Outdoor photography covers many different niches in the photography space.
Whether capturing landscapes or wildlife, sports or scenic portraits, the great outdoors can provide excellent subjects and backdrops.
Outdoor photography offers endless creative opportunities and to embark on this creative journey, finding the best camera is crucial.
The ideal camera for outdoor photography combines features like weather sealing, high-resolution image quality, fast autofocus and excellent low light performance.
By selecting the right camera, you can unlock your full creative potential and capture stunning images that showcase the wonders of the great outdoors.
If you are working within a particular niche of outdoor photography, you may have different requirements and preferences for a camera.
However, if you are a beginner in search of your first camera or looking for a great all rounder, I’ve got you.
Recently, I was looking into a camera that could cover all bases of outdoor photography.
One that performs well and captures stunning images in any outdoor environment.
Whilst I found the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 to be the best camera for outdoor photography overall, I did narrow it down to five impressive contenders.
If you’re looking to find the best camera for you, below you’ll find reviews on all five.
These cameras are all unique and impressive in their own ways.
There is no doubt one will fit your priorities.
And if you’re unsure of what your priorities are, read on to find out what your top considerations should be.
Best Camera for Outdoor Photography – Reviews
If you’re looking for the best camera for outdoor photography, you will find it here.
Here we have five of the best cameras on the market for outdoor photography.
No camera is one size fits all and that’s why we have five to choose from.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 – Best Camera for Outdoor Photography Overall
The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is a standout choice as the best camera for outdoor photography.
For me it was the best camera overall for outdoor photography so let’s dive into why.
This camera offers an impressive range of features that elevate your shooting experience.
For starters, it has an exceptional battery life, great burst mode and also boasts 4K video capabilities.
The FZ300’s lightweight design makes it highly portable, perfect for photographers on the move and exploring the outdoors.
Its low light performance is great, thanks to a high quality sensor and advanced noise reduction technology.
This allows you to capture sharp and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions.
However, when set at high ISO, it can struggle with image noise.
The camera’s fast and accurate autofocus system ensures you never miss a crucial moment.
Plus, the adjustable shutter speed and aperture settings give you full control over your creative vision.
Additionally, the Lumix FZ300 is weather sealed providing protection against the elements.
This makes it a reliable companion for outdoor photography in various environments.
With all this considered, the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 took my top spot for best camera for outdoor photography.
I continue to enjoy using this camera on outdoor adventures.
Camera Sensor & Resolution
Features a 12.1 megapixel crop sensor. It captures incredible quality imagery for a crop sensor camera of this size and price point.
Auto Focus
The FZ300 features three different autofocus modes that are useful in different situations. It works fast and accurately to provide crisp, clear and detailed shots with a dedicated autofocus system also for video.
Low Light Performance
Great low light performance allowing you to shoot in different lighting conditions. However, it can struggle a bit at high ISO with image noise.
Shutter Speed
Top shutter speed of 1/16000 allowing you to capture moving subjects without blur.
Aperture
Maximum aperture of f/2.8.
Weather Sealing
Features splash proof and dust proof weather sealing with extra seals to prevent any failures to this sealing. A great option for shooting outdoors in unexpected weather conditions.
“The Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 truly blew me away with its stunning capabilities for shooting outdoors.”
Canon EOS 80D – Best Camera for Outdoor Photography For Low Light Performance
The Canon EOS 80D is a remarkable choice for outdoor photography.
Offering a range of features that enhance your outdoor photography, this camera is a gamechanger.
With a decent aperture range and shutter speed, this camera provides versatility in capturing the perfect outdoor shots.
Whether you’re freezing action or creating a beautiful depth of field, this camera will certainly perform.
Whilst I did test the weather sealing to its full potential, I believe it to be average.
However, the EOS 80D compensates with exceptional low light performance.
Its advanced sensor technology delivers stunning image quality even in challenging lighting conditions ensuring your outdoor shots are vibrant and full of detail.
The camera’s autofocus system is highly responsive and accurate allowing you to quickly and precisely capture in focus.
Whether you’re photographing wildlife, sports, or other dynamic scenes, the EOS 80D keeps up with the action.
Although it features a crop sensor, I found that the EOS 80D still delivered impressive image quality.
However, it’s important to note that the camera is slightly on the heavier side making it a more substantial piece of equipment to carry on your outdoor adventures.
Overall, the Canon EOS 80D is an excellent choice for outdoor photography.
Its reliability and image quality make it a top contender for capturing the beauty of the great outdoors.
Camera Sensor & Resolution
Exceptional 24.2 megapixel crop sensor which captures beautiful images. However, for a crop sensor, this camera is pretty large and bulky.
Auto Focus
45 point autofocus allowing you to focus on pretty much anything in the scene.
Low Light Performance
Great low light performer. With great camera resolution, decent shutter speed and an ISO range of 100-16000 that works well even at high ISO, this camera is a top choice for low light performance.
Shutter Speed
Maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 which is great for shooting moving subjects.
