Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best cameras for landscape photography. One of the most popular genres of shooting, landscape photography is inspiring, addictive and challenging in equal measure. While it may seem at first blush less technically challenging than, say, wildlife or sport, any landscape shooter worth their salt knows how tricky it can be to chase the light and find the composition for that moment when the elements come together. There’s nothing like it.

At AP, we test and review every major camera that is released, and a big part of our testing procedure involves shooting landscapes. As such, we’ve put together this list based on our own direct experience with the cameras featured. We haven’t just included the new releases either – we only recommend cameras we feel are worth the money, and that includes plenty of fantastic older models that can be picked up for a great price on the second-hand market.

If you want to know more about how we went about making our picks, scroll to the bottom of the page for our full explainer of which features are most important for a landscape photography camera. We’ve split our list into different camera types, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, medium format and compacts. Read on to see our picks and why we made them – and don’t forget to also check out our guide to the best lenses for landscapes.


The best cameras for landscape photography: our quick list

Cut straight to the chase with our quick list of cameras featured in this guide, along with links to get the best prices.

Best DSLRs for landscapes:

Best mirrorless cameras for landscapes:

Best medium format cameras for landscapes:

Best compact cameras for landscapes:

Read on to learn more about why we picked each of these cameras, including insights from our expert review team…


Best DSLRs for landscape photography

DSLRs have been used to shoot terrific landscape images for many years now, and they’ll continued to be used for plenty more. While mirrorless cameras are very much where the latest developments are happening, DSLRs continue to offer terrific value for money, and for some, an unbeatable handling experience. Many photographers simply prefer to compose with an optical viewfinder, while others appreciate the size and heft of top-end DSLRs. We’ve included options here from right the way across the price spectrum, including budget beginner DSLRs, enthusiast models and professional cameras.

Best budget camera for landscapes: Nikon D3500

Nikon D3500 with red background. Image: AP
The Nikon D3500 is a beginner’s DSLR that can be grabbed for a tempting budget price. Photo credit: Nikon/AP

At a glance:

  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • ISO100-25,600
  • FullHD video (60fps)
  • 1550 shot battery life
  • Price: $699 / £569 with 18-55mm VR lens

The Nikon D3500 features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, with no optical low-pass filter, which means it’s designed to give as much detail as possible. Active D-Lighting helps with dynamic range in JPEG images, and the camera has traditional DSLR handling, making it a comfortable camera to use. You’ll also find incredible battery life, with the D3500 being CIPA rated to up to 1550 shots per charge. These estimates tend to be conservative, though bear in mind that battery life can also be affected by environmental factors like cold weather.

The 18-55mm kit lens that this camera was bundled with when sold new can give sharp results and is a great starting point, but it’s likely you’ll want to have a look at something else. We’d suggest the AF-P DX-Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens (£309), as it provides a wider angle of view that’s more suited to landscape shooting.

Pros:

  • Great images for the price
  • Useful beginner modes
  • Excellent battery life

Cons:

  • No weather sealing

Read our full Nikon D3500 review.


Best Canon DSLR for landscape photography: Canon EOS 90D

Canon EOS 90D. Photo credit: Michael Topham
The Canon EOS 90D mid-testing by the AP team. Photo credit: Michael Topham

At a glance:

  • 32MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • Canon EF-S lens support
  • 1300-shot battery life
  • 3inch vari-angle touchscreen
  • $1,413 / $1,413 body only

The Canon EOS 90D offers a high-resolution APS-C sensor and gives you Canon’s great colour reproduction, and high levels of detail. It also offers an impressive battery life of 1300 shots. It handles well, it’s not too heavy, and it has been extensively weather sealed to protect the internal parts from a sudden downpour.

There is a good range of ultra-wide-angle Canon EF-S lenses, with the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM being a great value budget choice at £245 (16-29mm equivalent). For those with more cash, there’s a 10-22mm available (£529, 16-35mm equivalent), or for those who want wide-angle and zoom, there is a 15-85mm IS USM lens available (£779, 24-136mm equivalent).

