The Best High Resolution Digital Cameras for Landscape and Travel Photography - 2021 Update
As an exhibiting Landscape and Travel Photographer what i’m looking for in the ideal camera system is 1. High Resolution .2 High Dynamic Range 3. Rugged Build and sturdy weatherproofing 4. Good Ergonomics and Most Importantly 5. The best IQ or Image Quality which is a combination of Sensor technology and quality of lenses available for the system.
What matters to a much lesser degree is the cameras video capabilities as long as i can record video in some standard form for purposes of documentation and selling my work.
As an exhibiting Landscape and Travel Photographer what i’m looking for in the ideal camera system is 1. High Resolution .2 High Dynamic Range 3. Rugged Build and sturdy weatherproofing 4. Good Ergonomics and Most Importantly 5. The best IQ or Image Quality which is a combination of Sensor technology and quality of lenses available for the system.
What matters to a much lesser degree is the cameras video capabilities as long as i can record video in some standard form for purposes of documentation and selling my work.
What does not matter to me are High Burst Rates(or FPS) or Advanced AF Systems and whether it is a DSLR or a Mirrorless system. Although I must admit having that extra information regarding the image that a mirrorless camera can provide is an advantage that I’m quickly getting used to.
So with this checklist of criteria I decided to have a fresh look at the currently available cameras from all the different camera brands. The purpose is to create a buying guide of the same high standards that I would use to buy a camera with my own hard earned money so that it can serve as a practical guide for someone looking to upgrade their camera system in 2021.
*All cameras will have 45 Mpix or more of Resolution. Have class leading dynamic range . Be Well Built. And have an excellent lineup of lenses to choose from.
*The cameras would have a full frame or bigger sensor.
LEICA SL2
Price in India ₹ ₹ 549000
Price in the USA $6,545.53
Leica SL2 Features that matter
47.3 MPix CMOS Sensor with high dynamic range and 14 bit colour depth.
Native ISO 50-50,000
In Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS - 5.5 STOPS)
187 MPix Multishot Mode
Best in Class Build Quality & Dust- and Spray water resistant (IP54)
Minimalistic and Beautiful Design
Works With Leica SL LENSES, TL, CL Lenses, L Mount Alliances from Panasonic and Sigma and with Sigma MC-21 Adaptor Canon EF Lenses albeit with lessened performance (reduced battery performance and no continuous AF) Also compatible with Leica M Lenses with ADAPTOR.
The improved EyeRes® EVF matches an outstanding 5.76MP panel with an eyepiece built with finest metal and glass and the tightest mechanical and optical tolerances to deliver an unmatched viewing experience, and allow the easiest composition of the image.
The SL2 has two UHS-II compatible SD card slots, raw files can be saved simultaneously in DNG and JPEG format.
CANON R5
Price in India ₹ 3,25,990.00
Price in USA $3,899.00
Canon R5 Features that Matter for the Landscape and Travel Photographer
45MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Up to 8-stop In-Body Image Stabiliser when combined with Optical Image Stabiliser in Canon Lenses.
Supports 2 memory cards:
• 1x SD, SDHC*, SDXC*
• 1x CF express memory card (Type B compatible) *UHS-I & UHS-II cards compatible
Silent shutter
HDR PQ HEIF 10-Bit
5,940 manually selectable AF positions, and up to 1,053 AF frame segments in the AF auto-area selection modes, this means greater flexibility in image composition.
Good Low light shooting capabilities with a Native ISO Range of 100-51200 and AF performance in conditions as low as -6 Ev.
Improved Ergonomics
AF selection is quick and intuitive with the multi-controller, which has 3 levels of sensitivity to choose from.
The EOS R5 also inherits the 3 dials (1 main dial and 2 quick control dials) from the EOS 5D series for quick and convenient operation.
High-Precision EVF
A high resolution electronic viewfinder of approximately 5.76 million dots displays bright and clear images even at f/22, which comes in useful for ultra-telephoto shots.
High Battery Capacity
The new high-capacity LP-E6NH battery features an increased 2130mAh capacity, allowing you to shoot more and do more with the feature-packed EOS R5.
The camera is also compatible with the BG-R10 battery grip that accommodates two battery slots and easier handling for vertical shooting.
Build Quality
A robust magnesium alloy body ensures toughness and durability while remaining relatively light, whereas weather sealing on critical areas help prevent dust and moisture from penetrating the body
Shutter Durability
500,000 cycles.
Wifi and Bluetooth Connectivity
The EOS R5 is equipped with built-in support for 5GHz and 2.4GHz wireless LAN*,
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology enables a constant, low-powered connection between the camera and a paired compatible smart device.This allows for geotagging of images and remote camera operation through the Camera Connect app.
FUJIFILM GFX 100S
Price in India ₹ 5,39,999.00
Price in USA $5,999.99
GFX 100S Features that Matter
Larger than Full Frame 43.8mm x 32.9mm Sensor
102 Mpix Resolution
Accepts Fujifilm G Mount Lenses. G Mount lenses are engineered to match the resolving capability of 100 Mpix Sensors.
