Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik
My passion for wildlife photography grew after a safari visit in high school.
Since then, I haven’t turned around, and VIOLA!
Here I am, following my passion as a wildlife life photographer.
Taking photos of wild animals and exotic creatures is about putting your life at stake.
But there is no point in performing it without the best landscape and wildlife photography camera.
I have used plenty of professional cameras throughout these years, and here’s a list of all my favorites!
Which is the Best Camera for Landscape and Wildlife Photography?
Here are my recommended top 7 Best Camera for Landscape and Wildlife Photography:-
Nikon Z9: (Best Camera for Landscape And Wildlife Photography)
Capturing wildlife is all about taking the best shots while animals move.
And you cannot do this with any random gadget.
A fast burst mode is crucial for perfect photos while exhibiting the animals’ unique behaviors.
Thanks to the Nikon Z9, it didn’t let me down!
Features:
- Model: Nikon Z 9
- Effective Megapixel: 45.7 MP
- Image sensor: 35.9 mm x 23.9 mm (Stacked CMOS sensor)
- ISO range: 64-256,000 (expandable up to 32-102,400)
- Shutter speeds: 1/32000 – 30 sec (M Mode)
- Storage: CFexpress (Type B) – XQD Type Memory
- Viewfinder: 1.27-cm/0.5-in. (3690k-dot)
- Image stabilizer: sensor shift mechanism
- Dimension: 149 x 150 x 91mm
- Weight: 1340g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
During my trip, I encountered several moments to capture exotic birds and quickly capture their movements.
So, I set the Z9 to a shutter speed of 1/500th.
Luckily, with this, I could go as high as 1/2000th to swiftly capture the wings’ movement where there’s enough light.
Additionally, turning on the ISO sensitivity allowed the camera to set the ISO settings automatically to get that perfect shutter speed.
Surprisingly, the outcome of pushing the cameras to ISO as high as 12000 was also unexpectedly good.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
I set the aperture as wide as possible to capture the birds and other moving animals to capture maximum light.
Usually, selecting the aperture to 6.3 is excellent too.
However, a narrow aperture would also do fine for landscape mid-day photographs.
I got an excellent wide landscape view with its depth of field.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
Whether in landscape or life photography, I prefer setting the custom white balance to Auto.
Iauto CHOOSE BETWEEN DIFFERENT MODES once I choose the custom white balance.
For me, 5200 is perfect for daylight shooting as it serves as a middle ground for photographs.
Fps between 5 and 10 is my go-to setting for active birds and animals.
Why is this camera the best?
The Z9 reached the top of my list because of its well-built capturing system.
Plus, for me, the main highlight is the auto-focus system.
The 2x virtual zoom is another highlight of this revolutionary camera by Nikon.
Conclusion:
This camera is perfect for photographers who proactively lean over the shutter, hoping to capture the decisive moments.
The 45.7 MP with 3D – tracking and subject detection makes it easy to capture sharp images with less noise detection.
That’s why it is the best camera for landscape and wildlife photography.
Canon R5: (Best Camera For Landscape And Wildlife Photography)
I like to explore new cameras for all types of genres.
I have recently been interested in wildlife and landscape photography.
Coming across the Canon R5 was a game-changer for me.
Compared to the previous models, it comes with a significant upgrade of the EOS R system with 45 Effective Megapixels.
After my trip, I was in awe of how the R5 produces sharp, high-resolution pictures ready to be printed.
Surprisingly, this camera has sufficient resolution to crop the photos profoundly during the shoot with a constrained focal length.
Features:
- Model: Canon R5
- Effective Megapixel: 45 MP
- Image sensor: 36 x 24 mm CMOS
- ISO range: 100-51,200
- Shutter speeds: 30-1/8000 sec
- Storage: 1x CFexpress type B, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC and UHS-II
- Viewfinder: 0.5-inch – 5.76 Million dots (1600×1200)
- Image stabilizer: sensor shift mechanism
- Dimension: 138.5 x 97.5 x 88mm
- Weight: 650 g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
After using the EOS R5, I was able to customize my settings.
