When it comes to landscape photography, choosing the right camera is crucial for capturing the breathtaking details and vast scenes of the outdoors. Unlike action or wildlife photography, landscape shooting demands a different set of camera features. High resolution and dynamic range are key, allowing photographers to capture the full tonal range of a landscape, from bright skies to shadowed valleys. A large sensor combined with high megapixels ensures that every detail is sharp and can be cropped or printed at large sizes without losing quality.
Additionally, landscape photographers often find themselves hiking through challenging environments, so weather-sealing and durability are essential for withstanding the elements. Long battery life is also a must, as landscape photography often involves extended shooting sessions in remote locations, where power sources may not be readily available. While fast autofocus or burst mode aren’t priorities for landscape photographers, tripod stability and ergonomics become more important for steady shots and ease of use over long periods.
Considering all these factors, we’ve compiled a list of the best cameras for landscape photography. Whether you’re looking for a DSLR, mirrorless, compact, or medium format option, each camera on our list excels in delivering top-tier image quality, durability, and usability—ensuring that you can capture the beauty of nature in stunning detail.
Best Cameras for Landscape Photography – a quick overview:
Best Medium Format Camera for Landscapes: Fujifilm GFX 100S II
Key Features:
- 102MP 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS II Sensor
- X-Processor 5 Image Processor
- 4K30 Video; F-Log2 Gamma
- 5.76m-Dot OLED EVF
- 3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization
- ISO 80-12800, up to 7 fps Shooting
- 400MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot
- 8-Stop Image Stabilization
- 20 Film Simulation Modes
- Store links at B&H, Adorama.
The Fujifilm GFX 100S II is a standout medium format camera, particularly well-suited for landscape photography. Using the same impressive 102MP sensor as the GFX 100 II, it delivers exceptional detail and tonal quality, making it perfect for capturing the vast and intricate scenes of nature. While the GFX 100S II comes in a more compact body than its predecessor, it still retains key features like a tilting screen and in-body image stabilization, ensuring flexibility and stability for handheld shooting.
Its image quality is unparalleled at this price point, with rich, lifelike colors and remarkable dynamic range. Whether you’re shooting in RAW or JPEG, the camera offers excellent results straight out of the camera, while also providing ample editing potential with its malleable RAW files.
However, the GFX 100S II does have some limitations. The autofocus is not particularly fast, which makes it less versatile for dynamic subjects, though this is a non-issue for most landscape photographers who aren’t tracking fast-moving objects. Additionally, its video performance suffers from rolling shutter, making it less ideal for video work. Overall, for landscape photographers looking for the best image quality without breaking the bank, the GFX 100S II is hard to beat, though medium format lenses can be costly.
Fujifilm GFX 100S II at B&H, Adorama.
Best Mirrorless Camera for Landscapes: Sony a7R V
Key Features:
- 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ XR & AI Processing Unit
- AI-Based Real-Time Tracking AF System
- 8K 24p, 4K 60p, FHD 120p 10-Bit Video
- 4K 16-Bit Raw Output; S-Log3/S-Cinetone
- 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
- 3.2″ 4-Axis Multi-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- 10 fps Shooting with AF/AE Tracking
- 8-Stop 5-Axis Image Stabilization
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
- Store links at B&H, Adorama.
The Sony a7R V is a powerhouse for landscape photography, offering an impressive 61MP full-frame stabilized sensor that delivers extraordinary detail and dynamic range. As Sony’s fifth-generation high-res mirrorless camera, it builds on the success of its predecessors, combining exceptional image quality with advanced features that cater to both professional and enthusiast photographers.
One of the standout features of the a7R V is its remarkable image quality, particularly in RAW files, which capture intricate details and offer a wide tonal range. The camera excels in both JPEG and RAW modes, producing some of the best results we’ve seen for its sensor size. For those seeking even higher resolution, the multi-shot 240MP high-res mode, when combined with desktop software, provides an outstanding level of detail, enhanced by a motion-correction function for more practical use in the field.
While it excels in landscape photography, the a7R V is also quite capable for other types of photography. Its autofocus system is fast and reliable, making it versatile for human subjects and everyday photography. The fully articulating rear touchscreen and large, high-res viewfinder add flexibility, while the camera’s solid build, with a comfortable grip and intuitive controls, makes it a joy to use.
