There has never been a better time to be a landscape photographer. The level of camera technology has never been greater than it is now, and there are so many options on the market. But choosing that perfect camera can be tough. You have to consider how many brands there are, lens options, camera resolution, and, of course, the price of the camera. Whether you are a beginner looking to get into landscape photography or a more experienced photographer, this article will help you find the best landscape camera for your needs.
Camera Features to Consider
Mirrorless vs DSLR
First thing to consider is if you’d prefer a mirrorless or DSLR body. While DSLRs used to dominate the industry, the tides have quickly shifted to the mirrorless market. Typical, mirrorless cameras are lighter, more compact, and faster than a DSLR body. That being said, DSLR cameras can still pack a punch and produce professional-level quality. It is better to base your decision on specs, rather than just body style.
Size & Weight
As a landscape photographer, there’s a good chance you hike for most of your shoots. As any avid hiker knows, weight is everything. Most landscape photographers do prefer a more compact and lightweight setup, simply for the fact that it saves weight off of their backs.
On the other hand, having a smaller camera can mean sacrificing build and/or quality. You need to find out which of those is more important to you.
Resolution & Image Quality
Let’s keep this simple — the higher resolution or higher number of megapixels, the sharper your images will be. For landscape photography, this is everything. You are likely going to want to turn your pictures into larger scale prints, so you will need to make sure your megapixel count is at least 24MP. Anything smaller can affect a larger print. The sensor size is also crucial — the larger the sensor, the better the image quality.
Build Quality
As I said before, landscape photography means being out in the elements. Some of the best sunsets of my life have been during a rainstorm. If I didn’t have a weather-sealed camera, I would have missed everything. Whether you are shooting in subzero temperatures, rain, wind, etc, you need to have a camera that can withstand any environment. This means finding a durable, weatherproof camera. Most of the newer, high-end cameras are weatherproof now, including ones on this list.
Technology & Features
What’s a weather-sealed camera without the amazing technology that it protects? Having a camera with features like image stabilization (IS), efficient low-light performance, and great dynamic range will make you a better photographer. Some cameras are better at one thing, and may sacrifice in other aspects, so you need to focus on what you will use the most. I tend to lean toward cameras that have top-of-the-line, built-in IS. I’m not always able to utilize a tripod, so being able to photograph handheld at a lower shutter speed is crucial for me. Finding the right camera with the best technology is just as important as any other factor on this list.
Best Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography
Sony Alpha a7R V Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
Why We Chose It: The Sony A7r V has the highest resolution in its class, shooting 10fps at 61MP, and is protected by a dust and moisture resistant body.
Key Features:
- Lens Mount: Sony E
- Sensor: 61MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS
- Video: 8K 24p/25p and 4K 60p/50p
- Stabilization: Optical 5-axis in-body IS
The Sony a7R IV is a compact powerhouse with a 61MP sensor, making it perfect for landscape prints. The in-body image stabilization allows you to shoot at a lower shutter speed, hand-held for moments when you need to get the shot quickly.
Considering how high the megapixel count is, the low-light performance is very impressive, making it great for astrophotography. The weather sealing will allow the user to shoot in any setting and environment.
OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Why We Chose It: The OM-1 is a compact and lightweight camera for landscape photographers on the move, with access to OM System’s vast array of lens options.
Key Features:
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Sensor: 20MP 4/3 Stacked BSI Live MOS
- Video: 4k at 60p
- Stabilization: Built-in 5-axis sensor-shift
The OM-1 is the new flagship of OM Digital Solutions. The first camera to enable 4k 60p video recording while still maintaining a small and compact body. OM System has always been known for their top of the line IS and weather-sealing and this camera is no different. It can withstand all of the elements.
The only downside is it still has the small sensor of its predecessor. The 20MP sensor can make it more tough to do large scale prints and does affect its low-light capabilities.
Nikon Z 7II Mirrorless Digital Camera
Why We Chose It: The Nikon Z 7II offers a 45.7MP sensor for tack-sharp landscape images, plus an adapter is available for access to Nikon’s F-mount lenses.
Key Features:
- Lens Mount: Nikon Z
- Sensor: 45.7MP CMOS sensor
- Video: 4K at 60p
- Stabilization: Built-in 5-axis sensor-shift
This is Nikon’s flagship camera, especially for landscape photography, and is one of the best options on the market. This professional level camera has a 45.7MP sensor, making it great for landscape prints. It also has an impressive dynamic range, and incredible image quality.
