geezerguy

A couple of weeks ago I joined the forum (can't find my post) because after about 7 years of having abandoned my early tech digital point and shoot, I had become an iPhone photographer exclusively. When my wife and I decided to go on African Safari next year, I started thinking about arming myself with some of the new photo tech available in the market. My thanks to Retina for a lot of ideas and guidance in my search.

First, I knew that my delightful early (60s thru 90s) experience with SLRs, Nikon F and much later a Nikon 8008, was not where I wanted to be today. Shooting lots of decent snaps of grandchildren and travel experiences was what I wanted, in a compact, high quality camera I could put in my pocket. I told Retina I wanted an APS-C sensor and a long zoom close to 2.0, super AF, WiFi/Bluetooth, and all for under $500. :-) Tall order. After lots of internet research (DP Review was very helpful) I backed off my IQ requirement for APS-C, simply because I am not going to be selling or exhibiting my pix, but I might put a few print albums together.

I ended up buying a Nikon Coolpix A900 from Dominion Camera in Falls Church, VA, for well under my price ceiling and at the same price offered by Amazon! I would have paid a premium, because I really needed some hands on from an expert before I bought it. We need to support our excellent local camera stores before they get steamrolled by Amazon.

Finally, my thanks again to Retina for his thoughtful suggestions. I look forward to getting back into photography through something other than my phone, and I will continue my education by visiting this site!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Have fun with your new camera. Capture some awesome images.

Nancysc

As a safari veteran (Kenya and Tanzania) here's my two shillings worth: without a humongous long lens and a private safari van you will not be able to get National Geo quality photos of animals, but you can get super shots of people, markets, architecture, and maybe even some distant views of animals. I spent as much time on the coast enjoying Swahili culture, colorful markets, Arabian architecture, and beautiful people as I did on two one-week safaris. I have no experience with other countries such as Botswana and South Africa. If you are paying for a private safari (or very small group) you may have better luck photographing animals. The cheaper safaris all go to the same spots, and 30 vans will circle around a group of lions having lunch. It's hard to get a picture of a lion without including all the other vans. This is not to discourage you; I loved both of my trips and remember my month in Kenya as the best travel experience of my life.

whwiden

Africa can be tough, just as you say. If you need suggestions on itinerary, PM me. You need a long lens, luck, the ability to go off road (not always allowed), and more. I have gotten some decent animal shots but always feel on the edge of failure.

geezerguy

I hear you. Ours is a Road Scholar small group program to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, and our interest extends beyond getting check marks for a wide variety of animal sightings. I'm personally looking forward to no TV, U.S. newspapers or email!

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

These negative comments about Africa Safari's are surprising to me based on my experience in Kenya last year. My experience was very different. With just a Canon SX50 Bridge Camera, I was able get some fantastic animal pictures. Depending on which parks you take a Safari in, you will most likely see at least some of the 'Big 5' animals: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. Some of these sightings may be a considerable distance, as has been stated. However, you will likely see large numbers of other animals in closer proximity. In Amboseli, Kenya, we saw lots of giraffes, zebras, wildbeasts, elephants, (Amboseli is known for elephants), hippos, and dozens of bird species. With a 35X zoom the OP would undoubtedly be able to get some really nice animal shots. I certainly don't think he's expecting magazine worthy shots with a Nikon A900, but he should be able to get some very satisfying animal shots. We were fortunate to get some very good opportunities with lions at two different locations. We also got some Cape Buffalo shots. Lots of elephant and giraffe shots. No Leopard or Rhino sightings that day. While I've heard of some groups having more challenging days sighting animals, these seem to be rare if one has an experienced Safari guide who knows where to go. I too, was in Kenya for three weeks for a different overall purpose, a missions/humanitarian trip which was an outstanding experience I will never forget. However, our day long Safari was an experience of a lifetime in itself, and taking pictures of the animals that day was incredibly fun.

whwiden

That is a great grouping of countries. I hope you will get to see Chobe National Park. If possible, you should take a river boat ride or two. And, a land excursion is only about a 20 minute ride from most lodges to the land entrance to the park, which are located on the river in Botswana. The airport at Kasane in Botswana is a little over a year old. Very nice, and also likely very close to your lodge. I got most of my keeper photos in Chobe while staying in Botswana.

whwiden

Using a bridge camera with a long zoom is a smart idea. What you say about general game sightings will likely prove true. Lots of elephants, giraffes, etc. in Chobe too. You likely will see lions. On a river cruise you also should see Cape Buffalo and crocodiles. However, lions may be at a distance. In a small boat you will get close to animals on the river. Things like leopards and rhinos and cheetahs in a truly wild setting can be hit or miss. Hwange may be hit or miss for lions.

If you are looking for specific things rather than a general experience, it can be challenging, however.

JP Pixburgh Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Hey geezerguy, I have a much easier and far cheaper way of ridding your life of TV, U.S newspapers and email. DON'T TURN THEM ON!

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

BigRedRex

I have been on safari in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Botswana. Botswana is my absolute favorite because of good animal sightings and far fewer people. You will love it and get great photos.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

I bought a Nikon A900 recently to get a compact camera body with substantial zoom range. I have been experimenting with it for a few weeks and have found it to be a pretty useful small camera to take anywhere. My only gripe is that it does not shoot RAW, only JPEG and I like to have the freedom in PP that RAW provides. So far, my only negative. Enjoy your new camera but practice A LOT before you travel on a once in a lifetime safari.

geezerguy

Thanks, cambriaman, I have a year to get acquainted with it. Having had it only one day, I’m still in feature/function discovery mode, and so far I am very pleased. I haven’t really tested full optical zoom, 35x, hand-held, but I can’t imagine that I won’t want (need?) a beanbag or small tripod to get sharp pictures. Any experience with this?

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Welcome to UHH and enjoy!

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

As for your planned safari, if you want to be less limited with the wildlife photos you could rent a camera with a big 'ol telephoto lens from Borrow Lenses. That is a very common strategy. Common because it works out well. Be sure to allow time to play with it first before you go.