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You need the greatest landscape photography cameras to capture their magnificence. Landscape photography may seem easier than action or wildlife photography, but it demands specific skills. Two elements dominate landscape photography: resolution and sensor size. Large-sensor cameras with many megapixels produce the best results. This powerful pair lets you capture the complex tones and textures of wide, stunning vistas.
It also lets you make stunning, large-format prints of your scenic photos. In this genre, burst mode and fast focusing are downplayed to save money without sacrificing quality. Waterproofing is another important factor in choosing the finest landscape photography camera. Remote, undiscovered areas with harsh weather are where nature’s beauty is found. A weatherproof camera lets you confidently hike through difficult terrain.
The utility of a camera goes beyond weather resistance. Weight is important while choosing a camera. Carrying your camera through deserts, jungles, or rugged terrain shouldn’t be difficult. Your camera should be a trusted partner, not a burden that slows you down before your shot. The greatest landscape photography cameras combine resolution, sensor size, weatherproofing, and portability to capture nature’s beauty.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Camera
Here are some of the most important things to think about when picking the best camera for landscape photography:
- Sensor Size: Larger sensors, like full-frame or APS-C, work better in low light and have a wider range of brightness, which is important for catching the subtleties of landscapes.
- Resolution: Images with more megapixels have more details, which can be important for big prints of landscapes or for cropping.
- Lens Compatibility: Make sure the camera can use a range of lenses, like wide-angle lenses, that are good for different types of landscape photography.
Best Landscape Photography Cameras Comparison Table
Photographers who specialize in landscapes frequently face difficult working conditions. A camera that has been weather-sealed is resistant to the effects of dust, precipitation, and severe temperatures. When photographing landscapes, you should look for a camera that has a wide dynamic range so that you can capture both bright highlights and shadow details.
| Camera | Sensor | Autofocus points | Continuous shooting speed | Video | LCD screen | Weight | Latest Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Alpha A7R IV | 61MP full-frame CMOS | 759 phase-detection, 425 contrast-detection | 10fps | 4K UHD at 30fps | 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1.44M dots | 665g (body only) | Check Deal |
| Nikon D850 | 45.7MP full-frame CMOS | 153 AF points (99 cross-type) | 7fps | 4K UHD at 30fps | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 2.36M dots | 755g (body only) | Check Deal |
| Fujifilm X100V | 26.1MP APS-C CMOS | 425 phase-detection, 117 contrast-detection | 8fps | 4K UHD at 30fps | 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1.62M dots | 438g (body only) | Check Deal |
| Canon EOS 5DS R | 50.6MP full-frame CMOS | 61 AF points (41 cross-type) | 5fps | 4K UHD at 30fps | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1.04M dots | 845g (body only) | Check Deal |
| Panasonic Lumix S1R | 47.3MP full-frame CMOS | 49-point AF system (25 cross-type) | 9fps | 4K UHD at 30fps | 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 2.1M dots | 828g (body only) | Check Deal |
List of the Best Landscape Photography Cameras
When photographing in low light or capturing nightscapes, it is helpful to have a camera that produces less noise even when the ISO is increased. When shooting handheld in low light or when using slow shutter speeds, image stabilization built into the camera or lens-based image stabilization can assist lessen the effects of camera wobble.A longer battery life is beneficial for shooting for lengthy periods of time outside because it reduces the need to frequently change the batteries.
Sony Alpha A7R IV
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 61 megapixels |
| ISO Range | 100-32,000 (expandable to 50-102,400) |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | Yes |
| 4K Video Recording | Yes (up to 30fps) |
| Fast Autofocus | 567 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points |
| Check Price |
The A7R IV has a class-leading 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, which is the best resolving sensor we’ve seen on a full-frame camera. Additionally, the A7R IV is mated to Sony’s FE full-frame lens mount. Both of these features allow the camera to take advantage of the full potential of full-frame lenses. This has been going on for some time now, and it offers some delectable bits of glass that are sure to attract the attention of serious landscape photographers.
Aside from its excellent image quality, the A7R IV also excels in a number of other respects. If you want to shoot things other than landscapes, the 10 fps burst shooting speed is outstanding, while the extremely capable autofocus system does not disappoint. If you intend to shoot handheld, you will find that the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) technology, which offers 5.5 stops of correction, works extremely well, despite the fact that the body weighs just 655 grams.
The Good
- Outstanding image quality with high resolution.
- Excellent low-light performance.
- Impressive autofocus system.
The Bad
- Pricey compared to some competitors.
Nikon D850
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 45.7 megapixels |
| ISO Range | 64-25,600 (expandable to 32-102,400) |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | No |
| 4K Video Recording | Yes (up to 30fps) |
| Fast Autofocus | 153 phase-detection points |
| Check Price |
Nikon, not to be outdone, too possesses a star performer in the area of landscape photography, and that performer is the Nikon D850. It was released two years before the Sony A7R IV, yet it still comes with a lot of contemporary features such as a touch screen and internet access.
