10 Best Affordable Camera for Landscape Photography in 2023

The best affordable camera for landscape photography should have a decent sensor. You want image resolution that meets the demands of landscape photography. Many guides tell you only very high-resolution cameras are good enough. And they direct you to cameras with eye-watering prices. But your options don’t have to break the bank!

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is our choice as the best affordable camera for landscape photography. It produces excellent images that bring out the best of your landscapes. It has helpful photography features for beginners. And it nails the affordability brief.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Affordable Camera For Landscape Photography

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Pentax K-70

The Best Affordable Camera for Landscape Photography

Our list of affordable cameras for landscape includes cameras of all types. We have DSLR and mirrorless cameras. And we have bridge and compact cameras. They all meet the demands of landscape photography. And they all have an affordable price tag.

Here is a quick overview before we dive deeper into each camera. If you want more info about what to look for in a landscape photography camera, skip to the bottom section.

Our Top Choice

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D

Excellent image quality from the 24.1 MP sensor
Vibrant colors and impressive dynamic range
Very strong low-light performance

Best Micro Four Thirds

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Excellent image quality, colors, and dynamic range
Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
Advanced AF system for capturing movement

Best All-Weather DSLR

Pentax K-70

Wide ISO range and excellent low-light performance
Shake-reduction system built-in
Rugged and thoroughly weather-sealed body

Best APS-C Mirrorless

Sony a6100

Outstanding image quality with vibrant colors
Class-leading AF system that's great for wildlife as well
Compact and lightweight mirrorless body

Best Compact Choice

Panasonic DC-ZS70 / DC-TZ90

Impressive image quality for a cheap compact
30x zoom range from the fixed Leica lens
Dual optical and sensor-shift image stabilization

Best for Beginners

Nikon D3500

Guide modes for absolute beginners
Excellent image quality with rich colors and details
Wide ISO range for low-light photography

Best or Enthusiasts

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Built-in 5-axis image stabilization for sharper photos
Incredible 50 MP images with High Res mode
Brilliant hybrid features including 4K video recording

Best Bridge Camera

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 II

Lovely optical quality throughout the 16x zoom range
Optical image stabilization for sharper images
Excellent video features

Best Full Frame

Canon EOS RP

Outstanding image quality from the 26 MP sensor
Wide dynamic range from the full frame sensor
Reliable image stabilization for more exposure control

Most Powerful Zoom

Canon PowerShot SX70 HS

21mm wide-angle focal length for broad landscapes
Incredible 65x zoom range
4K time-lapse feature built-in

1. Canon EOS Rebel T7

Camera Type	Camera Type DSLR
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.1 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 9
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 6,400
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights Fantastic image quality and very budget-friendly

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The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a fantastic DSLR camera at a fabulous price. It’s not the most recent release in the Canon EOS Rebel range. But it’s an excellent beginner landscape photography camera. It’s one of the most accessible DSLR cameras. And it has a good array of features too.

Good image quality is what you want for landscape photography. And the 24.1 MP Rebel T7 won’t disappoint. The vibrant colors and the dynamic range are impressive for a camera at this level. And the ISO range gives you plenty to play with, going from 100 to 12,800 ISO.

The optical viewfinder makes composition easy. The vari-angle LCD screen is a handy feature. And the battery life is very good. Plus, you have built-in wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That makes transferring and sharing images a simple process.

But there are a few downsides. The continuous shooting speed is very slow at 3 fps. The video quality is limited to Full HD. And the autofocus is limited, with only nine focus points. But that all won’t matter if you stick to landscapes.

You can buy the newer Canon EOS Rebel T8i with a bigger budget. But the downsides of the Rebel T7 won’t get in the way of your landscape photography.

2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 121
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 200
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 6,400
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights Compact mirrorless body and built-in stabilization for handheld photography

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A Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor is smaller than an APS-C and full frame sensor. That might not sound ideal for landscapes. But MFT cameras are compact, powerful, and full of features. Olympus is a specialist in MFT cameras. And the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV makes it to the top of our list of the best affordable cameras for landscape.

The Micro Four Thirds camera gives you an image resolution of 20 MP. That doesn’t sound like much. But you still get stunning image quality. The color rendition and dynamic range are excellent. The ISO range starts at 100, which is ideal for landscapes. And you can raise it to 25,600 in manual mode if you’re in low light.

