How to Capture Stunning Images on Outdoor Adventures: #3 Cameras

Welcome back to the ongoing series, I can’t believe AllOutdoor keeps publishing called “How to Capture Stunning Images on your Outdoor Adventures.” We have previously talked about Lighting and Lens selections, and now today we get to talk about everyone’s favorite part, the camera! Your camera selection can be the difference between having something heavy you wish you left in your truck or a lightweight camera you forgot you packed. We are so spoiled in the year 2025 as photographers have a diverse range of options, from professional mirrorless cameras to rugged compacts and smartphones, so there is an option to suit everyone. I have selected seven cameras that I think all work great in the outdoors, but all come with a list of pros and cons.

Camera Overviews

Canon R6 Mark II

Probably not a surprise to see on this list from me as I still own the Mark I version of this camera. The Canon R6 Mark II is a full-frame mirrorless camera designed for versatility, excelling in landscape photography with its 24.2MP sensor and 8-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS). It delivers sharp, vibrant images with excellent dynamic range, ideal for capturing detailed landscapes. Its robust build and advanced features make it a very popular offering from Canon.

• Lens Options – The Canon RF mount offers a wide range of lenses, including the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM, perfect for wide-angle landscape shots. The extensive lens ecosystem ensures you can always find the right fit for your needs.
• Weather Sealing – Dust and weather-resistant, the R6 Mark II is suitable for outdoor use in moderate conditions, though it’s not as rugged as compact cameras designed for extreme environments.
• Battery Life – Rated at 580 shots (LCD) or 320 shots (EVF) per CIPA standards, it can reach 760/450 shots in power-saving mode. Real-world usage often exceeds these ratings, but EVF-heavy shooting may require spare batteries.
• Image Quality – The full-frame sensor produces outstanding images with rich colors, particularly saturated blues and greens, and excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for landscapes at dawn or dusk.

iPhone (Latest Model, e.g., iPhone 16 Pro)

While I still hate the idea of the iPhone being used for photography, there is no denying that it is the worlds most popular camera because pretty much everyone already owns one.  The iPhone, particularly models like the iPhone 16 Pro, leverages computational photography to deliver impressive landscape images with very little work from its user.  Its portability and ease of use make it a go-to for casual photographers or those prioritizing convenience.

• Lens Options – Fixed lenses include a wide-angle and telephoto, covering most landscape needs. However, the lack of interchangeable lenses limits versatility compared to mirrorless cameras.
• Weather Sealing – Offers some water and dust resistance (typically IP68), but it’s not designed for extreme conditions like heavy rain or submersion.
• Battery Life – Varies by model and usage, but generally lasts a full day with mixed photography and other tasks, supported by power-saving modes.
• Image Quality – Computational photography enhances dynamic range and color accuracy, producing vibrant images suitable for social media or small prints. The smaller sensor size limits performance compared to dedicated cameras.

Sony a6700

The Sony a6700 is an APS-C mirrorless camera that balances portability and performance. Its 26MP sensor and 5-stop IBIS make it a strong contender for landscape photography, especially for those seeking a lightweight option.

• Lens Options – The Sony E-mount provides a vast selection, including wide-angle lenses like the Sony 10-20mm F4 G, ideal for expansive landscapes.
• Weather Sealing – The magnesium alloy body with environmental sealing ensures durability in moderate outdoor conditions, though it’s less rugged than action cameras.
• Battery Life – Rated at 570 shots (LCD) or 550 shots (EVF), it offers reliable performance for a day’s shooting, with USB charging for extended trips.
• Image Quality – The APS-C sensor delivers sharp images with good dynamic range, enhanced by IBIS for handheld shooting in low light or with longer lenses.

OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7

If you’re looking for a camera that can survive multiple falls and dunks in water, this might be the one for you. The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 is a rugged compact camera built for extreme conditions, making it ideal for adventurers tackling harsh environments. Its durability and compact size are key selling features.

• Lens Options – Features a fixed 25-100mm (equivalent) F2.0-4.9 lens, suitable for wide-angle landscapes, but lacks interchangeable lenses, limiting flexibility but saving on weight.
• Weather Sealing – Waterproof to 15m, dustproof, shockproof (2.1m drop), crushproof (100kg), and freezeproof (-10°C), it’s one of the most durable cameras available.
• Battery Life – Typically offers several hundred shots per charge, sufficient for most outings.
• Image Quality – The 12MP BSI CMOS sensor produces decent images for its class, with raw shooting enhancing dynamic range. It’s suitable for landscapes in tough conditions but lacks the resolution of mirrorless cameras.

DJI Osmo Action 4

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is an action camera designed for adventure, with a wide-angle lens and robust build that make it actually well suited for landscape photography/videography in extreme settings.

• Lens Options – A fixed 155° ultra-wide lens (equivalent to 11mm full-frame) is ideal for immersive landscapes, but lacks zoom or interchangeable options.
• Weather Sealing – Waterproof to 18m without a case (60m with a case) and operational at -20°C, it’s highly durable for underwater and extreme conditions.
• Battery Life – Offers up to 2.5 hours of recording (approximately 78 minutes at 4K60), with the Adventure Combo including three batteries for extended use.
• Image Quality – The 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor (10MP stills) provides better low-light performance than many action cameras, with decent dynamic range for landscapes.