Pros:

  • Great resolution for APS-C
  • Comprehensive weather sealing
  • High-stamina battery

Cons:

  • Single card slot

Read our Canon EOS 90D review for the full lowdown on what we thought of this camera.


Best Nikon DSLR for landscape photography: Nikon D850

Best camera for landscape photography: Nikon D850
The D850 is an outdoorsy DSLR for adventurous photographers. Photo credit: Michael Topham

At a glance:

  • 45.7MP Full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
  • Low base ISO speed of ISO64
  • 4K video, 8K time-lapse support
  • 1840 shot battery life
  • Weather-sealed
  • $2,796 / £2,664 body only

The Nikon D850 is a high-resolution full-frame DSLR, with a 45.7MP sensor that is capable of producing images with high levels of detail, thanks in part to the lack of a low-pass filter. The camera also benefits from an ISO range that starts at ISO64, which is usefully lower than many cameras. This allows you to maximise detail in images when there’s enough light available.

For some, the handling of a DSLR will be of great importance, and for these people, the Nikon D850 certainly delivers great ergonomics, particularly if you’re a fan of larger cameras. You’ll also benefit from impressive battery life, with up to 1840 shots possible from one battery.

There’s a range of lenses including the Nikon 16-35mm F4 G AF-S VR lens at £1149, or you could look at these wide-angle prime lenses: Nikon 20mm F1.8G AF-S (£799) or the Nikon 24mm F1.8G AF-S (£749).

Pros:

  • Superb resolving power
  • Built for the outdoors
  • Broad ISO range

Cons:

  • Still quite expensive

See our full Nikon D850 review.


Best Pentax camera for landscape photography: Pentax K-1 II

Pentax K-1 Mark II - DSLR - PR image / AP
The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a rugged, weatherproof DSLR. Photo credit: Pentax

At a glance:

  • 36MP full-frame CMOS sensor
  • Weather-sealed
  • Innovative tilting screen
  • Wide range of K-mount lenses
  • In-body image stabilisation
  • $1,799 / £1,899 body only

The Pentax K-1 II, and the original Pentax K-1, both offer a 36MP full-frame CMOS sensor, along with Pentax’s excellent build quality and ergonomics. The camera is weather-sealed and features an optical viewfinder and tilting screen on the back. Using the Pentax K-mount you can use a vast range of lenses, dating back to 1975.

Speaking of lenses, there are a number of comparatively new full-frame lenses from Pentax, including the Pentax-D FA HD 24-70mm f2.8 ED SDM WR (£1179). Care needs to be taken when choosing a lens, as many of Pentax’s lenses are designed for Pentax APS-C DSLRs. There’s also support from third parties, including Samyang, and Irix, who offer a number of different ultra-wide-angle lenses, although it’s worth noting that the majority of these are manual focus only.

Pros:

  • Very good weather sealing
  • Rich lens catalogue

Cons:

  • Not as feature-rich as Canon/Nikon

Best second-hand landscape camera for beginners: Nikon D5600

Nikon D5600
The Nikon D5600 offers easy transfer of images via Nikon’s SnapBridge technology. Photo credit: Michael Topham

At a glance:

  • 24.2MP APS-C sensor
  • ISO100-25,600
  • 3.2inch 1.4m-dot full articulated touchscreen
  • 820-shot battery life
  • $920 / £749 with 18-140mm lens

The Nikon D5600 offers a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, and Nikon’s excellent colour management gives images with warm, saturated colour and plenty of detail. There may only be Full HD video, but if you don’t need 4K (and as a landscape photographer you probably don’t) then the camera gives everything else you need, including access to some great APS-C (DX) lenses.

Ultra-wide-angle lenses include the AF-P DX-Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens (£309), which gives a 15-30mm equivalent ultra-wide-angle zoom, as well as the Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 G AF-S DX lens (£949). If the Nikon lenses available don’t take your fancy, then there are also lots of lens choices from Sigma, Samyang, Tamron and others.

Check second-hand dealers for used options if you’re looking for a better deal, as this camera has been discontinued.

Pros:

  • Great ultra-wide lens selection
  • Gorgeous colour and detail in images

Cons:

  • JPEGs can be a touch dark

Read our full Nikon D5600 review.