Startup Time 0.5 Sec
Max FPS 5.0
Focal Plane Shutter with Shock Absorber rated for 150,000 shutter cycles.
6 Stops of IBIS
Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function combines 16 RAW files to create a single 400MP image that reproduces the finest details with ultimate color accuracy.
With a choice of 19 exclusive FUJIFILM Film Simulation modes, it is easy to achieve fantastic color, instantly, straight out of camera and with a new FIlm Simulation mode to explore – Nostalgic Neg.
In-camera RAW processing provides the option of saving 8-bit or 10-bit color depth images as 8-bit or 16-bit TIFF files. It even has the ability to record a centered 36x24mm image when using a 35mm format lens with a compatible mount adapter.
Storage Media : SD Card (-2GB) / SDHC Card (-32GB) / SDXC Card (-2TB) / UHS-I / UHS-II / Video Speed Class V90*1
Video Recording DCI 4K/4K 30P and Full HD 2048X100 and Full HD 1920X1080 60P
WIFI and Low Energy Bluetooth
USB-C Interface
Operating Temperature -10˚C to 40˚C
Lens suggestions for GFX 100 S
SONY A7R MARK IV
Price in India ₹ 2,99,000.00
Price in the USA $2,998.00
SONY A7R Features That Matter
61.0 MPix full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine
Wide 15-stop dynamic range at low ISO sensitivity
Standard ISO 100–32000 range
Fast Hybrid AF with 567-point focal-plane phase-detection AF and 425-point contrast-detection AF
BATTERY LIFE (STILL IMAGES). - Approx. 530 shots (Viewfinder)/Approx. 670 shots (LCD monitor)
VIEWFINDER TYPE - 5.76-million-dot UXGA OLED Tru-Finder)
MONITOR TYPE -7.5 cm (3.0 in-type) type TFT
IBIS - 5.5 STOPS 5-axis optical in-body image stabilisation.
Dual media slots, both supporting UHS-II SD CARDS
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting supports compositing a picture from 16 pixel-shifted images to output a 240 Mpix Image
Wireless PC Remote function and Image transfer using WiFi
Improved Weather and Dust Resistance
Touch Screen Operations for some functions.
4K Video
NIKON Z7 II
Price in India Rs. 2,49,995.00
Price in USA $2,996.95
Features of the Nikon Z7 II that matter
45.7 Mpix BSI CMOS Sensor without OLPF with the highest DXO Mark rating of 100 (highest for a full frame camera)
High Dynamic Range 12 or 14 bit RAW Files
ISO Range 64 - 25600
Dual Processing Engines
Powerful In Camera Processing for Time Lapse Capture, Multiple Exposures, 900 second long exposures with smartphone triggering, focus stacking with upto 300 focus shifted captures which can be stacked later in computer.
4K Ultra HD video at 60p or Full HD video at uptown 120 p
Accepts Nikon Z Mount lenses natively and F mount lenses with FTZ Adaptor.
3.60 Million Pixel OLED EV
3.2 in TFT Monitor
Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
-3 to +19 EV (-4 to +19 EV with low-light AF) at ISO 100
Operating Temp Range - 0˚C to 40˚ C
Lens Options for Nikon Z7 II
Leica S3
Price in India Rs 16,50,000
Price in the USA $ 19,995
Leica S3 Features that matter
The S3 features the next generation of the Leica ProFormat sensor, now with 64-megapixel resolution.
With dimensions of 30 x 45mm, it offers a light sensitive surface area that is larger by 56% over full frame.
15+ Stops of Dynamic Range
ISO Range from 100 - 50,000.
Leica S3 has all the essential technology for shooting professional video footage in 4K cinema resolution and full-HD.
The Leica S3 is supported by a solid range of Leica S Lenses. 3rd Party Lenses are supported by means of adaptors.
Built to Last
Lens Suggestions for S3
Panasonic LUMIX S1R
Price in India ₹ 2,75,000.00
Price in the USA $3,697.99
S1R features that matter
47.3MP Full-Frame MOS Sensor
Venus Engine Image Processor
5.76m-Dot 0.78x-Magnification OLED LVF
3.2" 2.1m-Dot Triaxial Tilt Touchscreen
UHD 4K60 Video Recording
ISO 100-25600, Up to 9 fps Shooting
Contrast-Detect 225-Area DFD AF System
Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization
Weather-Sealed Construction
187MP High-Res Mode, Dual Card Slots
Excellent choice of lenses to choose from Including Lumix S Lenses, Leica and Sigma L Mount Lenses. Also compatible with Canon EF Mount lenses via Sigma MC-21 Adaptor.
Lens Suggestions for Lumix S1R
The above mentioned cameras by their very nature also lend themselves to other genres of photography such as Product , Fashion and Portrait work in Studio. Of course they can be used for event , wedding and even street photography too but It might just make more sense to use more lighter, faster systems which generate smaller file sizes and have better practical video performance. I will cover these “Professional” or “Workhorse” cameras in another guide.