The Sony A7R IV is still the best option on the top end if you do a significant amount of shooting in low light and prefer to push your ISO to its absolute limit; but, the Nikon D850’s ISO range of 64–25600 (which expandable to 32–102400) is more than sufficient for producing outstanding work for the vast majority of landscape photographers. In point of fact, the Nikon D850 and the D810, which it succeeded, both have a base ISO of 64, which is the lowest of any DSLR or mirrorless camera now available on the market.
The Good
- Exceptional image quality and detail.
- Impressive dynamic range.
- Swift and accurate autofocus system.
The Bad
- Lack of in-body image stabilization.
Fujifilm X100V
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 26.1 megapixels |
| ISO Range | 160-12,800 (expandable to 80-51,200) |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | No |
| 4K Video Recording | Yes (up to 30fps) |
| Hybrid Viewfinder | Yes |
| Check Price |
In comparison to the other cameras on the list, this one could appear to be an unusual choice, but we ask that you bear with us. The premium compact is something that’s a little bit special, and if you can afford it, it’s a terrific camera to have with you when you don’t want to take a kitbag full of cameras and lenses with you wherever you go. If you can justify it, though, the premium compact is even better. An APS-C sized sensor with 26.1 megapixels is at the core of the Fujifilm X100F.
This sensor is the same one that can be found in Fujifilm’s most recent lineup of compact cameras. Additionally, the X100F features an all-new prime lens with an equivalent focal length of 34.5 millimeters and an aperture of 2. This moderate wide-angle shot may not be quite wide enough for some people, but it certainly captures a lot of great detail. This is made possible by a touchscreen that can be tilted to an angle of your choosing, as well as a clever hybrid viewfinder that, at the flip of a switch, can transition between an optical display and an electronic display.
The Good
- Stunning image quality with Fujifilm’s renowned color science.
- Compact and portable design.
- Hybrid viewfinder for versatile shooting.
The Bad
- No in-body image stabilization.
Canon EOS 5DS R
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 50.6 megapixels |
| ISO Range | 100-6,400 (expandable to 50-12,800) |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | No |
| 1080p Video Recording | Yes (up to 30fps) |
| Dual Pixel Autofocus | No |
| Check Price |
Even while the CMOS full frame sensor of the Canon EOS 5DS R has fewer megapixels than the sensor of the Sony A7R IV (50,6 MP vs. 61 MP), the sensor is 21% larger (17.17 m2 vs. 14.15 m2), which helps to even things out a bit.
The 5DS R will be the finest camera for landscape photography in 2023 if you are currently a part of the Canon ecosystem but do not wish to upgrade to the EOS R mirrorless camera body. The outstanding image quality, which is more than sufficient to print photographs the size of billboards, and the rock-solid durability of Canon’s 5D range really shines. You will enjoy both of these features.
The Good
- Exceptionally high resolution for fine detail.
- Good low-light performance.
- Solid weather-sealed construction.
The Bad
- Limited video capabilities.
Panasonic Lumix S1R
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 47.3 megapixels |
| ISO Range | 100-25,600 (expandable to 50-51,200) |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | Yes |
| 4K Video Recording | Yes (up to 60fps) |
| Fast Autofocus | Contrast-detection DFD system |
| High-Resolution EVF | 5.76M-dot OLED |
| Check Price |
The Panasonic Lumix S1R has a high-resolution 47MP full-frame CMOS sensor, a high-resolution electronic screen, 4K video recording, and image stabilization built right into the camera body. There is a multi-shot high-resolution mode that can make 187MP images, and the camera has a mode to reduce motion blur so that it can be used for landscape shooting. Even though it doesn’t have a mirror, the S1R is quite heavy and big.
As part of the L-Mount partnership, Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica all make a wide range of lenses. Some examples of ultra-wide zoom lenses are the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 (£1299), the Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm F4 (£1499), the Leica 16-35mm F3.5-4.5 (£4850), and the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (£619). There is also a selection of ultra-wide-angle prime lenses.
The Good
- High-resolution sensor for exceptional image quality.
- Effective in-body image stabilization.
- Impressive 4K video capabilities.
The Bad
- Heavier and bulkier compared to some competitors.
Tips for Capturing Stunning Landscape Shots
Here are some great tips on how to take beautiful scenery photos:
- Scout Your spot: Do research and go to your chosen spot ahead of time to find the best vantage points, angles, and lighting conditions.
- Golden Hours: Take pictures during the golden hours, which are early in the morning or late at night. This is when the soft, warm light brings out the beauty of the scene.
- Use a Tripod: Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and get sharp pictures, especially when the frame speed is slow.
- Composition Rules: To make scenes that look good, use composition rules like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing.
- Center Interest: Put something interesting in the center to give your shots depth and perspective.
Questions and Answers
A1: The best camera for landscape photos relies on what you want to do and how much money you have. Full-frame DSLRs like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha a7R IV, and medium format cameras like the Fujifilm GFX 100 are some of the most common choices.
A2: Full-frame cameras have great picture quality and a wide dynamic range, but they are not the only way to take photos of landscapes. Crop sensor cameras, like APS-C and Micro Four Thirds, can also take beautiful scenery photos. Which one you choose relies on your tastes and budget.
A3: Some important features to look for are a large sensor for better picture quality, weather sealing for durability outdoors, a good dynamic range, a high-resolution sensor for detailed shots, and the ability to work with wide-angle lenses.