Best mirrorless cameras for landscape photography

There are absolutely loads of fantastic mirrorless cameras for landscape shooting – to the point where we could easily have filled this whole guide with just mirrorless suggestions. With options across the price spectrum, we’ve aimed to provide a broad swathe of mirrorless cameras that’ll produce great options. So while you’ll find the ultra-high-resolution full-frame mirrorless cameras on this list, you’ll also find more affordable models that make for great beginner and intermediate options.

Best camera for landscapes under £1000 / $1000: Fujifilm X-S10

Best cameras for landscape photography: Fujifilm X-S10
The X-S10 benefits from an excellent catalogue of premium X-mount lenses, from both Fujifilm and third-party makers.

At a glance:

  • 26MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • In-body image stabilisation
  • PASM mode dial
  • 4K video
  • $999 / £899 body only

The Fujifilm X-S10 is a great handling mirrorless camera, with a large hand-grip and DSLR-like controls, with a PASM mode dial, making it easy to use. It also benefits from the same excellent 26MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor as Fujifilm’s X-T4 model, giving you images with plenty of detail, and Fujifilm colour. In-body image stabilisation is built-in, and it offers 4K video.

The downside to this model, compared to the X-T4, is the lack of weather-sealing on the X-S10. The X-S10 uses X-mount lenses and there are a number of options available, although perhaps not as many budget lenses as you’d find with other cameras. It’s also worth noting that the X-S10 has, like a lot of cameras, been hit with stock issues lately, so availability may come and go.

Fujifilm has since announced a successor to this camera, the Fujifilm X-S20. These two cameras offer the same resolution – the improvements to the X-S20 are mostly concerned with its processing speed and video capabilities. Since the X-S10 is the more affordable choice (and keeps within our $1,000/£1,000 budget for this entry), we’re sticking with it as our pick for the time being – especially since Fujifilm still didn’t add weather-sealing to the X-S20.

Pros:

  • Top-notch JPEG and RAW quality
  • Great customisation possibilities
  • Film Simulations modes

Cons:

  • Recent stock issues
  • No weather sealing

Find out more about this camera in our Fujifilm X-S10 review.


Best Nikon mirrorless camera for landscape photography: Nikon Z7 II

Best camera for landscape photography: Nikon Z7 II with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens (MT)
Nikon Z7 II with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Photo credit: Michael Topham

At a glance:

  • 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
  • ISO64-ISO25,600 (standard)
  • In-body image stabilisation
  • Weather-sealed
  • $2,999 / £2,999 body only

The Nikon Z7 II is one of the second generation full-frame mirrorless cameras from Nikon and offers an impressive 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, along with Nikon’s Z-Mount series of lenses which have all been developed specifically for the new mirrorless camera range. This means they give exceptional image quality, in combination with Nikon’s excellent focus system.

There’s a growing range of lenses, but you’ll notice that many are at the more expensive end of the market, with ultra-wide-angle options being the 14-24mm f/2.8 S (£2499), and another being the 14-30mm f/4 S (£1349).

Pros:

  • Dual card slots
  • Top-notch handling

Cons:

  • Lenses are pricey
  • Middling viewfinder resolution

Read our full Nikon Z7 II review for more.


Best Panasonic camera for landscape photography: Panasonic Lumix S1R

Panasonic Lumix S1R
The Panasonic Lumix S1R offers ultra-high resolution and plenty of L-mount lens options. Photo credit: Michael Topham

At a glance:

  • 47MP full-frame sensor
  • ISO100 to ISO25,600 (standard)
  • In-body image stabilisation
  • High-res multi-shot mode (187MP)
  • Weather-sealed
  • $2,752 / £2,239 body only

The Panasonic Lumix S1R offers a high-resolution 47MP full-frame CMOS sensor, along with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, 4K video recording, and in-body image stabilisation. There’s a multi-shot high-resolution mode that can produce 187MP images, and the camera has a mode to reduce motion blur so that it can be used for landscape photography. Despite being a mirrorless camera, the S1R is quite weighty and large.

