1. Overall Best DSLR Camera for Travel
– Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Sensor: 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
ISO Range: 100 to 40000 (Extended: 50 to 102400)
Viewfinder: 21mm Optical with 98% Coverage and 0.71x Magnification
Screen: 3.0-inch 1.04m-dot Articulating Touchscreen LCD
Image File Format: JPEG and RAW
Image Stabilization: Digital, 5-Axis (Video Only)
Burst Shooting: 6.5fps
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, Canon N3, HDMI C (Mini), Mini-B (USB 2.0)
Battery Life: 1,200 Shots
Weight: 685 g (Body Only)
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a blend of advanced performance and an ergonomic design. It features a 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor that pairs with a DIGIC 7 Image Processor to deliver sharper, brighter images in most shooting conditions. With it, you will enjoy a burst shooting rate of 6.5fps (4.5fps in Live View).
To complement the powerful sensor and processor, it sports a 45-point all-cross-type AF system. This autofocus ensures your images are tack sharp due to its accurate subject tracking capabilities. Along with the faster AF system, the sensor features Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology that boosts its focusing during video shooting and Live View.
The 6D Mark II comes in a durable weather-sealed body to permit working in extreme environments. Its body design is smaller and lighter. At 685 grams, this DSLR camera weighs almost the same as the iconic Sony Alpha A7 III that we recommend as the best mirrorless camera for travel photography bloggers.
Pros:
- A robust, compact, and lighter body design with a comfortable grip.
- Built-in GPS to geo-tag your photos.
- Shoots up to 1,200 photos with a single battery charge.
- A large, fully articulating touchscreen LCD that flips to the side for selfie shots.
- The EF-Mount lenses are very affordable and come in a wide range of selection.
- Records 1080p videos at up to 60fps.
Cons:
- It comes with just a single SD card slot.
- Lacks a built-in flash.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a brilliant and affordable workhorse DSLR that ticks a lot of boxes for many travel photographers. On top of its high-performance and top-notch imaging capabilities, it comes in a solid design that is compact and lighter.
Pairing it up with a versatile lens like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM will allow travel photographers to shoot print-worthy landscape and portrait photos.
2. Best Nikon DSLR Camera for Professional Travel Photography
– Nikon D850

Sensor: 45.7 MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor
ISO Range: 64 to 25600 (Extended: 32 to 102400)
Viewfinder: 17mm Optical with 100% Coverage and 0.75x Magnification
Screen: 3.2-inch 2.359m-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW, TIFF
Image Stabilization: None
Burst Shooting: 7fps
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI C (Mini), Nikon 10-Pin, X-Sync Socket, Micro-B (USB 3.0)
Battery Life: 1,840 Shots
Weight: 915 g (Body and Battery)
When it comes to the best DSLR cameras for travel photography, it’s a war between Canon and Nikon. The Canon 6D Mark II wins the battle of the best DSLR with a mirrorless-like body and excellent imaging capabilities. But Nikon takes things a top-notch higher with its D850 model.
The Nikon D850 features a massive 45.7MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor that pairs with a powerful EXPEED 5 Image Processor. The combination allows it to deliver sharper images with improved clarity, even in low-light conditions. With it, you’ll enjoy a 7fps burst shooting rate for up to 51 consecutive frames.
To complement the powerful sensor and faster processor, it comes with an ultra-accurate AF system. The AF system features a dedicated autofocus processor, 153 total phase-detection points, and 99 cross-type sensors. It’s such a superfast AF that will track and capture even the most elusive subjects.
Pros:
- A robust weather-sealed body.
- Records UHD 4K/30fps and Full HD 1080p/120fps for slow-motion.
- A wide dynamic range and an impressive low-light performance.
- A tilting high-resolution intuitive touchscreen that’s very responsive.
- Battery life can be extended up to 5140 shots with the optional MB-D18 grip and EN-EL18a/b battery.
- One XQD slot and a UHS II-compliant SD slot.
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and a bit more expensive than Canon 6D Mark II.
- Lacks an in-body image stabilization.
- Lacks a built-in flash and GPS.
The Nikon D850 has been widely praised as one of the best professional-level cameras in the market. It’s a blend of a powerful sensor, extremely fast processor, and incredibly accurate autofocus. A combination that delivers flawless images with a distinct sharpness, especially when paired with a versatile lens like the Nikon 28 – 300 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.
3. Best Canon DSLR Camera for Professional Travel Photography
– Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Sensor: 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
ISO Range: 100 to 32000 (Extended: 50 to 102400)
Viewfinder: 21mm Optical with 100% Coverage and 0.71x Magnification
Screen: 3.2-inch 1.62m-Dot Fixed Touchscreen LCD Monitor
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW
Image Stabilization: None
Burst Shooting: 7fps
Connectivity: WiFi with NFC, Canon N3, HDMI C (Mini), Micro-B (USB 3.0)
Battery Life: 900 Shots
Weight: 840 g (Body and Battery)
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is yet another professional-grade workhorse camera that will give you outstanding performance in both still photography and videos. At the heart of this camera sits a 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor that pairs with a DIGIC 6+ image processor. A combination that delivers sharper, low-noise images with fine details even in low light situations.
Along with the advanced sensor and processor, 5D Mark IV comes with an enhanced 61-points AF system. A feature that improves the camera’s speed and accuracy during subject tracking to deliver tack sharp photos. It also comes with a Dual Pixel CMOS AF that boosts its focusing when working in Live View and shooting videos.
Just like the Nikon D850, 5D Mark IV will deliver a burst shooting rate of 7fps. And as an icing to its stunning performance and advanced imaging capabilities, the camera packs extra features for the best photography experience. Such features include built-in GPS for geotagging, rich connectivity options like WiFi with NFC, great battery life of about 900 shots, and a wide EF-mount lens selection.
Pros:
- A durable, robust weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body to permit working in harsh environments.
- Shoots stunning images with sharper, more vivid details.
- Impressive focusing even in dimly lit conditions, which is a plus for travel photography.
- Supports DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) video recording at up to 30 fps at 500 Mbps.
- A large 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD monitor that is very responsive and handy.
Cons:
- Quite pricey compared to the above two rivals.
- The LCD is fixed!
- Lacks a built-in flash and in-camera image stabilization.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a top performer, especially when paired with a versatile, workhorse lens like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. But you’ll be paying a premium price for it! While most travelers would get away with the Canon 6D Mark II in their photography, the 5D Mark IV is a camera we would recommend if you’re looking to do a lot of cropping and editing while post-processing your images.
4. Best DSLR Camera for Travel Vlogging
– Canon EOS 80D

Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
ISO Range: 100 to 16000 (Extended: 100 to 25600)
Viewfinder: 22mm Optical with 100% Coverage and 0.95x Magnification
Screen: 3.0-inch 1.04m-Dot Articulating Touchscreen LCD
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW
Image Stabilization: None
Burst Shooting: 7fps
Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI C (Mini), Mini-B (USB 2.0)
Battery Life: 960 Shots
Weight: 730 g (Body with Battery)
Not everyone wants an advanced, professional camera for their travel photography. If you’re looking for a robust, durable DSLR to document your travel adventures in high-quality still shots and videos, then the Canon EOS 80D might be a charm!
The 80D has built a reputation around itself as the YouTubers’ favorite camera. It’s one of the best DSLR cameras for travel vlogging out there. This prosumer camera features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 6 image processor.
Complementing the crop-sensor and a faster processor is an apt 45-point all cross-type AF system. The autofocus delivers fast performance when tracking moving subjects, even in dimly lit situations while shooting with the viewfinder.
On top of the autofocus, 80D features Dual Pixel CMOS AF and the Movie Servo AF focusing functions that will benefit vloggers when recording videos. Its other useful features include an intuitive touchscreen, microphone, and headphone jacks.
Pros:
- An affordable and durable enthusiast-grade DSLR with a solid-rock performance in both stills and video.
- Captures impressive images at 7fps in burst shooting rate.
- Records 1080p footages at up to 60fps which is perfect for YouTube and social media.
- A larger, responsive 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD that tilts to the side for selfie-mode shooting.
- It comes with a built-in flash, with an option to hook a dedicated flash via the Hot Shoe.
Cons:
- Lacks 4K video support.
- Lacks a built-in image stabilization and GPS.
The Canon EOS 80D might be the perfect choice for enthusiast travel photographers who want to document their adventures. It’s affordable, durable, and has proved it can deliver impressive results when it comes to shooting stunning imagery. Some of the best travel/portrait lenses to pair up with this camera includes the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 for Canon and the Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.

5. An Affordable Alternative to Nikon and Canon Cameras
– Pentax K-70

Sensor: 24.24MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
ISO Range: 100 to 204800
Viewfinder: 20.5mm Optical with 100% Coverage and 0.95x Magnification
Screen: 3.0-inch 921k-Dot Articulating LCD Monitor
Image File Format: DNG, JPEG, RAW
Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift
Burst Shooting: 6fps
Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI D (Micro), Micro-B (USB 2.0)
Battery Life: 480 Shots
Weight: 688 g (Body with Battery and Memory)
The Pentax K-70 is an impressive alternative to Nikon and Canon cameras, which are the two main DSLR manufacturers. It’s quite affordable despite having a rugged design and proving to be an excellent performer. It features a 24.24MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and PRIME MII Image Processor.
K-70 is capable of shooting up to 6fps in burst rate and record stunning Full HD 1080p footage at up to 60fps. Our favorite feature is the built-in sensor-shift type Shake Reduction (SR). This image stabilization helps in minimizing the appearance of camera shake during handheld shooting for sharper images.
The K-70’s LCD is articulating and flips to the side for selfie-mode shots. As a travel photographer, you will love the sleek, compact and a lighter body-design that only weighs 688 grams. This is a big deal if you are a minimalist traveler or backpacker when the weight and ize of your gear matters.
Pros:
- An affordable DSLR with a sleek and compact weather-sealed body and rock-solid performance.
- The kit lenses are affordable and will still do a great job!
- A fully weather-sealed body which is a fantastic feature for a camera at its price point.
- Built-in stereo mic with an option for a 3.5mm external mic input.
- Built-in flash with an option for a dedicated flash via the Hot Shoe.
- Innovate anti-shake technology.
Cons:
- The LCD is not a touchscreen.
- An average battery life (480 shots) and an autofocus system with only 11 phase-detection points (9 Cross-Type).
- It doesn’t have a huge range of lenses like Nikon and Canon cameras.
- Lacks extra features like GPS, which we have seen in the big contenders.
Due to its lack of advanced features like a touch-enabled LCD, poor autofocus, and a few lens options, we wouldn’t recommend this camera to the photography enthusiasts. But the Pentax K-70 stands out as one of the best DSLR cameras for beginner and intermediate travel bloggers. We advise getting it along with the Pentax 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that provides a 27.5-207mm equivalent focal length range.