The 10 Best Canon Cameras for Landscape Photography

Canon remains the world’s leading camera supplier. So it is not surprising that you are looking for a Canon camera for landscape photography.

But which one should you choose? DSLR or mirrorless camera? Full-frame or mirrorless?

In this article, I answer all your questions.

Quick Overview

How do I choose a landscape camera?

Mirrorless or DSLR?

In terms of raw performance, there is not much difference between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. However, DSLR cameras have lost popularity because they are larger than mirrorless cameras. Canon, for example, has stopped making DSLR cameras altogether.

So the future lies with mirrorless cameras. Even though both camera types are suitable for landscape photography, I prefer a mirrorless camera. That means you should go for Canon’s EOS R system, their mirrorless lineup. They work with the RF lens mount.

Sensor size

Full-frame sensors deliver better image quality thanks to their higher dynamic range, better performance at high ISO, and larger pixels. This is important for landscape photographers who shoot in difficult lighting conditions and need large images for prints. Therefore, I recommend a full-frame camera with a sensor of at least 20MP (40MP+ for large prints) and a good dynamic range.

High Dynamic Range

Dynamic range is the difference between an image’s darkest and lightest tones. A high dynamic range means that a camera can capture details in the shadows and highlights even when shooting towards a light source.

It depends on the camera’s sensor. A high dynamic range is helpful for landscape photography because we often shoot under difficult lighting conditions.

Live View Display

Live View is a function that lets the display of a digital camera be a viewfinder. This allows you to preview the image before pressing the shutter button and avoid unexpected results.

To use only one main image sensor, mirrorless cameras create the Live Preview by projecting the image onto an electronic screen via an electronic viewfinder (EVF). In comparison, DSLRs use a mirror to project the image onto an optical viewfinder.

Long Battery Life

It can take hours to take a photo in the right lighting conditions. Also, mirrorless cameras use up batteries faster than DSLRs. Plus, the cold weather drains the batteries even faster. Therefore, I recommend you choose a camera with a long battery life and buy spare batteries.

Weather sealing

As a landscape photographer, you often take your camera out in the rain, snow, dust and other hazardous conditions for electronics. So buy a camera with a high-quality seal to ensure uninterrupted work and a long life for your equipment.

Image stabilisation

It is debatable whether image stabilisation (IS) is necessary for landscape photography, as we shoot with tripods, anyway. However, you may not always have the opportunity or the time to set up a tripod.

In such cases, an integrated IS is an advantage. Fortunately, most modern cameras are equipped with a 5-axis system IS that allows you to shoot handheld at very slow shutter speeds, e.g. 1/3s.

The Best Canon Cameras

1. Canon EOS R5

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon RF

Sensor Type: 36×24mm (Full-Frame) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 45MP (8192×5464)

Crop Factor: None

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis

ISO: 100–51,200 (Extended: 100–102,400)

Viewfinder: Electronic (OLED, 5.76M)

Weight: 738g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

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REASONS TO BUY

• Superb image quality.
• Sturdy build.
• Excellent focus tracking.

REASONS TO AVOID

• 8K video needs improvement.
• Large file sizes.
• Not cheap.

The Canon EOS R5 is the culmination of over 60 years of image excellence, making it the best Canon mirrorless camera to date. The camera’s 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor with a low-pass filter features an intelligent design that works with the DIGIC X image processor.

These components work together to ensure smooth, accurate image capture and fast image processing. The full-frame sensor size ensures high quality throughout the ISO 100–51200 range, which can be expanded to 102400.

The DIGIC X processor enables fast continuous shooting at up to 12 frames per second with a mechanical shutter or a quiet 20 frames per second with an electronic shutter, so that you can capture fast-moving subjects at the right time. Canon’s proprietary Sensor-Shift Image Stabilisation allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds but still take sharp and clear images.

The new technology adjusts the sensors to compensate for strong camera shakes, allowing you to shoot at four times slower shutter speeds than without it. You can use this feature when shooting with Canon or non-Canon lenses.

