No matter how you intend to pursue photography, whether as a profession, for travel, or just a hobby, one thing that, you will need is a competent Camera. Exotic locales, smiling faces, or a random street scene would be best preserved in time through a lens and an excellent camera. In today’s world, almost everyone can take decent photos with a smartphone. However, if you would like to take your photography to the next level, you need a Mirrorless Camera or the Best DSLR Camera today.

This article is about finding the Best Digital SLR Camera for your style of photography and why it might be better for you than other types of camera. As somebody who’s owned several camera systems, from film SLRs from Canon and Nikon through Mirrorless systems, we can give you insights that will help you in your decision making. If you’re more interested in Mirrorless systems, read my epic guide on “How to Choose the Best Mirrorless Camera.”

Quick Selection

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What’s a DSLR Camera?

Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras use the same tried and tested design of 35mm SLR film cameras of yesteryears. There is a mirror (reflex) inside the camera body the reflects the light coming through lens into a prism so it can reach the viewfinder that allows you to see the image. When you take your shot (press the shutter), this mirror flips up, and camera shutter opens and lets the light into the sensor and records the image.

Because of the other mechanisms in place, DSLR cameras are going to heavier than Mirrorless Cameras. However, since Mirrorless Cameras use electronic viewfinders to preview the image, it will suck through batteries much faster than a DSLR camera, prompting you to carry more batteries or extra batter grips adding to the overall weight of your gear.

Why Choose DSLR Camera Over Mirrorless?

Let’s list the reasons why you would choose or stay with a DSLR camera system over the upstart, the Mirrorless Camera.

Lens and Accessories

Since DSLRs have been around longer and can use old SLR lenses from the camera’s manufacturer, it has more to choose from. If you don’t know, it’s optics that define the quality of the images, less so than the camera sensor. If you want plenty of lens to choose from and accessories that go with it, DSLR cameras are the obvious choice.

Mirrorless has only been around for a few years and very slow to catch up. This will probably change and equalize in the future, but for now, DSLRs has the advantage.

Battery Life

Mirrorless Cameras rely on Electronic View Finder (EVF) to operate the viewfinder. EVF will drain the battery faster than a DSLR camera where an Optical View Finder (mirror) is in place to show you the image. As mentioned, since you will have to carry more batteries, this may even negate the weight advantage of a Mirrorless Camera.

No EVF Lag

Electronic View Finders sometimes suffers from lag. As of writing, the current Mirrorless implementations of EVF isn’t as responsive as OVF. This especially true with cheaper, less refined Mirrorless cameras. With OVF, you see the image as good as real-time with no lag.

Continuous Autofocus and Object Tracking

The current batch of Mirrorless cameras isn’t as refined (yet) with contrast detection focus system. DSLR cameras use phase detection focus to track subjects. Some mirrorless cameras are starting to roll out with hybrid combination phase and contrast detection focus so its just a matter of time when this field is evened out. But for now, DSLRs has the advantage.

No Red Dot Patterns

If you shoot with the sun in the frame at tiny apertures, the light rays bounce between the sensor and rear lens element that create a weird red grid pattern. This is due to the short flange distance between the sensor and the lens on Mirrorless cameras. This is an inherent design flaw that DSLR cameras don’t have to deal with this issue since there is a mirror between the lens and the sensor.

Optical Viewfinder (OVF)

The biggest strength of the DSLR is the OVF, which is incidentally, considered to be a weakness as far as Mirrorless is concerned. The EVF in Mirrorless cameras made today have a very strong contrast. It doesn’t look natural like what you see in an OVF. There are too many blacks and whites and very little in between.

Why a DSLR Camera May Not be for You

While Digital SLRs is grand, it’s not the only system in the camera market. Some options already stand to be better in other facets. Let’s review them here.

Weight and Bulk

Digital SLRs is heavier and bulkier due to the extra mechanisms and a reflex mirror to operate the OVF and thus making it bulkier and heavier than Mirrorless cameras. For travel, this could mean heavier bags and less space to carry other things.

Video Shooting

If you plan you shoot video, or if that’s your primary purpose for having a camera, then a Mirrorless camera is more suited for the task. A DSLR camera can’t use phase detection when its mirror is up, and those lead to the blurry look while the camera is trying to focus.

