Choosing your first landscape photography camera isn't about specs alone—it’s about finding gear that suits you personally. The right camera can make the difference between thriving or getting stuck worrying about equipment.
Coming to you from Michael Scott, this practical video suggests the Nikon D800 as the ideal beginner camera, particularly if you're starting out in landscape photography. Scott argues that buying used gear, like the D800, helps you concentrate more on composition rather than obsessing over protecting expensive new equipment. The Nikon D800, despite being released over a decade ago, still holds its own against current models, especially regarding image quality and handling in challenging conditions. Another strength Scott points out is its durability—he's traveled extensively through varied climates, and the D800 reliably withstood harsh environments. He emphasizes that a used D800, typically available around $400-$500, represents significant value for photographers focused on results rather than the latest features.
Scott also discusses how the D800's optical viewfinder significantly enhances his photography experience. He describes the optical viewfinder as essential for effectively framing landscapes, emphasizing its ability to isolate subjects without digital distractions common with electronic viewfinders or LCD screens. Using an eyepiece not only reduces distractions but also provides increased stability when shooting handheld. Additionally, Scott reassures that concerns over sharpness or dynamic range are minimal, as the D800 offers an excellent 14-stop dynamic range, performing admirably even at higher ISOs and capturing accurate, vibrant colors essential for vivid landscape imagery. For those contemplating between the D800 and the slightly sharper D800E, Scott advises practicality—choose based on condition and price rather than minor technical advantages.
Importantly, Scott advises against choosing the D800 for video purposes due to its subpar autofocus in video mode. However, for still images, its autofocus system works exceptionally well, and manual focusing is straightforward thanks to intuitive visual indicators in the viewfinder. He also stresses the D800’s capability in producing high-quality prints, arguing that if a camera produces excellent prints, it's certainly capable for digital sharing purposes as well. Scott underscores that photographers should prioritize their creative vision over noise concerns at higher ISO levels, emphasizing the importance of capturing the image first, even if some noise creeps in.
Beyond the camera itself, Scott recommends specific essential accessories to pair with your Nikon D800. His first recommendation is the versatile Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, ideal for landscape photography due to its flexibility and optical quality. A sturdy tripod, an L-bracket for easy switching between orientations, a cable release for sharper images, and a reliable backpack also make his list. These suggestions are practical, focusing on real-world utility rather than simply gear hype. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Scott.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
How many "beginners" are going to spend over $3000 on their first purchase of camera gear ???
When I first saw it, the title of this article looked weird to me. The Nikon D800 is not a "beginner landscape camera." It is a fully functional, high-resolution camera suitable for many professionals or beginners alike. It was introduced in 2012 as a professional camera. A couple pros at that time suggested it might be the last camera I'd ever need in my lifetime. It was also considered to be possibly "too much" of a camera for beginners, especially with a $3,000 price tag. So are beginners getting smarter, or have professionals deceived themselves into thinking that they need something much better today?
Of course, older photographers from the film era did buy a camera for life. It's only been the last 20 years or so of digital technology that manufacturers have done their best to convince us that we can't survive without the latest improvement. But the Nikon D800E still suits my purposes every bit as much now as it did in 2013. If it ever dies, I'd be tempted to buy another one from MPB. It's a great option for anyone serious about photography.
What is this nonsense. Every camera is a landscape camera. Sometimes it's really better not to post pos like this
The main challenge will be tying to make due with 36 megapixels.