The K-1 II boasts the Pentax build quality alongside robust weather-sealing and the added bonus of the K-mount for an extensive range of lenses
Pros
Very good weather sealing
Rich lens catalogue
Cons
Lacks feature range of Canon/Nikon
Camera type
DSLR
Sensor
36MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
Optical viewfinder with 0.70 magnification and 100% coverage
Screen
3.2-inch, 1037K dots, tilting LCD screen
Continuous shooting
4.4.fps full-frame mode 6.4fps APS-C
ISO
100 to 819200
Video
Full HD 30p
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 ($1,197 / £1,179). 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.
Pentax K-1 Mark II
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 under £1500
Best camera for landscape under £1500 / $1500: Fujifilm X-T50
Fujifilm X-T50. Image credit: Angela Nicholson
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Fujifilm X-T50 raises the game in several ways, but ultimately it boils down to this: you won’t find a better APS-C camera at this price.
Pros
40MP sensor and processor from XT5
New film simulation and dial
Impressive image quality
Cons
No weather sealing
Only one card slot
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
40.2MP APS-C X-Trans sensor
Viewfinder
2.36m-dot, 0.62x electronic viewfinder
Screen
3in, 1.84m-dot tilting touchscreen
Continuous shooting
8fps
ISO
ISO 125-12,800 (standard)
Video
6K 30p, 4K 60p, Full HD 240p video
The Fujifilm X-T50 is an APS-C mirrorless camera with DSLR-like controls and a PASM mode dial, making it easy to handle. It is equipped with the same 40MP sensor and processor as the X-T5, delivering images with plenty of detail and Fujifilm colour, but in a compact travel-sized body weighing only 438g. It comes with 7 stops of in-body image stabilisation and 6K video on board.
The downside to this model compared to the X-T5 is the lack of weather sealing and dual card slots. But it makes up for it with an affordable price tag. The X-T50 uses X-mount lenses, and there are plenty of options available.
A dedicated film simulation dial puts the famous Fujifilm presets under your fingertips, so you get 20 different looks, including the latest Reala Ace colour simulation too. It uses Fujifilm’s familiar NP-W126 battery, which charges in camera and covers about 390 shots, so I would definitely recommend keeping an extra charged battery in your bag.
At around $1,399/£1,299 new (for body only), the X-T50 is a great choice for landscape photographers who prioritise flagship-level image quality, but also keen on a portable body.
Best Nikon mirrorless camera for landscape photography: Nikon Z7 II
Nikon Z7 II with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Photo credit: Michael Topham
Amateur Photographer verdict
Exceptional image quality and focus with the benefit of Nikon’s -mount lens series
Pros
Dual card slots
Top class handling
Cons
Expensive lenses
Viewfinder resolution is average
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
3.69m-dot, 0.8x magnification
Screen
3.2in, 2.1m-dot tilting touchscreen
Continuous shooting
10fps
ISO
ISO64-ISO25,600 (standard)
Video
4K/60p video
The Nikon Z7 II is one of the second-generation full-frame mirrorless cameras from Nikon. Its 45.7MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor offers a high resolution and impressive dynamic range. When paired with Nikon’s Z-Mount series of lenses, and Nikon’s excellent focus system it delivers exceptional image quality suitable for cropping in and large-scale printing.
Its magnesium alloy weather-sealed body makes it ideal for serious landscape work and designed to withstand demanding conditions like rain, snow and extreme temperatures. Featuring focus shift shooting, it makes easy work of back to front sharp landscapes. While the 5 stops of in-body image stabilisation help with hand-held and low-light shooting.
The Z7 II is a durable and cost-effective alternative to the top-tier Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9 while still retaining flagship-level image quality for landscapes. 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 like the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S (£2,359), Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 (£1,129) and the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S (£1,299).
Best Panasonic camera for landscape photography: Panasonic Lumix S1R II
The S1RII feels robust and well-made. Image credit: Andy Westlake
Amateur Photographer verdict
A stunning, high-resolution full-frame monster that undercuts many of its rivals on price, the Lumix S1R II is Panasonic’s best-ever stills camera, and isn’t bad for video, too.
