What is the best camera for landscape photography? Is there a best landscape photography camera? Typically, one would want a high-megapixel camera with great dynamic range, something easy to use in the field, and something that can handle harsh environments. Is this the best landscape photography camera?
Long-time landscape photographer Alister Benn talks about what he thinks is the best landscape photography camera in his 25 years of photography. Benn moved from the Nikon camera system to the Fuji system with the Fuji GFX100 II medium format camera. In this video, he talks about his thoughts on the GFX100 II after using it for a little over a year.
Benn provides a nice rundown of the kit he is using, including the lenses and some optional accessories related to the viewfinder that he finds helpful. Being a medium format camera, one of the frequent considerations for landscape photographers is whether it has enough focal length options, especially if you prefer telephoto-type scenes. Benn discusses this same concern and whether the Fuji 500mm helps solve that problem with the system.
Additionally, Benn reviews several images taken with the camera to highlight the various aspect ratios the camera can capture and included picture styles within the camera, always a strong point of the Fuji system. Benn also demonstrates the impressive dynamic range with one of the images depicting the sun on the horizon with objects in the foreground in deep shadow.
The medium format camera intrigues me, but I'm not sure I’m ready to give up my full frame camera system just yet. What do you think? Is the Fuji GFX100 II the best landscape photography camera?
Maybe it’s just me not obsessing about gear, but the best landscape camera is the one you have on you. Yes, there certain scenarios where medium format is needed - if you’re in that position, you’ll know ;-) two of my favourite photos I’ve taken, were with a GoPro 7 Black (on a tiny sandbar of an island on the MesoAmerican reef), and a 5:30am photo of New York skyline with Statue of Liberty in foreground with the most vibrant orange sky and everything still in shadows as the sun hadn’t come up - using an old Rebel and cheap 55-250 Sigma lens. It’s all I had. The quality and sharpness would have most gear fanatics cringing, but I’ve printed it at 16x24 and it looks fantastic. This is a topic that is endlessly debated without context. So, again, the best landscape camera (and lens) is the one in your hand.
Good points! I actually unsubscribed from half of the channels I was following after the Hasselblad hype last month. These expensive cameras not needed or affordable for the vast majority of photographers.
One does need to be careful with gear acquisition syndrome! While I enjoy reading about new cameras, what features are coming out, what is improving, etc - it is important not to fall into the trap of always thinking you NEED a new camera to accomplish something.
There is definitely value to just using the camera you have! I have iPhone photos that are pretty great and one of my more popular images over the years was shot on an old d3100 as well.
I hardly see how a system that is so bulky and heavy can be the best for landscape. It really depends on your use case. If you only have to walk a few hours from your car and go back and assuming this is not too steep, that is OK. For me, landscape is a lot about steep mountains and hiking and I need a portable system. In winter, you have a lot of additional gear which makes your bag heavier (down jacket, warm clothes...). Medium format is just too bulky for that. Of course, this is probably the best regarding image quality.
I think lots of hiking in difficult terrain does lend itself a bit better to a full frame camera - or even good APS-C or M43 systems for that matter.
Everyone knows that 24MP is enough for all. (ironic mode)
My main camera is a 45MP camera and I admit I do like the ability to crop a bit excessively should the need arise. With that said, I can do just fine with my 24MP as well!
I think the best camera for landscape photography is a camera that has a great photographer behind it.
For sure! The best camera in the world won't help if one isn't also putting time into the skills of photography - which can make a huge difference! More than the camera in most cases.
This camera comparison is really becoming a giant joke LOL. Pick any camera, pick any brand. The only real difference is the glass you use. I rather spend $300 on a used cam and pay $3K for glass.