And after taking the trip to the wilds, I could quickly play around with those settings.
I focused on capturing as many intriguing moments as possible, so I set the ISO auto range to 6400 and the ISO speed range to 25600.
I had to choose between mechanical, electronic, and 1st curtain for the shutter modes.
In one scenario, I was close to my subject and didn’t want the shutter to make noise.
Hence, the electronic shutter mode with a speed of 1/500 sec and ISO 1600 worked well for me.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
When it came to landscape photography with still objects, setting the aperture to a lower range of 4 did a good job and captured more background compared to setting it to 2.8.
Since the whole scenery wasn’t moving, I used a longer shutter speed with a depth of field for close objects is what I played around.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
While capturing animals, the light keeps flickering constantly.
So, setting a custom white balance won’t work out.
That’s why the Auto White Balance does the job perfectly.
It allows you to get perfect yet sharp shots of fast-moving objects.
Depending on the scene, I switched between electronic and mechanical shutters for 12 and 20 fps.
Why is this camera the best?
I call the R5 the best camera for landscape and wildlife photography because it does justice to real life.
It’s compact and easy to hold.
And with the animal eye AF, things get better!
Conclusion:
As Canon’s first IBIS camera with 45 MP resolution, I enjoyed using it throughout my wildlife photography sessions.
Not to forget, its build quality and weather-resistant body make it the perfect gadget to bring along.
Nikon D850: (Best Camera For Landscape And Wildlife Photography)
Nikon D850 is a timeless classic and the best camera for landscape and wildlife photography.
And during my trip, on one beautiful morning with all the Pelicans and Black stilts around, I decided to take out the D850.
The impressive autofocus with a 45.7MP BSI sensor is what I loved the most about it.
Let’s look at other aspects of this gadget and why it’s worth trying.
Features:
- Model: Nikon D850
- Effective Megapixel: 45.7 MP
- Image sensor: (35.9 x 23.9 mm) (BSI-CMOS)
- ISO range: 64-25,600 (Expandable to 102,400)
- Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported) + XQD
- Viewfinder: (2,359,000-dot)
- Image stabilizer: NA
- Dimension: 146 x 124 x 79 mm
- Weight: 1005g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
To make the best out of this camera while capturing the swift movements of the birds, I set the ISO to 280.
The reason why I kept it low was that the sunlight was bright enough.
With a shutter speed of 1/2000 sec, I captured my best-moving shot.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
I found f 6.3 the best aperture setting for wildlife and landscape photos.
The reason is the peak daylight hour and the beautiful sunbeams coming right across the camera.
However, I did choose f4 to keep the noise at a minimum.
I find that it has a shallow depth of focus that I like the most.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
I wanted excellent image quality with perfect autofocus, so 7 fps was okay.
However, the only way to raise this figure to 9 fps is to use a grip accessory.
I stick to AWB every time I use this camera as it adjusts easily according to the scenery.
Why is this camera the best?
You can never go wrong with the D850 for capturing wildlife photos.
It’s a complete show for photographers from a 45.7 MP image sensor and full-frame 4K video recording.
The whopping back-illuminated sensor and wide-angle ability are other reasons I used this camera for this purpose.
Conclusion:
Lastly, this high-resolution camera always satisfied me while taking flapping bird shots or running animals.
The high-performing ISO range is a thumbs up, and that too at an affordable price range.
Remember the burst rates and the impeccable build quality that makes it worth traveling around with.
With the settings I used above, you’ll also be able to capture the perfect moments.
Sony A9 II: (Best Camera for Landscape And Wildlife Photography)
Taking photographs of wildlife that convey a story is an art form in and of itself.
What if I get an opportunity like mine at my ancestors’ home?
I got both landscape views and wildlife creatures.
After using Canon and Nikon for a long time, I decided to switch to Sony a9 II and to determine if it was worth the hype taking there.
And I am glad I tried it out, as its autofocus is to die for!
You’ll only understand this if your subject is close to the lens.
It doesn’t end here! Please keep reading to know how to make the most of it and why it is one of the best landscape and wildlife photography cameras.