Aperture
Maximum aperture of f/3.5 which is not the best performing of the five but one of the best you can find.
Weather Sealing
Does feature weather sealing but is basic compared to higher end models.
“If I was looking for camera solely based on low light performance, the Canon EOS 80D would be one of my top two choices.”
Nikon D7100 – Best Camera for Outdoor Photography For Aperture
The Nikon D7100 is the perfect companion for outdoor photography enthusiasts seeking a camera that excels in all lighting conditions.
In challenging lighting situations, the D7100 shines with exceptional low light performance.
Its high ISO range and noise reduction capabilities result in clean and detailed images.
With its advanced autofocus system, the D7100 has quick and precise subject tracking.
It continues to work well even in extremely dim light.
The camera’s wide aperture options give you creative control over depth of field.
With its robust build and weather resistance, the D7100 withstands outdoor shooting.
Dust and moisture sealing provide peace of mind, enabling you to explore and capture in various weather conditions.
Additionally, the D7100 features a built-in time-lapse option opening up creative possibilities.
However, a downfall is its weight as it is extremely heavy.
But if you can deal with the weight, this camera is an exceptional choice.
Camera Sensor & Resolution
Features a 24.1 megapixel crop sensor that captures beautiful images.
Auto Focus
Fantastic autofocus that works exceptionally well especially in live view. Has 51 focus points for crystal, clear images.
Low Light Performance
Outstanding low light performance. Autofocus continues to focus even in dim conditions, it performs well up to ISO 1600 and has a great aperture range.
Shutter Speed
Maximum of 1/8000.
Aperture
Maximum of f/1.4 which is the best for optimizing image quality.
Weather Sealing
The D7100 is weather sealed to protect against dust and moisture.
“I was incredibly impressed with the Nikon D7100 cameras aperture. At f/1.4, the aperture helps the camera perform exceptionally even in low lighting conditions.”
Nikon D500 – Best Camera for Outdoor Photography For Autofocus
The Nikon D500 is a powerhouse camera designed for outdoor photography.
Packed with features that elevate your shooting experience to a new level, you can tell it was created to shoot action and wildlife.
What really highlights this is its autofocus.
The camera’s outstanding autofocus system ensures precise and fast subject tracking.
Whilst many cameras have great autofocus, I felt this was next level and was truly impressed.
The D500 also has great low light performance.
This allows you to capture stunning images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Its maximum aperture capabilities are poor in comparison to the other four cameras.
However, it still works well to produce beautifully focused images.
Not stopping at stills, the D500 also boasts impressive 4K video capabilities.
But it’s important to note that the D500’s battery life is relatively poor.
With its remarkable low light performance and outstanding autofocus, the Nikon D500 is the perfect tool for outdoor photographers.
Camera Sensor & Resolution
20.9 megapixel crop sensor. When shooting video in 4K, the frame is cropped even further which is a downfall of this camera.
Auto Focus
This camera’s autofocus is simply out of this world. It is without a doubt the fastest and most accurate of all five cameras.
Low Light Performance
Excellent low light performance that captures stunning images in all lighting conditions. Autofocus continues to excel in difficult conditions.
Shutter Speed
Maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 which is about average.
Aperture
Only supports a maximum aperture of f/8 which is considerably lower than the other cameras.
Weather Sealing
Impressive weather sealing that can withstand any outdoor sports.
“Honestly, I could not believe the power of the Nikon D500 camera’s autofocus system. Simply outstanding!”
Canon EOS M50 – Best Camera for Outdoor Photography For Affordability
Another fantastic choice for outdoor photography is the Canon EOS M50.
With a compact and lightweight design, it is easy to take with you without compromising on image quality.
With its high resolution sensor, the M50 delivers stunning detail and sharpness in your outdoor images.
In challenging lighting conditions, the M50 performs admirably with great low light performance ensuring you can confidently shoot in various outdoor environments.
However, its autofocus system lacks reliability which is a major downfall.
It can focus well on still subjects but struggles with motion and is pretty unusable for video.
It’s also important to note that the M50 lacks weather sealing so caution should be taken when using outdoors in diverse weather conditions.
Camera Sensor & Resolution
24 megapixel crop sensor that performs admirably.
Auto Focus
Sadly I found the autofocus to be unreliable. It is more consistent when shooting stills but extremely poor when shooting video.
Low Light Performance
Great low light performance that even performs well. Produces great results even at the highest ISOs. The poor autofocus lets the performance down slightly but has minimal impact.
Shutter Speed
Maximum of up to 1/4000s. This is the second best of all five cameras.
Aperture
Maximum of f/3.5 which is about average.
Weather Sealing
This camera does not have weather sealing.
“I found you need to compromise in some areas with the Canon EOS M50 but they are worthwhile for the budget-friendly price tag.”
How to Buy the Best Camera for Outdoor Photography
Depending on your niche of outdoor photography ultimately determines exactly what you look for in a camera.
