Landscape photographers have unique needs and equipment requirements. Image quality is a must, and they benefit from high resolution and dynamic range. On the physical side, water-resistance and ruggedness are required. Features such as body stabilization, touch sensor, tiltable LCD screen, and good battery life are also a plus.
We have gathered cameras that we believe are good choices for landscape photography and have selected the best of the best.
Best Cameras For Landscape Photography
Table of Contents
The best camera for landscape photography is a great way to enter one of the most popular and enduring genres of photography.
Landscape photography may seem relatively simple compared to action or nature photography, but when you look at the details, you realize that a good landscape camera requires something very specific.
Perhaps more than any other genre, landscape photographers need resolution and large sensors. Large megapixel sensors capture every nuance and detail of large, beautiful landscapes and are ideal for large-format prints.
Perhaps you don’t need to worry about features like burst mode or fast autofocus, and you can save money by compromising these features.
Weather resistance is also important, as landscape photography involves long walks in adverse conditions. So another consideration is the physical weight of the camera.
If you have to carry your camera everywhere, such as in the desert or forest, you don’t want it to be dragged along the pavement before you are even halfway to your shooting location.
Also read: Types of Photography: A Complete List of Photographic Genres
Best Cameras For Landscape Photography | Comparison Table 2022
Top Quality | 5 Star Pick | Great Prices
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fujifilm GFX 100S Body - Black | Fujifilm | Check Price | |
| Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body | Nikon | Check Price | |
| Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera - 8K Video, 45 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, DIGIC X Image Processor, Up to 12 fps Mechanical Shutter (Body Only) | Canon | Check Price | |
| Sony Alpha 7R IV Full Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera w/High Resolution 61MP Sensor, up to 10FPS with Continuous AF/AE Tracking | Sony | Check Price | |
| Panasonic LUMIX S1 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera with 24.2MP MOS High Resolution Sensor, L-Mount Lens Compatible, 4K HDR Video and 3.2” LCD - DC-S1BODY (Renewed) | Panasonic | Check Price | |
| Pentax K-1 Mark II Full Frame 36MP Weather Resistant DSLR with 3.2" TFT LCD, Black | Pentax | Check Price | |
| Nikon D6 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body, Black | Nikon | Check Price | |
| Nikon Z6 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body w/ NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S | Nikon | Check Price | |
| Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera: 24.2MP Full Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Continuous AF/AE, 4K Video and Built-in Connectivity - Sony Alpha ILCE9M2/B Body - Black | Sony | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Cameras For Landscape Photography | 2022 Products
Overview
1. Fujifilm GFX 100S: Best Cameras For Landscape Photography
- ULTIMATE RESOLUTION, DEPENDABLE PROCESSING: Powered by Fujifilm’s high-performance X-Processor 4 quad-core CPU, GFX100S utilizes its 102MP, back-illuminated large format CMOS sensor to create truly stunning results. Create remarkably detailed still images that possess amazing color fidelity, and rich shadow detail, with enough dynamic range to allow for astonishing push and pull adjustments in post-production. Or, use Pixel Shift Multi-Shot to create ultra-high resolution 400MP stills with remarkable detail. In video mode, record 4K/30p footage in 10-bit F-log or 12-bit ProRes RAW, with an incredibly beautiful depth of field, for a look that is made for the silver screen.
- SMALL, BUT STEADY: Sitting at the heart of GFX100S is a newly developed shutter and In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) system that helps ensure you always make the most of the extreme resolution of the camera’s 102MP imaging sensor. While reduced in size, compared to their counterparts in GFX100, both elements offer incredible performance, with the new shutter capable of 5fps continuous shooting and the unique, five-axis IBIS now working in conjunction with GF Lens Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to provide up to 6 stops of correction. With such outstanding performance, GFX100S frees you from a tripod and lets you keep creating even when the light is low.
- THE SHARP END OF AF TECHNOLOGY: With an advanced phase detection autofocus (AF) system, GFX100S spearheads a whole new era of large format digital camera systems. An updated autofocus algorithm brings subjects into focus as quickly as 0.18 sec, even in light levels as low as -5.5EV. This extraordinary performance is strengthened by the presence of phase-detect autofocus pixels across nearly 100% of the frame, resulting in complete precision regardless of where the subject is. Combined with responsive tracking and reliable Face/Eye Detection, GFX100S lets large format photographers enjoy reliably accurate AF, even in low-contrast situations.