Image stabilization is a handy feature for capturing landscape photos. And this camera uses a five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system. It reduces camera shake, giving you more options for shooting handheld. You won’t need a tripod on your next landscape expedition.

The autofocus system is excellent. It uses 121 focus points and has face detection and subject tracking. You get a continuous shooting speed of 15 fps. And you have 4K video quality.

The lack of weather sealing is a downside. But the fantastic camera features make the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV a versatile machine. So it’s one of the best cameras for landscape photography if you’re on a budget.

3. Pentax K-70

Camera Type	Camera Type DSLR
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 11
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 102,400
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights Excellent image quality, shake-reduction system, and weather-resistant body

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The Pentax K-70 is ideal for shooting landscape photos. It’s a rugged DSLR camera built on Pentax’s reputation for durable cameras. It’s a popular entry-level camera in the landscape photography world. And it combines performance, toughness, and an affordable price.

The Pentax K-70 is completely weather-sealed. That means you can shoot landscapes rain or snow down to 14 F (-10 C). You can’t control the weather. But the K-70’s weather-resistant body means it’s no longer a concern.

The performance inside the body is also excellent. The APS-C sensor gives you a resolution of 24.2 MP. That’s far better than any smartphone camera. And the dynamic range is outstanding for a camera at this level.

You also get an impressive ISO range, starting at 100, with a top limit of 204,800. That makes it one of the best cameras for landscape and night photography.

The shake-reduction system is another handy feature for landscape photographers. It doesn’t offer the same shake reduction as a sensor-shift system. But it does improve quality when shooting handheld.

The lack of 4K video will put off video makers. But all the features combine to make a fantastic camera for landscape photography. The Pentax K-70 offers excellent value for money with a kit lens included (18-135mm or 18-55mm).

4. Sony a6100

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 32,000
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights Vibrant, detailed images with a wide dynamic range and excellent AF for wildlife

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The Sony a6100 is an older model in the Sony Alpha series. But it remains a high-quality camera. And its age means it’s more of a budget camera for landscape photography. Sony mirrorless cameras are considered some of the best. And the a6100 is the best mirrorless camera for landscape photography if you’re on a budget.

The Sony a6100 offers excellent image quality. The APS-C sensor gives you a 24.2 MP count. So your landscape shots will be vibrant with an outstanding dynamic range. And it’s good enough for enlargement and print media.

The camera offers a good set of ISO settings. ISO 100 is ideal for daylight landscapes. But you can take it up to 51,200 for dawn and dusk shots.

The autofocus system is a leader in its class. It has 425 contrast- and phase-detection points for tracking subjects. And it has eye detection for humans and animals. That’s a bonus if you want to try wildlife photography too. And the 11 fps burst mode helps you capture animals in motion.

The Sony a6100 is an interchangeable lens camera. And you can buy it with excellent kit lenses. Plus, it has a small, lightweight camera body that’s easy to transport. So it’s an excellent choice for a traveling landscape photographer.

5. Panasonic DC-ZS70

Camera Type	Camera Type Compact
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1/2.3”
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 49
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 80
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 3,200
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights 30x zoom with dual image stabilization

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The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K is the best compact camera for landscape photography. It’s a powerful camera with excellent features. And it’s small enough to put in a backpack pocket. It’s an impressive, cheap compact that gives you plenty of bang for your buck!

The DC-ZS70K only has a 1/2.3-inch camera sensor. But it gives you an impressive 20.3 MP resolution. And the fixed lens enhances image quality for landscapes. It’s a Leica lens, so you can’t fault the quality. And it also gives you an incredible focal length range, with 30x zoom capabilities.

Image stabilization isn’t common in compact cameras. But the DC-ZS70K combines optical and sensor-shift stabilization. That ensures sharp images without a tripod.

The other camera features are excellent too. The Lumix 4K Photo mode also gives you a 30 fps burst rate. The electronic viewfinder and LCD screen are bright and detailed. And you can record amazing 4K videos. It’s a versatile camera. And we think it’s excellent for landscape photography.