However, if you are looking for a great all-rounder, these features should be your top priorities.
Camera Sensor and Resolution
The camera sensor and its resolution plays a crucial role in the decision-making process when purchasing any camera but particularly for outdoor photography.
Whether you’re capturing breathtaking views while hiking or taking portraits with a scenic backdrop, a full frame sensor proves to be exceptionally effective.
While they may come at a higher cost, they prove to be extremely beneficial, particularly to professionals.
For many professional photographers, myself included, a full frame sensor remains the top choice.
They are particularly important if you plan to print as they provide higher quality imagery.
However, full frame sensors are bulky and heavy which are not always convenient for outdoor photography.
If your outdoor photography involves a lot of remote locations or hiking to find the perfect spot, it may not be the best option.
Crop sensor cameras are typically more lightweight and therefore easier to carry about.
Camera manufacturers have been pushing the boundaries of crop sensor cameras delivering impressive performance wrapped in a lightweight and affordable package.
With advancements in technology, smaller sensor cameras have become capable of delivering professional-level shots.
These provide a great alternative for those seeking a lightweight and budget-friendly solution.
Auto Focus
A great performing autofocus system is crucial for outdoor photography.
Whether capturing wildlife, sports or action shots, having a reliable autofocus ensures that subjects are sharply focused, even in challenging conditions and at high speed.
It allows you to quickly track and capture moving subjects with precision resulting in crisp and detailed images.
A dependable autofocus system eliminates the need for manual focus adjustments.
This allows you as a photographer to focus on capturing the essence of the outdoor scene.
Low Light Performance
Low light performance is essential for outdoor photography as many captivating moments occur during twilight, golden hour or at night.
Weather can also be unpredictable and there is no guarantee of weather or lighting conditions from one moment to the next.
The ability to capture high quality images in low light situations ensures that you can still capture the atmosphere and intricate details of the scene.
A camera with excellent low light performance allows photographers to explore and capture the beauty of outdoor environments even in challenging lighting conditions.
Shutter Speed
When it comes to outdoor photography, shutter speed plays an important role, especially when capturing moving subjects.
In wildlife photography, where animals and other species are constantly on the move, having a camera with a fast shutter speed is essential.
Shutter speed refers to the speed at which the camera’s shutter opens and closes to capture an image.
Shutter speed is invaluable when shooting subjects in motion or capturing images while on the move.
To get the perfect shot, increasing the shutter speed becomes necessary.
By understanding the role of shutter speed in outdoor photography, you can freeze motion and immortalize outdoor situations.
Aperture
Understanding aperture is crucial for outdoor photography, particularly when shooting portraits or macro photography.
Aperture determines how far or close a background appears relative to the subject and plays a key role in capturing stunning, focused images.
A wide aperture, such as f/1.2 or f/2.8, allows more light to enter the sensor, resulting in a narrow depth of field.
This creates a visually striking effect where the subject is sharply focused whilst the background appears beautifully blurred.
On the other hand, increasing the aperture to a value like f/8 enables the camera to focus on a larger area including both the subject and the background.
This provides greater depth of field ensuring that more elements in the scene are in sharp focus. By utilizing different aperture settings, you can control the visual impact of your images.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing is essential for a camera used in outdoor photography due to the unpredictable and challenging conditions that photographers often encounter.
The ability to withstand moisture, dust and other elements ensures the durability and longevity of a camera.
With weather sealing, you can confidently shoot in rainy, snowy or dusty environments without worrying about damage to the camera.
It provides peace of mind and allows photographers to focus on capturing the perfect shot, even in harsh weather conditions.
Weather sealing is a valuable feature that protects the investment in a camera making it a reliable tool for outdoor photography.
Best Camera for Outdoor Photography – My Verdict
I was impressed with all five cameras.
Particularly the Canon EOS 80D and Nikon D7100 which both had the most phenomenal low light performance.
However, the one which really stood out to me was the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300.
This camera is the best camera for outdoor photography overall for me.
With a lightweight design, protective weather sealing and an exceptional battery life, I loved taking this camera hiking.
It produces incredible image quality thanks to its great autofocus, fast shutter speed and outstanding aperture range.
Plus, it continues to work brilliantly in low light.
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ300 won my seal of approval.
Best Camera for Outdoor Photography FAQ
What is outdoor photography?
Put simply, if it’s not within four walls, it can be classified as outdoor photography. There are also many other niches within outdoor photography. These include wildlife photography, landscape photography and so many more.
What is most important in a camera for outdoor photography?
Outdoor photography is unlike shooting indoors where the light can be easily manipulated. With outdoor photography, you typically have to work with the lighting Mother Nature provides you with. Therefore, great low light performance is an essential feature of any camera for outdoor photography.
A camera such as the Canon EOS 80D or the Nikon D7100 is a great choice.
How do I take good photos outdoors?
The main thing that needs careful consideration is your equipment. If you have the right camera, it will do a lot of the hard work for you. When you have the right camera, good photos of the outdoors come easy.