Shooting Speed

Since a DSLR camera has to lift the mirror to take the image, it will be slower in taking multiple images in succession. A Mirrorless camera simply has to open up its shutter to take images. There are plenty of High-end DSLRs that can shoot very fast and are still being used by sports photographers; however, Mirrorless has the advantage of this feature.

Bottom Line

In the end, you make the judgment whether you should go Mirrorless or with. If you’re a beginner photographer, we suggest you go with a Digital SLR. Learn how it works and then learn how to use in manual mode. we think most people jump too soon to a fully automated system without learning the basics.

DSLRs have been around a long time and can even use older full manual focus lens – this is a great way to learn all about DOF, diffraction, ect., This is my greatest argument for a DSLR camera system, and I’m glad you’ve found this guide so we can steer you in the right direction. However, if you have the funds, why not try both?

What to Look for in a DSLR Camera?

People have become accustomed to measuring a camera’s quality based on its megapixels, but a good travel DSLR camera has to have more than just that.

Sensor Size: Full Frame vs. APS-C

Full frame is simply the size of the camera’s sensor measured to mimic the legacy 35mm film of the past. APS-C is the cropped version of 35mm which is equivalent to the size of the super 35 motion film format. Without going into details of science, the bigger the sensor, the better the noise, ISO, and quality of the image. However, a bigger sensor also means a heavier camera. This is taken into account when picking the cameras on this list.

Price Considerations

Some cameras are very expensive, and some cameras are very cheap. But cheap usually means fewer features, lesser quality images, and usually built with cheap materials and isn’t as robust. This is all taken into account with all the cameras listed here. We weigh the pros and cons and give you the best options without breaking the bank. Cheap doesn’t necessarily “lesser quality,” and we’ve found those cameras to present to you here.

Lens and Accessories

Canon and Nikon have a huge and extensive lens and accessories selection. They’ve been making lenses for decades and have amassed a huge collection. However, Canon and Nikon is not the only game in town. Pentax and Sony are also starting to catch up. Check up on their respective websites for their collection. You may not need such an exhaustive selection of lenses. We’ve also included worthy competitors on this list.

Weight

Since you’re packing the camera for travel, you should consider this as well. Adding, tripods, some lenses, and other accessories can make your bag or luggage bulky and heavy. Don’t worry, and we’ve presented the best travel DSLRs below.

Now that you know what to look for, the next inevitable question will be: What is The Best DSLR Camera?

We have compiled a list of the best DSLR cameras that you can find in the market at the most reasonable price possible. But before moving forward with the list, there are some acronyms that you will come across a lot while reading the features of these cameras. It might be helpful if we define those words in advance.

Legend:

ISO range/number: This helps to measure the sensitivity of any camera’s image sensor. A high ISO number is better as it means that your camera is extremely sensitive to light, and this will allow it to capture pictures even in the dark.

FPS: Frames Per Second. It’s how fast a camera can shoot “a frame” per second. You can capture fast action and moving subjects better with more FPS.

MP: Megapixels. This is the raw count of how much “resolution” a camera can capture. The higher this number is, the better the quality (for the most part).

Full Frame: This is the size of the sensor itself. Full frame just means the size of the sensor is the same (or close) size to 35 mm film. The bigger the sensor, the more it’s capable of producing a high-quality image.

APS-C: Advanced Photo System type-C is the size of the sensor made to approximate the size of the classic super-35 film format.

Now, let’s go through the list and decide which one of these cameras suits you best.

The Best DSLR Cameras For Travel in 2019

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1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV  Full Frame

MSRP: $3,299

Megapixel: 30.4

Weight: 1.76 lbs

Sensor Size: Full frame (35mm)

Overview

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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a part of Canon’s esteemed 5D series. It delivers an amazing image quality with its 30.4 Megapixel full frame sensor. This sensor is the key technology that helps it capture exceptionally detailed 4K videos; although, the 4k Video is cropped to 1.64x of its full frame width.

It is equipped with a 61-point AF system which makes it a pro in providing a highly focused snap. Moreover, Canon’s innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF assists in both Live View and video shooting. With this camera, you don’t need to worry about dim lighting as it is efficient in capturing visible pictures in the dark. However, low contrast subjects do give it trouble in the dark. In addition to this, it can also shoot continuously up until 7.0 fps because of its DIGIC 6+ Image Processor.

