The Best Cameras for Landscape Photography in 2024
Mt Rainier as viewed from High Rock Lookout at sunrise
what makes for THE BEST CAMERAS FOR landscape PHOTOGRAPHY?
When searching for a good camera for landscape photography, there are a lot of great choices out there. That being said, not all cameras are built for the same purpose and not all are up to the challenge of capturing stunning landscape images. Over my years, I have had the opportunity to own and use quite a few different cameras and many of them on this list are ones I personally own or have used at least a handful of times. The rest have been highly recommended by other renowned professionals that I know personally.
In this article, I will take you through important factors and specs I look at when picking out a good landscape camera and my top picks that fit those criteria. As new cameras are released I will be sure to update this list to give you the most up to date information. Now, let’s get into the most important things to consider when picking the best camera body for landscapes.
Sensor / Resolution
The first and most important thing in my opinion to picking a great landscape camera is the sensor size and resolution. There is no argument that a full-frame camera performs better in low light and variable conditions than crop sensors. Furthermore, when pushing the ISO, full frame cameras will have much better end results than crop sensors even with denoising software. I would strongly recommend purchasing a full frame if your budget allows for it and this list will only contain full frame cameras for that reason. Even if the cameras in this list are not within budget, check out old models and consider buying used gear. There are some great cameras out there being sold for fractions of what they originally cost and the technology is still amazing.
As far as resolution goes, I would strongly recommend sensors in the 30 - 60MP range so that you can crop in with very little resolution loss. I used to shoot with a 24MP camera (the Nikon Z6) and it was also great but I did have to be careful to get the image I wanted in-camera with very little crop so that I could print images large for clients later on. With larger sensors, you have a lot more wiggle room for cropping.
Water Proofing
Most all cameras in this list will have great water proofing but that is not the case with all models. Be sure to check the water proofing on your purchase before pulling the trigger because landscape photographers definitely put their gear to the test. I am personally one to go out in the rain a lot and have been in many downpours in my time (my whole aesthetic on Instagram consists rainy images in the PNW - speaking of go check me out @zachnicholz on IG). That being said, all the cameras in this list are great picks no matter the conditions.
Video Capabilities
In the modern age, it is common for many photographers to also dabble in video. If you post on Instagram then you are surely aware of reels and the focus IG places on them. If you want to grow your audience as fast as possible, reels are the best option for that. Luckily, all of the cameras in this list have great video capabilities though some will be better than others of course. At a minimum you will want a camera that shoots 4K/60 in my personal opinion so that you have options available to slow and crop the videos you capture.
Autofocus Features
While speedy autofocus and autofocus options are not as important in landscape photography as it is with wildlife or portraits, it is still something to consider when picking a camera. If you plan to do any kind of portraits or wildlife photography then you will want a camera with good eye detection and tracking. All of the cameras in this list will perform well for portraits but there are a couple that do not have good animal eye detection that I will be sure to point out. That does not mean you cannot capture stunning images of wildlife with those cameras but it will just be a bit harder at times.
Weight
Though weight should not be a huge determining factor in your choice of camera, some landscapes do require a good hike in to photograph. If you want a camera body to take with you backpacking tens of miles on a regular basis then every ounce can matter so I am going to include weight in my picks to help the few of you who may be concerned about this.
The Best Landscape Photography Cameras By Brand
Sunset in Haines, AK
Nikon Options
Nikon Z7 II - $2,596.95
Resolution: Full Frame - 45.7 MP
Water proofing - Yes
Video Capabilities (max settings): 4K/60p (cropped), 4K/ 30p
Animal eye tracking - Yes, domestic animals
Bird eye tracking - No
Weight: 705 g / 1 lb. 9oz. with batteries
Main takeaways: I have personally owned and used the Nikon Z7 II since it was released in October of 2020. It is a great camera and the small form factor is very nice; especially when compared to the larger Z8 which has been my main camera since I bought it 6 months ago. The main downsides to the Z7 II when compared to the Z8 is the lack of animal and bird eye detection and the lackluster video capabilities. The Z8 far outshines the Z7 II in every way with the exception of its weight. It is a great camera, I cannot deny it; but if you feel you’d like to have any of those options that are missing in the Z7 II, I’d strongly recommend jumping up to the Z8 if you can. I promise you will not regret it.
NIKON Z8 - $3,696.00
Resolution: Full Frame - 45.7 MP
Water proofing - Yes
Video Capabilities (max settings): 4K/120p, 8K/60p
Animal eye tracking - Yes
Bird eye tracking - Yes
Weight: 910 g / 2 lb. with batteries
Main takeaways: The Nikon Z8 is by far the best Nikon mirrorless camera on the market today. It is identical to the Nikon Z9 in a smaller form factor and much lower price tag. The only downside to this camera is the weight; but in all other aspects, it honestly bests most of the other cameras in this list. I have absolutely loved using my Z8 since purchasing it and have gotten images I probably wouldn’t have captured with my old Z7 II. If you want the best hybrid camera that can do it all, go with the Z8. You can thank me later.
Sony Options
SONY ALPHA 7 IV - $2,298.00
Resolution: Full Frame - 33 MP
Water proofing - Yes
Video Capabilities (max settings): 4K/60p
Animal eye tracking - Yes
Bird eye tracking - Yes
Weight: 660 g / 1 lb. 8oz. with batteries
Main takeaways: The Sony Alpha 7 IV is an amazing camera that covers all the main staples necessary to check the criteria listed above. It will have you covered no matter what you do and the professionals I know who use it swear by it. It is a true work horse.
