6 Best DSLR for Travel Photography: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

A great DSLR camera can make all the difference when capturing travel memories.

I was in the same boat as others to find the best DSLR for travel photography.

With so many options on the market, choosing the right one for my needs was overwhelming.

A good DSLR camera for travel photography should be lightweight, portable, and powerful enough to capture high-quality images and handle various lighting conditions.

With such qualities in my mind, I stumbled upon many options in my budget to be my travel companion on different trips worldwide.

Which are the Best DSLR for Travel Photography?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best DSLR for Travel Photography:-

Canon 90D: (Best DSLR for Travel Photography)

I’ve always dreamt of capturing nature’s beauty through my photography.

Finally, after saving a few hundred bucks, I could invest in the best DSLR for travel photography within my range.

Once, I decided to embark on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia.

As an amateur photographer, I needed a reliable camera to handle the different lighting and weather conditions I encountered on my journey.

After much research, she decided to go with the Canon 90D.

Features:

  • Model: Canon 90D
  • Effective Megapixel: 32.5MP
  • Image sensor: 22.3mm x 14.8mm CMOS
  • ISO range: 100-25600
  • Shutter speeds: 30-1/8000 sec
  • Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
  • LCD: 7.7cm (3.0″) 3:2 Clear View II TFT
  • Dimension: 140.7 x 104.8 x 76.8mm
  • Weight: 701g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

It is mostly the same as the 80D, although there is a little difference in image quality when I talk about the ISO and shutter speed.

It has an ISO range of 100 to 25600.

The video footage was smooth, even at ISO 6400.

In addition, the camera boasts a rapid shutter speed range of 1/8000 sec to 30 sec.

That is why fast-moving subjects are captured with crispness and freezing motion.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

It is compatible with EF and EF-S mount lenses, with some lenses having a maximum aperture as wide as f/3.5, which is ideal for low-light and shallow depth-of-field photography.

A wide lens can range between f/3.5- f/22, while telephoto lenses lies between f/5.6 – f/36.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

Along with different customizable settings, its white balance is also adjustable.

From auto mode to manual controls, everything is just a click away.

When it comes to video recording, the Canon 90D offers a variety of frame rate options.

You can shoot in Full HD at up to 120 frames per second, allowing smooth slow-motion footage.

For photos, it can shoot at 10 fps with continuous AF using the OVF and at 7 fps in live view mode.

Why is this camera the best?

The camera’s high-resolution 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor is one of its standout characteristics.

Even in low-light conditions like being surrounded by tall trees, its sensor took exceptionally detailed and precise photos.

Conclusion:

Whether you want to shoot in low-light areas during traveling or capture the golden hour, the 90D is a complete package for professionals and amateur photographers.

Hence, it is the best DSLR camera for travel photography.

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Pros
  • New 32.5MP image sensor.
  • 10fps capture with iTR tracking.
  • Vari-angle LCD.
  • Some dust and splash protection.
  • Optical viewfinder.
  • Mirrorless-quality autofocus for 4K video.
Cons
  • Cramped rear dial.
  • No sync socket.
  • Single memory card slot.

Canon 5d mark iv: (Best DSLR for Travel Photography)

As a photographer, I always seek new and exciting places to capture with my Canon 5D Mark IV.

Recently, I took a trip to Japan, a country known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

My first stop was in the bustling city of Tokyo.

I spent my days wandering through the city’s bustling streets, capturing images of the colorful markets, towering skyscrapers, and neon-lit cityscapes.

Using this camera, I got beautiful photos that perfectly portray the dwellers’ lives.

Features:

  • Model: Canon 5D mark iv
  • Effective Megapixel: 30.4 MP
  • Image sensor: 36 x 24 mm (CMOS)
  • ISO range: 100-12800 (expandable up to 100-25600)
  • Shutter speeds: 30-1/8000 sec
  • Storage: 1 CompactFlash Type I and 1 SD/SDHC/SDXC and UHS-I
  • Viewfinder: 0.71x 3 x 21mm
  • Dimension: 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9mm
  • Weight: 800g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

I’ve used the camera before and had no difficulty choosing the settings.

