A breathtaking landscape photograph shot with a five-year-old Canon camera has won the top prize at the International Landscape Photographer of the Year 2025 contest, proving that cutting-edge equipment isn't always necessary for award-winning photography. The winning image, captured by Austrian photographer Lukas Trixl in New Plymouth, North Island, New Zealand, showcases a prehistoric-looking scene featuring a snow-capped mountain that demonstrates the enduring capabilities of older professional camera gear.

Trixl's stunning photograph was taken using the Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera, a model that launched five years ago but continues to deliver exceptional results in professional photography competitions. The Austrian photographer pairs his EOS R5 with a versatile collection of lenses including the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 IS USM, Laowa 12mm Zero-D f2.8, Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8, and Canon RF 200-800mm. This setup represents a significant upgrade from his previous Canon Rebel T7 DSLR (known as the EOS 2000D outside the United States), which he used years ago before transitioning to the more advanced mirrorless system.

The International Landscape Photographer of the Year 2025 contest results revealed an interesting trend among winning photographers, with many choosing to stick with proven, older camera models rather than the latest releases. This pattern mirrors recent outcomes from other major photography competitions, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 awards, which were also dominated by entries shot with the Canon EOS R5. Interestingly, the overall winner of the Wildlife competition used an even older camera – an 11-year-old Nikon D810 DSLR, further emphasizing that photographer skill and vision often matter more than having the newest equipment.

The other major recognition at the ILPOTY 2025 contest went to J. Fritz Rumpf, who won the overall portfolio award with a diverse collection of landscape photographs. Rumpf's winning portfolio was created using a mix of equipment including the Nikon D850 DSLR, Nikon Z7 II mirrorless camera, and a DJI Mavic 3 drone, demonstrating how photographers can successfully combine different types of cameras and aerial technology to create compelling landscape imagery.

The success of these photographers using older professional equipment highlights an important message for aspiring contest participants and photography enthusiasts. The Canon EOS R5, despite being five years old and having been succeeded by the newer EOS R5 Mark II, remains a highly capable camera for professional landscape photography. Similarly, the DSLRs used by other winning photographers prove that age doesn't necessarily diminish a camera's potential for creating award-winning images.

For photographers interested in entering similar competitions but concerned about equipment costs, the timing couldn't be better. The Canon EOS R5 has recently dropped to record-low prices following Black Friday sales and the introduction of its newer successor model. This price reduction makes professional-grade equipment more accessible to photographers who want to pursue contest photography without making a massive financial investment. The camera's proven track record in major photography competitions makes it an attractive option for both amateur and professional photographers looking to upgrade their gear.

The consistent success of the Canon EOS R5 in major photography contests demonstrates the camera's exceptional image quality, reliability, and versatility across different photography genres. From wildlife photography to landscape imaging, this five-year-old camera continues to prove that technological maturity and refined features often outweigh the appeal of the latest releases. For photographers focused on creating compelling images rather than owning the newest gear, these contest results serve as encouraging evidence that skill, creativity, and understanding of photographic principles remain the most important factors in achieving recognition in competitive photography.