Choosing a Camera for Landscape Photography

Buying a camera can be overwhelming, but the process should be fun and not just a leap of faith. First, choose among the three tiers of cameras: point-and-shoot, entry level digital SLR (digital single-lens reflex: the bigger cameras with separate lenses) and professional grade digital SLR. Then do some research based on your price range and specifications. Here is what you need to know:
 

Point-and-Shoot: The Classic Entry-Level Digital Camera

Point-and-shoots are about the size of a notecard with an attached zoom lens and mostly automatic features (hence the name). Don’t be fooled, camera technology has advanced considerably and these cameras capture solid images, are easy-to-use, and cheap.

The point-and-shoot has experienced a megapixel renaissance, but the reality of the compact size is that the sensor and lens have to be small and they don't perform as well as bigger cameras in terms of capturing detail, sharpness, and subtle variations in light. If you want really good photographs, a point-and-shoot will likely suffice. If you want professional grade photographs, consider a digital SLR. When making prints, an average point-and-shoot should produce approximately a 12”x 18” print without a significant drop-off in quality. 

Pros: cheap, easy to use, lightweight, improved image quality
Cons: mostly automated, unable to make large prints 
Common Models: Nikon Coolpix, Canon PowerShot, Sony Cyber-Shot
Things to Remember: Don’t be overwhelmed by features—focus on fundamentals like megapixels, zoom, battery life, cost, and reputation
Price Range: $70-$425
Recommendations: The Nikon CoolPix series is strong top to bottom. The Canon PowerShot S100 may be the best point-and-shoot on the market (from $425)
 

Digital SLR’s (DX Format)

Digital SLRs—bigger camera bodies with separate lenses—take professional grade images and foster the greatest photographic expression. Cameras of this type have considerably larger sensors than do point-and-shoots and capture fantastic detail and color. They also operate with less automation, allowing for adjustments in shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, among others (some point-and-shoots offer variations of these adjustments but it's not the same).

The downside of the digital SLR comes with a higher price tag and increased size and weight. These cameras are considerably bulkier than a point-and-shoot and you will need at least one lens and a camera bag to protect your gear. You will also be carrying a much higher dollar value in your backpack.

On the whole, the image quality produced by the digital SLR is substantially better than the point-and-shoot and generally worth the extra bulk (consider it a form of cross-training). These photographs can be enlarged and hung on the wall for a lifetime.

Pros: less automation (more room for creativity), professional grade image quality, great for large prints
Cons: less automation (more room for user error), size and weight, expense
Common Models: Nikon D5100, D300, Canon EOS 50D, EOS Rebel XSi
Things to Remember: Get to know the camera before your trip by reading the manual and going out for some test shoots. Many digital SLR’s have automated settings such as ‘landscape’ and ‘portrait’ but you will want a baseline of familiarity
Price Range: The most basic digital SLR camera/lens kits start at around $500 but expect to spend $1,000 and up for a high quality set-up
Recommendations: The Nikon D5100 with the Nikon 18-200mm VR II lens (starting at $1,600 for the pair). No other set-up produces such high quality images with one lens, suitable for everything from grand landscapes to wildlife close-ups
 

Professional Digital SLR’s (FX Format or Full Frame)

The critical distinction between entry-level and professional digital SLRs is the jump from DX to FX, or full-frame. DX images equate to 24 x 16 mm, while professional digital SLRs have extra large sensors and take full-frame images equivalent to 36 x 24 mm.

In the image to the right, the inner box represents a DX photograph and the outer box is an FX photograph. The difference is rather astounding: full-frame images contain substantially more visual information.

Full-frame cameras (FX) are phenomenal, the best of the best, and if you can afford one it will not disappoint. There are few deals in the FX market and lenses are particularly pricey—the extra large sensors require extremely precise (and therefore expensive) glass.

There are only a handful of FX camera models, including the newly released Nikon D800 and Canon 5D Mark III. Other options include the Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon D3X, D3 and D700. Prior to 2012, the runaway camera choice for professional landscape photographers was the Canon Mark 5D II. The Mark II captured the highest quality images and was considerably cheaper than the Nikon D3 or D3X.  In early 2012 the picture changed considerably: Canon released the $3,500 Canon Mark 5D III without any monumental changes and Nikon came out with the $3,000 36.3 megapixel D800. Now the tides have changed—the Nikon D800 is now clearly the world's best DSLR for outdoor, landscape, and many other kinds of photography.

Pros: exceptional image quality (the best), high resolution prints of almost any size
Cons: expense, higher learning curve, size and weight
Common Models: Nikon D800, Canon 5D Mark III and Mark II, Nikon D3X, D3 and D700
Things to Remember: With an FX camera you must be prepared to invest in FX lenses (some Nikon DX lenses are compatable but the images are automatically cropped). It may be a better choice to start with a DX camera and work your way up
Price Range: For a Nikon D800 with lenses expect to spend $5,000 and up. A Canon 5D Mark III with a few good lenses will cost $6,000 and up. 
Recommendations: Nikon D800 ($3,000) with a Carl Zeiss 21mm lens ($1,900), a mid-range zoom of your choice, and a Nikkor 70-200mm lens ($2,400)