The camera has a native ISO range of 100-32000, which can be expanded to a range of 50-102400 for extreme low light conditions.

For shutter speed, setting to a faster setting helped capture the bustling city life while on tour.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

To catch as much light as possible, I set the aperture to f/5.6.

Some street scenes were tough to photograph in low light and at such a fast pace; therefore, the f/8 setting was appropriate.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

With autofocus tracking enabled, it can shoot at a continuous burst frame rate of up to 7 fps.

This makes it an excellent camera for capturing fast-moving action.

I loved making short videos for reels with it because of its 60 fps full HD recording capabilities.

I used the AWB to obtain the finest color mix because I frequently photograph at night.

Why is this camera the best?

Travel photography is about capturing the perfect shots to add to your portfolio.

It is possible if your camera’s autofocus isn’t exceptional.

Luckily, Mark IV autofocus is sharp enough to lock the subject at any pace.

Conclusion:

Overall, it is a highly versatile and capable camera for travel photography.

Be it city tours, hiking, or a walk in the park; you can take it anywhere with you.

The camera’s rugged construction, weather-sealing, and intuitive controls make it a reliable and user-friendly tool for photographers, while its advanced video features, such as 4K video recording and Dual Pixel RAW technology, make it the best DSLR for travel photography.

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Pros
  • 30MP full-frame image sensor.
  • Fast 61-point autofocus system.
  • 7fps continuous shooting.
  • Unlimited JPG shooting buffer.
  • Pro-grade build.
  • Dual Pixel AF Live View focus system.
  • 3.2-inch touch screen.
  • Integrated GPS and Wi-Fi.
  • CF and SD card slots.
Cons
  • Clean HDMI output is 1080p only.
  • No in-body flash.

Nikon D850: (Best DSLR for Travel Photography)

The moment I got my hands on the Nikon D850, the perfect way to test its capabilities was to embark on a travel adventure.

My destination was the picturesque country of Iceland, with its breathtaking landscapes, glaciers, and aurora borealis.

Along with the best DSLR for travel photography, I embarked on a journey to the country’s most remote and stunning locations.

Features:

  • Model: Nikon D850
  • Effective Megapixel: 45.7 MP
  • Image sensor: (35.9 x 23.9 mm) (BSI-CMOS)
  • ISO range: 64-25,600 (Expandable to 102,400)
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported) + XQD
  • Viewfinder: 2,359,000-dot
  • Dimension: 146 x 124 x 79 mm
  • Weight: 1005g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

The camera has a native ISO range of 64 to 25600, which can be extended up to ISO 102400.

The shutter can go to 1/8000th of a second, which allows you to freeze the action and capture fast-moving subjects.

It also has a minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds, which is helpful for long exposures.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

The aperture settings on this camera depend on the lens that I attach to the camera.

While using the prime lens – the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G, its aperture goes to f/1.8, while a zoom lens such as the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR has a maximum aperture of f/2.8.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

Compared to its previous cameras, it outperforms them regarding frame rate.

It gave me an fps of 7 frames per second in continuous shooting mode.

Hence, it made it easy to shoot during traveling and road trips.

Why is this camera the best?

As I walked along the black sand beach and the iconic Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, I was captivated by the crystal clear blue icebergs that floated in the water.

The camera’s 45.7-megapixel sensor captured every detail of the ice formations, from the cracks and crevices to the smooth, glass-like surface.

This was why I found this camera the best option for travel photos.

Conclusion:

Overall, my travel experience with this camera was among the best I have ever had.

Using it, I could capture the essence of Iceland, from its rugged and breathtaking landscapes to its delicate glaciers.

Thanks to this camera, I brought the beauty of Iceland back home with me and relived the experience of my journey through my photographs.