However, the a7R V’s slower sensor readout results in severe rolling shutter issues when using the electronic shutter, which can hinder its video performance. Additionally, features like pixel shift high-res and focus stacking require desktop software for full use. Despite these drawbacks, the a7R V is a top choice for landscape photographers looking for high-resolution, reliable performance, and versatility.
Sony a7R V body at B&H, Adorama.
Key Features:
- 45MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC Accelerator Processing
- Dual Pixel Intelligent AF, Eye Control
- 8K 60 Raw/4K 60 SRAW/4K 120 10-Bit Video
- Up to 30 fps, Pre-Continuous Shoot Mode
- 5.76m-Dot EVF with OVF Sim. View Assist
- 3.2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- In-Camera Upscaling to 179MP
- CFexpress & SD UHS-II Memory Card Slots
- Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 6 Support
- Store links at B&H, Adorama.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a high-performance, full-frame mirrorless camera that stands out as an excellent option for landscape photography, offering a balanced mix of speed, image quality, and versatility. Equipped with a 45MP stacked CMOS sensor, the R5 II provides detailed, sharp images, with excellent noise reduction and JPEG sharpening. While it doesn’t have the highest resolution in its class, it compensates with impressive burst rates of up to 30fps, making it highly adaptable for a range of photography needs, from landscapes to high-speed action shots.
The R5 Mark II’s autofocus system is one of the best on the market, featuring reliable subject-tracking and “Action Priority” modes designed for fast-moving subjects. This makes it a fantastic all-around camera, capable of handling both landscapes and fast-paced shooting scenarios. Its grip is ergonomically designed, ensuring comfort during long shooting sessions, and the controls are intuitive, adding to the overall user experience.
However, while the R5 II delivers excellent image quality in most conditions, there is a slight reduction in dynamic range in extreme scenarios, which may be noticeable in high-contrast scenes. The Eye Control autofocus is a standout feature, but it can be temperamental at times. Additionally, in its most demanding video modes, the camera has temperature limitations that could affect prolonged use.
Overall, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II excels in versatility, offering great image quality, fast autofocus, and solid video features, making it an excellent choice for both landscapes and general photography needs.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II body at B&H, Adorama.
Best Nikon Camera for Landscapes: Nikon Z8
Key Features:
- 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
- Lightweight Design, 30% Smaller than Z9
- 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
- 8K30p and 4K120p Video, 10-Bit Internal
- Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
- 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
- Blackout-Free Real Live Viewfinder
- 3.2″ 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- CFx Type B & SD Memory Card Slots
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Store links at B&H, Adorama.
The Nikon Z8 is a versatile powerhouse that excels in landscape photography, offering a 45.7MP FX-format BSI stacked CMOS sensor, which delivers stunning detail and clarity, making it a top contender for landscape photographers. Its resolution strikes a perfect balance, providing ample detail for large prints and fine textures in wide landscapes while maintaining a fast readout for low-latency shooting. This sensor’s stacked design significantly reduces rolling shutter effects, while the back-illuminated (BSI) structure ensures exceptional noise control, even at high ISOs.
The Z8 shares much of the technology from the flagship Z9, including the same sensor, processing power, and autofocus system. This means that it offers rapid burst speeds, quick autofocus, and excellent tracking, making it a great choice for photographers who need versatility in addition to superb image quality. While the Z8 is just as capable as the Canon EOS R5 II, choosing between these two cameras often comes down to lens availability and personal preference for system features and pricing.
Compact and lightweight, the Z8 is designed with portability in mind, making it ideal for handheld applications like gimbal shooting or event photography. Despite its smaller form factor, it retains the performance and robust build quality of Nikon’s flagship cameras. The Z8 is also capable of 8K video recording, making it an excellent hybrid camera for both stills and video, offering photographers a well-rounded tool for various creative endeavors.
Overall, the Nikon Z8 is a powerful, compact camera that’s equally adept at capturing breathtaking landscapes as it is at handling other demanding photography tasks.
Nikon Z8 body at B&H, Adorama.
Best Affordable Camera for Landscapes: Nikon Z7 II
Key Features:
- 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
- Dual EXPEED 6 Image Processors
- UHD 4K60 Video; N-Log & 10-Bit HDMI Out
- 10 fps Cont. Shooting, ISO 64-25600
- 493-Point Phase-Detect AF System
- 3.6m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 5-Axis In-Body Vibration Reduction
- Dual Memory Card Slots
- Store links at B&H, Adorama.
