Best Canon Cameras for Landscape Photography
Just imagine that golden hour light hitting the luscious green landscape, the layers of hills creating silhouettes and click!
Landscape photography is one of my hidden passions, and this is a review of the best Canon cameras for landscape photography.
My name is Ali G and I am a professional photographer based in Hong Kong. I also run landscape and travel photography workshops to teach students how to take impressive photos. Canon cameras are one of the very popular camera brands that are especially great for landscape photography.
I believe the top pick for canon cameras for landscapes is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. It is weatherproof, comes with excellent auto focusing function, night shooting capability, and records 4K videos. The video aspect is quite important for those who wish to create behind the scenes content!
I have also included other Canon models suitable for different needs because as we know, there are different levels of photographers out there. I hope this review makes it easier for you to find the most suitable camera.
Let’s get started!
Quick Summary
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (Best overall)
- Canon EOS 80D (Best budget)
- Canon EOS 5DS R (Best DSLR)
- Canon EOS R (Best Mirrorless)
4 Best Canon Cameras for Landscape Photography
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Key Features: Dual Pixel RAW (image micro-adjustment, bokeh shift, ghosting reduction), 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, 3.2 in full-time touchscreen, Wi-Fi with NFC and GPS connectivity, built-in bulb interval timers, improved weather sealing, ISO 100-32,000 adjustable to 50-102,400
- Resolution: 30.4 megapixels
- Size: 116.4 mm x 150.7 mm x 75.9 mm
- Weight: 31.4 oz (890 g)
- Best for: Overall
To produce the finest shots, Canon’s EOS 5D Mark IV made significant improvements with its AF performance. Its improved image micro-adjustment supports a more accurate shot compared to the previous model. With this upgrade, even the smallest unfocused areas of the subject can be adjusted automatically. You can even capture sharp images despite having amoving subject.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV also has a more precise bokeh shift which produces a more visually pleasing result. Plus, it has a better ghosting reduction, making your photos look clearer and cleaner. This feature allows you to reduce ghosting due to flares from your light source which comes in handy during nighttime.
With its 30.4 megapixels resolution, you can take up to 4K photos and videos. It is supported by its ISO 100 to 32,000 which can be changed from 50 to 102,400. Using these settings, you can definitely snap pictures both during the day and at night.
What makes this camera entirely different from all the previous models is its built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and GPS functions. These functions enable remote shooting and image browsing, which can be quite handy on location. The NFC module is positioned near the grip, while the Wi-Fi and GPS modules are located inside the pentaprism.
There are two modes available in the GPS settings. Mode 1 lets the GPS stay active even when the camera is turned off which consumes the battery life more. On the other hand, the GPS can be turned off along with the camera in Mode 2.
Because of its impressive features and improved weather sealing for a longer lifespan, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the best landscape photography cameras out there.
Canon EOS 80D
- Key Features: 45-point AF system, seven frames per second burst shot with AF, Dual Pixel AF, DIGIC 6 processor, anti-flicker system, ISO 100-6,400
- Resolution: 24.2 megapixels
- Size: 139 mm x105.2 mm x 78.5 mm
- Weight: 25.75 oz (730 g)
- Best for: Budget
Canon didn’t forget about the beginner photographers and those who are on tight budgets. The Canon EOS 80D with 24.2 megapixels image sensor is already a great camera for landscape photography.
Its 45-point AF module greatly surpassed the preceding model when it comes to its range. With this, it can reach a wider scope of view, making it even easier to track the subject even through the viewfinder or live viewing.
The Canon EOS 80D also has an anti-flicker system which is incredibly helpful for those who often take pictures in places with artificial lights and sudden change of lights. This feature automatically adjusts the shutter speed once it detects the light fluctuations.
EOS 80D has a DIGIC 6 processor which allows it to capture high-resolution images up to seven frames per second. With the DIGIC 6 processor, the EOS 80D is also known to be a good choice for both daylight and low-light scenes.
Canon EOS 5DS R
- Key Features: five frames per second, CF and SD slots, dual DIGIC 6 processors, 61-point AF modules, Telephoto feature, USB 3.0 for faster transfer
- Resolution: 50.6 megapixels
- Size: 152 mm x 117 mm x 76 mm
- Weight: 29.81 oz (845 g)
- Best for: DSLR
As of the present day, the Canon EOS 5DS R is still one of the most picked DSLR cameras for landscape photography because of its high image resolution. Its 50.6-megapixel resolution produces a very vivid and high-quality shot, something a lower MP camera just can’t come close to.