This camera has fast focusing and operates well in low light conditions. The camera is also dustproof and water resistant, making it perfect for any environment you might find yourself in. The menu system is very customizable, allowing you to switch any setting in a fast-paced setting.
Panasonic Lumix GH6 Mirrorless Camera Body
Why We Chose It: With the GH6’s 14fps burst and 5.7 60p recordings, and 4k 120p slow motion, you can capture both photos and videos in the field with full clarity.
Key Features:
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Sensor: 25.2MP live MOS sensor
- Video: 5.7K at 60p
- Stabilization: 5-axis, 7.5 stops of IS
The GH6 is the latest high-end Micro Four Thirds camera aimed at video creators. Though the sensor only has 25MP, that’s still enough to produce high quality prints. The camera also delivers 13 stops of dynamic range at higher ISO settings and has a V-Log profile.
The main focus on this camera is obviously video. If you are a travel and landscape video content creator, this camera is perfect for you.
Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body, Black
Why We Chose It: Weighing just 557g, the XT-5 is one of the lightest cameras boasting such resolution, making it the perfect companion for landscape photographers.
Key Features:
- Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
- Sensor: 40MP CMOS Sensor
- Video: 6.2k
- Stabilization: 7 stops of IS
This camera’s 40MP sensor will ensure you can create large prints, crop your photos, and even zoom in while still maintaining a high level of detail and resolution. Its compact body also means less weight on your back or in your hand during long days of hiking.
With seven stops of image stabilization, you can shoot handheld with ease and shoot up to 15 frames per second in mechanical shutter at a maximum shutter speed of 1/180,000.
Best DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography
Nikon D780 FX-Format DSLR Camera Body
Why We Chose It: The Nikon D780 comes with a 51-point AF module and 12fps electronic shutter for landscape photographers who dabble in wildlife photos as well.
Key Features:
- Lens Mount: Nikon F bayonet
- Sensor: 24MP CMOS
- Video: 4K at 30p
- Stabilization: None
The Nikon D780 replaces the D750 model and one of the top DSLR bodies ever put on the market. Its design is similar to most traditional DSLR bodies and is a bit bulkier, but that doesn’t take away from the image quality that this camera can deliver.
Nikon has pulled over a few features of the Z6 to the F mount lines, including sensor-phase detection and 12fps electronic shutter. My biggest complaint about this camera — no in-body image stabilization.
Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera Body
Why We Chose It: The Canon 90D’s fully articulating screen and 32.5MP sensor makes for full control over your images, and exquisite detail in every shot.
Key Features:
- Lens Mount: Canon EF-S
- Sensor: 32.5MP APS-C CMOS
- Video: 4K at 30p
- Stabilization: None
The 90D has a fast, 45-point all cross-type phase detect autofocus system and a 32.5MP sensor. Though it is a bit bulkier compared to mirrorless cameras, it’s not nearly as large as some other DSLR bodies on the market. Though the shutter is fast, it doesn’t have the 30fps burst shooting that other bodies in its class might have.
As far as photos go, this camera is great for landscape shots. Its big downfall is the 4k 30P if you are looking to capture footage that you’d like to slow down.
Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR Camera
Why We Chose It: The Pentax K-1 Mark II offers excellent camera shake reduction and a 36MP sensor, making it the perfect camera for beginner landscape photographers.
Key Features:
- Lens Mount: PENTAX KAF2 bayonet
- Sensor: 36MP CMOS
- Video: Full HD 1080p
- Stabilization: 5-axis
The K-1 features a 36.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and utilizes the Pentax K-mount, which is compatible with a wide range of Pentax lenses. It has a rugged, weather-sealed body, which is a characteristic of Pentax cameras, making it suitable for outdoor and challenging shooting conditions.
The Pentax K-1 also has built-in image stabilization (sensor-shift shake reduction), a 33-point autofocus system, a 3.2-inch adjustable LCD monitor, and a glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100% field of view coverage.
Conclusion
With so many great cameras to consider, this is truly one of the hardest decisions to make as a photographer. It is a hefty investment, so you need to be sure you do your own research. Though the market is now being dominated by mirrorless cameras, you still can’t go wrong with a DSLR. There really is no wrong answer on this list, just find the camera that best suits your needs and start exploring!