Pros
Excellent build and handling
Highly refined control layout
Very capable autofocus
Excellent viewfinder and versatile articulated LCD
Impressive image quality, especially in raw
Cons
No automatic subject-detection option
Battery life isn’t great
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
44.3MP full-frame BSI-CMOS
Viewfinder
5.76m-dot, 0.78x OLED, 120fps
Screen
3in, 1.84m-dot tilt/vari-angle touchscreen
Continuous shooting
40fps
ISO
ISO 80-51,200 (standard), 40-102,400 (extended)
Video
8K 30p, 5.9K 60p, C4K 120p, Full HD 120p
The S1R II isn’t just a superb choice for landscape photography, but also a great all-rounder, one of the best full-frame cameras for photographers. It blends high resolution with rugged weather-sealed construction and industry-leading 8 stops image stabilisation at a price point that considerably undercuts the likes of the Nikon Z9 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II.
Raw files have plenty of dynamic range, too, with at least five stops of additional shadow detail recoverable at low ISOs without noise becoming excessive. But if you find yourself wanting even more, the High-Resolution multi-shot mode creates up to 176MP composite images in camera and unlike other brands, this function provides visibly more detail, even handheld.
And since it’s a Panasonic camera, video features are comprehensive too, with 8K 30p as the headline resolution, and a host of frame rate options down the line. In short, this is a seriously well-specced camera.
In use, the Lumix S1R II ticks all the boxes we demand of a high-performance modern camera. It starts up instantly and is snappy and responsive to operate. Image quality is superb at low ISOs, easily the match of any full-frame rivals, and quality maintains pretty well even as you push the ISO up. In short, this is a camera that just delivers on all fronts, and it’s an easy pick for the best Panasonic camera you can buy right now.
Best Canon camera for landscape photography: Canon EOS R5 II
Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Credit: Andy Westlake
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II stakes a strong claim to be the best professional high-resolution, high-speed all-rounder on the market. The addition of eye control focus elevates it from its rivals, too.
Pros
Excellent handling
Incredible subject detection AF
Eye Control Focus
Great image stabilization
Cons
Not compatible with some third-party LP-E6 batteries
Eye control may not work well for everyone
Pro-level price
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
45MP stacked CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
5.76m-dot, 0.76x OLED
Screen
3.2inch, vari-angle, 2.1M-dot touchscreen
Continuous shooting
30 fps
ISO
50-102,400 (extended)
Video
8K 60fps internal raw recording
With a starting price of $4,099 / £4500 body only, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II sits exclusively in the professional realm, offering a 45MP full-frame back-illuminated stacked-CMOS sensor. It’s a high-resolution powerhouse with an impressive dynamic range for landscape photography. The detailed 5.76m-dot EVF, and a 3.2inch fully articulates touchscreen make framing and composing shots a real pleasure, while a top LCD display also lets you see camera settings at a glance.
You don’t just get immaculate RAW files, but also flawless metering and auto white balance, while Canon’s colour processing is generally nice too. It inherits Eye Control Focus technology from high-end sports cameras, like the R3, which detects where you are looking in the viewfinder and then automatically focuses on that subject.
Other features, like in-camera focus bracketing, make easy work of creating a deep depth-of-field, while the fully weather-sealed body will withstand anything a pro landscape shooter would face.
Best Sony camera for landscape photography: Sony Alpha A7R V
The Sony Alpha A7R V keeps the same high-res sensor as its predecessor but delivers lots of other improvements. Image: Andy Westlake
Amateur Photographer verdict
Upgraded with subject-detection autofocus and a new AI processing unit, in addition to an excellent viewfinder and versatile screen
Pros
Superb image quality from proven 61MP sensor
Ultra-reliable subject detection autofocus
Cons
Vast, complex, challenging menus
No in-camera raw conversion
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
61MP full-frame sensor
Viewfinder
9.44m-dot, 0.9x OLED viewfinder (EVF)
Screen
3.2in, 2.1m-dot 4-way-articulated LCD
Continuous shooting
10fps
ISO
ISO100-32,000 (expands to ISO50)
Video
8K up to 25p; 4K up to 60p; Full HD up to 120p
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, or the newer more compact FE PZ 16-35mm F4 as well as many prime lens options.