- LARGE FORMAT HAS NEVER FELT LIKE THIS: The GFX system already has a strong reputation for taking high-resolution photography out of the studio and into the world, but GFX100S takes it even further. Not only does it have a super-tough magnesium-alloy casing, but it is also made to operate in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C) and to be dust- and weather-resistant for those off-road moments. At less than 2 pounds (900g), its compact body is comparable in size to many full-frame cameras, but it contains an incredible, 102MP sensor that’s almost twice the physical size of the typical full-frame sensor! Simply put, whether you are creating handheld portraits on location, or framing landscapes in the remote wilderness, GFX100S will truly let you harness the extreme power of the large format.
- ICONIC COLOR MADE FOR YOU: Fujifilm’s expertise in color science is legendary among image-makers. For more than 86 years, Fujifilm has been responsible for some of the world’s most iconic photographs and movies. GFX100S gives you access to this wealth of experience at the touch of a button, powered by one of the world’s most widely acclaimed digital color processing engines. With a choice of 19 exclusive FUJIFILM Film Simulation modes, it is easy to achieve fantastic color straight out of the camera. With a new FIlm Simulation mode to explore - Nostalgic Neg. - it may just be worth it to spend a little more time here than you originally thought.
Also read: Outdoor Photography
2. Nikon D850 FX-Format Cameras For Landscape Photography
- Nikon designed back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor with no optical low pass filter
- 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of moiré
- Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
- 8k6 and 4k time lapse movies with new levels of sharpness and detail; file system : DCF 2.0, exif 2.31, Pict bridge
- Tilting touchscreen, focus shift shooting mode, outstanding battery performance and much more; total pixels: 46.89 million
- 4K Ultra HD video recording, slow motion up to 120 FPS at 1080p
Also read: why do photographers always wear black?
3. Canon EOS R5 Affordable camera for landscape photography
- High Image Quality featuring a New 45 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor.
- DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-51200; Expandable to 102400x1.
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps electronic (silent) shutter.
- Dual pixel CMOS AF covering approx. 100% area with 1,053 AF areas.
- Subject tracking of people and animals using deep learning technology.
- Dual Memory Card Slots
- Compatible with RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye lens
Also read: Why should we shoot in RAW format?
4. Sony Alpha 7R IV Camera for landscape photography beginner
- World’s first 61MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R sensor
- 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 102,400
- Up to 10fps continuous shooting at 61MP with AE/AF tracking
- Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for human, animal and movie
- 5.76 million dot UXGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder
Also read: 5 Reasons to go to school to learn photography
5. Panasonic LUMIX S1
- Full frame sensor - 24. 2-Megapixel full-frame (35. 6mm x 23. 8mm) MOS sensor that provides a wide dynamic Range and excellent performance at high sensitivity (is 51200 Max sensitivity)
- Lumix s camera lens - easy-to-use 24-105mm standard focal macro zoom F4 l-mount for Lumix s Series full-frame l-mount digital Mirrorless cameras
- 4K HDR VIDEO - 4K 60p/50p, 4K 24/30P unlimited recording, 4K60P 29: 59 min limited recording. HDR Mode and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG). V-Log with Internal 4: 2: 2 10-bit 4k30/24p (4K60p output only) available via optional software upgrade key.