Features:
- Model: Sony a9 II
- Effective Megapixel: 24 MP
- Image sensor: (35.6 x 23.8 mm) (Exmor RS CMOS sensor)
- ISO range: Auto, ISO 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
- Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
- Storage: Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible)
- Viewfinder: EVF, 3.69m dots, 0.78x magnification
- Image stabilizer: sensor shift mechanism
- Dimension: 129 x 96 x 76 mm
- Weight: 678g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
The only drawback with this camera is the lack of bird’s eye AF.
But this didn’t stop me from capturing the mesmerizing views. Instead, I used Zone Tracking for the best shots.
The camera works best for landscape and wildlife shots at ISO 800 with a shutter speed of 1/500.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
This Sony camera gave me the best shots when I set the aperture to f/5.6.
Once I activated the SteadyShot, I could capture sharp images with maximum stabilization.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
I always shoot in RAW mode with this camera, as the light conditions aren’t always perfect.
The Incandescent lighting worked well.
While other times, the AWB did the job.
The fps can go up to 30 fps for shooting the best videos.
Although I never got a chance to use it, I am sure it won’t disappoint me.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is fast, solid, yet lightweight and offers full-frame photos for wildlife photography.
It can shoot 4k footage at 30 fps.
The multiple viewing angles make it a perfect choice for landscape photography, as I used it at my grandparent’s home.
It has good value for money and runs faster with higher resolution.
Conclusion:
Even though the Effective megapixels aren’t what you get from Nikon or Canon high-end models, they produce pretty decent images.
The blackout-free capture at 20 fps sets it apart from its competitors.
From an ergonomics standpoint, this camera tick-marks all the boxes for being the best.
Canon 5D Mark IV: (Best Camera For Landscape And Wildlife Photography)
Canon’s been a fan favorite for a long time now.
That’s why I have tried my hands on different models by the brand.
I’ve taken many trips worldwide, and it was all about capturing the best moments.
As a fan of trying something new for crisp photos, I bought a Canon 5D Mark IV.
Features:
- Model: Canon 5D Mark IV
- Effective Megapixel: 30.4 MP
- Image sensor: 36 x 24 mm (CMOS)
- ISO range: 100-12800 (expandable up to 100-25600)
- Shutter speeds: 30-1/8000 sec
- Storage: 1x CompactFlash Type I (UDMA 7 compatible) 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC and UHS-I
- Viewfinder: 0.71x 3 x 21mm
- Image stabilizer: NA
- Dimension: 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9mm
- Weight: 800g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
I had an experience with this model as I used to borrow it from a friend.
So, I wasn’t a newbie. I knew what settings would work best in what situations.
This trip was all about being surrounded by waterfalls and dark forests.
To cancel out the shadows effect, ISO 3200 with a shutter speed of 1/50 sec turned out well.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
Capturing the true essence of the surroundings is only possible by choosing the correct aperture.
Since I wanted to capture maximum light, I set the aperture to f/5.6.
Some species are hard to approach in such low light and at a fast speed, so the f/8 setting is perfect for it.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
This Canon camera has a maximum of 7 fps. It is sufficient for wildlife and landscape photography.
I loved shooting videos with it because of the 60 fps full HD shooting feature.
For maximum color blend and quality, I used the AWB as I was mostly shooting in low-light areas.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is perfect for landscape photography, if not for wildlife.
There was never a dull moment with this camera.
The 30.4 MP works better and produces sharper images than the previous models.
I never lost any color accuracy, even shooting at a higher ISO.
Conclusion:
I’ve been delighted with this camera and can quickly call it the best landscape and wildlife photography camera.
The company claimed it to be one of the best for low-light surroundings, and they were right!
Sony A7III: (Best Camera For Landscape And Wildlife Photography)
Sony did have my heart after I used the Sony A9 II, so I borrowed the Sony α7 III from my brother.
He bought it after hearing it works well for all kinds of photography.
At the same time, he has used it indoors and said that it’s the best camera for landscape and wildlife photography he has ever used.
I decided to test it in the woods to ensure the “low-light sensitive” and other claims are valid.
