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I would like to buy a new DSLR camera but I'm concerned about security. I was wondering if there's a camera on the market that doesn't have built-in wireless connectivity to it or has an option to physically disable it.

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    \$\begingroup\$ To my knowledge, the ones with it requires the camera's software to disable it. Is this a concern for battery life, or a security issue? \$\endgroup\$
    – AthomSfere
    Commented Feb 19, 2021 at 22:11
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    \$\begingroup\$ "Concerned about security" is far too vague. Whose security, under what circumstances, from what vector? This information drives the answer. \$\endgroup\$
    – Tetsujin
    Commented Feb 20, 2021 at 10:24

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As far as I know, they all allow disabling. In fact, all the ones I have direct experience with require specifically enabling Bluetooth or WiFi in order to use it.

My Nikon D7200 supports WiFi but it's default disabled. Simply enabling the WiFi on the as shipped camera does indeed put it in an open insecure mode, but the Nikon App will allow you to change it to a secure WPA2 protocol.

The biggest potential security concern with a camera, especially on a phone but also newer DSLRs, is recording GPS location data in the pictures. It's a nice reference value in principle, but telling everyone where you or your children live is probably not a good idea. Fortunately most picture sites strip this EXIF information out, but be aware that it exists.

EDIT

Per Scottbb comments:

My answer assumes that your interest is in personal security vice conforming to corporate security environments.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ OP specifically asked if cameras had a physical option to disable wireless/Bluetooth/GPS. From a security standpoint (meaning, using or operating in an environment with strict security rules), a software enablement/disablement is not secure. That is, how does a person responsible for a site's security trust that WiFi was turned off? If it's a physical switch, it can be glued in position, or even have the switch physically removed. But how does a site supervisor guarantee that a software switch stays off? \$\endgroup\$
    – scottbb ♦
    Commented Feb 19, 2021 at 23:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ For such situations, GPS isn't necessarily the primary security concern. Data exfiltration is usually the primary concern. \$\endgroup\$
    – scottbb ♦
    Commented Feb 19, 2021 at 23:57
  • \$\begingroup\$ @scottbb - I can address that in the information security forum if you like, but it's probably not appropriate here. \$\endgroup\$
    – user10216038
    Commented Feb 20, 2021 at 4:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ @scottb Not even. The switch could have been moved elsewhere and activated from the outside (reed switch). \$\endgroup\$
    – xenoid
    Commented Feb 20, 2021 at 9:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ @xenoid I don't follow your comment. \$\endgroup\$
    – scottbb ♦
    Commented Feb 20, 2021 at 18:54
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Buy a used older camera.

My primary DSLR is a Nikon D90, which has absolutely no wireless connections. I bought it used a couple of years ago. One is for sale on Kijiji right now less than an hours drive away from me, and you will probably find one if you look.

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