As the Lumix S cameras are part of the L-Mount alliance, there is a wide range of lenses, available from Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica. Options include the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 (£1299), Panasonic Lumix S Pro 16-35mm F4 (£1499), Leica 16-35mm F3.5-4.5 (£4850), and Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (£619), to name a few ultra-wide zoom lens options. There are also a range of ultra-wide-angle prime lenses available.

Pros:

  • Multi-shot 187MP mode
  • Excellent lens range
  • Very good stabilisation

Cons:

  • Big, hefty body

Read our Panasonic Lumix S1R review.


Best Canon camera for landscape photography: Canon EOS R5

Canon EOS R5
The EOS R5 offers a lot of resolving power, which is ideal for landscapes. Photo credit: Michael Topham

At a glance:

  • 45MP full-frame sensor
  • Sensor-shift IS
  • ISO100 to ISO51,200 (standard)
  • 8K/4K video recording
  • Weather-sealed
  • $3,899 / £4,299 body only

The Canon EOS R5 is one of Canon’s premium full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering a 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor, as well as in-body image stabilisation that works with any lens. There’s a high-resolution 5.76m-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), and a 3.2inch fully articulated touchscreen with 2.1m dots. This makes framing and composing shots a real pleasure when using the camera. A top LCD display also lets you see camera settings at a glance.

The camera offers advanced video modes, including 8K (30fps) and 4K (120fps) video recording, however, you need some quite impressive hardware to edit this, and you’ll also need to be aware that the camera does have some limitations due to over-heating while recording. There’s also a relatively short battery life to be aware of, with 490 shots on offer when using the LCD, or a much shorter 320 shots when using the EVF.

If stills are your primary aim, then you don’t need to worry so much about video recording and overheating, and there is a growing range of Canon RF lenses available, with ultra-wide-angle lens options including the RF 14-35mm F4L IS USM (£1779), and RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM, plus the “standard” 24-70mm f2.8L IS USM (£2189). If you’re on a budget, there’s a compact RF 16mm f2.8 lens (£319).

Pros:

  • Class-leading LCD and EVF
  • Superior image quality

Cons:

  • Short battery life

Read our full Canon EOS R5 review.

Nb. If you’re looking for a similar resolution in a DSLR, an option could be the Canon EOS 5DS R (50MP), which has been discontinued but is still available second-hand. 


Best Sony camera for landscape photography: Sony Alpha A7R V

Sony Alpha A7R V review
The Sony Alpha A7R V keeps the same high-res sensor as its predecessor but delivers lots of other improvements. Image: Andy Westlake

At a glance:

  • 61MP full-frame sensor
  • ISO100-32,000 (expands to ISO50)
  • 693-point AF with subject recognition
  • 9.44m-dot, 0.9x OLED viewfinder (EVF)
  • 3.2in, 2.1m-dot 4-way-articulated LCD
  • $3,987 / £3,249 body only

The Sony Alpha A7R V features the same sensor and core imaging specs as its predecessor, the well-regarded Sony Alpha A7R IV, but almost everything else has been updated and improved. Key improvements include an enhanced subject-detection autofocus system that’s capable of recognising a wider range of subjects, powered by a new AI processing unit – so you can capture a wide range of subjects as well as static landscapes (fast-moving birds and animals, for instance).

The improved viewing experience will also come as good news to landscape photographers out in the field. The A7R V inherits the huge and detailed electronic viewfinder previously used by Alpha 7S III and Alpha 1. This is complemented by a new, much more versatile screen design, which combines an up/down tilting mechanism with a fully articulating side hinge.

The in-body image stabilisation has been uprated too – it now delivers up to 8 stops of shake reduction in CIPA standard tests, compared to 5.5 stops on the older model. Again, very useful for longer landscape exposures if you don’t have a tripod with you.

Sony has been making full-frame E-Mount cameras since 2013, so as you’d expect there’s a vast array of lenses available, with high-quality options available from Sony, as well as a number of other options from Sigma, Zeiss, Tamron, Tokina and others. You can choose from a number of ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses, such as the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (£1049), or the newer more compact FE PZ 16-35mm F4 (£1300) as well as many prime lens options.

