will share my conversation very soon, but for now, do check out some of the category award winners below.

Where the information is available — I've made a note on what camera gear was used in the gallery below — there has been such a surprising range this year, which once again proves that gear isn't the be-all and end-all of great photography.

Overall winner, Photographer of the Year, Professional Competition, Creative, Sony World Photography Awards 2026

Perspectives Winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2026

Todd Antony, Sport winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2026.

Will Burrard-Lucas, Wildlife winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2026.

Isadora Romero, Environment winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2026.

Joy Saha, Architecture & Design winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2026

Dafna Talmor, UK, Landscape Winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2026

Film negative montages(Image credit: © Dafna Talmor )

Vilma Taubo, Norway, Still Life winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2026

Elle Leontiev, Australia, Open Competition winner, Portraiture, Sony World Photography Awards 2026

Santiago Mesa, Colombia, Documentary Projects Winner, Sony World Photography Awards 2026

Fujifilm X-Pro 3(Image credit: © Santiago Mesa / Sony World Photography Awards 2026 / Creo)

Having covered photo contest news for the last three years working in a gear-focused role as Tech Radar's Cameras Editor, I'm always happy to see a range of camera gear being used among winning entrants, and SWPA 2026 is no different.

Take Will Burrard Lucas's wildlife series — he fits his own camera traps with low-cost Canon EOS 6D cameras — a necessary compromise because he often requires several cameras in tough environments, but he still praised the quality these old DSLRs delivered.

Or how about the 'Documentary' and 'Perspectives' category winners, Santiago Mesa of Colombia and Seungho Kim of Korea, who used a Fujifilm X-Pro 3 and Fujifilm X100 VI, respectively, for their reportage photography projects.

At the other end of the spectrum is the 'Sport' category winner, Todd Anthony of New Zealand, who used a large-format Phase One camera, which costs tens of thousands, for his monochrome images of riders and their horses.

Photography can be a beautiful thing, and many of us already have the capable tools in hand to go and create. Who knows, perhaps one day you could have your images hanging on the walls at Somerset House.

Follow Tech Radar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow Tech Radar on Tik Tok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on Whats App too.

Tim is the Cameras editor at Tech Radar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

1 Forget heavy batteries, this hydrogen-powered motor delivers 1,000 hp from a 94kg package

2 China completes testing on tool capable of slicing undersea cables

3 Rolls-Royce launches its most 'ambitious work' to date with stunning new EV

4 Marshals: A Yellowstone Story episode 8 release date and time on Paramount+

5 Experts warn FIFA World Cup partners could be putting customers at risk of email attacks

Tech Radar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Key Takeaways

• News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets

• Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more

• Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards

• These are the stunning images of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 — and there are some surprising camera choices among the winners

• When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission