The Best Camera For Landscape Photography In 2022
Choosing the best camera for landscape photography can be complicated with the variety of choices on the market today. You want a dslr that has the essential features you need while also being easy to use. Plus, you want to select a camera that will handle a variety of outdoor photography scenarios. Also, selecting a brand and model that accommodates a wide variety of lenses is important. And finally, you want all of this for a good price.
So which camera has all these qualities and more? Let’s explore your options to find the best camera for landscape photography.
Best Camera For Landscape Photography Overview
Best Camera Under $1,000
Best Camera Under $500
Overall Best Affordable Camera For Landscape Photography
Best Low Light Camera
Best Canon Full Frame Camera
Best Nikon Full Frame Camera
Cheapest Full Frame Camera
Best Mirrorless Camera
Best Mirrorless Camera Under $500
Best Backpacking Camera
1. Best Camera Under $1,000: Canon EOS Rebel T7i
This 24.2 megapixel camera from Canon should make any landscape photographer smile. It boasts an ISO range of 100 to 25600, which is perfect for anyone wanting to take Milky Way shots or other low light photography. This dslr is as light as a feather at only 1.18 pounds. This makes it one of the best cameras to carry in your hiking camera backpack. Plus Bluetooth and WiFi makes this one of the best cameras under $1,000.
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS C) sensor
- Built in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth Lens used: EF S 18-55 millimeter f by 4-56 IS STM (at focal length of 55 millimeter)
- High Speed continuous shooting at up to 60 fps Weight Approx 1877 ounce or 532 grams (including battery pack and SD memory card) Approx 1711 ounce or 485 gram (body only)
- Metering Range: EV 1-20 (room temperature, evaluative metering)
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon Camera into a high-quality webcam
2. Best Camera Under $500: Nikon D3500
If you’re looking for the best budget camera for outdoor photography, the Nikon D3500 is a great find. Weighing less than 1 pound, the D3500 also offers a phenomenal ISO range of 100 – 25600. It’s compact size makes it a great dslr to throw in your camera bag for a day trip or overnight travel. It comes with an 18-55mm lens and is priced under $500.
- A DSLR that's as easy to use as a point and shoot camera
- Compact, comfortable design that's great for travel and special events
- Image sensor that's 15x larger than those used in typical smartphones for sharper, clearer pictures
- Works with Nikon’s snap bridge app for sharing photos with a compatible smartphone or tablet
- 1080p full hd videos with monaural sound at the touch of a button. Bluetooth version 4.1
3. Overall Best Affordable Camera For Landscape Photography: Nikon D5600
The Nikon D5600 is certainly worthy of being called the best affordable camera for landscape photography. It has a max resolution of 24.2 megapixels. It gives you 39 autofocus points to work with when you’re on a shoot. And it has a max ISO of 25600, just like the D3500. The D5600 weighs in at 3 pounds. But that can be forgiven by the fact that this D5600 bundle comes with an 18-55mm lens and a 70-300mm lens. Perfect for nature and wildlife photographers to get up close to their subjects without scaring them away. Plus, all of this for under $700.
- 24.2MP DX format CMOS sensor
- Expeed 4 image processor
- 3.2 inches 1.037 meter dot VARI angle touchscreen
- Full hd 1080p video recording at 60 fps
- Snap bridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with NFC
4. Best Low Light Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the best low light camera for landscape photographers who want to shoot night photography without introducing a lot of noise into their images. This full frame camera has a 30.4 megapixel sensor with an ISO range of 100-32000, which is expandable up to a range of 50-102400 ISO. The 5D Mark IV also shoots crystal clear 4k video at 30fps and 24fps, and 1080p video up to 60fps and 120fps. It offers a 61 autofocus points and a 7fps continuous shooting mode. It’s on the pricier side. But this beast of a camera is legendary among landscape and outdoor photographers.
- New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400 (equivalent ISO).
- 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.
- Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or live view shooting; LCD monitor has a full touchscreen interface, including selection of AF area.
- Excellent performance - up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting speed with high-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for improved speed and excellent image quality.
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
5. Best Canon Full Frame Camera: Canon EOS 6D
The best Canon full frame camera is the Canon EOS 6D. It’s one of the lightest full frame cameras at 1.7 pounds and has a 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with 11 autofocus points. This sensor size helps keep your images clean and clear even at higher ISO levels. And speaking of that, the 6D has an ISO range of 100-25600, which is expandable to 50-102400. All these features, plus built-in WiFi make the Canon EOS 6D one of the best full frame cameras for landscape photography.
- 20.2MP full frame CMOS sensor
- 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting
- 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
- 11-point AF system
- 3 inch LCD with 1,040,000 dots.Lens Mount:Canon EF mount
6. Best Nikon Full Frame Camera: Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 boasts an eye popping 45.7 megapixel full frame sensor that makes it by far one of the best cameras for landscape photography. It weighs only 2.02 pounds which makes it very easy to take on a nature and wildlife photo shoot. It also comes with one of the lowest ISO settings available at ISO 64, expandable down to ISO 32. This dslr comes with 153 focus points. And for timelapse lovers, you’ll be able to shoot up to 8k timelapse using an interval timer or 4k in-camera timelapse.
- 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
7. Cheapest Full Frame Camera: Nikon D750
Full frame dslr cameras are usually more expensive than their cropped sensor counterparts. But Nikon has packed a lot of useful features into their D750 full frame camera. First, it uses the same metering and autofocus technology as the D4s and the D810. It has a max resolution of 24.3 megapixels. And it can shoot full HD video at 24/25/30/50/60 fps, making it an incredibly versatile full frame dslr. Plus, it only weighs 1.65 lbs and costs less than $1,500 (body only). So it’s definitely one of the best and cheapest full frame cameras made for landscape photography.
- Full frame 243 megapixel CMOS image sensor and expeed 4 image processor
- Full HD 60/50/30/25/24p video
- Built in Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with the WT 5a plus UT 1 communication unit
- Shoot up to 65 fps at full resolution frame size (pixels): 1920 x 1080
- Pro video feature set including: Simultaneously record uncompressed and compressed, manually control ISO, shutter speed and aperture while recording even use power aperture control for smooth iris transitions and auto ISO for smooth exposure transitions
8. Best Mirrorless Camera: Sony Alpha a7IIK
Mirrorless cameras have gained popularity over the years for being lighter and smaller than traditional dslr cameras. Since landscape photography often involves long hikes with lots of equipment on your back, you can understand why mirrorless cameras would be preferred. The Sony Alpha a7IIK is a fantastic full frame mirrorless camera with a 24.3 megapixel max resolution. It boasts a 5-axis image stabilizing system that can significantly reduce blur caused by camera shake. It has a 2.4 million dot OLED Tru-Finder to frame your images in the manner you’re used to with a traditional dslr. Finally, it has an incredibly fast autofocus and contrast detection system helping you take the clearest shots in the shortest amount of time. And all of this is less than $1,000, which comes with a 28-70mm lens.
- World’s first 5 axis in body image stabilization in a full frame camera.Power requirements: AC 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz, 70 mA. Output voltage: DC 5 V, 1.5 A
- Use your favorite lenses without blur from camera shake; High 50 Mbps bit rate XAVC S21 format recording of Full HD movies
- Capture stunning images with full frame, 24.3MP resolution. Lens Compensation: Peripheral shading, chromatic aberration, distortion
- Fast hybrid AF with phase detection: 30 percent faster than a7
- Compatible with Sony’s E mount lenses, and others with adaptors
9. Best Mirrorless Camera Under $500: Sony Alpha a6000
Sony is one of the leaders in mirrorless cameras. And the Alpa a6000 is a fantastic option for a mirrorless camera under $500. It’s a 24 MP camera with an ISO range of 100-25600. You can shoot up to 11 fps in continuous mode. And an incredibly fast AF system means you’ll get tack sharp focus as quickly as possible. Finally, because it’s a mirrorless camera, it’s 0.76 lb weight and compact size means you’ll barely notice it in your camera backpack on that hike to your next outdoor photoshoot.
- Advanced 24.2MP back Illuminated 35 millimeter full frame image sensor
- ISO 100 25600 (expandable to 51200). Lens compatibility: Sony E mount lenses
- Hybrid AF with 179 point focal plane phase detection and 25 contrast detect points
- Up to 11 FPS continuous shooting. Battery Life (Still Images): Up to 360 shots. Metering type:1200-zone evaluative metering
- 3 inch tilting LCD with 921,000 dots. Viewfinder Type: 0.39 in type electronic viewfinder (color)
10. Best Backpacking Camera: Nikon D500
I’ve carried the Nikon D500 on all of my landscape photography shoots for the last few years. It’s an absolute workhorse of a camera and it performs well consistently. The D500 has a 20.9 MP DX sensor. It only weighs 1.9 lbs. And it can capture stunning low light photos with its native ISO 51200, expandable to 1640000. The D500 can shoot crystal clear 4k UHD video at 30 fps. The continuous shooting speed of 11 fps can go for up to 200 frames, making it a must have camera for wildlife photography enthusiasts. It’s built with rugged magnesium allow and carbon fiber materials, making it light and tough enough to stand up to some seriously long hikes and a variety of environmental situations. All this makes the Nikon D500 one of the absolute best backpacking cameras that’s easy for landscape photographer to fall in love with.
- 20.9MP DX format CMOS sensor. Viewfinder: Eye level pentaprism single lens reflex viewfinder
- Expeed 5 image processor; Monitor size: 3.2 inches diagonal
- 3.2 inches 2,539k dot tilting touchscreen LCD
- 4k UHD video recording at 30 fps
- Multi cam 20k 153 point AF system
What Makes The Best Camera For Nature Photography?
Before we get started, let’s examine what makes the best camera for nature and wildlife photography.
Sensor Size (Full Frame vs. Cropped)
Most DSLR cameras have either a full frame sensor or a cropped sensor. The difference between the two is the field of view your camera is able to capture with each image. Full frame sensors will literally allow you to fit more into your frame than a cropped sensor will using the same focal length. On the other hand, cropped sensors magnify the effects of a zoom lens mounted on your camera, usually by a factor of 1.5x.
For instance, a 50mm lens mounted on a cropped sensor will effectively act like a 75mm lens on a camera with a full frame sensor.
In short, the larger the camera sensor the better. A large sensor allows you to capture more dynamic range and reduce noise in your images. Your over all image quality will be better with a larger sensor. Plus, you’ll be able to work with a much larger variety of wide-angle lenses.
Resolution (Megapixels)
In addition to sensor size, high-resolution sensors are an essential element when searching for the best camera for landscape photography. The more data (or pixels) you’re able to capture in your image, the more clearly you will be able to see fine detail in your photos. You could do your best composing the perfect landscape image, but you still may need to crop it in post processing. So you’ll want to have as many pixels as you can to be able to make more precise and detailed edits to your photos. This ultimately leads to a higher quality image. Finally, landscape photography is a beautiful art form that is worthy of producing larger print sizes. The more pixels you have available to you, the larger you’ll be able to print your photo for display.
Automatic Exposure Bracketing
If you’re looking for the best camera for landscape photography, you will want to make sure it has automatic exposure bracketing built in. Landscape photographers often find themselves shooting in scenes with wide ranges of lighting variation. For instance, the sun shining through breaks in the clouds, or a sunset or sunrise photoshoot.
Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) allows you to take a quick succession of the same image with slight variations in exposure values without having to manually change them in between shots. You can then merge these images together in Lightroom or Photoshop to create a high dynamic range (HDR) image. This will give you more data to work with to create just the image you want.
Low Light Performance (ISO)
While using higher ISO settings is often seen as being more important for action and sports photography, it can also be quite handy for nature photography. For instance, if you want to take night photography or capture the Milky Way, you may need to use higher ISO numbers to properly expose your subject. For example, when shooting long exposure photos, you might not want to change shutter speed or aperture settings, so an ISO adjustment is necessary. In this case you’ll want to make sure you have a camera that produces clear images with the least amount of noise at higher ISO numbers.
Best Camera Brands
When choosing the best camera for landscape photography, brand is important, but not as much as individual camera quality. But with that said, some of the most well recognized and reputable camera brands include:
- Canon
- Nikon
- Sony
- Fujifilm
- Olympus
- Panasonic
- Pentax
- Leica
- Hasselblad
Do Professional Photographers Use Nikon Or Canon?
In short, they use both. So often, landscape photographers buy their first camera and stick to that brand because they build up an arsenal of lenses that are only compatible with that brand. For instance, I started out with a Nikon D7000 camera. Over the years, I bought a few lenses for it. Then I bought a Nikon D500 and bought some new lenses for that one, even though my D7000 lenses work with it, too. And so on and so on.
So it really depends a lot on how that professional photographer started out. Even then, some professional photographers use both Canon and Nikon, as well as other brands. It just depends on their needs from photoshoot to photoshoot.
Now that you know it’s more about camera quality than brand, let’s look at the some of the best cameras for landscape photography.
What do you think is the best camera for landscape photography?
There’s a lot to consider when selecting the best camera for landscape photography. You’ve seen some great options here. But do you have a favorite one you’d like to share with the Schubert Photography community?
If so, share it in the comments below.
Happy shooting!
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API