Consequently, the Canon EOS R5 is the best choice for landscape photography if you are not constrained by budget.

2. Canon EOS R6

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon RF

Sensor Type: 36×24mm (Full-Frame) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 20.1MP (5472×3648)

Crop Factor: None

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw, HEIF

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis

ISO: 100–102,400 (Extended: 100–204,800)

Viewfinder: Electronic (OLED, 3.69M)

Weight: 680g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

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REASONS TO BUY

• Excellent AF.
• In-body image stabilization.
• 12fps/20fps continuous shooting.
• Fast burst speed.

REASONS TO AVOID

• Disorganised menus.
• Surprisingly low resolution.
• Poor EVF.
• Lacks top LCD screen.

The Canon EOS R6 is a digital SLR camera that shows significant improvement over its predecessor, the EOS R. The new model features an improved 20.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a more robust DIGIC X image processor.

It also comes with an improved rear display and a new 3.2-inch touchscreen display on the back that promises high levels of clarity and brightness even in low light.

The camera features an advanced five-axis image stabilisation sensor that can compensate for camera shake by up to 8 stops, simplifying handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.

It integrates with Canon’s existing range of optical image stabilisers (OIS) and the sensor-based IS that enables advancements such as post-focusing in video or 5-axis digital stabilisation. This can be used together with lens-based optical image stabilisation for both native RF lenses and adapted EF lenses to achieve various effects and results.

3. Canon EOS RP

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon RF

Sensor Type: 35.9×24mm (Full-Frame) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 26.2MP (6240×4160)

Crop Factor: None

Aspect Ratio: 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Digital, 5-Axis (Video Only)

ISO: 100–40,000 (Extended: 50–102,400)

Viewfinder: Electronic (2.36M)

Weight: 395g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$1,299.00See at Amazon

REASONS TO BUY

• Lightweight body.
• Fully articulating LCD.
• Accurate and quick AF.
• Relatively inexpensive.

REASONS TO AVOID

• 1.6x crop at 4K videos..
• Unreliable face and eye detection.
• Short battery life.

Despite its large full-frame sensor, the Canon EOS RP is small and offers versatile imaging capabilities in a portable body. It features a full-frame CMOS sensor with a 26.2 MP resolution and the DIGIC 8 image processor.

Both together make image capture easy with versatile sensitivity settings from ISO 100–40000 for low-light situations where flash is prohibited or off, and a standard range of ISO 80–25600 for shooting outdoors or in good light conditions for one-off projects.

Standard HD video recording at up to 4K resolution is supported, as is continuous autofocus provided by a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 4779 selectable phase-detection points on the sensor, designed for quick and accurate autofocus, even when tracking moving subjects.

4. Canon 5D Mark IV

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon RF

Sensor Type: 36×24mm (Full-Frame) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 30.4MP (6720×4480)

Crop Factor: None

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: None

ISO: 100–32,000 (Extended: 50–102,400)

Viewfinder: Optical (Pentaprism)

Weight: 800g

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REASONS TO BUY

• Good high ISO performance.
• Full-frame sensor.
• Touch screen.

REASONS TO AVOID

• 1.64x crop factor at 4K.
• New Dual Pixel Raw shooting.
• No tilting screen.

With the 5D Mark IV DSLR, Canon continues its legacy of powerful work cameras. It is an excellent choice for photography and is a capable 4K video machine. The 5D IV features a new 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor that works with the DIGIC 6+ image processor to balance detail and resolution with low light performance and sensitivity.

It has a native ISO range of 100-32000, which can be extended to an impressive ISO range of 50–102400 for sharp, low-noise images in a wide range of conditions. Besides these image quality improvements, users benefit from enhanced performance, including an improved AF system, built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS.

5. Canon EOS 90D

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon EF-S

Sensor Type: 22.3×14.8mm (APS-C) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 32.5MP (6960×4640)

Crop Factor: 1.6x

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Digital (Video Only)

ISO: 100–25,600 (Extended: 100–51,200)

Viewfinder: Optical (Pentaprism)

Weight: 701g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$1,599.00See at Amazon

REASONS TO BUY

• Good battery life.
• Fully articulated touch-screen LCD.
• Powerful video.