This Canon model is easy to use due to its efficient LCD and touch panel. Moreover, it has a built-in Wi-Fi and GPS that makes capturing large astronomical bodies possible. A note of caution about using GPS in such devices is that it is not always compatible everywhere around the world. Some countries have GPS restrictions so that can hinder your camera’s performance.

2. Nikon D750 Full Frame

MSRP: $1,496.95

Megapixel: 24.3

Weight: 1.65 lbs

Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm)

Overview

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Nikon D750’s smaller size hasn’t affected its impressive shooting skills. It can rival D4S and D810 when it comes to autofocus and metering technology. Moreover, it has an impressive AF system of 51 points and 3D Color Matrix Metering III with a 91,000-pixel RGB sensor. It is important to note that it has 15 cross-type sensors that make it quick to respond to movements; hence, it captures life at full resolution and 6.5 fps.

This camera uses a CMOS sensor that is coupled with Expeed 4 images, which make it easy to capture pictures while processing over fast frame rates. It also has low noise-resistant and an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 that can expand to 51,200 with the help of specific lenses.

Nikon D750 is truly an innovative step towards photography as it has a 3.2 inch LCD with 1,229k dot tilting Vary-Angle that improves its picture composition abilities. Just like all other Nikon cameras, this camera is also equipped with SnapBridge that makes sharing your photographs and videos easy for the world.

3. Canon Rebel T7i (EOS 800D)

MSRP: $699.00

Megapixel: 24.2

Weight: 1.18 lbs

Sensor Size: APS-C

Overview

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Markets are filled with cameras that promise impressive and high-quality pictures, but not all of them live up to what they sell. With Rebel T7i, Canon sells exactly what it advertises. It offers a camera with an exceptional optical viewfinder of a 45 point AF system, as well as fast autofocus and processing that can capture 6.0 frames per second.

Now you won’t miss small moments just because your camera needs time to readjust. It is significant to note that the camera has Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology at 0.003 second, which makes it the world’s fastest AF. Furthermore, you can touch the LCD screen to focus on a particular part on the screen.

Apart from the above-mentioned features, its APS-C sensor CMOSis 24.2 Megapixel coupled with DIGIC 7 Image Processor provides vibrant and toning colors in your pictures. Its picture visibility in low light is impressive as its ISO range is from 100 to 25600. This is not the only camera using this sensor, there’s the slightly improved Canon 77D but priced at $100 more. In this case, pocket the $100 and put towards an EF-S lens; it would be a far better investment than the meager improvements you get out of the 77D.

4. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

MSRP: $1,299.00

Megapixel: 26.2 MP

Weight:3.45 lbs

Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm)

Overview

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Canon is famous for its DIGIC 7 Image Processor, and it’s no surprise that this camera also includes this technology that delivers exceptionally high-quality images combined with its 26.2 Megapixel CMOS full frame sensor. Its ISO range is 100 to 40000, which contributes to amazing picture quality.

In addition to the above-mentioned features, its 45 points all across the AF system together with 6.5 fps continuous shooting can help you capture even the smallest details in your frame. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a pro in phase-detection and provides amazing Live View as well as 4K Time Lapse Video. Speaking of 4k, this camera, unfortunately, doesn’t offer 4k Video.

The Canon 6D Mark II with its DIGIC 7 processor is a speedy little camera. In the right hands, this camera will do wonders for any amateur photographers.

5. Canon EOS 80D

MSRP: $999

Megapixel: 24.2

Weight: 1.4 lbs

Sensor Size: APS-C

Overview

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A 24.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor together with DIGIC 6 Image Processing helps you to capture the finest details of life. Even low light won’t affect the clarity of your picture because of its ISO range. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF alongside focus tracking can help you film the smallest details of the scene. With the help of this technology, the lens can transit from one frame to another without making the frame transition noticeable. It is important to know that you can connect this camera with your device and control it from a distance. Remote control filming can help you in wildlife photography and during other risky scenarios.

Performance is quite good, also, with decent burst rates, improved buffer depths, excellent battery life, and a new, more versatile 45-point AF system. Together with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology for fast live perspective AF, the Canon 80D is ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios, such as general usage, portraits and traveling and more challenging endeavors like sports and wildlife. Video can also be a hallmark feature, and while it sadly lacks a couple of notable features like 4K, overall the 80D offers great excellent movie with a lot of features for both beginners and advanced video founders.

