Which Camera to Start Landscape Photography?
Tips on Essential Camera Features for Great Outdoor Digital Shots
Jan 21, 2009
It’s mainly a question of control over the process of capturing images. A camera phone or a simple compact digital camera can give wonderful pictures, as a browse through websites like Flikr or even some prestigious photo competitions shows.
But it will not provide much control over tricky exposure situations where there are wide ranges of brightness, or over the speed of the shot or which parts of the scene are pin sharp and which parts are deliberately blurred. Beyond some of the basic lessons of composition, its potential for developing photographic skills is limited.
At the other extreme are medium and large format cameras. While many of the world’s top landscape photographers would use nothing else, these cameras are sophisticated and expensive. Beginners would find the learning curve extremely steep and they would struggle to get full value from a large investment.
Essential Camera Features
Between the simplest and the most demanding cameras lies a vast choice. Leaving aside features that have become more or less standard, here are some perhaps less obvious but key considerations for beginning and intermediate level buyers who want to be sure they can handle what they buy while keeping open some options and room for growth.
- File format: the camera’s ability to record images as RAW files is an essential feature to look for. By comparison the more commonly used jpeg format files are far more limiting during post-capture processing, and adding the final touch that can make the difference between a good shot and an outstanding one.
- Filters: not all filter effects can be added with software after the shoot. A set of two or three graduated neutral density filters remains a basic accessory, and the camera and its lenses should be capable of mounting them.
- Compatibility and expandability: lenses and other accessories made by third party companies are almost always compatible with Nikon and Canon camera systems, but not necessarily with their competitors. When considering other manufacturers it is worth checking what expansion options are available.
- Pixel count: more pixels make possible larger printed images, and give more flexibility for cropping without ending up with an image that is too small to use effectively. At a print density of 240 dots per inch, a 6 megapixel camera is good for 8 x 10 inch or A4 prints, and a 15 megapixel camera for 13 x 19 inches or A3+.
- Sensor size: the physical sizes of cameras’ sensors vary, and larger ones tend to give better quality results. Those looking at the higher end of the market should consider a “full frame” sensor, which is the same size as a 35 mm film.
- Image stabilization: though it is best to use a tripod for landscape shots, cameras or lenses with image stabilization capabilities allow hand-held shots to be taken at lower shutter speeds without showing signs of camera shake.
- Speed of image capture: landscapes are not always static, and catching a breaking wave or windblown grass at the right instant can be crucial. Digital cameras’ response times vary, both for single images and for a rapid sequence of shots.
Budgeting for Digital Camera Equipment
Then there are some features that might seem important but should probably have the lowest priority for landscape photographs:
- Size and weight: special photographs usually require special, planned trips where the size and weight of the essential equipment is at most a minor issue.
- Live view: pictures are best composed with an eye pressed up to a traditional viewfinder rather than on a two-inch LCD screen.
- Built-in flash: it is not likely to be useful for landscapes. Those who are serious about night-time photography will want to consider a separate flash system.
Finally, of course, there is the price. Each person’s budget is personal matter. But as one more word of caution, that budget should cover not only the camera but also items like camera bags, filters, tripods and cable releases, most of which cost non-trivial amounts. A dream camera will not be much good without them.
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