Canon finally launches the high resolution R5 and here are my initial thoughts
Like many other Canon Camera users I have been waiting with bated breath for the high resolution mirrorless replacement for the 5DS-R to be available. It has been close to 2 years since the launch of the uninspiring EOS R and over 4 years since the launch of the Canon 5D IV.
And finally now in 2020 in the middle of a Pandemic Canon has come out with some good news in the form of the Canon R5 and R6.
I watched the global online launch on the 9th of July and found myself beaming with pride for Canon when the specs were revealed for the R5 and R6 .
Canon R5
45 Megapixel, 8K DCI Movie, 4k DCI 120 FPS
Like many other Canon Camera users I have been waiting with bated breath for the high resolution mirrorless replacement for the 5DS-R to be available. It has been close to 2 years since the launch of the uninspiring EOS R and over 4 years since the launch of the Canon 5D IV.
And finally now in 2020 in the middle of a Pandemic Canon has come out with some good news in the form of the Canon R5 and R6.
I watched the global online launch on the 9th of July and found myself beaming with pride for Canon when the specs were revealed for the R5 and R6 .
The specifications look mighty impressive at first look so let’s have a look at that.
For the R5 The headline specifications and Price at launch being
45MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Up to 8-stop In-Body Image Stabilizer X Optical Image Stabilizer
Up to 20 fps + Animal Detection AF for Photos
8K30 Raw and 4K120 10-Bit Internal Video
5.7 MPIX EVF
Sensor-Shift 5-Axis Image Stabilization
MRP INR 339,995 / USD $3,899
Canon R5
Improved 5D like Ergonomics compared to the EOS R
The R5 is a technological powerhouse. Powered by the latest DIGIC X image processor, the EOS R5 is able to swiftly process large amounts of data to handle high-speed shooting, 8K video and other outstanding achievements possible.
According to Canon it allows for ultra-fast, near-silent burst shooting capabilities of up to 20 fps. AF/AE tracking ensures that your shots are sharp and in focus.
Canon R5
Modern Mirrorless Functionality in a compact package
New for the Canon R5 is HDR PQ HEIF 10-Bit Recording which is supposed to help attain images with more colour and tone detail than conventional JPEG, without the need for post-processing.
HEIF files can be viewed on compatible displays and printed on HDR-compatible printers. They can also be converted easily to HDR-PQ-like JPEG format, either in the camera or on another device, using Digital Photo Professional.
The 8k Video shooting capability brings a bonus feature for photographers .Grab a high resolution still image of approximately 35.4MP from an 8K DCI movie recorded at 30p, which is equivalent to performing continuous shooting at 30 fps.
Canon R5
Equipped with 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz Wifi
USB 3 Data Transfer
Micro HDMI Port for external video capture
Mic and Headphone Jacks
And new for Canon is a new 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser in the EOS R5 that corrects image blur caused by camera shake, allowing for sharper handheld capture, even with a slower shutter speed.
This also works in tandem with the Optical Image Stabiliser in the lens, offering stability equivalent to shooting with a shutter speed up to 8 stops faster, effectively opening up more possibilities for low-light handheld shooting, super-telephoto and long exposure photography.
High-Precision EVF
A high resolution electronic viewfinder of approximately 5.76 million dots displays bright and clear images even at f/22, which comes in useful for ultra-telephoto shots.
It also has an increased display frame rate of approx 120 fps for faster response time to accommodate burst shooting.
The R5 is also equipped with a 3.2 in flip out screen which makes it easy for shooting self portraits and video recording.
Dual Card Slots
1. CF EXPRESS
2. SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual Card Slots
The EOS R5 doubles your memory capacity with dual card slots that fit one SD card* and one CFexpress (Type B) card, which is especially necessary when performing 8K recording or high-speed burst shooting.
*SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Samples of Images shot on R5 from Canon
My Thoughts
These are my initial thoughts from being a long time canon user (over 20 years) , having used all versions of the 5D from the original to the 5D IV and having watched the launch event, watched and read several YouTube Videos and blogs from those who have used the pre production camera are as follows.
With the launch of the Canon R5 Canon is now broadly technologically on Par with the likes of Sony, Leica, Panasonic and Nikon. All of the tech and features listed above means that Canon users are no longer left short changed in the features department.
With respect to video the 8K DCI 30 FPS and 4K 120 FPS allows hybrid shooters to access high end tech in a compact body.But what remains to be seen is how well the R5 is going to be able to handle the overheating issues form the 8K and 4K operation and whether filmmakers will be able to take advantage of the tech in meaningful ways. I am going to hold my opinion on this till I see the results of further tests by filmmakers.
Canon has been very silent regarding the Dynamic Range and overall image quality of the files files from the R5. As a photographer who primarily shoots Travel, Landscape and Fine Art Images this is an area of utmost importance for me. I hope to get my hands on a demo camera and do some real world testing and then make up my mind about the camera.
To summarise I feel Canon is finally moving in the direction required by users. I hope this camera really is what it promises to be.