Pros:

  • Proven 61MP sensor delivers superb image quality
  • Remarkably reliable subject detection autofocus

Cons:

  • Huge, complex, and often incomprehensible menus
  • No in-camera raw conversion

Read our Sony Alpha A7R V review.

Nb. A second-hand or value choice could be the Sony Alpha A7R III, with a 42MP sensor, it still offers high resolution, but is much more affordable. Prices will also be coming down on the Sony Alpha A7R IV


Best landscape camera for hiking: OM System Olympus OM-1

OM System Olympus OM-1 in hand
The OM System’s Olympus OM-1 heralds a new chapter. Photo credit: Joshua Waller

At a glance:

  • 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
  • Weather-sealed (IP53 rating*)
  • In-body image stabilisation
  • 5.76m dot electronic viewfinder (EVF)
  • Compact body and lenses
  • $2,199 / £1999 body only

The OM System Olympus OM-1 offers an impressive IP53 weather-sealed rating, when used with compatible lenses, giving this camera system some of the best weather-sealing of any current model. This feature, plus clever computational features make this camera more suited to landscape photography than it may appear on first glance.

You’ll find Live-ND built-in (up to ND64), which lets you use a slower shutter speed, without the need to attach an ND filter to the lens. There’s also in-camera focus stacking, in-camera high-res multi-shot (50MP handheld, up to 80MP with a tripod), HDR, timelapse, plus live composite/bulb modes for low-light shooting, as well as Starry Sky AF. As with other high-res multi-shot modes, it’s best for static scenes, but there is a handheld mode, and we had success shooting outdoors with the camera.

As the camera is part of the Micro Four Thirds system, introduced in 2008, alongside Panasonic, there is perhaps the widest range of lenses available for any mirrorless system, with ultra-wide-angle lenses available from both Olympus and Panasonic, with multiple zoom lens options, as well as primes. There are also third party lenses available from Sigma, Laowa, Tamron, Samyang, and many others. Have a look at some of the best Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Pros:

  • Class-leading weather sealing
  • Built-in Live ND filter
  • 80MP high-res mode works handheld

Cons:

  • Built around small sensor

Read our full OM-System OM-1 review to learn more about this clever camera.


Best APS-C camera for landscape photography: Fujifilm X-T5

Fujifilm X-T5 sensor
The X-T5 uses the 40MP APS-C. Image credit: Andy Westlake

At a glance

  • 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5HR sensor
  • ISO 125 – 12,800 (standard); ISO 64 – 51,200 (extended)
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilisation
  • 3in, 1.84m-dot 3-way tilt LCD
  • $1,699 / £1,600 body only

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a great choice for someone who wants a lightweight body for landscape photography. Its 40MP sensor produces high-resolution images from a relatively compact camera that can be used with a range of APS-C lenses. If you’re not keen on editing your images, Fujifilm’s colour options mean that you can take your images straight out of the camera and post them on social media (which also means you don’t always need to shoot RAW).

The range of X-mount lenses includes a large number of landscape-friendly options, and the general control and handling experience of using the X-T5 is just sublime. It’s weather-sealed, well-balanced, and more affordable than Fujifilm’s premium X-H2, which offers the same resolution.

Pros:

  • Robust weather-sealed construction
  • Relatively compact size
  • Wide range of X-mount lenses
  • Effective in-body stabilisation

Cons:

  • Ineffective hi-res multi-shot mode

Find out more in our full Fujifilm X-T5 review.


Best medium format cameras for landscape photography

Medium format, while more affordable and accessible than it used to be, is still a discipline that requires a significant cash investment. However, for some photographers it’s simply a non-negotiable, as you simply isn’t any other way to get that glorious depth and detail provided by the larger sensor. We’ve included the medium format option we feel is best overall right now, as well as a more comparatively affordable choice for those who don’t have quite such a high budget.