Features:
- Model: Sony α7 III
- Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
- Image sensor: 35.6×23.8mm (Exmor R CMOS sensor)
- ISO range: 51200 (expandable to 50-204800)
- Shutter speeds: 1/8000 – 30 sec
- Storage: 27 MB of internal memory (compatible with SDHC and SDXC)
- Viewfinder: 0.5″ (1.3 cm) electronic (2.36 million dots)
- Image stabilizer: NA
- Dimension: 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm
- Weight: 650g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
What can go wrong with a photo if your camera has a shutter speed as fast as 1/8000th of a second and as slow as 30 seconds?
Nada! This is why α7 III is an excellent choice for clicking quick-moving objects.
Since I reached my destination in the evening, I set the ISO 3200 with a shutter speed of 1/400 sec for exemplary photos.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
Nobody likes a grainy and extremely bright photo.
Not only does it look fake, but it disturbs the image quality.
With this camera, I’ve always used the aperture setting between f/4 – f/5.6, and the results were terrific.
If you want to try, have a try.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
This camera by Sony can capture up to 10 fps.
However, I use 7fps for wildlife and landscape photography.
This setting works best under every circumstance.
The 350 mm full-frame image sensor illuminated the photos even better with perfect white balance.
Why is this camera the best?
This camera is best because of its low-light sensors/ Additionally, the portability is pretty easy during outdoor shoots.
For capturing still objects, the auto-focus technology indeed does justice.
Conclusion:
Sony α7 III doesn’t miss any detail while capturing the photos.
It’s handy and has a mid-range camera with an exceptional low-light setting.
I’m glad I took it with me during my trip.
It has a longer battery life, and 4K ultra HDR shooting capturing Astro-landscape views became much more accessible.
Fujifilm X-T5: (Best Camera For Landscape And Wildlife Photography)
Fujifilm is one of the pioneers in the photography industry, and I remember being excited about it when they launched X1 in 2014.
I was nostalgic when I used a camera by Fujifilm again, and it didn’t disappoint me!
Almost a decade later, Fujifilm is back with a bang and introduced the best camera for landscape and wildlife photography.
Features:
- Model: Fujifilm X-T5
- Effective Megapixel: 40MP
- Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.6 mm (BSI CMOS sensor)
- ISO range: 125-12,800 (Expands to 64-51200)
- Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
- Storage: 2x UHS-II SD
- Viewfinder: 1.2×0.8× 35mm (3,690,000 dot)
- Image stabilizer: NA
- Dimension: 130 x 91 x 64 mm
- Weight: 557g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
To enhance the performance of this camera, you can increase the ISO sensitivity up to ISO 6400.
The fastest shutter speed goes up to 1/180000 sec with the electronic shutter.
This mode worked best for me when I wanted to capture a Picasso moth silently as this feature doesn’t make noise when the shutter closes, unlike the manual mode.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
As I was shooting in broad daylight, I kept the aperture as narrow as possible.
After increasing the DoF, I captured the best macro shots without creating grainy photos.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
With the Fujifilm camera, I decided not to go with the presets.
I had ample time to play around with the settings.
So, to add a warmer effect to my photos and videos, I adjusted the blue-yellow sliding scale to adjust temperature and tint.
The frame rate was set to 15 fps for continuous and non-choppy videos.
Why is this camera the best?
I called it an all-rounder at the start. The reason is its 40 MP and 15 fps burst shooting.
I’ve previously used Fujifilm cameras, so the feeling was familiar.
It’s lightweight and easy to grip.
With Accurate image depth and popping colors, this camera is a solid 10.
Conclusion:
This camera by Fujifilm allows shooting RAW and JPEG together as it has two dedicated card slots.
The image stabilization works well in low light, which I figured out later after reviewing the pictures.
The autofocus subject tracking works amazingly as it tightly locks the object you’re going after.
CONCLUSION:
Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.
Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?
Which is your Best Camera for Landscape and Wildlife Photography?
Is there a camera you love to use for wildlife photography that I didn’t mention in this article?
Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?
Related post:
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Best Sony lens for wildlife photography:
I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.