Nb. A second-hand or value choice could be the Sony Alpha A7R III, with a 42MP sensor, as it still offers high resolution, but is much more affordable. Prices are also coming down for the Sony Alpha A7R IV.
Best landscape camera for hiking: OM System Olympus OM-1 II
OM System OM-1 Mark II. Photo Andy Westlake
Amateur Photographer verdict
OM System’s flagship camera gets one step better – the OM-1 Mark II is a welcome update to what was already an impressively intelligent high-speed shooter.
Pros
Outstanding computational features
Built-in Live Grad ND
Super-fast burst shooting
Cons
Some limitations in video
Not a huge jump from OM-1
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
20MP Four Thirds Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor
Viewfinder
5.76m-dot, 120fps refresh, 0.83x magnification
Screen
3in, 1.62m-dot full articulated touchscreen
Continuous shooting
50fps with C-AF, 120fps fixed AF
ISO
ISO 80 – ISO 102,400 (extended)
Video
4K 60p, Full HD 240fps
The OM System Olympus OM-1 Mark II 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 ones, make it more suited to landscape photography than it may appear at first glance.
You’ll find an in-camera Live graduated ND filter that helps you control bright skies for a balanced exposure. This eliminates the need for additional filters and lightens your kit. 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, not to mention Starry Sky AF for astrophotography.
It has perhaps the widest range of lenses available for any mirrorless system. There are ultra-wide-angle primes and zoom options available from both Olympus and Panasonic, and plenty of third-party lenses from Sigma, Laowa, Tamron, Samyang, and many others. Have a look at some of the best Micro Four Thirds lenses.
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).
With a robustly weather sealed body that’s lighter than most full-frame alternatives, it handles rain, humidity and temperatures down to -10C˚making it an ideal hiking companion. Pair it with a weather resistant (WR) lens from Fujifilm’s growing range of X-mount optics available to get a fully protected set up. Landscape-friendly options include the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR and the XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR.
With the X-T5 you get a well-balanced, and affordable alternative to the premium Fujifilm X-H2, which offers the same resolution.
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 non-negotiable. There 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 for resolution
Best landscape camera for maximum resolution: Fujifilm GFX100 II
The GFX100 II is a relatively large and weighty camera, but still handles well. Credit: Amateur Photographer
Amateur Photographer verdict
The GFX100II is designed for serious photographers who demand ultimate image quality. As the flagship in Fujifilm’s offering, it delivers astonishing detail, however at an eye-watering price.
Pros
Amazing image quality and resolution
Relatively compact for medium format
Cons
Highly expensive
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
102MP medium-format sensor
Viewfinder
9.44m-dot OLED, 1.0x magnification
Screen
3.2in, 2.36m-dot 3-way tilting touchscreen
Continuous shooting
8fps
ISO
ISO40 to ISO102,400 (extended)
Video
8K 24p, 4K 60p, Full HD 120p
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 GFX100, 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. 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 / £2,399) lens is equivalent to 18mm (in 35mm terms), and the GF 30mm F3.5 ($1,699 / £1,649) is equivalent to 24mm. There’s also a GF 32-64mm F4 ($2,299 / £2,149), 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.
Best medium format camera for portability: Fujifilm GFX100RF
The GFX100RF gives superlative image quality in a small camera. Image credit: Andy Westlake
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Fujifilm GFX100RF produces fabulous image quality that belies its compact size. It’s enjoyable to shoot with and gives great results, with the aspect ratio dial encouraging creative composition.