REASONS TO AVOID

• Average kit lens.
• Only one card slot.
• Lagging AF performance in viewfinder.

The Canon EOS 90D is a slim DSLR with a 32.5 MP sensor APS-CMOS, positioned as a versatile camera with powerful image and video qualities. It’s among the best Canon APS-C cameras. The optimised sensor architecture offers excellent image quality, higher resolution, a more comprehensive dynamic range, excellent sensitivity (ISO 25600) and low noise for a wide range of situations. Combined with powerful image processing, this sensor can produce UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p videos, as well as continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second.

The 45-point crosshair system AF provides fast performance in various lighting conditions for tracking moving subjects and working with the optical viewfinder in low-light conditions. In contrast, the 5481-point Dual Pixel System CMOS AF provides smooth, natural focusing similar to a camcorder during live view shooting and movie recording.

A variable-angle touch screen LCD complements the intuitive control and compositional flexibility of imaging features. An optical pentaprism viewfinder provides the bright and realistic view DSLR photographers are accustomed to. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity also lets you pair mobile devices with the camera to transfer data for sharing photos and videos online.

6. Canon EOS 5Ds R

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon EF

Sensor Type: 36×24mm (Full-Frame) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 50.6MP (8688×5792)

Crop Factor: None

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: None

ISO: 100–6,400 (Extended: 50–12,800)

Viewfinder: Optical (Pentaxprism)

Weight: 845g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$1,794.00See at Amazon

REASONS TO BUY

• Very high resolution.
• Excellent AF.
• Robust and weathersealed.
• Dual memory cards.

REASONS TO AVOID

• Fixed LCD screen.
• Huge raw files.
• Not the best ISO range.

The Canon EOS 5DS R has a huge 50.6MP full-frame sensor that offers an amazing level of detail, depth, and clarity. This large sensor means that more of a scene is captured, and a long focal length captures more than shorter focal lengths.

The wider angle of view means you can show off the natural beauty of landscapes through your lens. Choose a DSLR camera with as large a sensor as possible to get the highest resolution potential for landscape photography.

7. Canon EOS R

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon RF

Sensor Type: 36×24mm (Full-Frame) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 30.3MP (6720×4480)

Crop Factor: None

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Digital (Video Only)

ISO: 100–40,000 (Extended: 50–102,400)

Viewfinder: Electronic (3.69M)

Weight: 660g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$1,429.00See at Amazon

REASONS TO BUY

• Incredible AF.
• Good image quality.
• Solid and compact.
• Very good EVF.

REASONS TO AVOID

• Not the best LCD.
• Single card slot.
• Iffy ergonomics.

The EOS R is equipped with a 30.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor. This combination of technologies offers a wide sensitivity range up to a native ISO of 40000, 8 fps continuous shooting, and UHD 4K30 video recording capabilities.

Besides imaging, the sensor supports an advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for more precise autofocus and works in low-light conditions thanks to 5655 selectable points. The AF system is also matched to UHD 4K video recording capabilities, further enhanced by Movie Digital IS (stabilisation) to minimise camera shake when shooting video and stills. This offers users greater creative freedom when working in situations where the built-in 5-stop image stabilisation can be used without compromising subject distance or image depth.

8. Canon EOS M6 Mark II

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon EF-M

Sensor Type: 22.3×14.9mm (APS-C) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 32.5MP (6960×4640)

Crop Factor: 1.6x

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Digital (Video Only)

ISO: 100–25,600 (Extended: 100–51,200)

Viewfinder: Tilting (LCD, 1.04M)

Weight: 408g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$765.00See at Amazon

REASONS TO BUY

• Very high-resolution 32.5MP sensor.
• 14FPS burst rate.
• Fast AF.
• Face & eye detection.

