Best Camera Settings for Taking Landscape Photography Images

When I share an image, I also share the settings I use to capture the shot. I do this because it's an effective way for those who are learning about landscape photography or improving their landscape photography to better understand what I'm doing.

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But I've never explained what settings I generally use, so that's what we're going to cover this week, from setting up the camera to the settings I use when on-location. It doesn't matter what Model or Make of camera you have. I try and use these settings on any camera I use for landscapes.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:08 Image Quality
2:09 White Balance
2:52 Metering
3:28 Focusing
4:54 Camera Mode
5:40 ISO
6:25 Aperture
7:32 Shutter Speed
9:32 Accessories
11:14 Filters

When it comes to landscape photography, I want the image to be captured at the highest quality, as large as I can and with the most detail. So I shoot all my landscape images in RAW. I'll also select the largest size and the crop ratio that matches the native crop of the sensor. For the X-T3 it's 3:2. 

I shoot in Manual Mode pretty much all the time. I choose the base ISO for the camera, and depending on the scene I'm shooting, I'll either set the Aperture or Shutter speed next. When I'm shooting a scene where something is moving, I'll decide on the shutter speed before the aperture. 

These settings can seem daunting at first, but the more you practice, the better you get at developing your workflow when you're in the field.

Some other videos to check out:

MAIN LANDSCAPE KIT

MIRRORLESS SETUP

TRAVEL SETUP

FILTER SYSTEM

ACCESSORIES

AERIAL TOOLBOX

VLOGGING GEAR

CONNECT WITH ME

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[shanesmithphotography]

I have my XT3 settings to all that you described in your video. Another important setting (well I think it is) is having the "Electronic Level" active not just for the horizonal pitch but also the vertical pitch, especially when creating panoramas. Yet another awesome video mate 👍🇦🇺

[Macman]

I recently purchased the XT3 and this video will be of great help . Love your work and I’m looking forward to more informational videos like this.

[GaryTischer]

Great video Andrew. There are so many setting options, you do a great job of describing each of them and why you choose the settings you do.

[scotty]

the one tip I got from your videos a few years ago that has been a game changer for me ever since Andrew was the use of 'Back Button Focus'. Great video for those getting to grips with their camera and also a treat to see some of your great images from the past few years.

[davidmaltby]

Another great and informative video, thank you.

[johnbentley]

Great video Andrew. Concise and very informative. As always the images that you use in your videos are superb.

[chchen]

It’s nice to see your video again, great and useful to share, have a nice weekend Andrew ☺️

[Lykzabet]

In a word Terrific and in another Thankyou.

[robertdavis]

Thanks for sharing... Great location & comments Andrew... I am always learning from your videos... Cheers..

[carlreid]

Great video Andrew this is very applicable for moi! Keep them coming buddy some good tips in this one.

[ruudmaas]

I use the XT3 as my main camera next to the XT2. ISO 640 I use a lot in the woodland the get enough shutterspeed. And frankly I do not see any image degredation when using ISO 640. So for me a lot of times ISO 640 is the "base ISO". I shoot with the fujifilm primes and never go above F8. To my believe a larger depth of field is not needed. For me details at a long distance is not exactly to be called "natural". Beautiful photographs and as always an infromative video.

[bennn]

I recognise that little cove you featured in this video, a little drive south of Dunsborough. Had a few late arvo shoots in there, all alone, while the crowds swarm to the popular spot on the other side. Can’t beat it.
Awesome vid mate well presented. 🙏

[andrewhookerphotography]

Great information there Andrew. Your settings etc are very similar to mine. Not sure if you have one, but my 6d has a menu page where I can set up most used settings, and I find I use it quite a lot. One additional setting I use a bit is the crop marks on the LCD so I can compose direct to that crop. It takes a normal shot, but I can see what a particular crop, such as a 1:1 or 16:9 might look like before I hit the shutter button. Anyway, great video and tons of good info there.

[jackieconnell]

Great video images that you use in your videos are superb and amazing.thank for sharing

[jiffijoff]

Good one Andrew. Very compact allround settings episode. It shows that you've got a strong background in education/teaching. 👍 Thanks for sharing. 🌈🍻

[BrianHorsey]

Nice succinct explanation, Andrew. I'll make a note of Dunsborough in case we're ever let back in to Oz!

[icogicog]

When using the self timer, on the XT4 GFX50R GFX 100 and 100s, but not on XT3 or earlier model, there is a setting that will allow the camera to remember what you have the self timer set for. Very useful as the camera goes to sleep and those settings are gone right in the middle of a shoot.

[craigpope]

Great concise video Andrew, cheers. I've never been to Perth or anywhere on the west coast, I live on the Gold Coast, I was wondering when you'd get your most/best seascapes over there, sunrise or sunset? A bit of cloud in the morning lights up the sky and the ocean here but the high-rises and hinterland mountains give very limited sunset seascape photos. Eagerly awaiting part 2 of The Kimberleys series. Keep them coming please. If you run out of them, then go back and get some more, haha.

[patrick.]

Very good video!
Fuji recommends always shooting at ISO800 for better highlights and shadows. Did you also notice that or does that only concern JPEGs?
Also the photonstophotons DR shadow improvement vs ISO chart says that ISO800 gives you a boost.
That confuses me a bit :)
(In the past I always shot either at base ISO or ISO800 because of that, not in between)

[Brock_in_the_North]

I have to disagree with "best settings" because the best settings are the ones you need for the lighting condition. The only variable that mostly remains the same is your ISO which is normally set at 100 or lower. But the rest is all based on the lighting conditions. If you shoot in raw WB can be fixed in post later anyway. Shoot to the conditions and shoot how you want to shoot.