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Pros
  • Full-frame 45.7MP image sensor.
  • 153-point autofocus system.
  • 7fps burst shooting.
  • Wide ISO range.
  • 4K video.
  • Large optical viewfinder.
  • Tilting touch LCD.
  • Dual card slots.
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • No built-in flash.
  • SnapBridge system needs some work.

Nikon D500: (Best DSLR for Travel Photography)

I recently had the opportunity to take the Nikon D500 on a trip to Europe, and it proved to be the perfect companion for capturing all of the sights and scenes of my journey.

I traveled to the Swiss Alps, where I took advantage of the D500’s incredible low-light performance to capture the stunning beauty of the mountains at dusk and dawn.

The camera’s rugged build and weather sealing also came in handy during my hikes, protecting it from harsh environments.

Features:

  • Model: Nikon D500
  • Effective Megapixel: 28.9
  • Image sensor: 23.5 mm. x 15.7 mm.
  • ISO range: 100 – 51,200.
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • LCD: TFT touch-sensitive LCD with a 170° viewing angle
  • Dimension: 147 x 115 x 81 mm
  • Weight: 760g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

My last spot was Barcelona, where the camera’s fast shutter speed and excellent autofocus helped me capture the energy and vibrancy of the streets and markets.

The camera’s high-resolution sensor also allowed me to capture the incredible detail and texture of the city’s historic buildings and monuments.

The ranges for ISO are 100-51,200, and for mechanical and electronic shutters, 1/8000 sec and 1/250, respectively.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

It has a maximum aperture of f/8 when utilizing the built-in flash.

You cannot determine the maximum aperture when using an external flash since the lens type is a key factor.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

It has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second, which helps capture the busy streets of Barcelona.

However, you must check your camera’s storage because the more excellent fps, the more memory it will take.

Once, I was shooting indoors in a historic building, and setting the white balance to “incandescent” helped correct the yellowish tint in my pictures.

Why is this camera the best?

Its autofocus and continuous shooting mode make it the best DSLR for travel photography.

It allowed me to capture the fast-paced energy and movement of the cities I visited, as well as the action-packed outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the Swiss Alps,

Conclusion:

Overall, this camera is an exceptional DSLR for travel photography, with its fast performance, rugged build, and excellent image quality allowing me to capture all of the fantastic sights and experiences of my journey through Europe.

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Pros
  • Solid build.
  • She advanced an edge-to-edge autofocus system.
  • 10fps capture with tracking focus.
  • Large buffer for extended shooting.
  • Superb high ISO image quality.
  • Clean HDMI output.
  • Excellent control layout.
  • Tilting touch-screen LCD.
  • Dust- and weather-resistant design.
  • XQD and SD card slots.
Cons
  • Snapbridge wireless transfer needs some work.
  • No built-in flash.

Nikon D780: (Best DSLR for Travel Photography)

As a seasoned photographer, I traveled to Bali, Indonesia, for this year’s summer vacation, and I couldn’t wait to explore this stunning island.

The first place on my itinerary was the famous Tanah Lot Temple, situated on a small rocky island and is only accessible during low tide.

I took my Nikon D780 out of my bag and started shooting.

The 24.5-megapixel sensor and the Expeed 6 image processor produced sharp, vibrant images that captured the intricate details of the temple and the surrounding landscape.

Features:

  • Model: Nikon D780
  • Effective Megapixel: 24.5 MP
  • Image sensor: (35.9 x 23.9 mm) (CMOS)
  • ISO range: 100 – 51,200
  • Shutter speeds: 1/8000 sec
  • Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Viewfinder: Eye-level Pentaprism Single-Lens Reflex Viewfinder
  • Dimension: 143.5 x 115.5 x 76 mm
  • Weight: 840g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

As I walked around the temple, I noticed the golden light of the setting sun illuminating the area, creating a magical ambiance.

I quickly adjusted the camera settings, and the D780’s ISO range of 100-51200 allowed me to capture the scene with stunning clarity and detail without compromising image quality.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

The AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR kit lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and a minimum of f/22 on the D780.