6. Nikon D3500

Camera Type	Camera Type DSLR
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 11
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25,600
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights Guide mode for beginners, excellent image quality, and good high-ISO performance

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The Nikon D3500 is one of the best entry-level DSLR cameras. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to start photography. And it has the features and performance for new landscape photographers. It’s an affordable DSLR that won’t let you down.

A Nikon DSLR camera is a great place to start with photography. And the 24.2 MP resolution gives you excellent image quality. It’s a big jump from smartphone photography. And it will fuel your enthusiasm for landscape photography.

The D3500 has a solid ISO range, starting at 100, with a top-level setting of 25,600. That means you can try low-light photography when the sun goes down. There’s a good selection of auto and semi-auto modes. And there are built-in guides for absolute beginners.

The Nikon D3500 comes with an excellent kit lens. But it also allows you to expand your horizons with other Nikon DLSR lenses. It’s compatible with all Nikon F-mount lenses, so you have hundreds to choose from.

You have a high-quality optical viewfinder. The autofocus is primitive, but it’s reliable. And the battery life is excellent. The D3500 isn’t a camera for video makers. So there’s no 4K, only full HD. But it’s the perfect DSLR camera for a budding landscape photographer.

7. Olympus OM-D E-M5 III

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 121
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 200
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 6,400
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights Powerful 50 MP High Res mode, image stabilization, and a weather-sealed body

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We’ve included another Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus. They’re fabulous mirrorless cameras for landscape photography. That is because they’re compact and lightweight. And they have excellent features for this type of photography. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III may stretch your budget. But it’s a quality camera for landscape photographers.

This mirrorless camera has an image resolution of 20 MP. That’s powerful for an MFT sensor. And you can expect detailed images with fantastic quality. But if 20 MP isn’t enough, you have a High Res Shot mode. You need a tripod for this. But it gives you incredible 50 MP photos. That’s perfect for landscape photography.

But don’t worry if you left your tripod at home. The camera has built-in image stabilization. It reduces camera shake when shooting handheld. And that allows you to use slower shutter speeds without blurring your images.

The autofocus is another highlight. It uses 121 focus points for locking and tracking subjects. And you have a continuous shooting speed of 30 fps. So you won’t miss a thing on your next outing. Plus, the body is completely weather-sealed for outdoor photography.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III isn’t the cheapest on the list. But it’s one of the best cameras for landscape photography.

8. Panasonic FZ1000 II

Camera Type	Camera Type Bridge
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1"
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 49
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 125
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12,800
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights Quality wide Leica lens with 16x zoom and optical stabilization

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The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II is a bridge camera. That’s a cross between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR camera. They’re excellent for beginners. And the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II is ideal for casual landscape photographers. It may be an entry-level camera. But it has advanced features for superior quality photos.

This bridge camera only has a one-inch sensor. But it’s powerful, giving you detailed images with a 20.1 MP resolution. That’s enough for some stunning landscape shots. Plus, the FZ1000 II is a hybrid camera. So it gives you fantastic 4K video recording.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II has a fixed Leica lens. When you see the name Leica you know the lens quality isn’t in question. With a large focal length range, it’s ideal for taking landscape photos. You have a wide angle of 25 mm that expands to 400 mm. That’s a 16x zoom range to frame a landscape to your liking.

Things can get shaky at that kind of focal length. But the camera keeps things steady with the optical image stabilizer. And it combines that with a sensor-shift system for extra shake reduction. The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II guarantees sharp images. And that makes it one of the best cameras for landscape photographers.

9. Canon EOS RP

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Megapixels	Megapixels 26 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 4,779
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 40,000
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights Full frame sensor with a fantastic dynamic range and weather-sealed body

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Full frame mirrorless cameras are excellent for landscape photos. But these cameras don’t come cheap. The Canon EOS RP is one of the most affordable full frame cameras you’ll find. It may stretch your budget. But it makes our list of the best affordable cameras for landscape photography.

The full frame sensor gives you a resolution of 26.2 MP. That’s not record-breaking for a full frame camera. But you’ll be impressed with the image quality. And it’s not just about how many megapixels the sensor has. The larger pixel size means you have an improved dynamic range. That’s ideal for more complex landscape photos.

