CliffC Loc: Colorado USA

I recently went to Kruger Natl Park in South Africa with my son for a week and became hooked on improving my wildlife photography skills which were comically absent. I wanted to bring the animals, especially the predators and birds closer with my photos and started looking at photo equipment which would help.

Because I want to return to Kruger and visit Etosha in Namibia I have been looking at the dilemma of DSLR cameras and lens and the weight involved in flying with this equipment.

I have become interested in bridge cameras and am considering The Panasonic Lumix FZ200 and Canon's Powershot SX50HS. I know the image quality is not comparable to DSLRs especially in low light but the IQ is surprisingly good for the cost. And traveling with bridge cameras is much easier.

I live a few minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and will be honing my skills on the wildlife and birds in this beautiful park. I am particularly interested in the SX50 HS ability to zoom in and help identify birds then photograph them. My goal is to travel to the Pafuri section of Kruger Park and photograph the amazing collection of birds they have at the picnic sights in Pafuri and the Crooks Corner near Mozambique.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Click on the search link at the top of the page, enter "SX50" without the quotes.

This will return a large number of posts to give you some great examples of the range of this nice camera.

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

I see you are leaning towards the Canon and, although everything else I have is Canon, I bought the Panasonic FZ200 to take to the Galapagos Islands as a backup. Having dropped my 5D Mk11 into the sea (backpack accident) I had to use the FZ200 and found that it is a great wildlife camera. I would highly recommend that you find one, handle it and take a few photos with it before you decide which to buy.

CliffC Loc: Colorado USA

The Canon Sx50 extra reach would be very helpful in getting shots of Etosha Park's far off wildlife but I have to agree with you that the extra light gathering ability of the Panasonic FZ200 makes it a better wildlife shooter under more kinds of conditions. Thanks for your input, real life shooting satisfaction is very persuasive. I would love to see some of your Galapogo I. Shots. Cliff

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

Here's some photos taken with the DMC FZ200 in the Galapagos

Iguana


Domed Tortoise


Flamingo

CliffC Loc: Colorado USA

I am convinced Sarah. Do you have a teleconverter for this camera? Graham Houghton has a wonderful series of youtube video instruction on the advanced use of the FZ200. Not particularly weighted toward wildlife photos he nevertheless fills the void for a users guide for the FZ200. He is masterful with this camera.

CardinalLady Loc: Hoosier

Wonderful shots! I have a Canon poerShot Pro1 from 2005. It has been a great camera. i just bought a new SLR but plan to use the Canon for macro. i read about the one you are looking at and it's quite an upgrade from what I have. The convenience of not having to carry extra lenses etc is quite a plus on a vacation of that scope. You want to experience as well as take photos. I love the digital display that moves in many positions and made sure my new camera has that feature. I'm not a pro, just a tourist who wants high quality photos without a lot of hassle and weight around my neck. Check out the options these pros suggest, you might find one you like better. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Canon but there may be one out there you wished you looked at before you buy.

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

No, I don't have anything extra for this camera. I use it just "as is". I'll see if I can find the Graham Houghton stuff on Youtube, it sound interesting. Thanks for the tip

CliffC Loc: Colorado USA

I am now leaning toward the panasonic Lumix FZ200 HS 24x zoom because of the fixed f2.8 lens. Forum members have shared wildlife photos taken with this camera and if I could match this image quality I would be thrilled.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

w

Welcome and enjoy

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Welcome aboard Cliff.

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

Welcome Cliff. Second new Colorado person this week! You will find quite a few of us on here. My co-worker actually lives in Lyons. Again, Welcome! Cheers.

CliffC Loc: Colorado USA

I now feel the Panasonic fz200 is a better fit than Canon Powershot SX50 because of the fixed f2.8 throughout 25mm to 600mm range of the FZ200. Plus the FZ200 Leica lens optics give better image quality.

Have you taken any images of predators?

I also am interested in the Sony A77 transparent mirror camera but wished it had dual mem card slots.

How long have you been a photographer and what areas piqué your interest?

But the real issue is composition and preparation and passion for the evocative image. Cliff

photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK

Hi Cliff

I'm not sure whether this question was addressed to me or to the previous respondent but I will answer anyway. No, I don't have pictures of predators taken with the FZ200. I do have predators taken with my 5D Mk11, you could check my website www.lausdeocards.co.uk where you will see that I take photos of almost everything: lots of foreign travel. But for myself, I love low light and night photography and am getting into macro. I take photos of everything because I make and sell photographic greeting cards at Farmers' Markets, charity events, village fairs, etc. It isn't a "business" as such because it doesn't make a living for us, it covers costs and gives us a lot of fun meeting people and having them buy my photos. But I do seriously like my FZ-200. Make sure you go handle one before you buy though: I'd hate to be blamed if you bought and then were not happy!