13 Best Small Lightweight Digital SLR Cameras

Looking for one of the 13 best small lightweight digital SLR cameras? You’ve come to the right page!

You would think that the birth of the smartphone (often equipped with awesome cameras) would be the end of digital SLR cameras. However, photography seems to have found stability, as it looks like digital SLR cameras are here to stay. If you’re one of the many people who have found love in travel photography, you must be interested in knowing about the best small lightweight digital SLR cameras.

A digital SLR camera is a type of camera that uses mirrors to direct light to the viewfinder from the lens. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. There are professional digital SLR cameras used in photo shoots and other photography jobs, which naturally cost more than normal digital cameras. Many decades ago, SLR cameras were only for professional photographers. The popularity of blogs, travel photography, food photography, and even Instagram paved the way for SLR cameras to have more affordable versions.

People who love to travel need small, lightweight digital SLR cameras. You may be tempted to use your phone instead, which is of course lighter. But even when you have a smartphone that takes great photos, there is still nothing like a digital SLR camera. Case in point – even when a smartphone has really good photo and video capturing quality, the lenses used in professional cameras still outdo them. Because smartphones are generally flat, there is no way (at least for now) for them to use the wide lenses used in SLR cameras. Then again, we should note that because smartphone developers really exert serious effort to improve their camera features, cheaper digital cameras are starting to lose value.

The bottom line is still this: if you compare the latest smartphone camera to the latest digital SLR camera, the latter will always win.

In looking for the 13 best small lightweight digital SLR cameras, we sourced data from these three websites: Expert Reviews, National Geographic, and Tech Radar. We averaged the rankings from the three websites to reach this comprehensive, unbiased list. The DSLR cameras that made it to the list are not ranked in any particular order, since they are all pretty much the same weight. They have different features, yes, but because people have different opinions on the make of the best camera, they can freely choose which of the 13 is the best for them.

If you’re looking for something even more impressive, go check out the list of the 11 Most Expensive DSLR Cameras on The Market. Now then, on with our current list, beginning on the next page.

13. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

We are starting off our list of best small lightweight digital SLR cameras with this camera that is one of your best bets if you are into travel photography. Compact and lightweight, Olympus’ latest addition to its impressive product line is also quick and has a legendary autofocus feature. Its other top features include remote control through the Olympus Image Share app, 60 frames per shutter (fps) shooting with electronic shutter, and five-axis image stabilization. It is also weatherproof, so you’re ready with your camera, rain or shine!

12. Canon Inc (ADR) (NYSE:CAJ) G7 X Mark II

With a lens that’s bright and a processor that’s quick, you’d be surprised that this high technology camera from Canon Inc (ADR) (NYSE:CAJ) actually fits in your pocket. It is also easy to grip and has a 20-megapixel sensor that can take high-quality pictures in all sorts of conditions. The photos taken by this camera appear to have very rich colors and no noise at all, which is surprising for such a small camera.

11. Panasonic Corporation (ADR) (OTCMKTS:PCRFY) Lumix ZS100/TZ100

With a 1-inch type sensor and a processor that is fast, this camera that ranks 11th in our list of best small lightweight digital SLR cameras is one of the most powerful lightweight cameras today. Its lenses could still use some improvement, but the high-quality images produced by this small camera can still impress even experts.

10. Panasonic Lumix G85 4K

If you pair this camera with the IS II-rated Panasonic lens, you get yourself a really powerful camera that does not weigh much but is packed with great features. With weather sealing, a weatherproof body, and high-speed focusing, your hard-earned money is truly well-spent on this gadget.

9. Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) RX100 V

This one is on the pricey side for a compact camera, but its features prove its worth. This camera is not only great with photos, but with videos as well. It is one of the fastest cameras around, and provides flawless photos and videos. Even with conditions that do not look ideal for taking pictures, the images captured still look great.

8. Canon EOS 750D

This camera ranks 8th in our list of best small lightweight digital SLR cameras. It is all about business. No fancy features, just consistently high-quality pictures. It boasts 24-megapixel sensors, built-in WiFi, and a great live view. The pictures it produces are always brilliant. No matter the condition, the pictures stay the same: bright and in high quality.

7. Nikon D3300

If you’re a beginner who is still trying digital SLR cameras, this one is one of your safest bets. It is not as expensive as the others, but it does come big in its features. It can do its setting on its own, without requiring you to tweak anything but still giving you high-quality photos, and is definitely one of the best small lightweight digital SLR cameras.

6. Canon EOS 1300D

With an 18-megapixel sensor, you might dismiss this camera as one that’s of a lower quality, but it is not. Its images look as good as those taken with 25-megapixel ones. It is also more affordable, which makes it a great option for budget-conscious photographers or as a quality backup camera.

5. Canon EOS 100D

This is the smallest digital SLR camera on the market today. Just because it is small does not mean its features or photo quality are lacking. It takes great pictures, and is perfect for travel photography as it doesn’t take up much space in your luggage.

4. Nikon D610

24-megapixel sensors and WiFi compatibility are some of the core features of this great SLR camera. It is Nikon’s mid-level digital SLR camera, perfect for aspiring photographers and even those whose passion is travel and food photography. Its fast burst rate does not disappoint either.

3. Nikon D500

One of today’s most interesting digital SLR cameras, this one has 21-megapixel sensors and an ISO sensitivity option of 1,640,000. It takes high resolution, brilliant photos, and is more practical than other cameras with the same features. And now, let’s see the top two entries in our list of best small lightweight digital SLR cameras.

2. Nikon D810

Imagine a 36-megapixel camera that’s lightweight. You get ultra-clear travel photos that will most probably stand the test of time. It also boasts great battery life, takes great photos at ultra-high resolutions, and has a strong build that’s perfect for its price.

1. Canon EOS 5DS

You would have thought that 50 megapixels was impossible, until Canon went ahead and made it real. This beauty boasts a 61-point autofocus system, as well as other specialist features that will make sense when you know how to really control the settings. Perfect for experts, though the resulting photos from this baby are expert-level no matter who’s aiming it.

Choosing the right digital SLR camera for you will usually depend on the price and your preference. It depends on your knowledge of professional photography, as some cameras could only maximize their potential when used by experts. Whichever the case may be, the perfect camera would be one that’s durable, can take spotless pictures, and is lightweight enough to be taken everywhere you’d want to capture precious moments. When you’re ready to really invest in your photography passion, take your pick from the 13 best small lightweight digital SLR cameras.

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