Photo: Sony

DSLR cameras allow amateur photographers to capture exceptional shots. While they take a little more time to learn, there are many advantages over a standard compact camera or smartphone. With many camera brands out there, we've always turned to Sony for easy-to-use, quality cameras. We've owned our current Sony DSLR, the Sony Alpha 300, for several years, but we're eyeing this model, the Sony α68 DSLR, for our next upgrade. 

$699.99 with body + 18-55mm lens / sony.com

Photo: Sony

The Sony RX100 provides the power of a DSLR in a fabulously compact package that fits in your pocket. It shoots incredible photos in low-light and the video is top-notch. The small size makes it ideal for those times when we don't want to carry a bigger bag, like evenings out. We rarely leave home without it.

$699.99 / sony.com

Photos: ONA

ONA camera bags are stylish for both men and women. We love our leather 'Bowery' bag from ONA and use the front and side pockets to store small guidebooks, maps and DSLR accessories. The strap adjusts, making it easy for either of us to carry. 

$149 for canvas, $249 for leather / Available in ten colors / onabags.com

Photos: Lo & Sons

This is the Claremont from Lo & Sons, offering a discreet yet elegant solution for carrying your DSLR. There are two tiny pockets sized just for memory cards along with a back zipper pocket for other essentials. We own two other bags from Lo & Sons and appreciate the thoughtful design incorporated into all of their products. This is next on the purchase list.

$300 / Available in three colors / loandsons.com

Photos: MegaGear

MegaGear offers a slim fitting leather case for our recommended Sony Cyber-shot camera (shown) at a great price - just over $25. The "ever ready" design allows you to take off the top part of the case to easily snap a shot. There's no need to remove the bottom portion of the case - your tripod screws in as normal. Given that the Cyber-shot is an investment, we wanted some outer protection, and this case has proven to be the perfect fit. MegaGear sells cases for virtually any camera in a variety of colors.

$25.99 / This product available in four leather colors / megagearshop.com

Photo: Kelly Moore

The Woodstock backpack from Kelly Moore is a stylish option for those who prefer a backpack over a crossbody or sling bag. The interior has a removable, adjustable padded basket to safeguard your camera, plus plenty of other pockets for your essentials.

$199 / Available in three colors / kellymoorebag.com

Photo: Amazon

For around $10 and measuring only 5 inches, this is an exceptionally versatile tripod. We easily fit ours in the pocket of our camera bags and it performs remarkably well, even in the outdoors when we are stabilizing our DSLR on uneven surfaces.

$12.99 / Available on Amazon

Photo: Joby

For additional grip, check out GorillaPod's line of tripods that can wrap around most anything. At 10" in length and weighing less than half a pound, the Hybrid is still portable and provides more versatility. 

$39.99 / joby.com

Photo: Amazon

If you plan to take photos outdoors, always have a rain sleeve. The simple design of the OP/TECH rainsleeve works with most DSLR cameras and fits in a tiny pocket. We have only had to use ours a handful of times, but when you're hiking in a remote area, there is peace of mind knowing we have one.

$6.95 for 2-pack / Available on Amazon

Photo: Lens Pen

It's inevitable that your camera lens will get dirty, whether it's dust or a smudge. Pack the small LensPen in your camera bag to quickly and easily clean your camera lens and get back to capturing incredible moments.

$14.95 / lenspen.com

Photo: Apple

For all you Apple fans, you may only travel with your iPad rather than a laptop. This lightning to USB camera adapter is handy for downloading your photos to your iPad when you need to free up space on your camera, or if you're planning to edit your favorite shots and share online to a blog or social media.

$39.99 / apple.com