Canon Landscape Camera Recommendations for 2024
What is the Ultimate Canon Landscape Camera?
As a generalization, the above list is sorted in camera performance, features, and price descending sequence.
You may have noticed that all DSLR camera models have dropped off the top cameras list. Canon is focusing on mirrorless models, they are outstanding performers, DSLR lenses in the kit are adaptable, and it is time to move to the mirrorless line-up for all new camera purchases.
What are the important features for a landscape camera/lens?
Truth is, any of Canon's current EOS camera models will work very well for landscape photography. So, it is hard to make a bad decision for this pursuit.
In general, landscape photography involves subjects in a fixed position, going nowhere. This means that a fast frame rate and highly sophisticated AF system are not so important.
Still, some cameras are better choices than others. What makes a camera the better choice for landscape photography? The camera's imaging sensor is one of my highest considerations when choosing a landscape camera. Landscapes typically contain fine details and a high resolution imaging sensor is ideal for pulling the most out of a scene. As long as the pixels are equal, more pixels are better.
Because landscape images are often so beautiful, they are frequently printed very large and placed in conspicuous locations. This is another reason why high resolution cameras are preferred for landscape photography.
A similar benefit of having a high megapixel count is that stitched panoramas are not needed as often. A wider focal length image can be cropped to the proportions desired when the camera's native pixel dimensions are adequate for the output size.
Landscape photographers venturing away from the road will likely appreciate durability and weather sealing. Hiking over challenging terrain can lead to camera-damaging falls, and surprise rainstorms are not unusual. Some landscape photography, including waterfall photography, is best done on cloudy days and clouds of course can bring rain. While on the waterfalls topic, this subject itself can lead to a wet camera.
Related to durability is the camera's base plate and overall solidness on a tripod. Lower-end cameras will show more flex than more-rugged models when mounted on a tripod.
Some cameras have additional features beneficial to capturing landscape imagery including a focus bracketing, an intervalometer, and HDR capabilities.
Again, any current model Canon EOS camera is good enough for landscape photography, but some models rise above the rest.
Canon Landscape Camera Recommendations
1. Canon EOS R5
Phenomenal Camera, Outstanding AF System, Up-To-20 FPS, Ultra-High Resolution, IBIS
With the R5, Canon brought their much-loved 5-series to the EOS R-series mirrorless interchangeable lens camera lineup. The success of these models was reflected in inventory levels, with these cameras continuously backordered for about half a year.
The EOS R5 features the best image quality available in a Canon camera combined with impressive overall performance, including outstanding AF performance (including Eye AF) and a continuous shooting rate reaching 20 fps. The R5 is a game-changer. A pair of R5 bodies are my primary cameras, and I like nothing better.
Most of EOS R5 Features with Lower Resolution (Imaging Sensor and EVF) and Price, Oustanding AF System, Up-To-40 FPS
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a high-performing, mid-priced camera body that delivers outstanding full-frame image quality at medium-high resolution. This camera targets content creators, those currently using a DSLR, and those looking for a general-purpose camera that does everything well, including preserving family memories.
The R6 II is a solid upgrade from the only 2-year-older R6, and I'd take the Canon EOS R6 II over every DSLR made.
3. Canon EOS R8
Compact, Lightweight, Great Value, Same Full-Frame Imaging Sensor as EOS R6 II, Oustanding AF System
In the R8, Canon gives us high-end camera features and functionality in a compact, lightweight, low-priced camera.
The R8's imaging sensor, powerful DIGIC X processor, and impressive AF functionality and algorithms were inherited from the not-much-older, much-higher-priced EOS R6 Mark II. While the 24.2 MP resolution is not as high as the older EOS RP's 26.2 MP spec or the R's 30.3 MP spec, the imaging sensor technology improvements enable the R8 to, impressively, out resolve both of these models.
While the R8 does not provide as many controls and features, including in-body image stabilization and dual memory card slots, as its higher-priced alternatives, it has other advantages. The R8's small size and light weight are highly appealing, making this camera attractive even for those with higher budgets, including professionals requiring an easy-to-take-along backup or even as a first-choice model in some cases.
Even beginners will create outstanding images when using the R8 as a point-and-shoot model. The Canon EOS R8 is a great choice for travel, hiking or other carry-all-day needs – and the adequately-sized, comfortable grip supports this use.
4. Canon EOS R7
Extreme Performance at an Affordable Price
The R7 was the first APS-C model in the Canon EOS R-series lineup. While the smaller imaging sensor has large cost benefits, the 32 MP resolution is still very high.
