Jimsaviano

I am going on safari in September and want to get a decent camera. For the past several years, I have used my Canon Powershot SX230 HS. This tells you that I need to upgrade and that I am not a well versed in photography. The camera I get will be used primarily for vacations and grandkids sports with a small amount of family posed pictures. Price is not a deterrent. Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom. Jim

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Getting a camera for general photography is one thing, but deciding what to take on an African safari is another. Are you willing to deal with a large camera and more than one lens? If pictures are a prime consideration, then you'll want good gear. If you just want some nice shots to remember the trip, then a smaller, lighter, single-lens camera would work.

Let's see what the others have to say.

Having a backup camera would be a good idea.

Some ideas -
http://johnxsafaris.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/how-to-choose-a-camera-for-your-safari-memories/

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/safari-tips.shtml

cockney greg Loc: London E17

Hi Jim, I see you're new here so welcome aboard firstly. For safari you might be better off with a single lens camera to avoid having too much space taken up with big heavy lenses etc. Maybe use the search facility at the top of this page and key in SX50, have a look at the camera and then read some reviews online. You may decide this has everything you want for the type of photography you want to do. I'm sure you'll get lots of comments to the contrary.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Welcome to the Hog. Just back from Africa. Been there 11 times for mission work with my church and I always find something interesting to shoot. I personally carry a Nikon P510 for a backup camera and use it primarily for wide angle shots and the superzoom comes in handy when something occurs rapidly while it's in my hands. I have a D5200, a mid-range consumer Nikon DSLR with a Nikon 55-300 VR lens mounted for birds in flight and getting in tight with the very nice 24MP this camera sports. I don't want to be changing lenses in the dusty conditions common on photo safaris. Last Saturday, I had my 55-300 fog up on me due to extreme humidity and a small temperature variance from my room to our vehicle. I was very thankful I had a backup camera and an extra all purpose lens for the D5200. Don't take a chance on one camera in any once in a lifetime situation. Ask any wedding photographer. One other idea, if you get a DSLR, you might rent a super expensive long zoom lens for the trip, which would be much more cost effective than laying out $10K or more.

Jolly Roger Loc: Dorset. UK

Welcome to the Hog. You didn't say which part of Africa you are travelling to or what time of the year. These two factors will have a big influence on the conditions you will be shooting in.
You also state that you are "not well versed in photography".
I really think that a decent camera with a good zoom on it will allow you to enjoy the adventure. It will be more portable and easier to protect from the environment. Less chance of dust or rain entering it if lenses don't need to be changed. Good luck.

Jimsaviano

Thanks for the input - we are going to Tanzania and Kenya in September. Good input so far - thanks.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Would make an excellent choice and upgrade. Keep the one you have for a backup.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

From a photographer "Joel Sartore" that does many African trips for Nat Geo...
Home page: http://www.joelsartore.com/
Equipment: http://www.joelsartore.com/about-joel/common-questions/camera-equipment/

PaulB Loc: Alabama

I have been to Africa twice and can make several recommendations for you to consider:

1. Take extra batteries and a charger. There are no drug
stores or camera stores available in the bush!

2. Have backup media (sd or flash cards---same reason as #1.

3. If you take a SLR or DSLR, minimize lens changes during
duty game drives (dust can wreak havoc on lens and camera
contacts)

4. Take a camera/lens with some reach (at least 300 mm or
better).

5. Always have a backup camera available.

My recommendation for a camera to take is definitely the Canon SX50. Reason: Plenty of reach (up to 1200mm) and you won't need to change lenses in dusty conditions. The quality of photos taken with it and posted on UHH are excellent. If I went to Africa again, I would take one with me, along with my Canon 6D and several lenses.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

Purchase a Sony RX10 and be done with it... learn it's tricks now and you'll be ready this fall.....

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Get yourself a very good P&S. It would be easy to carry, give you great photos (that you will remember taking), and eliminate the problem of having to decide on what lens to carry. Too often amateurs spend too much time worrying about the gear and not enough time enjoying the sights. If you want to attempt serious photography on a safari go back next year, or the next, and concentrate on your photography. This year is an expedition for you, enjoy it to the fullest.

Several years ago I took a friend to the Indianapolis 500. She had never been to the race and was excited about the aspect of photographing something she had never seen before. On our return trip the evening of the race I asked her how she liked her first race. She responded that she would really like to go the next year so she could actually watch the race. She will always remember seeing her first 500 through the view finder and not really seeing it.

At the men's NCAA basketball tournament last year I asked one of the pro shooters how he liked being able to watch all the games while "working". His comment will always ring in my ears. He responded, "I don't watch the game, I watch the action." He never even knew which team won the game.

Enjoy your safari for the adventure it will be. Then go back, when you are more apt to be able to appreciate the trip for what it will be, a working trip.

lhdiver Loc: Midwest

The new cameras with single zoom lens should be all you need. There are a number of them to choose from, Canon, Panasonic & Sony. Check out their reviews on www.dpreview.com. Go to the store & handle them so you know if you like the feel. You don't want to start learning your way around an advanced DSLR system as you are leaving for a special trip so don't do it. Decide on which option you like & get the camera in hand as soon as possible so you know it's features & limitations as well as strong points before you go. Do take enough batteries & cards (or computer backup) as you will take a lot of photos! (I averaged 1000 per day!)

stan0301 Loc: Colorado

I would certainly familiarize yours self with the options to construct panoramas that Photoshop (and there are other programs) affords you--I would bet you make a bunch of them.
Stan

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

This can definitely be fun with the right setup!! Make sure you use a tripod for best results!! The SX50 comes with a program and settings that make this very easy to do!!

philo Loc: philo, ca

I just got back and had a great trip.
I used my Canon 5d Mark 11 with a tamron 150-600 zoom for 90 per cent of my shots. Was happy with the setup.
Had a canon sx50 as back up and used it for wide angle shots.
A tripod would be of no value. You are limit on movement within your van and it would be impossible to use a tripod. I did take a monopod and used it on a river cruise.
i took 5 battery and one failed me the first day out. It was a brand new unit. From then on I carried two extra ones.
I took enough memory for 5K shots and came home with 100 or 2g left. Not bad planning.
I found this type of photography very challending. You must be ready at any given moment and a lot of time you missed a shot because it was on the wrong side of the van. You may be shooting left, right, up or down. Nothing stays still for very long.
i loved the trip and am happy with my images.
Have a great trip and drink bottled water.
I had no problems with charging my equipment, but you do need a M plug.
Take warm clothes because it get chilly on early morning drives. A knit cap is of value and take a good flash light. don't take a flash it is extra weight.