Pros
Exceptional image quality
Analogue controls
Aspect ratio dial
Great out-of-camera colour
Cons
Relatively small f/4 maximum aperture lens
No image stabilisation
Screen only tilts up and down
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
102MP GFX CMOS II sensor
Viewfinder
5.76m-dot, 0.84x OLED EVF
Screen
3.25in, 2.1m-dot tilting touchscreen
Continuous shooting
6fps
ISO
ISO 80-12,800 (40-102,400 extended)
Video
DCI 4K 30p; 4K 30p; Full HD 60p
The Fujifilm GFX100RF is a 102MP rangefinder-styled medium-format camera with a fixed 28mm equivalent lens. While it may not suit all landscape styles, the high-resolution sensor allows for generous cropping. Despite its large sensor, it is the smallest medium-format camera from Fujifilm to date. In fact, it’s smaller than the full-frame Canon R5II or the Sony A7RV featured on this list.
With a base ISO of 80 and 14 stops of dynamic range, you can recover detail from shadows without introducing excessive noise. It includes a 4-stop built-in ND-filter for long exposures, which can be activated by pulling the lever on the front of the camera.
The dedicated aspect ratio dial offers 9 different settings at your fingertips and includes a Panoramic option too. The relatively small aperture and the lack of image stabilisation may discourage those who tend to shoot more in low light, but it’s still a superb option for landscapes and cityscapes if you learn to accept its practical limitations.
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. 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
Best compact camera for landscapes: Ricoh GR IV
Ricoh GR IV. Image credit: Matty Graham
Amateur Photographer verdict
While the Ricoh GR IV may look very much like its predecessor, it’s been substantially upgraded inside. It retains the same street-shooter appeal, though, if you can live with its fixed rear screen.
Pros
Pocket-friendly size
Excellent image quality
Fast start-up
Cons
No weather sealing
Micro SD card storage
Camera type
Mirrorless compact with 18.3mm f/2.8 fixed lens
Sensor
25.7MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
N/A
Screen
3.0in, 1.04m-dot fixed LCD touchscreen
Continuous shooting
4fps
ISO
ISO100 to ISO25,600
Video
Full HD 60p
If you want something really pocketable and not fiddle around with lenses, then the Ricoh GRIV is a great compact, with a 24MP sensor and a 28mm equivalent f/2.8 fixed lens. The sensor delivers detailed images that would allow printing up to a generous A3 size. The bright aperture is further supported by the 5-axis in-body image stabilisation for better low-light shooting.
While a fixed lens can be seen as limiting, the 28mm field of view is ideal for most landscape subjects and broad scenes, while for a wider reach, the GW-4 Wide conversion lens covers a 21mm view. The built-in ND filter offers two stops of attenuation.
It’s an affordable, hassle-free option for landscape photographers, albeit without weather-sealing. But if you value portability above all, and won’t compromise on image quality the Ricoh GR IV is the right compact for you.
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 that a very high-resolution sensor will mercilessly reveal any flaws in your focusing 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.
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 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. 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.
How we test cameras
We test cameras by taking photographs and video in a wide range of real-world situations. We evaluate their control layouts, handling, and the usability of their viewfinders and screens. We assess their autofocus across a range of different subjects and shooting scenarios and test a camera’s continuous shooting capacity.
We also examine the effectiveness of image stabilisation systems. Last but not least, we critically evaluate the image quality in both JPEG and raw, including resolution, high-ISO noise, and dynamic range. For our final conclusion and score, we take all these factors into account, along with portability and lens systems. You’ll find the full breakdown of how each camera has performed in our full reviews.
Recent updates
2026 February: we’ve removed several DSLR models from the list as they are no longer available new. While also bringing thel list up to date with the latest and best models for Panasonic, OM-System, Canon and Fujifilm.
Joshua Waller has been reviewing cameras since 2004, originally setting up an online review site DigiCamReview. Following this he joined ePHOTOzine in 2011 as Technical Editor where he was in charge of reviews, and setting up a detailed test system. Josh joined Amateur Photographer in 2021, and as Online Editor, is responsible for bringing great content to the site, as well as reviewing cameras, lenses, smartphones and more.
