sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

I Ditto the following recommendation, it has a fantastic lens constant aperture 10x zoom lens of f2.8, 24-200 lens quality of the images out of this camera is excellent you really can't go wrong. And if you get it now you'll have a year to learn it...best of both worlds....

guligian Loc: Louisville KY

I have been three times and I recommend using two of the same DSLR bodies, each with a different zoom. Never think in terms of changing lenses---you'll miss the shot and the dust can be incredibly bad! Have fun---the shots are available everywhere at different distances.

GlenW

I would go with the big zoom - If most of your Safari shots will be from a vehicle you can rest the camera the only downside of the zoom is the camera shake- Also the zoom can make the depth of focus disappear leaves/trees obstacles that get in your way - If you have the time , practice shooting from the back seat of your auto at a target across the street or down the road. Also the Canon ( if my memory serves me right ) has a flip up screen which you can use overhead shooting , I was able to use a side mirror as a rest and get a good hand strap for one handed shots The Fuji is a honey of a camera but...with the fixed lens you may get only tiny results. Sounds like a wonderful trip

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

My suggestion: Get the SX-50 NOW, get used to it before you travel and you won't be disappointed. You also won't have a ton of equipment to carry. I have switched from 'the big bag' to the '50' and have never looked back. You'll get some great shots with it, and the zoom capability is terrific. Keep us posted on your choice.

ddonlewis

Obviously in Africa you will need a camera/tool that has the extended range, and I understand that you don't want to deal with the baggage of a big DSLR. You're selection of a bridge camera with an extended zoom seems like a good choice. Did a little research and I think the best would be the Canon Powershot SX-40. Yes the SX-40 not SX-50. I read an article from a bird hobbiest and he said that the SX-40 was great, but the SX-50 had a slightly bigger sensor that produced softer photos. He tried several SX-50s and they were all the same, so the SX-40, which is currently selling on Amazon would be my choice. The panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS25 is also great for a light camera. It has an effective range of 24-480, and has a Leica lens. The Canon SX280HS is also another good light camera.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Lots of good advice.

Go to DPReviews they are very reliable and you can compare cameras including pics taken on the site.

Also, look up SX50 on this site.

I would avoid any camera that requires you changing lenses. It is dusty and can be very moist in Africa depending where you are going.

Golan Loc: Imsbach, Germany

Smart move, Pam, to start now. The bridge cameras involve a learning curve, so the more practice you get with your new camera, the better results you'll achieve. I have the Canon SX-50 and am impressed. Although a staunch Canon fan, I recently purchased a Nikon P-600 with a 70X fixed lens. I'm extremely happy with it and believe it to be better than my Canon SX-50. Although most small interchangeable lens cameras are excellent, the baggage necessary to duplicate one of the two above cameras would be excessive. One of the key tests (as it is for me) is to find a camera that focuses quickly and effectively. In this regard, I lean toward the P-600. I think you're headed in the right direction and will get lots of great comments from UHH pros. Good luck and have fun.

OleJohn Loc: Lost

Go with the Panasonic FZ200, you won't be disappointed..

Bruski Loc: Ellensburg, WA

My advice is to make sure you can hold and hopefully use any camera you choose. They all have different "feels" and finishes that impact your use. Example I wanted a Canon SX 50 but it just did not feel right in my hands and the grip was slippery for my use. Check out the bridge cameras which are probably best for your needs. PS I chose an love the Fuji SL1000.

Jana-TAS Loc: Washington

Just as traveler said above- since you have a LOT of time ahead of you do not feel rushed to make your decision now and also do not make the decision just around what your feelings are for your trip. Think about what you like to do here at home with taking pictures. Are you Auduboners or into birding? If you are then you will want to make sure to get something that will also allow you to get better attachments and get something that is better for the speed so when trying to get a bird and it might possibly fly on you, you are still able to get a good capture. Then there are some that you might not to often get other than in flight like a hummingbird. When getting my camera years ago I do not think I made a good decision 'cause I got an Olympus and then when I was ready to get an attachment they do not have as good of ones as the Canon's or Nikons to. So I wish I would have gotten a Canon probably. If I do in the future that is probably what I will get. Even pick up a Pop Photo or Outdoor Photography magazine at your local grocery store and read about the cameras in the ads. If you like those mags though after picking one up don't sub. through the actual card in the mag. If you get the mail things from Publisher's Clearing House in the mail. Those are a lot better deal for the subs. Even good gift ideas if you have family members who like to cook so give them gift subs to the cooking magazines.

BobInNJ Loc: In NJ, near Phila. Pa

I just read an article from a professional who took his Sony NEX and his old faithful Nikon DSLR on a trip through Europe. He said he didn't take the DSLR out of his bag the whole time. Probably run you about $800-900 for the kit, but check out the NEX 7 or their follow-on mirrorless cameras. the 18-55 lens works for me. I love how compact and low weight they are, and the quality of the photos can be out of sight. UHH is mostly Canon or Nikon users, but Sony is on the rise. This is a user point of view, not a pro's.

bertloomis Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

Whatever you do, do not get the Nikon J3. You have to compose all your photos using the screen on the back. there is no viewfinder. This works OK indoors under low light but outdoors in the sun the reflections off this screen are so intense you can barely see what is in the picture.

smith934 Loc: Huntsville, Alabama

Pam, spend some time at Southerlands Photo on the corner of Bob Wallace and Whitesburg. They are a Nikon and Canon dealer.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Use the "Search" function at the top of the page and enter each of your choices and read the postings. I personally went with the SX50 because of overall features that met my needs/requirements but your needs may be different.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Spending time in a camera shop is a good idea. Something else to be aware of. Every one is talking about 20x or as much as 50X reach. I defy any one to hand hold anything longer than 2 or 300mm and get constantly good results. Unless you use a tripod all that reach won't help. So if you plan to use a very long zoom you must bring some sort of support.