- 96MP high resolution mode - a sensor shift technology suitable for taking very high-resolution Landscapes and fine art photos via tripod with toggle able motion correction capabilities
- RUGGED MIRRORLESS CAMERA DESIGN - Dust/splash*/freeze-resistant design withstands heavy field use under harsh conditions for high mobility (*See PDF in & Support)
Also read: Best Strobe Lights For Photography
6. Pentax K-1 Mark II
- 36 MP AA filter less shake reduction sensor with APS C crop mode for compatibility with Pentax k mount lenses
- Hand Held Pixel Shift Resolution that allows 4 images to be complied into an superior image with increased color rendition and sharpness
- Engine Accelerometer for reduced image noise, faster focusing and increased image sharpness
- Magnesium Alloy, Weather Resistant body for every demanding situation
- Astro tracer extended exposure mode with reduced star trails
Also read: Best Ring Lights For Photograph
7. Nikon D6 FX-Format Digital SLR
- 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 6 Image Processor
- 14 fps Shooting, Extended ISO 3280000
- Multi-CAM 37K 105-Pt. All Cross-Type AF
- 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
- 3.2 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
- 0.72x-Mag. Pentaprism Viewfinder
- 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
- Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS
- 1000 Base-T Gigabit Wired LAN Support
Also read : Best Cameras for Street Photography
8. Nikon Z6 FX-Format Mirrorless camera for landscape photography
- New larger Z mount for revolutionary optical performance
- Nikon designed 24.5mp backside illuminated image sensor
- 273 point on sensor phase detect AF system
- Up to 12 fps; 4k ultra hd video; 8k time lapse; 120/1080p slow motion
- Compatible with new z Nikkor lenses, over 360 f mount Nikkor lenses
9. Sony a9 II Mirrorless
- SONY ALPHA A9 II: Compact professional cameras mastered for sports photography and photojournalism
- SUPERIOR SPEED: Fastest 35mm full-frame 24. 2MP stacked Exmore RS CMOS sensor with integrated memory
- FASTER AUTO FOCUS: Up to 20fps at full resolution with 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second
- ADVANCED SUBJECT RECOGNITION: Real-time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF for humans, animals and movies
- VOICE MEMO FUNCTION: Attach a voice memo (. wav) to photo files or use voice to text for IPTC data
- HIGH LUMINANCE VIEWFINDER: Continuous view blackout free OLED True-Finder with 100% frame coverage
- UPGRADED CONNECTIVITY: High speed 2. 4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi, up to 1 Gbps Ethernet and secure FTP transfer
- 4K RECORDING: Interval shooting, S&Q Motion, 2. 4x oversampling, full pixel readout without binning
- MORE FEATURES: Touch screen, Bluetooth, image stabilization, anti flicker, dual UHS-II SD card slots
- IN THE BOX: Power cord, battery, cable protector, charger, strap, body/shoe caps, eye cup, USB cable
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic Viewfinder
- Lens Type: Telephoto
The thing to Consider while Choosing the Right Camera for Landscape Photography in 2022
With so many choices, it is impossible to select just one camera that is best suited for landscape photography. It depends on the type of landscape you want to photograph. Here are some features to consider in order to choose the best camera for your needs.
Digital SLR Cameras
Digital SLRs are the most suitable cameras for landscape photography. Digital SLR cameras have a system of mechanical mirrors and pentaprisms to direct light from the lens to the optical viewfinder. When the shutter is released, the mirror is raised, the aperture is stopped down according to the selected f-number, and the shutter opens to allow light to enter the lens and be exposed to the sensor.
The entire process takes less than a second, and some models can shoot at an astonishing 13 or 14 frames per second. However, speed is not usually an important selling point for landscape photographers.
They rarely desire a long continuous shooting session when shooting, and instead choose a small aperture for sharpness in the front and rear directions, which often results in slower shutter speeds.
Digital SLR cameras are highly customizable because of their interchangeable lenses, filters, and accessories. This allows for almost unlimited creativity.
Sensor Size
Digital SLR cameras are usually equipped with a full-size sensor and a cross-type sensor. This is the actual size of the sensor. Full-size cameras use chips that are about the same size as conventional 35mm film (36mm x 24mm), while digital crossover SLRs use sensors as small as about 25.1 x 16.7mm.
The smaller cropped sensor effectively doubles the focal length of the lens. This magnification varies from 1.3x to 1.6x depending on the manufacturer and sensor size and must be applied to calculate the 35mm equivalent focal length of the camera.
For example, a 24mm wide-angle lens mounted on a cropped SLR would effectively be 36mm, giving a magnification of 1.5x. To obtain exactly the same wide-angle characteristics and field of view as a 24mm lens on a varifocal camera, a 16mm lens would have to be used.
Most camera brands, such as Canon’s EF-S lenses and Nikon’s DX lenses, offer a lineup of lenses for SLR cameras.
Generally, the larger the sensor, the better the image quality. Generally (but not always), full-size sensors have a wider dynamic range, better shadow detail, less noise, and cleaner tonal transitions.
The crop factor is also useful for nature photographers who shoot distant subjects, while landscape photographers will want to maintain the characteristics and wide-angle of view of traditional wide-angle lenses.
Mirrorless SLR Cameras
More and more landscape photographers are opting for mirrorless cameras. Fujifilm, Olympus, and Sony are leading the mirrorless SLR camera revolution, producing innovative mirrorless SLR cameras that rival traditional SLR cameras in image quality and versatility.