Canon’s EOS 5DS R’s 61-point autofocus module is another thing to brag about since sharpness is its biggest advantage among other Canon EOS cameras. The reason for this is that an AF sensor facing multiple axes is better in low contrast light. But with the 5DS R’s wide-area autofocus, it will be easier to precisely focus on the subject.
Thanks to its Telephoto feature, you can still take a clear picture of the subject even if it is moving towards you. This feature prevents the camera from losing focus to the subject as it comes near the camera. Imagine being on a moving boat or capturing a moving storm and you’ll see how this feature will help you!
The Canon EOS 5DS R has two memory card slots. One of them is for Compact Flash and the other is an SD card. CF works faster and is more durable than an SD card, but it is also more expensive.
When it comes to transferring images and videos to your computer, it is even faster than other EOS models since the Canon 5DS R has a USB 3.0 port embedded on it.
Canon EOS R
- Key Features: Dual Pixel AF, eight frames per second burst shooting, 5,655 manually selectable AF points, ergonomically built body, ISO 100-40,000 can be extended to 50-102,400, UHS-II card compatible, has a silent shooting mode
- Resolution: 30.3 megapixels
- Size: 135.8 mm x 98.3 mm x 84.4 mm
- Weight: 23.2 oz (660 g)
- Best for: Mirrorless
Ever heard of a camera in silent mode? If that’s the case, the Canon EOS R offers you the very first Canon that can shoot quietly. It has a silent electronic shutter that allows you to take the perfect candid shot by not disturbing your subject especially when you have an animal as the subject.
The Canon EOS R also has one of the sharpest lenses among their other camera models. Supported by its 5,655-point AF module, its wide range of coverage lets you focus even on the very corner of the frame.
This model is supported by a Dual Pixel AF both used for viewfinder shooting, and live view shooting. This feature allows you to accurately assess if your subject is on focus. With EOS R’s 30.3 megapixel sensors, wide AF module, and Dual Pixel AF, your dramatic shots will be as fine as wine.
When it comes to memory card slots, you might be surprised because it only has one memory card slot. However, the good thing is that it is built to support UHS-II SD cards to ensure optimal performance.
Best Canon Camera for Landscape Photography – What to Consider
Resolution
For beginners, a camera with 16 megapixels resolution is already good enough. But if you are a professional photographer and are more into capturing the highest quality photos of nature, a camera with 30 megapixels should be the minimum.
Sensor Size
Sensor size greatly contributes to image quality because it determines the amount of light used. When it comes to landscape photography, it is preferred to have a full-frame camera which is 36 mm by 24 mm in its sensor size. It lets the camera produce a more detailed result.
Dynamic Range
Balancing the light and dark parts of the image is extremely necessary, especially in landscape photography. Dynamic range definitely helps to capture the natural look and transitions. High dynamic range cameras would be a better choice if you prefer taking photos of sunsets, skies, or anything that is bright. With a low dynamic range, you may be limited to capturing lower light scenarios.
Lens System
In landscape photography, there are four types of lenses that you can choose from. There are standard zoom lenses, telephoto lenses, prime lenses, and wide or ultra-wide-angle lenses. Wide and Ultra-wide are usually the most popular ones. These different types of lenses are for different specialties but are all great for landscape photography.
FAQS
What is the Best Camera Brand for Landscape Photography?
As of today, Canon is the most popular and the top choice of professional photographers when it comes to landscape photography. Their continuous development always guarantees an excellent image quality. Some of the best and most highly respected photographers I follow for their landscape photography such as Richard Bernabe are Canon users.
What are the Most Common Cameras Used by Professional Photographers?
Most professional photographers use either full-frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras. These cameras not only give a great quality image but also provide a better RAW file. The major differences between the DSLR and Mirrorless cameras are that the latter is more advanced, more innovative, lighter in weight, and becoming more popular among photographers who are not just hobbyists.
What is the Best Canon Camera for Nature Photography?
The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II ranks first as the top-picked camera for nature photography. This camera is known to be the best camera for action and wildlife photography. Coming in second is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV which is the best camera for wildlife portraits.
Wrapping Up
I highly recommend Canon EOS 5D Mark IV as the top pick of best canon camera for landscape. It’s a powerful camera suitable for all conditions. Simply pick a camera from my review which best suits your needs and that you can grow into as a photographer.
Have loads of fun out there and take some nice photos!
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Ali G Studios IG: @aligphoto Youtube: @AliGStudios
A big thanks to Phottix for the professional lighting equipment provided to Ali G Studios.
All photos are © Ali Ghorbani and Ali G Studios
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