THE VIDEO COLORS REMAINED BEAUTIFUL whether I opted for a high or low ISO range.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

In continuous mode, this DSLR can shoot at 7 frames per second.

A lower frame rate is ideal for low-light situations because it allows more light to travel through the lens, leading to richer pictures.

Why is this camera the best?

The D780’s impressive dynamic range enabled me to capture the vivid greens of the rice fields in Ubud and the deep blue of the sky.

My final pictures truly reflected the beauty of this part of Bali.

The camera’s ergonomic design and lightweight body made it easy to carry around, even during a long day of walking and exploring.

Conclusion:

Overall, my experience with the camera was incredible.

It is the best DSLR for travel photography because of its versatility and image quality.

Whether I was capturing the details of a temple, the vibrant colors of a rice paddy, or the majesty of a Komodo dragon, the D780 delivered stunning results every time.

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Pros
  • Excellent 24MP full-frame sensor.
  • 7fps burst with tracking.
  • 12fps electronic shutter.
  • Tilting touch LCD.
  • Phase detect focus for video.
  • 4K with a flat profile.
  • In-camera charging.
Cons
  • The image sensor isn’t stabilized.

Canon 80D: (Best DSLR for Travel Photography)

Traveling becomes exciting when you have a friend along with you.

For my next vacation, my best friend Kurtis accompanied me.

I made sure to include my trusty Canon 80D DSLR camera.

I had heard so much about its capabilities for travel photography, and I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.

My destination was the tropical paradise of the Maldives, a land of crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and stunning coral reefs.

Features:

  • Model: Canon 80D
  • Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
  • Image sensor: DIGIC 6
  • ISO range: 100-16000 (expandable to 256,00)
  • Shutter speeds: 30-1/8000 sec
  • Storage: SD, SDHC, or SDXC (UHS-I)
  • Dimension: 139.0 x 105.2 x 78.5mm
  • Weight: 730g

ISO / Shutter Speed:

The turquoise waters and clear sand were a beautiful sight for sore eyes.

This would be the perfect opportunity to experiment with the 80D’s ISO and shutter speed settings.

My friend helped me set my ISO to 200, which allowed me to capture the subtle nuances of the colors without sacrificing image quality.

As I explored the islands, I experimented with different shutter speeds, ranging from 30 – 1/8000 sec.

Aperture / Depth of Field:

The 80D has a maximum aperture of f/1.8-f/3.5, depending on the lens attached.

I experimented with the camera’s aperture to get beautiful shots.

Once, I used a wide aperture of f/1.8 to capture a stunning image of a brightly colored fish swimming through coral reefs.

White Balance / Frame Rate:

It has a maximum frame rate of 7 frames per second.

Its fast frame rate captures the playful dolphins smoothly jumping out of the water.

As a result, I was able to capture multiple shots in quick succession.

The beauty of the golden hour on the beach didn’t go to waste as I set the white balance to “warm light.”

Why is this camera the best?

It has a high-quality image sensor that can capture stunning, detailed images and a range of customizable settings that allow the photographer to adjust the camera to their specific needs.

Due to its durable, weather-sealed body, it underwent the severities of travel and was a reliable companion for me.

Conclusion:

I’ve shot almost every type of scene with this camera.

From landscapes and portraits to action shots, it has the features and capabilities to help you get the shot you want.

This versatility makes it a popular choice among travel photographers as it is the best DSLR.

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Pros
  • 45-point autofocus system.
  • 7fps capture with focus tracking.
  • Vari-angle touch-screen display.
  • Pentaprism viewfinder.
  • Smooth video autofocus.
  • 1/8,000-sec shutter and 1/250-sec flash sync.
  • Wi-Fi with NFC.
Cons
  • Single SD card slot.
  • No PC sync connection.

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best DSLR for Travel Photography?

Is there a camera that I didn’t mention in this article that you love to use?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

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