Remarkable autofocus capabilities and ultra-fast frame rates make this camera ideally suited for capturing sports action and wildlife. The reach created by the R7's extreme imaging sensor pixel density of makes it a superb choice for birds and other distant or tiny creatures.
Compact, Lightweight, Affordable, High-Performing AF System, Fast Frame Rate, Great Image Quality
The R10 was the other first APS-C model in the Canon EOS R-series lineup. While it is a highly capable camera, the R10 is compact, lightweight, and affordable.
Despite those characteristics, the R10 features an outstanding AF system, a very fast frame rate, and high resolution, three features typically omitted from lower-priced cameras.
Bottom-of-the-Line Price, Compact, Lightweight, Oustanding AF System, Impressive APS-C Image Quality
While serious amatuer and professional photographers will find this camera's reduced control set limiting, the tiny, lightweight Canon EOS R50 features outstanding AF performance and excellent image quality at an affordable price. There is a lot to like about this camera.
Often, the lens is the limiting factor in a camera's image quality, and the easiest way to improve your camera's image quality is to put a better lens in front of it. The Landscape Lens Recommendations will help you select the right lens for your landscape camera.
Return to the Camera Recommendations.
Canon DSLR Landscape Camera Recommendations
What is the ultimate Canon DSLR Landscape Camera?
- Canon EOS 5Ds R
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- Canon EOS 90D
- Canon EOS Rebel T8i
- Canon EOS M50
Delivers Ultra-Sharp, Ultra-high Resolution Images
The 5Ds R has been my #1 landscape camera recommendation since it was introduced. This camera's 50 megapixel full-frame imaging sensor, with an optical low pass filter effect cancellation technology in use, creates extremely sharp images with incredible detail and color. No other DSLR or MILC available at this time can touch the resolution this one delivers. The 5Ds R is my first choice daily-use camera. If there is no action involved, this is the camera in my hands and I use this model extensively for evaluating lenses.
High Resolution, Great Technology, Superb Overall Camera Choice
While the 5D Mark IV's full-frame imaging sensor does not reach the 5Ds R's resolution, 30.4 megapixels is still a big number and the only other landscape-relevant 5Ds R advantage is the self-timer with mirror lockup combination feature. The 5D Mark IV, reaching the market a year later than the 5Ds R, received a superset of the 5Ds R's features, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF (with Movie Servo AF) and 4k video. Landscape photographers have will love this camera's excellent dynamic range and of course, it has the awesome Canon color you love. The 5D IV is a fabulous general purpose camera and a great choice for landscape photography.
Affordable Full-Frame Camera with the Latest Technology
The Canon EOS 5D-series made full-frame imaging sensor-format cameras affordable and the Canon EOS 6D-series models took that affordability to a new level. For a moderate price, the 6D-series cameras deliver full-frame image quality greatness and, in addition to having the most-needed features, the 6D Mark II brings many of the latest technologies with it. The 6D Mark II's 26.2 megapixel resolution trails the 5D IV by only a modest amount, an amount considerably less than the price difference. As I write this, the 6D Mark II is Canon's best-available camera with a vari-angle LCD and the compact size and light weight of this model will be appreciated during long days in the field.
A Really Good Camera at a Modest Price
When you want a really good camera but do not want to pay the price for a full-frame model, the 90D is probably the right option for you. The size of this camera makes it easy to handle and the bright, large viewfinder is pleasant to look through. The 90D, another camera on the General Purpose Camera Recommendations list, has overall great performance and its huge feature set makes it the ideal choice for landscape photography as well.
Small, Light, Inexpensive, Good Feature Set and Solid Image Quality
For those on a budget, the Rebel T8i is an attractive choice for landscape photography. The EOS Rebels are Canon's lowest-end model line, but the T8i is the flagship model of this line. This camera offers a very adequate feature set in a compact and lightweight body that is especially ideal for long hikes and backpack trips.
Tiny with Big Camera Performance, Inexpensive
Not only for those on a budget, but especially for those requiring the lightest camera possible, such as for long hikes and for backpacking, the Canon EOS M50 is a great landscape camera choice. While the Canon EOS M100 is even smaller and less expensive, I find the EVF (electronic viewfinder) on the M50 to be important for landscape photography, especially when the sun is up. The M50 (and M100) has image quality as good as any other Canon APS-C camera available at its introduction.
Remember, having a camera with you is always better than not having one with you and with an M50 in the kit, it is easy to always have a camera with you. Or, a couple of them.
As said before, the lens is the limiting factor in a camera's image quality, and the easiest way to improve your camera's image quality is to put a better lens in front of it. The DSLR Landscape Lens Recommendations will help you select the right lens for your landscape camera.
Return to the Camera Recommendations.