The autofocus system is excellent. Its LCD screen allows touch-and-drag focusing. And it has optical stabilization to keep your images sharp. As a bonus, filmmakers will enjoy the 4K video options.

The Canon EOS RP is your best budget option if you want a full frame mirrorless camera. Its performance is excellent. And landscape photographers will be pleased with the weather-sealed body. It will let you snap some eye-catching landscape shots.

10. Canon PowerShot SX70

Camera Type	Camera Type Bridge
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1/2.3”
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 9
Minimum ISO (Native)	Minimum ISO (Native) 100
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 3,200
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing
Camera Highlights	Camera Highlights A 21mm wide-angle focal length and incredible 65x zoom range

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The final entry on our list is another affordable bridge camera. Bridge cameras are excellent options for beginners and casual photographers. And the PowerShot SX70 has all the features to be one of the best cameras for landscape photography.

The sensor might be small, but you get fantastic image quality. 20.1 MP is impressive from a 1/2.3″ sensor. And the Digic 8 image processor gets the most out of every pixel. And that goes for video mode too. Bridge cameras aren’t known as hybrid machines. But the PowerShot SX70 gives you lovely 4K video.

The fixed lens is fantastic. It gives you a 65x zoom range, meaning nothing is too far. And you have a 21mm wide-angle focal length for stunning landscapes. The optical quality is excellent. And it has optical stabilization to keep your photos crisp.

The electronic viewfinder is bright and accurate. And the LCD screen flips out and rotates for ease of use. The camera can double as a webcam with the EOS Utility app. And you have Wi-Fi connectivity. The Canon PowerShot SX70 has more than you might expect. And the price makes it one of the best affordable cameras for landscape photography.

What to Look For in a Camera for Landscape Photography

When you set out for landscape photography, your camera must be up for the job. Landscape photography has a unique set of demands. And not every camera works well for landscapes. Here are four specs to look for in the best affordable camera for landscape photography.

1. Image Quality

Image quality is the key to good landscape photography. You want to show beautiful landscapes in all their glory. But you lose a landscape’s natural beauty if the camera doesn’t produce high-quality images. And your landscape photos may end up flat and uninspiring.

The camera sensor’s megapixel (MP) count plays a large part in image quality. A higher MP count usually means better image quality. But also be aware of the size of the sensor. Some MP counts might look low. But they can still produce excellent images on a smaller sensor.

Medium format cameras have large sensors. Medium format sensors are bigger than APS-C and full frame ones. They are excellent cameras for landscape photography. And professionals love the incredible images they produce. But medium format cameras don’t fit with the affordable theme of this post. Our list of best cameras for landscape photography includes some of these options.

Landscape with small lake in the foreground and rolling hills in the background — © Ales Krivec (Unsplash.com)

2. ISO Settings

ISO also plays a part in the quality of your images. Landscape photographers like to use lower ISO settings. It ensures you get the best details in shadows and highlights. And you get the least amount of noise. 100 ISO is excellent if you have it. But anything lower is even better.

3. Image Stabilization

Image stabilization systems use toused a feature of only high-end cameras. They were a luxury rarely found in more affordable cameras. But now we see it in affordable cameras too.

Image stabilization can be optical or sensor-shift. Both types counteract camera shake, reducing motion blur in your images. That allows you to use slower shutter speeds. And it helps you when shooting landscapes without a tripod.

4. Environmental and Weather Sealing

99% of landscape photography is shot outdoors. And landscape photography cameras sometimes need to withstand harsh weather conditions. Environmental sealing means the camera is resistant to dust and humidity. But a weather-sealed camera is ideal. It can take wind and rain, so you don’t have to pack up when the sky opens.

Conclusion

We hope this list shows you can master landscape photography on a budget. There are plenty of fantastic cameras for landscape photography. And you can pick the best budget-friendly option. You don’t need to re-mortgage your house to finance good landscape photography!

There’s a good selection of mirrorless, DSLR, bridge, and compact cameras. It depends on what your needs and preferences are. Landscape photography is for everyone, no matter what your skill level or budget.

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is the best affordable camera for landscape photography. It’s an excellent entry-level DSLR. It’s affordable. And the results will fuel your enthusiasm for shooting landscapes.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Affordable Camera For Landscape Photography

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Pentax K-70