Last Updated on August 16, 2023

Majestic sand dunes, rare vegetation and exotic wildlife? Deserts are some of the most incredible landscapes the planet Earth has to offer and make for incredible photo shooting opportunities.

Anyone going an a desert adventure – whether a professional photographer or amateur instagrammer – should consider investing in some high-quality photography gear to better capture the awesomeness of nature at its wildest.

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Best Camera Lenses for Desert Photography
Desert Photography

Desert Photography Gear Checklist

The main issue you will encounter in the desert is wind, immediately followed by dust. The pairing of weather-sealed camera and camera lens is a must, but you are likely to need an extra layer of protection from sandstorms and excessive sunlight – that’s where UV filters and a lens hood come particularly handy.

A proper cleaning kit will finally ensure that you have anything you need before hitting the dunes to take some stunning shots in the desert.

Best Camera for Desert Photography

You think that a weatherproof camera won’t be necessary in a dry desert climate, think again. Deserts get windy. And dusty. And… well, sandy.

The best shots you’ll take on sand dunes are going to be when the wind is blowing and the sand is moving – so make sure your camera can survive that.

A weather-sealed camera or underwater proof can actually be extremely useful.

1. Fujifilm GFX 100 102MP

Best performance
Fujifilm GFX 100 102MP

GFX 100 combines decades of experience, knowledge, and research into a mirrorless large format camera that redefines the boundaries and limitations of how photographers and filmmakers creatively express themselves.

The GFX 100 is a revolutionary camera: fully weather-sealed with -astonishing 102- mega pixel resolution, incredible resolving power with full frame 4k video, fast phase-detection and AF responsive 5fps shooting. It is costly compared to other cameras, but worth every cent.

The camera is huge in appearance, but the magnesium alloy material makes it both lightweight and very robust.

GFX 100 is weather sealed at 95 points (including the electronic viewfinder) helping it withstand extreme conditions of dust, moisture and low temperatures.


2. Nikon Z 7II FX-Format Mirrorless

Best value for money
Nikon Z 7II FX-Format Mirrorless

Defined by its ultra-high resolution 45.7MP sensor and brilliant dynamic range, the Z 7II full frame mirrorless camera has light gathering capabilities only possible with the largest full frame mount in the industry — so you can capture Every. Last. Detail.

Desert photographer Joshua Cripps used a Nikon Z 7 to take a stunning picture of a solar eclipse in the Dubai desert. The second iteration of the high-resolution Nikon Z7 sports 45.7 megapixels backed by a dual processor, and makes an incredible camera for outdoor shooting.

It may not have the insane high-end specifications of the Fujifilm GFX 100, but it’s still a beast of a camera for a more accessible price. Highly recommended.


3. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

Great for action sports
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR

When conditions are tough, the light is poor but the pressure’s on, the EOS-1D X Mark III lets you capture winning images before the competition. It’s the ultimate creative toolkit, with superb low-light performance, deep learning AF and 5.5K Raw video.

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is incredibly well-rounded camera with a hybrid reflex and mirrorless design.

It offers high performance with its 20.1 megapixel resolution and autofocus features, and it is a great camera for action sport photography and videography, making it an ideal choice for capturing you best sand surfing and sand duning memories.


Choosing a Camera for Desert Photography

When choosing a camera for desert photography, consider the image quality. Look for a camera with a high-quality sensor that is capable of capturing detailed and vibrant images.

The desert can be a challenging environment for photography, with harsh lighting conditions and extreme contrasts. To ensure that you can capture clear and well-exposed images in a variety of lighting conditions, choose a camera with good low light performance.

Durability is also important for a desert photography trip, as the equipment can be tough on your equipment. Choose a camera that is durable and can withstand the elements, such as one with weather sealing or a rugged build to protect it from dust, sand, and moisture.

The type of lens you choose will depend on the type of photography you plan to do in the desert. For landscape photography, a wide-angle lens is a good choice, while a telephoto lens is better for wildlife or action shots.

Other features to consider include the camera’s burst rate (for action shots), video capabilities (if you plan to shoot video), and the availability of accessories such as extra batteries or memory cards.


Read also: 10 Tips for Desert Photography

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