As the name implies, the design eliminates the cumbersome mirror and prism mechanisms of SLR cameras and focuses light directly onto the sensor through the lens. This results in a lighter, slimmer design. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) or live view on the rear LCD screen is used for image composition, and in some cases an optical viewfinder (like a rangefinder) is used.
Sensor size varies widely from model to model, with some mirrorless SLRs using the smaller Micro Four Thirds chip (2x magnification), while others use a full-size sensor. Mirrorless cameras offer advantages such as improved focus peaking and video performance, but have the disadvantage of shorter battery life than SLR cameras.
While mirrorless cameras are known for their image quality, perhaps the biggest advantage for landscape photographers is their size and weight. Lenses and accessories have also become smaller and easier to carry.
For landscape enthusiasts, weight is an important criterion. The best panoramic photographs are often taken at high elevations or require long walks over rough or uneven terrain. The less luggage you carry, the more likely you are to walk farther and enjoy the best views.
High image quality thanks to a large sensor
Full-size and medium-format cameras are most commonly used for landscape photography. Their large sensors and high resolution provide excellent image quality. They bring out the details in an image and enable beautiful prints.
In addition, images with high-resolution detail do not mar post-processing. With enough megapixels, images can be cropped without compromising their appearance.
Wide dynamic range to match lighting
Choosing a camera with a wide dynamic range works well for landscape photography. Outdoors, the background and the foreground are not always evenly lit. A wide dynamic range allows you to maintain detail even when the lighting is unbalanced.
Wide ISO sensitivity range suitable for dark landscapes
High ISO values often result in noisy images. However, for those interested in night photography or astrophotography, a wide range of ISO sensitivity is a great advantage.
Live View Display
A live-view display with a touch-sensitive LCD screen is absolutely essential. Focusing on it makes your work much easier. Plus, it protects your eyes and sensor in the unlikely event that you point the camera into the sun.
Waterproof Cameras for Harsh Outdoor Environments
When choosing a camera for landscape photography, a waterproof camera is more than just a fair-weather friend. It is unlikely that you will only do this on sunny days. Picture a majestic photograph of lightning and thunder. To do this, you need to protect your camera from the elements.
Long battery life with no need to keep charging.
You should always carry a charger and spare batteries. The cold weather will drain batteries in no time. A camera with a long-lasting battery is a great weapon, especially for landscape photographers who enjoy shooting in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular cameras among landscape photographers?
Most landscape photographers tend to use Canon, Nikon, and Sony models. The Nikon D850 and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV are sometimes considered the best DSLRs for landscape photography. However, as the mirrorless market evolves, you may want to consider the Canon EOS R5, Sony A7R IV, or one of the Nikon Z7 cameras detailed below.
What are the best budget cameras for landscape photography?
Here are some of the best budget cameras for landscape photography. The guide you are reading now covers high-end options, but for our list of affordable options, we recommend cameras like the Fujifilm X-A7, Canon EOS 850D, and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.
Which camera should I buy for landscape photography?
If you shoot landscapes, the Sony A7R IV is your best bet: the A7R IV will always help you get the most out of your landscape photography with its 61MP sensor, 15 levels of wide dynamic range, and great autofocus performance.
Which is better suited for landscape photography, Canon or Nikon?
Both Canon and Nikon offer great options for landscape photographers. Therefore, choosing the best camera should be based on your personal preferences and needs. The Canon EOS 5DS R is a great option for those who are or want to be invested in the Canon ecosystem. On the other hand, Nikon, the Nikon D850, the star of landscape photography, would be the best choice.
How many megapixels do you need for landscape photography?
Few cameras on the market today have less than 16 MP, and such cameras are capable of capturing high-quality images. However, the higher the megapixel count, the better the camera is suited for producing impressive high-quality images and large-format prints. For example, the Sony A7R IV has a 61 megapixel sensor, making it the best choice for serious landscape photographers.
Are mirrorless cameras suitable for landscape photography?
Yes, many mirrorless cameras are just as well suited to landscape photography as their SLR counterparts. In fact, they offer advantages such as size and lightness that make them easy to take with you on trips, hikes, and adventures.
Conclusion.
Finding the best camera for landscape photographers is not easy. Consider the type of landscape photography you are most interested in. Then choose the camera features that best suit your photographic objectives.
Once you have found the best camera, you are ready to begin your adventure. All you need is patience and an eye for capturing breathtaking landscapes. Remember, the composition is everything.
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