Best landscape camera for maximum resolution: Fujifilm GFX100 II

Fujifilm GFX100 II in-hand
The GFX100 II is a relatively large and weighty camera, but still handles well. Credit: Amateur Photographer

At a glance:

  • 102MP medium-format sensor
  • In-body image stabilisation
  • ISO40 to ISO102,400 (extended)
  • Top display screen
  • Weather-sealed
  • $7,499 / £6,999 body-only

The latest model in Fujifilm’s spectacular GFX range of mirrorless medium format cameras, the Fujifilm GFX100 II delivers the best image quality from the series yet. Like the previous GFX100S, it sports a 102MP medium-format sensor that’s capable of capturing images of simply absurd levels of detail and dynamic range. If you’re interested in making large prints, the GFX100 II is one of the best cameras you can buy right now.

The handling is excellent too – while it’s undeniably a big camera, the GFX 100 II doesn’t feel radically different to use than a large full-frame model. Advances in processing technology mean it’s relatively snappy in operation, with decent phase-detection autofocus and effective eight-stop stabilisation. As we said in our review, the GFX100 II really ‘delivers astonishing image quality shot after shot’. It’s expensive, sure, but it’s aimed at photographers who demand the absolute best.

There’s a range of GF mount lenses, and there’s a 0.79x crop factor, so the GF 23mm f4 ($2,599 / £2399) lens is equivalent to 18mm (in 35mm terms), and the GF 30mm F3.5 ($1,699 / £1649) is equivalent to 24mm. There’s also a GF 32-64mm F4 ($2,299 / £2149), equivalent to 25-51mm, though the widest zoom lens is the GF 20-35mm F/4 R WR ($2,499 / £2,349), which produces an equivalent range of 16-28mm.

Pros:

  • Amazing image quality and resolution
  • Relatively compact for medium format

Cons:

  • Unavoidably expensive

Read our full, in-depth Fujifilm GFX 100 II review.

 

Best budget medium format camera for landscapes: Fujifilm GFX50S II

Fujifilm GFX50S II in hand (Andy Westlake)
We were hugely impressed with the GFX50S II in testing. Photo credit: Andy Westlake

At a glance:

  • 50MP medium-format sensor
  • In-body image stabilisation
  • ISO50-102,400 (extended)
  • Top display screen
  • Weather-sealed
  • $3,999 / £3,499 body only

Medium format cameras used to cost an arm and a leg, so it’s incredible to think that you can purchase a brand-new medium format camera for £3500 body only in the form of the GFX50S II. In order to make the GFX system more affordable, the GFX50S II was introduced with a new budget lens, the GF 35-70mm F4.5-5.6 WR zoom lens (£849 lens only, or £3900 as GFX50S II kit with lens), which gives a 28-55mm equivalent.

Despite the lower price, it’s difficult to see where the camera is lacking, as the camera features a 51.4MP medium format sensor, in-body image stabilisation, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (3.69m dots, 0.77x magnification), and a 3.2inch 2.35m dot tilting touchscreen. The price makes it competitive with high-resolution full-frame mirrorless cameras and really does make medium format an option.

However, one thing to be aware of is the price of wide-angle lenses, as most GF-mount lenses are more expensive than the 35-70mm lens designed for this camera model, particularly if you’re looking for a wide-angle lens, with the GF 30mm F3.5 being £1649, and equivalent to 24mm.

Pros:

  • Effective in-body stabilisation
  • High-res viewfinder
  • Price competitive with full-frame

Cons:

  • System lenses are pricey

Read our Fujifilm GFX50S II review.


Best compact cameras for landscape photography

Finally, we’re rounding out our list with a compact camera that’s a great choice for landscapes. Normally, fixed-lens compacts don’t come up too often in landscape conversations, in part because they tend to have smaller sensors than interchangeable-lens cameras. However, as we’ll see, this isn’t always the case, and if you simply want a self-contained camera/lens combination that’ll slip into a pocket and still capture great landscapes, this is the section for you…

Best compact camera for landscapes: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III

Canon Powershot G1x Mark III. Photo AW/AP
The Canon Powershot G1 X Mark III combines a large sensor with clever handling. Photo credit: Andy Westlake

At a glance:

  • 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • 24-70mm equivalent lens
  • ISO100 to ISO25,600
  • Weather-sealed
  • Compact camera
  • $999 / £1,139

If you’re looking for something pocketable, and don’t want to worry about changing lenses, then the Canon Powershot G1 X Mark III is a compact option, with a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, and a 24-72mm equivalent zoom lens, with an f/2.8-5.6 aperture, as well as optical image stabilisation. There are full manual controls, as well as raw shooting, although it’s worth noting that battery life is quite short, so a spare battery is highly recommended. Despite the fact that the G1 X Mark III is a compact camera, you’ll find a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), plus a full-articulated 3-inch touchscreen.