REASONS TO AVOID

• No EVF.
• No stabilisation for stills.
• Expensive.

Canon’s M series was once considered the little brother among mirrorless cameras. With the introduction of the EOS M6 Mark II, this has changed. This camera could now serve as a viable primary camera for any creative enthusiast looking for simple control and solid performance on a budget.

The M6 II features a 32.5-megapixel CMOS sensor, an increased ISO maximum setting (now 51,200 stops), Full HD movie recording capabilities, and continuous shooting at 14 frames per second. Add to that 4K video, a 1/8000s mechanical shutter, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for faster wireless transfers with your smartphone or tablet, and image stabilisation – all at an affordable price!

9. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon EF-M

Sensor Type: 22.3×14.9mm (APS-C) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 24.1MP (6000×4000)

Crop Factor: 1.6x

Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Digital, 5-Axis (Video Only)

ISO: 100–25,600 (Extended: 100–51,200)

Viewfinder: Electronic (2.36M)

Weight: 387g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

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REASONS TO BUY

• Lightweight.
• Swing-out LCD.
• Integrate eye-leve EVF.

REASONS TO AVOID

• Short battery life.
• Cropped 4K video.
• No USB charging.

The black Canon EOS M50, aimed at vloggers and content creators, has been updated with a new body design, specifications, and features. The focus remains on the proven 24.1MP APS CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, as well as five in-camera cine effects (including the new Grainy B/W) that deliver high-quality movie capture ideal for everyday shooting.

Sensor-based Dual Pixel CMOS AF performance has been enhanced with higher speeds and refined Eye Detection AF performance, which works very well with Movie Servo AF when tracking moving subjects and helps keep eyes in focus.

In addition, 5-axis image stabilisation contributes to smooth, blur-free shooting by reducing the camera shake when working in Live View mode or filming at resolutions up to 4K UHD 3840x2160p at 30 frames per second.

10. Canon EOS 1DX Mark III

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SPECIFICATIONS

Mount: Canon EF

Sensor Type: 36×24mm (Full-Frame) CMOS

Sensor Resolution: 20.1MP (5472×3648)

Crop Factor: None

Aspect Ratio: 3:2

Image File Format: JPEG, Raw, HEIF

Bit Depth: 14-Bit

Image Stabilization: Digital (Video Only)

ISO: 100–102,400 (Extended: 50–819,200)

Viewfinder: Optical (Pentaprism)

Weight: 1,250g

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$6,499.00See at Amazon

REASONS TO BUY

• Long battery life.
• Good build quality.
• Outstanding focus.
• 20fps burst speed.

REASONS TO AVOID

• EF lenses are dropped.
• CFexpress memory cards.

The EOS-1D X Mark III is a fast and powerful camera that takes stunning photos you won’t want to miss. Thanks to its high processing speed, this camera can capture shots in less than a fraction of a second with its 20.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor.

Designed to meet the needs of professional photographers in busy environments such as sports and wildlife photography, the 1DX Mark III offers an impressive ISO range despite its critical speed. With extended long exposure settings from 50 to 819200.

This camera is packed with features to ensure your shots are precise and sharp when shooting moving subjects. For example, it has Face Tracking AF Live Mode and Dual Pixel CMOS AF Live Mode.

The best (Landscape) lenses for Canon cameras

Pro photographers often carry at least three types of lenses for landscape photography: a wide-angle lens, a medium-range, and a telephoto lens. This setup is sometimes dubbed the “Holy Trinity” since it brings versatility and performance.

I won’t go into too much detail about lenses in this post. So, I’ll list the best options for each focal length.

Wide-angle

Medium range

Telephoto

More information

Summary

In this compact post, you’ve learned about the best Canon cameras for landscape photography. To sum up, you want a camera with a high-resolution sensor, weather sealing, optical stabilisation, and a high dynamic range.

One of the best Canon cameras is the Canon EOS R5, quite expensive. As an alternative, I recommend the Canon EOS R6 or Canon EOS 90D. A compact but pretty powerful choice is the Canon M50 Mark II.