The term DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera. This type of camera has interchangeable lenses, allowing you to change them depending on the situation.
They also come with advanced features such as autofocus, image stabilization, and high dynamic range (HDR).
There are several types of cameras in the DSLR category. Some of them are better suited for travel photography, whereas others are designed for professional photographers.
Read on to find out which ones are ideal for you.
The best DSLRs for travel photography have a wide-angle lens that lets you capture more of your surroundings.
Wide angle lenses let you take photos from far away without having to get too close to your subject.
These lenses are great for landscapes, cityscapes, and other outdoor shots.
If you need a DSLR camera that is light and compact enough to take with you, but your smartphone camera just won’t cut it, check out our comprehensive list below.
Advantages Of DSLR Cameras
Here are some advantages of DSLR cameras:
- Flexibility – With a DSLR, you can easily change settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity.
- Better Image Quality – DSLR cameras produce higher quality images compared to compact cameras.
- More Control – Using a DSLR gives you full control over your camera. You can adjust settings like ISO sensitivity, white balance, and shutter speed.
10 of the Best DSLR Cameras for Traveling
To help you make an informed decision before buying a DSLR camera to document your travels, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best DSLR cameras available on the market today.
Best DSLR Camera for Travelling – Comparison Table
Best DSLR Camera for Travelling – Reviews
The Nikon D7500 is one of the most affordable DSLR cameras on the market. It has a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a maximum resolution of 6144 × 3648 pixels. It also offers Full HD video recording capabilities.
It includes several useful features such as built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity.
In addition, it provides a 3-inch touchscreen display with touch autofocus, face detection, and HDR.
This model supports RAW format files, which allows users to fine tune their photos after taking them.
If you want a DSLR camera that will fit into your travel bag without being too bulky or heavy, this is the perfect option.
With a weather-resistant body, tilting touchscreen display, 51-point autofocus system, 8 fps burst rate and support for full HD or 4K video, the Nikon D750 is a great option for this price point.
- Good image quality
- Fast autofocus
- High frame rates
- Affordable
- Limited manual controls
The Canon EOS 7D Mark 2 is another excellent choice if you’re looking for a mid-range DSLR camera. It has a 20.2 MP APS-C CMoS sensor with a maximum resolution of 5472 × 3432 pixels.
Like other models from Canon, the EOS 7D Mark ii comes with a number of useful features including built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 3-inch touchscreen LCD monitor.
In addition, it has a dual SD card slot, allowing you to store both RAW and JPEG files simultaneously.
This model is ideal for beginners who want to learn how to use a DSLR camera.
If you’re looking to buy a DSLR camera at a budget price, this is the right option for you.
With a weather resistant body, high frame rate, and good image quality, the Canon EOS 7D Mk II is an excellent choice.
For wildlife and action shooting, this is one Canon DSLR camera that has many ideal characteristics for fast focusing and capturing fast-moving subjects.
- Excellent image quality
- Fast AF speed
- Great for action photography
- Weatherproof design
- Fixed LCD Screen
![Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with 18-135 is USM Lens | Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K Video, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41x7s1MUFOL._SL160_.jpg)
The Canon EOS 90D is a versatile DSLR camera that is suitable for both beginners and advanced photographers.
It has a 24.1 MP APS-C CMOs sensor with a maximum resolution up to 6144 × 3648 pixels.
This model enables users to shoot in RAW format, which means they can adjust settings later using software like Adobe Lightroom.
It has an 18.2 MP APS-C size sensor, a movable touchscreen display, fast auto focus, a weather sealed body and 10 fps burst shooting capabilities.
This model is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around when traveling.
If you're looking for a DSLR camera that can capture images quickly, this is the best option for you.
- 10 FPS Burst Mode
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Movable touchscreen display
- Single memory card slot
The Pentax K-50 is a mid-range DSLRs camera that offers a lot of features for its affordable price tag.
It has a 16 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor with a maximum resolution up to 2592 × 1944 pixels.