The ergonomics and design are classic Canon design, which translates to simple, comfy functionality with tons of external controls. The camera’s image quality is very good. Thanks to its new 24MP sensor, it reveals developments to both low and higher ISOs, though competing cameras still have an edge picture quality-wise over the 80D.

6. Nikon D3300

MSRP: $414.99 (w/ 18-55mm kit lens)

Megapixel: 24.2

Weight:  0.95 lb

Sensor Size: APS-C

Overview

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Nikon D3300 is a camera that can capture 1080p full HD videos as well as 24.2 Megapixel photos that have exceptionally focused pictures and vibrant tones. How is this possible? The camera uses EXPEED 4 that captures 5 frames per second, and its ISO range makes the pictures captured in low light visible and clear. You can also connect your mobile or tablet with your D3300, and the pictures you’ve captured will immediately appear on your connected devices.

This tiny DSLR camera features Full HD video recording around 60fps, a 3.5mm external mike jack, plus the capacity to output fresh, uncompressed Full HD (30p) video via HDMI, a feature previously reserved for pro-level cameras. However, the Live View AF, including during video recording is sluggish, and the aperture cannot be adjusted while in Live View, which may be annoying and awkward at times.

The performance is excellent overall for an entry-level class of camera, even though autofocus speed was somewhat slower than your average consumer-level DSLR camera, and it suffered the most in noninvasive scenarios. Buffer thickness with RAW files was also rather shallow, though that isn’t unusual for this type of camera (JPEG buffer performance is much better). Overall, the Nikon D3300 is a solid camera, in more ways than one; both solid build quality and solid image quality. The autofocus performance, however, is a touch below average, along with the restricted external controls and smaller size might be a turn off to a few, the D3300 excels in most areas.

7. Canon EOS 5DS R

MSRP: $3,699

Megapixel: 50.6

Weight: 2.5 lbs

Sensor Size: Full frame (35mm)

Overview

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Canon yet again introduces its DIGIC 7 Image Processor combined with 45-point all cross-type viewfinder AF system delivers high quality and highly detailed images. It is significant to know that its impressive ISO range makes even the picture taken in low light, visible and highly defined. Aside from this, Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS and a 3.2-inch Vary-Angle Touchscreen monitor make photography fun and easy. In addition to this, the product has a built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity along with NFC, which makes using this camera conveniently.

The 5DS R is Canon’s highest-megapixel EOS Camera to date, and it may catch some seriously impressive, amazingly detailed, ultra-sharp photographs. Compared to other full-frame cameras, like the 5D Mark III, this is one of the 5DS R’s important limiting factors in terms of general-use flexibility.

Limited to an enlarged ISO of merely 12,800, although the”Mark III” tops out at ISO 102,400, the Canon 5DS R is not meant for handheld low-light performance. That said, the 5DS R revealed quite decent performance at higher ISOs, despite the resolution. Its high-cost point and aforementioned restricted features put the 5DS R directly to a niche category, but we have to say, your travel photos will take on a new dimension with this behemoth.

8. Nikon D5600

MSRP: $596.95

Megapixel: 24.2

Weight: 1.2 lbs

Sensor Size: APS-C

Overview

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Nikon’s D5600 makes it easy for you to click the best shots without much photography experience. The camera allows around 970 shots per recharge and has an easy operational panel and a touch screen just like your regular smartphone. When D5600 is used with NIKKOR kit lens, it delivers outstanding results due to high-resolution technology and broad ISO range.

Nikon’s Expeed Image Processing system together with amazing autofocus enables D5600 to capture 5 frames per second. Not to forget, its ISO range of 25,600 that further expands to 6,400 in the Night Landscape Mode enables it to capture the most visible frames. Nikon D5600 is equipped with cloud sharing technology as well as SnapBridge that makes sharing photographs and pictures easy and convenient.

The D5600 continues to give excellent image quality and generates sharp, pleasing images during a wide range of situations. The camera display works well, and the autofocus performance is even better than before. With the new Nikon SnapBridge functionality, the D5600 is an excellent alternative for anyone looking to share their images on social media quickly.