SONY ALPHA 7R V - $3,898.00
Resolution: Full Frame - 60 MP
Water proofing - Yes
Video Capabilities (max settings): 4K/60p, 8K/24p
Animal eye tracking - Yes
Bird eye tracking - Yes
Weight: 720 g / 1 lb. 10 oz. with batteries
Main takeaways: The Sony Alpha 7R V is the best Sony option for landscape photography and whatever you want to throw its way. It is a significant step up from the A7 IV in resolution and video capabilities and you will notice that when editing images and video for sure. You will not regret purchasing this camera as your main body if it fits within your budget.
Canon Options
CANON EOS R6 MArk II - $1,999.00
Resolution: Full Frame - 24 MP
Water proofing - Yes
Video Capabilities (max settings): 4K/60p
Animal eye tracking - Yes
Bird eye tracking - Yes
Weight: 670 g / 1 lb. 7 oz. with batteries
Main takeaways: The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is an absolutely amazing camera and upgrade to the previous iteration. It checks all the marks needed for a great landscape camera except for the resolution. As mentioned before, it is possible to crop in on a 24MP sensor but you do have to be careful just how much if you want to end up with images that can be printed on a larger scale. For that reason alone I would recommend taking a step up to the R5 if you have the budget for it.
CANON EOS R5 - $2,999.00
Resolution: Full Frame - 47 MP
Water proofing - Yes
Video Capabilities (max settings): 4K/120p, 8K/30p
Animal eye tracking - Yes
Bird eye tracking - Yes
Weight: 740 g / 1 lb. 9 oz. with batteries
Main takeaways: The Canon EOS R5 is the best landscape photography option Canon has to offer. The increased resolution and better video capabilities compared to the R6 Mark II are worth the upgrade if it was up to me. Regardless of what you throw at it, it will be more than capable and exceed your expectations.
Final Thoughts
Fiery sunset at Canon Beach
I hope this article is useful to you in your hunt for the perfect landscape photography camera. In today’s market it is hard to go too wrong but as you can see, there are definitely some options that are better if you can fit it into your budget. If you have any questions or input, feel free to leave a comment below and, as always, thank you for reading along. If you’d like to see more articles like this, be sure to check out The Best Cameras For Wildlife Photography and The Best Cameras For Wedding Photography. If you want to see my work, be sure to give me a follow @zachnicholz on IG.
Water droplet suspended mid-air
This article contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links, I will receive commission at no additional cost to you. As always, thank you for your support!
The Best Cameras for Landscape Photography in 2024
Written by: Zach Nichols
Jan 26, 2024
© Zach Nichols Photography
Comments (4)
Hi Zach my name is Tamara and live just around the bend from you in Sandpoint Idaho. I would love your opinion on the Fujifilm GFX 100 II. I have been a photographer for many years and it has always been my dream to move up into medium format. The original dream was the Hasselblad. But unfortunately there newest and greatest isn’t enough for me. I need no messing around auto focus! But still want medium format. I am a Nikon baby and have owned and still have Nikons. But would greatly love your opinion on the Fuji medium format. Thank you so very much.
This article on the best cameras for landscape photography really highlights how important having the right equipment is for capturing stunning scenery. It reminded me of my time exploring areas like Dubai Investment Park (DIP), where I even came across villas for rent on platforms like this one https://dubaivilla.com/rent/villas/dubai-investment-park-dip — the perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts!
Hi there: You mention some great cameras there, but you leave out an important element, and that's battery life. Each year I take at least one backpacking trip of at least five days -- sometimes more trips, sometimes more days. For the past few years, I've used a Nikon D780. Beyond having a wonderful live-view system, it has utterly amazing battery life. It weighs just over 29 ounces -- about 5 ounces heavier than the Z7II in your list. The D780 is also physically larger than the Z7II. But ...
I can often go an entire five-day trip on one battery, depending on how much astrophotography I do along the way. A Z7II to match the D780 will need three or even four spare batteries. That makes the whole Z7II package both heavier and larger than the D780, which is I choice I wouldn't make. I know, there's the whole 24mp vs. 45mp debate, kind of glass etc. But when you're trying to make 12 miles a day in rough country, those ounces add up.
Thank you for your comment and feedback. The D780 is a great camera in regard to battery life but you are comparing apples to oranges and are using a situation (carrying 3-4 extra batteries?) that you will never run into and even then you are talking literal ounces. I've never made a decision on what camera to bring based on batteries in the real world even when backpacking for a couple days. Most of the time people hardly do an overnight trip without access to some kind of power, power bank, or solar panel. There is no way I'd mention that or consider that nuanced opinion when writing a general article reviewing my top picks for cameras. I personally shoot on a Z8 and have had no issue carrying it with me on long trips with two extra batteries that will last me for at least an overnighter. If for some reason weight was truly an issue then I'd grab my Z7 II. But again, a couple ounces in the scheme of things is nothing if it means getting the shot you want. You'd have a tougher decision deciding to bring an extra lens or not. THAT is something much more common to run into. Thanks for the conversation.