This model also includes some useful features such as built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Additionally, it has a 3-inch touch screen LCD monitor, a pop-up flash, and a variety of customizable functions.
This model is perfect for those who are new to DSLR cameras. It allows them to get started easily without having to spend too much money on buying accessories.
However, there are some downsides to owning this model. For example, the battery size is only good enough for up to 400 shots.
Overall, this is a great entry level DSLR camera for those who want to start learning about DSLR cameras.
- 16MP Sensor
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Pop-Up Flash
- Battery life is not very long
The Canon EOS 800D is a mid-level DSLR camera that is equipped with a 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with a max resolution of 5472 × 3648 pixels.
Its main feature is the ability to record video in 1080p HD quality.
This model also comes with a number of other features including a 3-inch LCD monitor, and a tilting screen.
This model is suitable for beginners who want to take their first steps into DSLR photography.
There are some downsides to this model though. For example, the autofocus system is slow.
This model is a great starter DSLR camera for those looking to learn more about DSLR photography.
Additionally, this model of the Canon Rebel features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
This makes it easier to share photos online or transfer files between devices.
- 20.3 MP Resolution
- 1080p HD Video Recording
- Tilting Touchscreen Display
- Slow Autofocus System
The Nikon D5600 is a mid-range professional DSLR camera that offers a full range of features at an affordable price point.
It has a 24.3 MP APS CMOS sensor with a resolution of 4608 × 3456 pixels.
This model is ideal for both novice and advanced photographers.
This model also has a 3-inch LCD screen, dual SD card slots, and a magnesium alloy body.
The Nikon D5600 is one of the most popular models among photographers because of its high image quality and ease of use.
The D5600 provides good autofocusing performance, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and a battery that lasts for 820 shots.
It's certainly an excellent entry for a mid-range DSLR camera to consider.
- 24.3 MP Resolution
- Dual SD Card Slots
- Magnesium Alloy Body
- 820 Shots Battery Life
- No aperture control
The Pentax K-70 is a mid-range pro DSLR camera that offers many features for its affordable price.
It has a 21.1 MP APS-C CCD sensor with a max resolution up to 4096 × 3072 pixels. It can shoot videos in 1080p HD quality, and has a tilting touchscreen display.
This model also includes several other features such as a pop-up flash and Wi-Fi connectivity.
It is best suited for those who are just starting out in DSLR photography.
It’s a great choice if you're looking for a reliable mid-range DSLR.
Unlike other manufacturers, especially at these prices, Pentax includes body image stabilization in its cameras.
It also has a 3-inch LCD screen, is fully weather sealed, features a 24.2 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor, and an ISO range of up to 102,400.
The Pentax K-70 is a good choice for a first DSLR camera because of the many features that it offers at such a reasonable price point.
Be aware that Pentax doesn't have the huge range of lens options available to Canon and Nikon cameras.
- 21.1 MP Resolution
- 1080p Full HD Videos
- Pop Up Flash
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- No Aperture Control
- No Built-In GPS
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a mid-range DSLR that offers a lot of features for its affordable price tag.
It has a 20.9 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with a maximum resolution of 5472 × 3664 pixels.
This model also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC, and built-in GPS. It’s a great option for beginners because of how easy it is to use.
This model also comes with a tilting touch screen display, which makes taking pictures even more fun.
The Canon EOS SL3 is a very versatile camera, so you can take advantage of all the features without having to spend too much money.
We think the Rebel T7 is a good camera for beginners, but if you can afford the extra cost, we'd recommend the SL3 as a better option.
It’s smaller and lighter than the T6, but is one of the smallest digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras with a movable touchscreen and 4K video recording capabilities on the market today.
A downside to this camera is that it has a relatively short battery life (around 650 shots).
- 20.9 MP Resolution
- Touch Screen Display
- Built In GPS
- Short Battery Life
The Nikon D3500 is a budget DSLR that offers a wide variety of features for its low price.
It has an 18.5MP APS-C CMYK sensor with a maximum resolution up to 6016 × 4000 pixels.
This model also has an ISO range of 100 – 12800, dual memory card slots, and a 3-inch LCD screen.
