How to Choose the Best Camera for Landscape Photography (Hint: It’s Not Just About Specs)

Jun 20

What is the best camera for landscape photography?

It’s a big question. One that many of us have typed into Google while dreaming of sharper images and better results.

I know I did.

For years, I sat in front of my computer comparing specs. I’d zoom in on test shots, watch endless reviews, and try to decide which sensor was the sharpest. Which camera had the best autofocus. Which lens lineup gave the most options.

I searched for answers to questions like: Which camera is best for landscape photography? Do camera specs really matter? Should I buy a full frame camera for landscapes?

And I convinced myself that a better camera would make me a better photographer.

But it didn’t.

It turns out the best camera for landscape photography isn’t the one with the most impressive stats. It’s the one that suits how you actually shoot. The one that feels good in your hands. The one that makes you want to grab your bag and head out the door.

That’s what I’ve found with the OM System OM-5 for instance. On paper, it’s not perfect. But it fits me. It fits the way I like to work. And that’s what makes all the difference.

In this post, I want to share why I stopped obsessing over specs. Why feel matters more than features. And why the right camera for you might be completely different to what a chart would recommend.

*The Om System OM-5 suits me. Check out the rest of* *my gear*.

Why I Stopped Chasing Specs

I used to believe that specs were everything.

More megapixels. Better low light performance. Sharper lenses. It all felt important.

But chasing perfection in the numbers often pulled me away from what really matters - making photographs.

I’d spend hours researching and second-guessing myself, thinking that the next camera would be the one that finally “fixed” my work.

It never was.

It turns out, what held me back wasn’t my gear. It was the belief that gear was the answer.

— “No camera can replace vision, curiosity or time in the field. Specs are tools, not solutions.”

That shift in mindset changed everything. I stopped trying to find the most powerful camera. And instead, started looking for one that matched how I like to shoot.

This is something I also touched on when reviewing the OM System OM-5 for landscape photography. It’s a camera that taught me how much the experience of shooting matters, even more than the tech behind it

And that’s what matters most.

If you're currently trying to choose the best camera for landscape photography, I’d encourage you to look beyond the spec sheet. Think about how you shoot. Where you shoot. And what kind of experience you want to have out there.

Why Feel Matters More Than Features

This is something I’ve found tricky to explain.

But every photographer knows it.

Some cameras just feel right.

It’s not about the size of the sensor. Or how many buttons it has. It’s something deeper. More personal.

The OM-5 fits in my hand in a way that makes me want to shoot. It’s light enough to carry all day. It slips easily into my hip pack. And it never gets in the way.

That’s why I’ve used it so much lately.

I can take it out for a hike. Wander slowly through a woodland. Or sit beside a wildflower and shoot something intimate. It adapts to all of it.

That’s what I love most. I can focus on composition and light, without fiddling with menus or worrying about bulk.

The specs are fine. But it’s the feel of this camera that keeps me reaching for it again and again.

So if you're still asking yourself what's the best camera for landscape photography, maybe start with this: which one actually makes you want to go and take photos?

Because sometimes the answer to that is far more important than any feature list.

*Some dying bluebells straining over to get the best of the midday sun.* *OM-5* & *Pana Leica 12-60*.

What to Look for in a Camera That Suits You

This is where things get practical.

Specs do matter. But only when they match your needs.

If you're shooting handheld most of the time, image stabilisation might be one of the most important features for you.

If you do long hikes and carry your gear for hours, then size and weight will matter far more than megapixels.

If you shoot mostly in the golden hours or inclement weather, dynamic range and weather sealing might be what makes a difference.

It’s about working backwards. Start with how you actually like to photograph. Then look for the specs that support that.

— “You don’t need the most expensive camera. You need the one that works for the way you shoot.”

When people ask me for advice on the best camera for landscape photography, I always try to ask a few questions first.

Where do you shoot? Do you walk far? Do you crop a lot? Do you print large?

The answers to those questions are often far more helpful than a top ten list of popular cameras.

So yes, specs have a role to play. But only once you’ve worked out what really matters to you.

And once you’ve chosen a camera that suits you, the next most important thing is making sure your images are sharp. No matter how good the gear is, sharpness still comes down to technique.

If you want help with that side of things, I’ve put together a completely free guide that shares everything I’ve learned about getting consistently sharp images in the field.

Download my free sharpness guide here: 15 Page PDF

*The tiny size and incredible image stabilisation are what do it for me.*

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best camera for landscape photography is not just about numbers.

It is about how a camera fits into your process. Your rhythm. Your way of seeing the world.

Will it be something you want to carry? Something you trust? Something you enjoy using?

Most cameras today are capable of excellent image quality. But the one that suits you best is the one that helps you enjoy the craft.

Once you have that sorted, the rest gets simpler. You stop chasing specs. You start focusing on the photos.

And if you are still unsure where to begin, there are some brilliant options out there that will not break the bank. The key is knowing what features actually matter to you.

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