It’s certainly expensive for a compact, and there’s an argument to be made that you could get more for your money by investing in a system camera. However, the Powershot G1 X Mark III stands head and shoulders above other compacts in terms of sheer image quality, and you will absolutely be able to shoot brilliant landscapes with it.

Pros:

  • Excellent image quality from APS-C sensor
  • Slim, pocketable form factor
  • SLR-style handling

Cons:

  • Battery life isn’t great
  • Somewhat limited zoom lens

Find out more in our full Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III review.


How to choose the best camera for landscape photography

Landscape photography is a particular discipline with particular demands, and it pays to get a camera with strengths to match. There are features you should be concerned with when choosing a landscape camera, and features you can afford not to worry about too much.

Resolution

Ultimate resolution is often the aim in landscape photography, as it means that images can be printed in large format. And if you are into travelling and hiking, then you may not want something so large and heavy, so we’ve highlighted some other options as well.

High-resolution sensors help you capture more detail and can let you crop into your image, but it’s also worth pointing out that a high-quality 20MP image can be printed up to 18×12 inches at 300 dpi, roughly A3. Be aware too that a very high-resolution sensor will mercilessly reveal any flaws in your focussing or exposure technique, so sometimes, more is not always best.

Dynamic range and raw

Dynamic range is generally pushed to its limits when shooting landscape images, as you often have darker areas or shadows, along with a bright light in the scene, and you want to capture as much of this as possible. The human eye can normally cope with a much wider range than most cameras, so you’ll want to shoot raw or use other all available options to capture as much dynamic range as possible.

All of the cameras shown here shoot raw so you can process the images later when needed to get the best results. See our guide on how to maximise dynamic range.

Landscape photo by Chris Meads on Unsplash
Photo by Chris Meads on Unsplash

ISO range

In landscape photography, you’re most likely going to want to use the lowest ISO speed possible*, in order to ensure your image is capturing as much fine detail as possible. There’s not a massive difference between using ISO100 and ISO200 on most cameras, however, some cameras have an even lower ISO speed, such as ISO50, which will allow a slower shutter speed when needed, helping you when you’re trying to capture blurred water, or blurred clouds etc.

*Be aware that some extended ISO speeds, marked as “Low” or “L” will show a reduced dynamic range, and are therefore best avoided. Sometimes, if you are shooting handheld in lower light, you might need to raise the ISO and while it’s best to try and avoid noise, remember the old adage: better a slighter noisy shot than a soft one. The higher ISO performance of modern cameras has come on in leaps and bounds – see our recent guide to ISO.

Image stabilisation

Image stabilisation (IS) can help, and we’re at a point in time where it’s more common for new cameras to have in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) than not. Not only does this feature let you expand your ability to shoot at slower shutter speeds, but it also allows manufacturers to add multi-shot high-resolution modes to some cameras.

If you can afford a model with image stabilisation built-in, then this is worthwhile, as it works with all lenses, letting you save money when buying a lens without IS built-in.

Weather-sealing

Weather sealing is likely to be a must-have, especially if you’re happy shooting in all weather conditions. You’ll also need to make sure the lens you use with the camera is weather-sealed, otherwise, you will have to find alternative methods of keeping your camera dry, which may not be as effective.

Lens choices

Lens range is another key factor to consider – are the lenses you want available for the camera you want to use? We run through some of the options available as we go through each camera. A wide-angle lens is an obvious choice for landscape, but sometimes it’s good to be able to zoom into the finer details too. A big trend in landscape photography at the moment is for more ‘intimate’ landscapes.


Further reading…

Starting out in landscape photography? Have a look at our beginner’s guide to landscape photography. For some inspiration, we also have the best landscape photographs, as well as landscape photography books.


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