The Nikon D35000 is a great budget camera that offers a lot of bang for your buck.
It's perfect for anyone who wants a compact camera that will take high quality photos.
The low price tag in Nikon's entry level DSLR is certainly no indication of quality, as the D3500 has features which, just a few years ago, would have made this a high-end camera.
It’s surprisingly small and light for a DSLR camera. However, it lacks some features such as a touch screen, which is no surprise at this price point.
- Low Price Tag
- 18.5 MP Resolution
- Dual Memory Card Slots
- ISO Range 100 – 12800
- No Touchscreen
- No Built-In GPS
If you're looking for a beginner's DSLR camera, then the Canon EOS Rebel T7 may be what you're after.
It's a great camera for those who want to get started with photography.
The T7 has a 19.2MP APS-C sensor with a maximum resolution upto 2592×1944 pixels.
This model has a tilting touch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and NFC. It also has a pop up flash and built-in GPS.
One thing to note about the Canon EOS Rebel is that it only takes SD cards, not CompactFlash or Secure Digital (SDHC/SDXC) cards.
Another downside to the Canon EOS Rebel line is that there are fewer accessories available compared to other models.
Like its main competitor, Nikon, Canon has a wide variety of DSLRs across their entire range.
The Rebel T7 is one of Canon's entry-level DSLRs, and you get quite an array of features for not a lot of cash.
- 19.2 MP Resolution
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Built In GPS
- Tilting Touch Screen
- Only Takes SD Cards
- Limited Accessories
DSLR for Traveling: Buyer’s Guide
When choosing between different DSLRs for travel use, there are many things to consider. Here are a few key points to keep in mind when buying a DSLR for travel.
1. Size & Weight
You'll need to weigh up how much space you have available in your bag. If you don't have room for a large DSLR, then look for something more compact.
You should also consider how heavy your DSLR is going to be. A heavier camera means you won't be able to carry it around everywhere.
2. Features
There are plenty of features that come standard on most DSLRs. These include things like autofocus, image stabilization, optical zoom, and so on.
However, you might find that some of these features aren't important to you. For example, if you're planning to take simple family photos on vacation, you may only require a simpler point-and-shoot camera.
3. Camera Quality
A good DSLR can produce images that rival professional ones. But they're not all created equal.
Some cameras are better than others at certain types of shots. So it pays to do your research before making your purchase.
4. Battery Life
Battery life is another consideration. You want a DSLR that will give you enough time to take photos without having to worry about running out of power.
The battery life of each model varies depending on the settings used. So make sure you know how long your batteries will last before leaving home.
5. Compatibility
The best way to ensure compatibility with your existing gear is to buy a compatible body. This means that the lenses you already own will work with the new camera.
6. Price
Of course, cost isn't everything. There are cheaper options out there. However, if you want the very best quality, then you'll need to pay for it.
If you're looking for a budget option, the list above features many budget-friendly DSLR options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A DSLR And A Point-And-Shoot?
Point-and-shoots typically are smaller, lighter, and less expensive than DSLRs. They usually offer lower megapixel counts, but this doesn't mean they're low-quality cameras.
They may lack the advanced features found in DSLRs, such as built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS, and tilting screens. However, they can still provide excellent photo quality and convenience that is hard to beat.
How Do I Choose Which Type Of Camera To Buy?
It depends on what kind of photography you plan to do. If you're just starting out, a point-and-shoot would be a great choice. It's easy to learn and offers lots of flexibility.
But if you plan to become a pro photographer, or shoot a lot of high-end events, then you'll need a DSLR. You'll get the best results from one of these because they allow you to control every aspect of your shot.
How Big Of A Sensor Does My DSLR Have?
DSLRs generally have larger sensors than point-and-shoots. The size of the sensor determines the number of pixels it captures.
For example, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i has an APS-C sized sensor (18.1 x 13 mm). This means it captures more light than a full frame (35mm) sensor, which measures 24 x 18.8 mm.
This allows DSLRs to capture more detail in their pictures.