Sony a7C II

The Sony a7C II is a compact full-frame mirrorless camera with a 33MP sensor, offering excellent image quality in a portable package, ideal for landscape photographers who value both performance and size.

• Lens Options – Uses the Sony E-mount, with wide-angle lenses like the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM, providing flexibility for various landscape compositions.
• Weather Sealing – Dust and moisture-resistant, it’s suitable for outdoor use but not as rugged as the TG-7 or Osmo Action 4.
• Battery Life –Rated at 540 shots (LCD) or 510 shots (EVF)
• Image Quality – The full-frame sensor delivers exceptional detail and dynamic range, with improved color science for vibrant landscapes.

Fujifilm X-T5

The Fujifilm X-T5 is a high-resolution APS-C mirrorless camera, renowned for its 40MP sensor and vibrant color rendition, making it a favorite for landscape photography. I have personally never used this camera but I have messed around with the old X-T3 a number of years ago and was impressed with it back then.

• Lens Options –The Fujifilm X-mount includes wide-angle lenses like the Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR, offering many options to through in your camera bag.
• Weather Sealing –The weather-sealed body ensures reliability in various outdoor conditions, including rain and dust.
• Battery Life – Rated at 590 shots (EVF) or 580 shots (LCD), dropping to 500/570 in Boost mode, it’s robust for extended shoots.
• Image Quality – The 40MP sensor provides outstanding detail, with Fujifilm’s film simulations enhancing creative landscape shots. A 160MP high-res mode is available for static scenes and those with 1 TB memory cards.

Comparison Table

Comparison and Contrast

Image Quality

The Canon R6 Mark II and Sony a7C II lead with their full-frame sensors, offering superior dynamic range and low-light performance, crucial for capturing high-contrast landscapes. The Fujifilm X-T5’s 40MP APS-C sensor rivals full-frame cameras in detail, with its film simulations adding creative flair. The Sony a6700’s 26MP sensor is a strong performer for APS-C, delivering sharp images with good dynamic range. The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 and DJI Osmo Action 4, with smaller sensors, produce decent images but are limited by lower resolution, making them better suited for rugged environments than high-detail prints. The iPhone’s computational photography delivers impressive results for its size, ideal for social media or casual use.

My choice – Sony a7C II

Lens Options

Mirrorless cameras (Canon R6 Mark II, Sony a6700, Sony a7C II, Fujifilm X-T5) offer interchangeable lenses, providing unmatched flexibility for landscape photography. Wide-angle lenses like the Canon RF 15-35mm, Sony 10-20mm, and Fujifilm XF 8-16mm allow for tailored compositions. The iPhone, TG-7, and Osmo Action 4 have fixed lenses, which are convenient but limit creative control. The TG-7’s 25-100mm lens and Osmo Action 4’s 155° ultra-wide lens are well-suited for expansive landscapes but lack the versatility of interchangeable systems.

My Choice – Canon R6 Mark II

Weather Sealing

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 and DJI Osmo Action 4 are designed for extreme conditions, with the TG-7 offering waterproofing to 15m and shock resistance, and the Osmo Action 4 extending to 18m (60m with a case). These cameras are ideal for underwater or harsh weather photography. The mirrorless cameras have weather-resistant bodies, suitable for rain or dust, but are not as durable as the rugged compacts. The iPhone’s limited water resistance makes it less reliable in extreme conditions.

My Choice – OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7

Battery Life

The Fujifilm X-T5 and Sony a6700 offer robust battery life (590 and 570 shots, respectively), ideal for long days in the field. The Canon R6 Mark II’s 580 shots (LCD) drop to 320 with EVF use, requiring spares for extended shoots. The Sony a7C II’s 540 shots (LCD) are sufficient but lower than its predecessor. The DJI Osmo Action 4’s 2.5-hour runtime and the TG-7’s typical compact camera battery life are adequate for most adventures. The iPhone’s battery lasts a full day with mixed use, supported by its versatility.

My Choice – Sony a6700

Conclusion

As you can see there are many cameras on the market and they almost all offer something unique. It all depends on what matters most to you at the end of the day. If your prioritizing image quality, the Fujifilm X-T5, Canon R6 Mark II and Sony a7C II are top choices, offering exceptional detail and dynamic range, though they require more gear. The Fujifilm X-T5 is a standout for its high-resolution APS-C sensor and compact design, ideal for those seeking a balance of quality and portability. The Sony a6700 is a lightweight, versatile option for APS-C users. For extreme conditions, the OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 and DJI Osmo Action 4 provide unmatched durability, making them perfect for adventurers. The iPhone, while not a dedicated camera, offers surprising capability for casual landscape photography. Personally I love my Canon R6 Mark i, but I would love to get my hands on the Fujifilm X-T5 or Sony a6700 for some upcoming trips and adventures.

Patrik Orcutt

Patrik is a freelance photographer who has been lucky enough to see a lot of the world and document his travels with his camera. He has worked for the U.S. government as a Public Affairs Officer documenting Multi-National Special Forces Training around the World. He is currently working on becoming a Blackhawk Pilot for the Army while being an avid gear junky and outdoor enthusiast.