The Nikon Z7 II is a highly capable full-frame mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and solid performance at an affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for landscape photographers. With a 45.7MP sensor, image stabilization, and the ability to shoot up to 10 fps, the Z7 II delivers crisp, detailed images that rival those of higher-end models. The camera’s dynamic range and tonal quality are especially impressive when shooting at low ISO settings, with RAW files providing the best results.
At its price of around $2,000, the Z7 II offers exceptional value, particularly considering its resolution, which is typically found in much more expensive models. The ergonomics are also a standout feature, with a comfortable grip and well-placed controls, making it easy to handle for long shooting sessions. Additionally, the option to add a battery grip with duplicate controls enhances usability, especially for landscape photographers who may need extra power during extended shoots.
However, the Z7 II does show its age in a few areas. The autofocus system, while competent, isn’t as fast or intuitive as those found in more modern cameras, and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) lacks the high resolution of some competitors. Customization options for buttons are also somewhat limited, and the absence of an AF mode control on the front of the body is a small drawback for users familiar with Nikon’s DSLRs.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the Nikon Z7 II remains an excellent, affordable choice for landscape photography, offering superb image quality and a solid feature set.
Nikon Z7 II body at B&H, Adorama.
Best APS-C Camera for Landscapes: Fujifilm X-T5
Key Features:
- 40MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI Sensor
- 4K 60p, 6.2K 30p 4:2:2 10-Bit Video
- 7-Stop In-Body Image Stabilization
- 425-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System
- 3.69m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3″ 1.84m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 20 fps E. Shutter, 15 fps Mech. Shutter
- 160MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity
- ProRes & Blackmagic RAW via HDMI
- Store links at B&H, Adorama.
The Fujifilm X-T5 is a highly capable, photo-focused mirrorless camera that offers excellent performance for landscape photographers, particularly those who prioritize portability and ease of use. Equipped with a 40MP APS-C image-stabilized BSI sensor, the X-T5 captures sharp, highly detailed images, making it a great choice for landscapes where fine detail is key. While the APS-C sensor might introduce some pixel-level noise at high ISO settings, the results are more than competitive, especially when considering its small size and lightweight build.
One of the X-T5’s biggest advantages is its size and weight. Compared to full-frame or medium-format options, it’s significantly smaller and lighter, especially when paired with Fujifilm’s extensive lineup of APS-C lenses. This makes the X-T5 an excellent choice for landscape photographers who need to hike or travel light without sacrificing image quality.
The camera’s retro-inspired design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, featuring dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, offering tactile control over your settings. The tilting and outward-hinged rear screen further enhances flexibility for both landscape and portrait-oriented shots.
While the X-T5 excels in stills, it does have some drawbacks. Its autofocus system can be prone to false positives, and there’s noticeable rolling shutter when using the electronic shutter. Additionally, its smaller buffer and lower-spec video capabilities make it less suitable for videographers compared to the X-H2 series. Despite these limitations, the X-T5 is an excellent choice for landscape enthusiasts looking for a compact, feature-rich camera.
Fujifilm X-T5 body at B&H, Adorama.
Best DSLR Camera for Landscapes: Nikon D850
Key Features:
- 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 5 Image Processor
- 3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
- Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
- Native ISO: 64-25600,Extended: 32-102400
- 7 fps Shooting for 51 Frames with AE/AF
- 8K Time-Lapse, Negative Digitizer Mode
- 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor, Focus Shift Mode
- SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The Nikon D850 is an exceptional DSLR that remains a top choice for landscape photographers, particularly for those who prefer the ergonomics and optical viewfinder of a traditional camera. With its 45.7MP full-frame sensor, the D850 delivers superb image quality, capturing incredible detail and tonal range in every landscape shot. Despite its high resolution, it maintains a solid burst rate of 7fps, making it versatile enough for various shooting conditions.
One of the D850’s standout features is its battery life, offering an impressive 1,840 shots per charge—significantly more than most mirrorless cameras. This, combined with dual memory card slots (XQD/CFexpress and SD), makes the D850 an ideal choice for long outdoor shoots where battery life and storage capacity are crucial.
However, the D850’s bulkier size and weight are notable compared to lighter mirrorless options, especially when paired with heavy pro lenses. While this may not be ideal for every photographer, it can be advantageous when using large lenses, as the sturdy build provides better balance and handling.
Though the D850 is showing its age, especially in terms of autofocus and mirrorless technology, it still offers excellent value for landscape photographers who prioritize image quality, battery life, and a robust, weather-sealed body.
Nikon D850 body at B&H, Adorama.
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